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Power Amplifiers: The Source of Live Sound


Whether you're setting up the live sound for a music venue or giving a speech in front of a crowd, a good power amplifier will ensure everyone can hear what you want to be heard. No matter the number of channels you need, the connections you need, or the required wattage, Sweetwater has a power amplifier that best fits your needs. Check out our wide selection of power amplifiers today!


History of the Live Sound Power Amp


American inventor Lee de Forest is credited with inventing the first power amplifier in 1909. While De Forest's first Audion amplifier was too weak to manage telephone line voltages, modern power amplifiers descendant from this design today boast immense power and efficiency for live sound applications — enough to fill entire arenas with sound.


How Do Power Amplifiers Work?


At the most basic level, power amplifiers convert a weak input signal into a more powerful signal with minimal distortion. On its own, an audio signal from a mixing board or preamp produces a modest electrical current. But this current isn't powerful enough to move the cones within loudspeakers; these cones are vital for translating electrical signals into audio. Power amplifiers, then, act as a middleman; they boost weak input signals to line levels that are compatible with speaker systems. For example, a power amp might take a 700 microwatt input signal and convert it to a 700- or even 7,000-watt signal. High-quality power amplifiers do this without distorting or otherwise jeopardizing the original audio signal waveform.


Finding Your Sound System's Perfect Power Amp


Power amplifiers aren't standalone devices; they function within larger elements of live sound equipment. So, finding the right power amp depends on the rest of your gear. What's the power-handling capacity of your loudspeakers? Which kinds of preamps do you already have? How big is the venue? Power amps come in single-channel, stereo (two channels), or multichannel models with different wattages and other features. Power amps also fall into different classes, each with its own advantages. For example, Class D power amps are known for their efficiency and resistance to overheating.


Today, most power amps aim for an optimal mix of power, portability, and fidelity to the original signal input. The Behringer NX6000 is the quintessential example; at only 13 pounds, it's super portable, and its Class D technology means it'll always stay cool. The NX6000D ("D" for "DSP") contains two channels, each with 3,000 watts of power at 4-ohm impedance. Its onboard digital signal processing allows mixers to assign effects like EQ, delay, etc., to specific channels. Because the NX6000D can control, say, delay and crossover point from its front panel, there's no need for separate devices. In this way, DSPs streamline the amplification process.


The Question of Portability


Touring musicians need the most rugged, portable amps possible — those that are lightweight and able to stand up to the wear and tear of the road. Recording studios, on the other hand, may be less concerned with portability, favoring instead the fidelity and quiet operation required in a critical listening environment. For example, the Behringer A800 reference amplifier delivers clean, reliable, audiophile-grade performance that's ideal for studio use. Sweetwater carries power amplifiers for virtually every setup and price range. We also carry a variety of power amp accessories - such as the Gator G-PRO-4U-19 portable rack case. Call one of our Sales Engineers today, and we'll help you find the right power amp accessories for your specific setup.


Power Amplifier FAQs


What is a power amplifier used for?


A power amplifier increases the power of a signal from line-level to speaker level so it can be heard through speakers, headphones, or anything that emits sound.


What are the three basic types of power amplifiers?


The three basic types are DC power amplifiers, RF power amplifiers, and audio power amplifiers.


What are some tips for shopping for power amplifiers?


Sweetwater makes finding your first or next power amplifier easy! Use the refined search filters on this page to narrow down your search. If you aren’t sure which power amplifier best fits your needs and skill level, then check out our helpful articles, where we talk about the best power amplifiers for live sound and much more.


Can I narrow down my search to specific brands of power amplifiers?


Do you have a favorite live sound brand that makes power amplifiers? Sweetwater has you covered! We make shopping for your favorite power amplifier brand easy by carrying the top brands, including Crown, Ashly, QSC, Yamaha, LEA Professional, and many more. Check out our left-hand view filter to refine your search and choose which brands you want to shop.


Rock the House with Your New Power Amplifiers


Ready to purchase your first or next power amplifier? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don’t know where to begin, reach out to our highly knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’ll help you choose the right power amplifier for you!


If you prefer to shop entirely online, Sweetwater’s website has tools to narrow down your power amplifier choices based on your desired specs, such as the brand, price range, and much more. Select your preferred specs in our convenient product filter and explore your options!


For more information on live sound power amps, see the following articles:

"Best Power Amps for Live Sound" | inSync
"Power Amp Buying Guide" | inSync
"Sound Advice: 8 Essential Live Sound Tips for Beginners" | inSync

Why shop Power Amplifiers at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Power Amplifiers, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Power Amplifiers, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.

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