Connecting Powered Monitor Speakers To An Amplifier: A Step-By-Step Guide

Setting up stage monitors can be a tricky task, but it's crucial to ensure performers can hear themselves and their bandmates. This process involves connecting the monitors to a PA system and configuring the correct levels with a mixer. There are two types of stage monitors: active and passive. Active speakers have a built-in amplifier and are easy to connect using XLR or TRS cables, while passive speakers require an external power amplifier and balanced cables like SpeakON, TS, or speaker wire. It's important to carefully read the user manuals for your equipment to avoid any damage due to improper connections.

Check if your amplifier has a 1/4 jack output

To hook up powered monitor speakers to an amplifier, the first step is to check if your amplifier has a 1/4 jack output. This is a common feature on many amplifiers, and it allows you to send the guitar signal to a second speaker. The output jack will list the wattage and ohms requirements for the second speaker, and it may be labelled as "OUT", "LINE OUT", or "EXT SPEAKER".

If your amplifier has a 1/4 jack output, you can use a standard guitar cable to connect your amplifier to the second speaker. Make sure to check the stage volume and monitor volume to ensure they are balanced. Also, consider the placement of the second speaker to ensure that the drummer and other band members can also hear the guitar sounds.

If your amplifier does not have a 1/4 jack output, there are other options for connecting to a second speaker. You can use a Line Out or Ext Speaker connection, but be aware that the signal strength may vary. It is also possible to use a standard two-strand speaker wire and a pair of alligator clips to connect the amplifier speaker tabs to the second speaker's tabs. However, this may not provide the best sound quality.

Use a standard guitar cable to connect the amp to the speaker

To connect your amp to your speaker, you'll need a standard guitar cable. First, check the back of your guitar amp to see if it has a 1/4 jack output for sending the guitar signal to a second speaker. Many amplifiers offer this feature, and the output jack will list the wattage and ohms requirements for the other speaker. It may be labelled OUT, LINE OUT, or EXT SPEAKER.

It is not recommended to use the EFFECTS OUT jack for this, as the output signal is quite low, and plugging a cable into that jack may defeat the amp's main speaker output altogether.

Use a standard guitar cable to chain your amp to the speaker, and check your stage volume versus monitor volume. Speaker placement is paramount—don't forget that the drummer (if you have one) needs to hear your guitar sounds just as much as you do.

You can also use standard two-strand speaker wire and two pairs of alligator clips to connect the amp speaker tabs (+ and -) to the second speaker's tabs.

Check the speaker's power, wattage and ohms requirements

When hooking up powered monitor speakers to an amplifier, it is crucial to ensure that the components are compatible to avoid any damage. One of the essential aspects to check is the speakers' power, wattage, and ohms requirements. Here's a detailed guide to help you through this process:

First, it is important to understand the difference between active and passive speakers. Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, have an amplifier built into the speaker enclosure, eliminating the need for an external power amplifier. On the other hand, passive speakers require an external power amplifier to function. If you are using active speakers, ensure they have the necessary power requirements and are compatible with your setup.

When examining the power requirements, start by checking the wattage specifications of your speakers. The wattage indicates the power handling capacity of the speakers, and it is usually measured in watts (as the name suggests). The wattage rating will determine how much power the speakers can handle without being damaged. Ensure that your amplifier can provide the required power to the speakers without exceeding their wattage limits.

In addition to wattage, you should also check the ohms requirements of your speakers. Ohms are the unit of measurement for impedance, which represents the electrical resistance of the speakers. Speakers typically come with an impedance rating, such as 4 ohms or 8 ohms. It is crucial to match the ohms rating of your speakers to the output impedance of your amplifier. Mismatched impedance can result in poor sound quality and potential damage to your equipment.

Another aspect to consider is the sensitivity rating of your speakers. Sensitivity measures how efficiently a speaker converts power into volume. Speakers with higher sensitivity ratings require less power to produce the same volume as speakers with lower sensitivity ratings. Therefore, when checking the power requirements, ensure that your amplifier can provide sufficient power to achieve the desired volume without straining.

Finally, it is always recommended to refer to the user manual or the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific speakers. Different speakers may have unique power, wattage, and ohms requirements, and it is essential to follow the provided instructions for a safe and proper setup. By carefully considering the power, wattage, and ohms requirements of your speakers, you can ensure a seamless and secure connection between your powered monitor speakers and amplifier.

Turn down the monitor and speaker volume before starting audio playback

Before you start audio playback, it's important to turn down the volume on both your monitor and your speakers. This will prevent unexpected loud noises from occurring when you begin playback.

If you're connecting external speakers to your monitor, make sure you have the proper cables and speakers. Most contemporary monitors have audio output connections like an HDMI port with Audio Return Channel (ARC) support or a 3.5mm audio socket. If you're using a 3.5mm audio cable, one end of the cable should have a 3.5mm male connector, and the other end should either have another 3.5mm male connector for speakers with an auxiliary input or a different connector like an RCA or a 3.5mm-to-2RCA adapter. If you're using an HDMI cable, make sure it supports ARC.

Once you have the correct cables and speakers, turn off your monitor and external speakers before connecting any cables to prevent damage or audio interference. Attach the cables securely, and then turn on your monitor and external speakers.

Now, it's time to test the audio output. Play your favourite music or video and adjust the volume as needed to get the best listening experience.

If you're connecting a guitar amp to an ancillary speaker cabinet, you can use a standard guitar cable to chain them together. Check your stage volume versus monitor volume to ensure the sound is balanced.

When connecting powered speakers to a powered mixer, do not use the "Speaker Out" jacks on your mixer as these can damage your amplifiers, crossovers and/or speakers. Instead, use a balanced or unbalanced line connection, which is the most common connection between a mixer and powered speaker.

Check your monitor's audio ports and speaker cables

To connect powered monitor speakers to an amplifier, you must first check your monitor's audio ports and speaker cables. This step is crucial as it ensures you have the correct cables and connections for a successful setup. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Examine Your Monitor's Audio Ports:

Before you begin, take a close look at your monitor and identify the available audio ports. Most modern monitors feature audio output connections. The two most common types of ports you'll find are:

• HDMI port with Audio Return Channel (ARC) support: This port allows both audio and video transmission using a single cable.
• 3.5mm audio socket: Also known as a headphone jack, this port is commonly used for audio output and can be found on various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and monitors.

Determine the Required Speaker Cables:

Once you've identified the audio ports on your monitor, you'll need to gather the necessary cables and speakers. Here are the typical cables you may need:

• 3.5mm Audio Cable: If your monitor has a 3.5mm audio jack, use this cable to connect to your external speakers. One end of the cable should have a 3.5mm male connector, while the other end will depend on your speaker's input. It may have another 3.5mm male connector for auxiliary inputs or a different connector like RCA.
• HDMI Cable with ARC Support: If your monitor and speakers support ARC (Audio Return Channel) on HDMI, you can use an HDMI cable for a two-way audio connection. This setup allows audio transmission from the monitor to the speakers and vice versa.
• Power Cables: Ensure you have the necessary power cables and outlets nearby if your external speakers require external power.

Check Your Speaker's Input Connections:

Different speakers have different input options. Some speakers may have a 3.5mm auxiliary input, while others may use RCA connectors. It's important to match the cable connectors with the appropriate input ports on your speakers.

Turn Off Your Equipment:

Before connecting any cables, be sure to turn off your external speakers and monitor. This step is crucial to prevent any potential damage or audio interference during the setup process.

Attach the Cables:

Now, you can proceed to connect the cables securely:

• For a 3.5mm audio connection: Insert the 3.5mm audio cable into the audio output port on your monitor, and then connect the other end of the cable to the audio input of your external speakers.
• For an HDMI connection with ARC support: Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI-ARC port on your monitor, and the other end to the HDMI-ARC port on your external speakers.

By carefully checking your monitor's audio ports and speaker cables, you can ensure a proper connection and avoid any compatibility issues. This step-by-step guide provides a comprehensive approach to connecting powered monitor speakers to an amplifier, enhancing your audio experience for multimedia, gaming, or music enjoyment.

Frequently asked questions