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Unloaded amp to set limiter

Printed From: Speakerplans.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Amp Forum
Forum Description: The 'Stopping Jake Fielder moaning constantly' forum description...
URL: https://forum.speakerplans.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=106878
Printed Date: 24 September 2023 at 3:17pm
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Topic: Unloaded amp to set limiter

Posted By: MadPsy
Subject: Unloaded amp to set limiter
Date Posted: 16 February 2022 at 1:54pm

I'm hoping this is a binary answer rather than 'it depends' but here goes..

Is it plausible to run an amp unloaded for the purpose of setting a sensible level for a limiter. In other words would one expect an amp to clip at the same input level reguardless if it's loaded down or not (assume power supply has plenty current available)?

I suspect it might not be as simple as this so curious what other think.

Replies:

Posted By: toastyghost
Date Posted: 16 February 2022 at 5:46pm

Yes, if you base the limiter value on the measured voltage at the amplifier output terminals - which handily, also happens to be how loudspeaker power ratings are calculated.

Posted By: MadPsy
Date Posted: 16 February 2022 at 9:53pm

Aha yes indeed. I should have clarified in the question I meant using the amplifier's level indicator directly (rather than a DMM on the output).

In other words I'm unsure if you should expect the level indicators to change when there's a load vs no load. In this case it's MC2 amps.