Controls

Amplifiers generally have fewer controls then other signal processors. Amplifiers have a single, basic function - to increase the power of an audio signal - and we do not need many controls for this purpose.

Level: Amps generally have two level controls, one for each independent channel. This controls the amount of amplification of the audio signal. To properly set the level of your amplifier/speaker system, play music through the system and adjust the level to the maximum desired volume for the room/space you are in. Be sure that the amplifier is not clipping and you do not hear distortion in your speakers. If either is the case, turn the level down.

Keep in mind that you usually want to turn the amplifier level up a bit louder then where you expect to run it for your program. Then, turn the main output of your mixer down a bit to match your expected needs. You always want the ability to get a little louder, rather then not being able get loud enough. When a lot of people fill up a room, they absorb sound and sometimes you need to get louder after an event has started. Just be sure to listen and watch for distortion and clipping.

Low cut filter: Low cut (aka: high pass) filters reduce the output of a speaker below a certain frequency, often times 30 or 50 Hz. This reduces low frequency "rumble" and lets your amp work more efficiently on mid to high frequencies where most sound resides. The low cut filter is usually implemented with a small "dip switch" on the back of your amp.

Clip limiter: Clip limiters are protection circuits that help prevent damage due to clipped signals. Clipping occurs when an amplifier is asked to produce levels that exceed its design limits. Clipping can occur when the input level of the amp is turned up too high, when microphones are dropped, or when short circuits occur. Keep in mind that clip limiters are NOT failsafe. You should always listen and watch for distortion and clipping, and turn the levels down if these are occurring. Clip limiters are also implemented with dip switches on the back of an amp.

Most recent amps have controls that enable you to change the mode of an amp from stereo, to parallel, or bridge mono operation. These controls are usually implemented with dip switches on the back of an amp.