User Manual

Z x Z

1 2

Z + Z

1 2

Where Z1 is the impedance (or ohm rating) for the first speaker, Z2

for the second, and so on, for every speaker in the chain. This

equation calculates the total impedance of the speaker system,

which should NOT be lower than the minimum impedance rating of

the amplifier.

EXAMPLE 1:

For one pair of speakers use the short form of the equation: the

product of the two speakers divided by the sum of the two

speakers is equal to the total impedance or the equivalent

impedance of the speaker system.

Z(Total)=

1 1 1 1 1

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

+ + + +

Z Z Z Z Z

1 2 3 4 N

OHM’S LAW AND THE HOT SPOT

This equation may be used to calculate the equivalent impedance

for additional speakers in two-speaker increments. Determine the

impedance of the first two speakers, substitute Z total for Z , and

include the next speaker. Repeat the process until all speakers

have been included. The result should be the same as with the first

method. A word of caution: polarity rules must be observed when

connecting multiple speakers. Polarity will not affect the Z, but can

All unpowered HOT SPOTS and MICRO SPOTS have a 16 ohm

impedance, and like most professional-type speakers have jacks

which are wired in parallel (meaning the signal can travel into one

jack and out of the other).Think of each speaker as a “load” added

to the amplifier. The greater the number of speakers, the heavier

the load. Adding too many speakers can overload the amplifier,

causing it to overheat and distort. If the amplifier begins to distort,

or if it becomes hot to the touch, disconnect any extra speakers.

One easy way to determine the load on the amplifier is to use

Ohm’s law, which states: “The total impedance of N speakers in

“

parallel is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals. In

equation form: