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Simple amp question

S

Southbound

Dec 9, 2007
38
44
#1
(Old) Crown 2-channel power amp has 2 inputs and two outputs. Been using just one channel to one cab. Single channel output from the preamp. If I wanted to use both amp channels (separately, not bridged or anything) for two cabs, is it as easy as using a splitter on the preamp output, or is some additional wizardry required to get two (1/4 TS) inputs for the amp?

(Just because it is very basic don't mean I know it...)
thanks
 
#2
Might be able to give a more precise answer if we have the model of Crown amplifier in question, but in general it should be feasible to have two separate inputs going into different output channels on the power amp. Again, that's in general since I don't have the exact model name on hand.


EDIT: OK, read it a 4th time and think I get what you're saying. If it's going to end up being the same signal (what you'd get from a Y splitter) going from preamp to poweramp, are you not wanting to take signal from "Input-A" on the power amp and have it going to both "Output-A" and "Output-B"? What's the ideal signal chain you're going for here?
 
#8
Thanks everybody.
This is an old 90's rig that belonged to my brother--now at my son's place so I don't have the specifics at hand. I just hauled the second cab over there and realized I had the question to which you have been so kind in responding. It's a Trace-Elliot V-type tube preamp with mono output, and a Crown power amp that's gotta be 25+ years old. (And two TE cabs: 4x10 and 1x15...I know, I know)

Based on what y'all have said, I am going to plug a $5 1/4'' splitter into the preamp output, and run those 2 outputs to the 2 power amp inputs. Then he can move some more air.

Thanks again!
 
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#10
Jack said:
Yeah, probably fine for home use. If you go full time with this I'd look into it properly, there's a good chance the preamp output is balanced and so you might be losing some level along the way, just enjoy it for now.
Click to expand...
Yeah there’s 100% chance you are losing power by injecting a 1/4” Y splitter.
If you really want to do it the right way you should grab something like the GigRig Humdinger
 
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#12
BaltBass5 said:
Yeah there’s 100% chance you are losing power by injecting a 1/4” Y splitter.
If you really want to do it the right way you should grab something like the GigRig Humdinger
Click to expand...
Not in the slightest (as in 0%), not sure where you got this information.

The GigRig Humdingner is unlikely to work properly since it's intended for instrument levels... BUT there's no way to be entirely sure because they don't provide even the most basic (and important) specs. on their site. Without real information, it's a non-starter.
 
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#13
Simple "Y" splitter at preamp output SHOULD be fine.

IME, though....
Probably my poor choices and penny-pinching in younger days, but I never used a "passive Y" that didn't somehow find a way to introduce hum/noise to the chain. YMMV.

Op, you should be golden with it, but maybe @Wasnex and/or @ agedhorse and @ other smart guys can make specific sugg's to help avoid the bad experiences I've had going with passive Y's.

It HAS been pointed out... and OP has clarified there isn't a switch to operate the amp in dual mono. If there's an XLR and 1/4" input on each channel, can a short mic cable be used to jumper "A" and "B"? (Using a 1/4" from preamp to "A" input)
 
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#14
basscooker said:
Simple "Y" splitter at preamp output SHOULD be fine.

IME, though....
Probably my poor choices and penny-pinching in younger days, but I never used a "passive Y" that didn't somehow find a way to introduce hum/noise to the chain. YMMV.

Op, you should be golden with it, but maybe @Wasnex and/or @ agedhorse and @ other smart guys can make specific sugg's to help avoid the bad experiences I've had going with passive Y's.

It HAS been pointed out... and OP has clarified there isn't a switch to operate the amp in dual mono. If there's an XLR and 1/4" input on each channel, can a short mic cable be used to jumper "A" and "B"? (Using a 1/4" from preamp to "A" input)
Click to expand...
Did you use a balance or unbalanced Y?

I would try a balanced Y cable or adapter.

XLR is preferred, but older amps may have 1/4" TRS or terminal strips.
 
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#15
basscooker said:
Simple "Y" splitter at preamp output SHOULD be fine.

IME, though....
Probably my poor choices and penny-pinching in younger days, but I never used a "passive Y" that didn't somehow find a way to introduce hum/noise to the chain. YMMV.

Op, you should be golden with it, but maybe @Wasnex and/or @ agedhorse and @ other smart guys can make specific sugg's to help avoid the bad experiences I've had going with passive Y's.

It HAS been pointed out... and OP has clarified there isn't a switch to operate the amp in dual mono. If there's an XLR and 1/4" input on each channel, can a short mic cable be used to jumper "A" and "B"? (Using a 1/4" from preamp to "A" input)
Click to expand...
There won't be any new ground loop issues since both inputs are on the same device.

Ideally, the connection should be balanced. If going in balanced 1/4" TRS, you would need an XLR(M)-XLR(M) cable to connect the two XLR inputs but ifusing the XLR input, you would use a 1/4" TRS cable to connect the two inputs together. This works on most but not all amps, depending on the configuration of the input jacks.

Really need the specific model amp, and in the case of some Crown amps of the era, the input module that's installed in the amp.
 
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#16
Southbound said:
I am going to plug a $5 1/4'' splitter into the preamp output, and run those 2 outputs to the 2 power amp inputs.
Click to expand...
That'll work.

Southbound said:
This is an old 90's rig
Click to expand...

I had a Crown PB3, and have 2 K2s from this era.

My suggestion if you haven't already;
A google search instantly brought up the manuals for both models.
It would clearly outline if there is a Parallel Mono switch setting.

From a PB3: (YMMV)

1735864065047.png
 
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#17
J-Bass RMR said:
That'll work.



I had a Crown PB3, and have 2 K2s from this era.

My suggestion if you haven't already;
A google search instantly brought up the manuals for both models.
It would clearly outline if there is a Parallel Mono switch setting.

From a PB3: (YMMV)

View attachment 7114706
Click to expand...
It also depends on what input module is installed.
 
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#18
Crown amps Parallel mode warning message!!!!!!!

On the Crown amps like the mentioned Power Base series that were a kind of de-tuned Micro Tech amp with the Micro Tech series becoming the Macro Tech series and a few others the parallel mode was NOT and dual mono Y input operating mode.

Parallel mode operated the two amp channels in parallel where you needed to put a jumper across the two + output terminals with that becoming the combined output of both amp channels, that option was to drive very low impedance loads at high power.
On those amps you need to use an external Y cable.

Crown amps like the K series had a mono Y switch that did Y the inptus and they still call it a Y mono function.

To confuse the issue other amp models call the Y input function "parallel mono"!

What Crown amp model are we talking about in the original post?
 
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#20
That’s an entirely different mode, not what the OP is asking for.

There’s no increase in available output power until dropping impedance below what the individual channels are capable of.
 
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