Amplifier Power Question

[Roedkill]

Okay folks, I have a question regarding amplifier power distribution (possibly a dumb question)...

Let's say for example, you have a 600 watt amplifier (600w @ 4 ohms) plugged into two cabinets: one an 8ohm 2x10 cabinet and the other into an 8ohm 4x10 cabinet...

My question is this...

Does EACH CABINET get 300 watts OR...

Does each individual speaker get 100 watts of power; is the power distributed equally between the number of speakers in the chain...or does each cab get 300w???

Or 2x10 cab and 1x15...is the power divided evenly between the speakers (600w divided by three) or does each cab get 300w????????????

Please someone knowledgable answer; don't tell me it is a bad combination of cabinets or one brand is better than another, I just want to know about power distribution to the cabs from the amplifier.

Thanks!!!

[jelwood]

They both get 300 watts per cab. There.

Edit: which, as you probably already know, means the power each speaker in the 210 will see is greater than each speaker in the 410 will see.

[sad_katz]

Both cabs see 300W each.

When you hook up two cabs, whatever they are, the amp will split the watts evenly. [EDIT: provided they have the same impedance rating]

[ACalbass]

The power distro doesn't know which elements are in line,so it goes but the impedance.
If both cabinets are 8 ohms,then each cabinet will get HALF of the power provided.
In your example,each one will get 300 watts if the amp is delivering 600 watts.

But...........
Being this cabinets different,if you are going by how much power each speaker will get is :
Each cab will divide the power by the numbers of speakers it has.(given the wiring or circuit spread the power evenly)
The 2x10 will apply 150 watts to each speaker,while the 4x10 will apply 75 watts to each speaker,when 600 watts are provided.

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Originally Posted by sad_katz

When you hook up two cabs, whatever they are, the amp will split the watts evenly.

Only if their impedances are identical.

[sad_katz]

Originally Posted by Bob Lee (QSC)

Only if their impedances are identical.

Oooh right, forgot about that, thanks

[RDUB]

Cabinet efficiency will make a difference, also. (spl/input power)

[BassmanPaul]

It's fine to mix a 2x10 with a 4x10 as long as the 2x10 has twice the impedance of the 4x10. So that's an 8Ω 2x10 plus a 4Ω 4x10 OR a 16Ω 2x10 with an 8Ω 4x10. This will allow around the same power to be seen by all of the drivers in both cabinets.

Both having the same impedance will mean that you system is limited by your 2x10.

[Roedkill]

Allright thanks guys...there I have my answer...both cabs get equal power from the head per my example.

[flacoclef]

thank you! I was looking for this

[Growly Lytes]

I think youll find that Cabinet efficiency will play a big role.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

I think youll find that Cabinet efficiency will play a big role.

In how the wattage gets interpreted by the cab? Absolutely. It's still going to be the same wattages going to each cab, though.