CABLES AND CONNECTIONS Signal and speaker cables are different ; signal cables should be shielded, speaker cables should not. Ensure speaker cables are adequate for the power output of the amp. If the cable is too thin, it will heat up causing loss of power, distortion and can even be a fire risk. For most PA use, mains power cable is good. As a rough guide a 5A rated mains cable can be used up to 200W, and a 13A cable up to 1000W. Don’t run speaker cables, and signal cables side by side ; it will cause noise in the signal Don’t run AC power cables and signal cables side by side ; it will cause noise in the signal Make sure your cables are kept in good condition. Check all connections regularly Don’t run over you cables with flight cases/trolleys, and don’t stand heavy equipment on cables. Never connect both sides of a power amp to a speaker UNLESS it has separate left and right SPEAKER inputs Never connect 2 amps to one speaker Never connect a speaker output to a signal input Never connect an input to another input UNLESS parallel inputs are provided for linking Never connect an output to another output Always maintain LEFT and RIGHT side continuity from mixer through to speakers Check your cables are correctly wired and undamaged at regular intervals When running bass bins with top cabs from the same amp, split the amp left/right rather than subs/tops. Connect the amplifier to bass bin, bass bin to top cab. If sub has a hi/mid output, use this to connect to the top cab - this will usually be crossed over. If the sub has a crossover, treat the subwoofer impedance as the system impedance. If in doubt, CHECK ! If you need further information on this topic or are looking for personalised information and quotes on PA systems, click here to contact the professor