There are a number of important technical issues
relating to the matching of speakers to amplifiers, and to the
wiring of multiple speaker systems (eg 2 x 12”, 4 x 12”, etc.).
The impedance of a speaker is basically a measurement
of how hard the amplifier will have to work to drive that speaker.
The impedance is measured in Ohms and is clearly marked on the
back of most speakers. The impedance of the speaker(s) installed
in an amplifier or cabinet will be quoted in the Operating Instructions.
It is essential, particularly in the case of tube (valve) amplifiers,
that the impedance or ‘load’ presented to the amplifier is correct;
otherwise this can damage the amplifier.
Many tube amplifiers are set up with multiple
‘taps’, eg. 8 and 16 Ohms. In such cases, it is important that
the impedance of the speaker system matches the impedance value
set on the amplifier.
Most transistor amplifiers are designed to drive 8 Ohm loads.
Although the impedance matching is not as critical as with tube
amplifiers, the impedance of the speaker(s) should be at least
equal to the minimum impedance of the amplifier.
The way in which multiple speakers are wired (in a 4 x 12” cabinet
for instance) determines the overall impedance of the speaker
system. Hence wiring is critical.
There are basically two ways of wiring multiple speakers: Series
and Parallel. Here are diagrams of the most typical wiring configurations.
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If multiples of identical speakers are used in a combo or cabinet,
the overall power rating is calculated by multiplying the individual
speaker rating by the number of speakers in the cab, eg: 4 x
25 watts = 100 watts. However, when speakers are mixed, the
lower rating is used to make the calculation, as both speakers
draw the same power from the amp. For example, in the case of
one 60 watt speaker and one 25 watt speaker in the same cab,
the effective power rating is calculated as follows:
1 x 25 watts + 1 x 25 watts = 50 watts total
It is not critical to match the power handling of a speaker
system precisely with the power output of the amplifier but,
as a general rule, the power rating of the speaker(s) should
be at least equal to that of the amplifier.
All guitar speakers have just two connectors,
one marked positive (+) and the other negative (-). If one speaker
is wired the wrong way around in a multiple speaker configuration,
it will not damage the amplifier. However, it will be ‘pushing’
when the other speakers are ‘pulling’, resulting in the cancellation
of some frequencies in the overall sound. It is therefore important
that the correct wire goes to the correct terminal.
Replacing the loudspeakers in your cabinet or combo may affect
the manufacturer’s warranty.
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