Amp question

[avkid]

could i use this amp: http://www.crateamps.com/html/product.cfm?pid=70# with a nonpowered mixer in lieu of spending money i don't have on a dedicated system amp?

[mbenonis]

I would strongly recommend not making such a move - it would be better to ask your principal or some other organization with a large budget for some money to buy proper, dedicated equipment. You might even consider writing some grant applications if your department is financially strapped.

Technically, though, it suppose it would work - but it would be a waste of money that could go to a quality Crown/Crest/QSC amp and a good pair of speakers. Make sure it has a LOW IMPEDANCE XLR or LOW IMPEDANCE BALANCED TRS (1/4") input - an UNBALANCED, HIGH IMPEDANCE (i.e., guitar) input is not good and could possibly damage your system (to what extent, I am not sure - but I wouldn't want to risk it).

[avkid]

the expense part is as follows:we already own the amp

[Mayhem]

What is your intended application?

[avkid]

trying to rent as little equipment as possible for a 1 night show.

[JahJahwarrior]

give details on the show. For example, it would work fine for a skit with an audiencee of maybe 20 or 30 but it wouldn't do at all for a full length play with an audience of 100 in a huge gym or auditorium.

[Mayhem]

Information on what it is that you actually want to run through the amplifier is what is needed here.

[avkid]

it for a talent show in theatre, i was planning to use outputs for my usual passive pa speakers

[DMXtools]

When they do an instrument amp like that, with a built-in speaker, they usually design the amp for the speaker they're planning on using. Hooking it to external speakers may be a problem - especially if you're planning two or more external speakers in parallel. The lower impedance will make the amp kick out more power... for a while. But while it's kicking more power to the speakers, it's also turning more power into heat inside its overworked transistors. It'll work, sort-of, for a while. But "a while" might not be long enough for the whole show. And for any venue larger than my living room, 100 watts RMS isn't much to work with. I'd see if I couldn't find a rental outfit to cut me a deal on the use of a real amp in exchange for featured mention in the program notes or something.

John

[avkid]

well, considering the responses i have gotten I think I will try to beg for cash from the organizers and appeal to local companies!