Connecting two power amplifiers to a mixer can be efficiently achieved by utilizing the link or through output found on many power amplifiers. This method allows you to daisy-chain the amplifiers from a single mixer output.
The most common and recommended method to connect two power amplifiers to a mixer involves using the "link" or "through" output connector on the first amplifier to feed the second amplifier.
Here's how it works:
- Internal Parallel Connection: As mentioned in the reference, the link and input connectors of a power amplifier are often connected internally in parallel. This means the signal entering the amplifier's input is duplicated and sent out through the link connector without passing through the amplifier's internal processing or amplification stages. It's essentially a buffered passthrough of the input signal.
This internal parallel connection allows you to take the signal from the mixer, send it into the first amplifier's input, and simultaneously send that same exact signal out of the first amplifier's link output to the second amplifier's input.
Step-by-Step Connection Guide
Follow these steps to connect your mixer to two power amplifiers using the link method:
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Identify Outputs and Inputs:
- On your mixer, identify the main output connectors (typically Main L/R, usually XLR or 1/4" TRS).
- On each power amplifier, identify the input connectors (usually XLR or 1/4" TRS) and the corresponding "link" or "through" output connectors (often the same type as the input). Note which link output corresponds to which input (e.g., Link A for Input A).
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Connect Mixer to First Amplifier:
- Using a suitable cable (e.g., XLR-to-XLR, TRS-to-TRS), connect the Mixer Main Left Output to the Input A (or equivalent left input) on the First Power Amplifier.
- If running in stereo, connect the Mixer Main Right Output to the Input B (or equivalent right input) on the First Power Amplifier.
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Connect First Amplifier to Second Amplifier:
- Using another suitable cable, connect the Link A (or equivalent left link output) on the First Power Amplifier to the Input A (or equivalent left input) on the Second Power Amplifier.
- If running in stereo, connect the Link B (or equivalent right link output) on the First Power Amplifier to the Input B (or equivalent right input) on the Second Power Amplifier.
Connection Overview (Stereo Example)
| Source | Destination | Connection Type | Cable Type (Common) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer Main Left | Amp 1 Input A | Direct | XLR or TRS |
| Mixer Main Right | Amp 1 Input B | Direct | XLR or TRS |
| Amp 1 Link A | Amp 2 Input A | Daisy-Chain | XLR or TRS |
| Amp 1 Link B | Amp 2 Input B | Daisy-Chain | XLR or TRS |
Advantages of Using Link Outputs
- Signal Integrity: This method maintains the integrity of the audio signal as it's simply passed through directly via the parallel connection.
- Simplified Cabling: You avoid needing external splitters or complex Y-cables at the mixer output.
- Standard Practice: Utilizing link outputs is a standard and reliable way to connect multiple amplifiers or other audio devices in a signal chain.
By following these steps and leveraging the parallel link/input connection on your power amplifiers, you can effectively send the mixer's output signal to multiple amplification stages.
