Determining Appropriate Speaker Wire Gauge

PIPs for Speaker Protection

Depending on the application, you may want to use a PIP™ module to protect your loudspeakers (for PIP-compatible amps only). When properly conﬁgured, all PIP modules with signal-driven compres- sion can provide loudspeaker protection. For more information on available PIP modules with signal-driven compression, contact your Crown dealer or check the current selection of PIP modules at www.

Chapter 1: Crown Ampliﬁers In-Depth

1.3.3 Determining Appropriate Speaker Wire Gauge

You should choose loudspeaker cables with sufﬁ cient gauge (thickness) for the length being used. The resistance introduced by inadequate loud- speaker cables will reduce both the output power and the motion control of the loudspeakers. The latter problem occurs because the damping factor decreases as the cable resistance increases. This is very important because the ampliﬁ er’s excellent damping factor can easily be negated by insufﬁ cient loudspeaker cables.

Use the nomograph in Figure 1.23 and the procedure that follows to ﬁ nd the recommended wire gauge (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for your system.

1.Note the load impedance of the loudspeakers connected to each channel of the ampliﬁ er. Mark this value on the “Load Impedance” (A) line of the nomograph.

2.Select an acceptable damping factor and mark it on the “Damping Factor”

(B)line. Higher damping factors yield greater motion control over the loudspeakers, and therefore lower distortion. A common damping factor for commercial applications is between 50 and 100. Higher damping factors may be desirable for live sound, but long cable lengths often limit the high- est damping factor that can be achieved practically. In recording studios and home hi-ﬁ , a damping factor of 500 or more is very desirable.

3.Draw a line through the two points with a pencil, and continue until it inter- sects the “Source Resistance” (C) line.

4.On the “2-Cond. Cable” (D) line, mark the required length of the cable run.

5.Draw a pencil line from the mark on the “Source Resistance” line through the mark on the “2-Cond. Cable” line, and on to intersect the “Copper Wire”

(E)line.

6.The required wire gauge for the selected wire length and damping factor is the value on the “Copper Wire” line. Note: Wire size increases as the AWG gets smaller.

7.If the size of the cable exceeds what you want to use, (1) ﬁnd a way to use shorter cables, (2) settle for a lower damping factor, or (3) use more than one cable for each line. Options 1 and 2 will require the substitution of new

values for cable length or damping factor in the nomograph. For option 3, estimate the effective wire gauge by subtracting 3 from the apparent

wire gauge every time the number of conductors of equal gauge is doubled. So, if #10 wire is too large, two #13 wires can be substituted, or four #16 wires can be used for the same effect.

1.3.4 Loudspeaker Protection

Crown ampliﬁers generate enormous power. If your loud- speakers don’t have built-in protection from excessive power, it’s a good idea to protect them. Loudspeakers are subject to thermal damage from sustained overpowering and mechanical damage from large transient voltages. Special fuses can be used to protect your loudspeakers in both cases.

Ampliﬁer Application Guide

133472-1A specifications

Crown Audio 133472-1A is a sophisticated and highly regarded power amplifier designed for professional audio applications. Known for its reliability and high performance, the 133472-1A is favored by sound engineers, musicians, and event organizers who seek exceptional audio clarity and robust amplification.

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