SPEAKER IMPEDANCE MATCHING & HOOK-UP GUIDE: (Continued)

PARALLEL:

When wiring in parallel, the resistance of the speakers decreases. Two 8 ohm speakers wired in ( hooked-up ) Parallel results in a 4 ohm load. It’s easy to calculate the effect of a resistive load when all the speakers are all the same resistance. It is really not suggested to wire different resistive load values in Parallel ( 8 and 4, 16 and 8 etc. ) The formula for figuring the total impedance in Parallel is the multiplication of the two loads divided by the sum of the two loads - i.e. putting two 8 ohm speakers in Parallel results in a 4 ohm load. Connect the Positive side of Speaker A to the Positive side of Speaker B - Connect the Negative side of Speaker A to the Negative side of Speaker B.

Speaker A

8 Ohms

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

K

H

 

 

C

Made by

 

 

A

 

 

 

D

 

Electro-Voice

O

L

 

 

 

 

W

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Load = 4 Ohms

Speaker B

8 Ohms

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

K

H

 

 

C

Made by

 

 

A

 

 

 

D

 

Electro-Voice

O

L

 

 

 

 

W

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEGATIVE

POSITIVE

COMBINATION OF SERIES & PARALLEL:

This is really just two sets of Parallel wired speakers connected in series. This is how you maintain a consistent load with multiple speakers. The importance of this is more evident when you have more than one cabinet to connect to your amplifier. This is when you

All 4 Spkrs.are 8 Ohmsneed to figure out the loads and how to wire them up without applying too low of a resistance on the amplifier.

SPEAKER A

SPEAKER B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

Simply connect the Positive side of Speaker A to the Posi-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

K

 

C

 

Made by

A

tive side of Speaker C.

 

H D

 

D

C

 

 

 

 

Electro-Voice

 

A

 

Made by

O

L

 

 

 

Electro-Voice

A

 

 

 

O

 

L

 

 

 

W

B

 

 

 

W

 

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connect the Negative side of Speaker A to the Positive side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of Speaker B, then on to the Positive side of Speaker D and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

finally on to the Negative side of Speaker C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And lastly, connect the Negative side of Speaker B to the

SPEAKER C

 

 

 

 

SPEAKER D

 

 

 

 

Negative side of Speaker D.

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

S

 

4 Eight ( 8 ) Ohm speakers wired in Series Parallel = a Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K

H

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

Load of 8 Ohms.

 

 

Made by

D

C

Made by

 

 

 

K

 

A

A

Electro-Voice

 

 

 

Electro-Voice

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSITIVE

 

 

 

NEGATIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAGE 13

Page 17
Image 17
Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 owner manual Combination of Series & Parallel

MARK 1 specifications

The Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 is an iconic guitar amplifier that has significantly influenced the world of music since its introduction in the late 1960s. Designed by Randall Smith, the MARK 1 was one of the earliest examples of a high-gain, boutique-style amplifier, aimed at offering guitarists a versatile tool for achieving rich tones across various genres.

One of the standout features of the MARK 1 is its innovative preamp design, which utilizes multiple gain stages to produce a wide range of tonal options. This allows players to achieve everything from sparkling clean sounds to aggressive, saturated overdrive. The two-channel configuration—clean and lead—enables users to switch effortlessly between different sounds, making it a favorite among performers looking for adaptability in their rig.

The MARK 1 is also equipped with a powerful EQ section, featuring a 5-band graphic equalizer that grants further control over tonal shaping. This level of customization is rare in amplifiers of its time, allowing musicians to tailor their sound to perfection, whether in the studio or on stage. The “Fat” switch adds additional low-end response and gain, enhancing the amp's overall character and making it suitable for heavier genres.

Another hallmark of the MARK 1 is its compact design, which was revolutionary at the time. Weighing significantly less than traditional tube amplifiers, the MARK 1 was constructed with portability in mind, making it easy for gigging musicians to transport. This combination of power and portability made the MARK 1 a popular choice for artists across various genres, from rock to blues and jazz.

The MARK 1, like many of Mesa/Boogie’s offerings, is built with high-quality components, ensuring durability and reliability. The use of premium tubes in the power section contributes to its dynamic response and harmonic richness, vital for expressive playing.

Overall, the Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 is more than just an amplifier; it's a landmark in guitar amplification technology. With its versatility, compactness, and powerful tone-shaping capabilities, the MARK 1 paved the way for future amplifiers and continues to be revered by musicians around the world for its outstanding performance and timeless sound. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, the MARK 1 remains a trusted companion for guitarists seeking to explore the full spectrum of their musical expression.