Tri-amping
Encyclopedia
Tri-amping is the practice of connecting three audio amplifier
s to a loudspeaker
unit: one to power the bass driver (woofer
), one to power the mid-range and the third to power the treble driver (tweeter
). A single amplifier can usually power a woofer, mid and tweeter only through a crossover
filter, which protects each driver from signals outside its frequency range. However, the crossover itself wastes power, so tri-amping is a way to avoid this problem. The technique is primarily used in large-scale audio applications such as sound amplification for concerts, in portable powered speakers
and by hi-fi enthusiasts.
The term derives from the prefix tri-, meaning 'three', and amp, a contraction of 'amplifier
'.
Audio amplifier
An audio amplifier is an electronic amplifier that amplifies low-power audio signals to a level suitable for driving loudspeakers and is the final stage in a typical audio playback chain.The preceding stages in such a chain are low power audio amplifiers which perform tasks like pre-amplification,...
s to a loudspeaker
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker is an electroacoustic transducer that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. Non-electrical loudspeakers were developed as accessories to telephone systems, but electronic amplification by vacuum tube made loudspeakers more generally useful...
unit: one to power the bass driver (woofer
Woofer
Woofer is the term commonly used for a loudspeaker driver designed to produce low frequency sounds, typically from around 40 hertz up to about a kilohertz or higher. The name is from the onomatopoeic English word for a dog's bark, "woof"...
), one to power the mid-range and the third to power the treble driver (tweeter
Tweeter
A tweeter is a loudspeaker designed to produce high audio frequencies, typically from around 2,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz . Some tweeters can manage response up to 65 kHz...
). A single amplifier can usually power a woofer, mid and tweeter only through a crossover
Audio crossover
Audio crossovers are a class of electronic filter used in audio applications. Most individual loudspeaker drivers are incapable of covering the entire audio spectrum from low frequencies to high frequencies with acceptable relative volume and lack of distortion so most hi-fi speaker systems use a...
filter, which protects each driver from signals outside its frequency range. However, the crossover itself wastes power, so tri-amping is a way to avoid this problem. The technique is primarily used in large-scale audio applications such as sound amplification for concerts, in portable powered speakers
Powered speakers
Powered speakers, also known as self-powered speakers and active speakers, are loudspeakers that have built-in amplifiers. They can be connected directly to a mixing console or other low-level audio signal source without the need for an external amplifier...
and by hi-fi enthusiasts.
The term derives from the prefix tri-, meaning 'three', and amp, a contraction of 'amplifier
Amplifier
Generally, an amplifier or simply amp, is a device for increasing the power of a signal.In popular use, the term usually describes an electronic amplifier, in which the input "signal" is usually a voltage or a current. In audio applications, amplifiers drive the loudspeakers used in PA systems to...
'.