What Are Mono Power Amplifiers?
- Stereo power amps employ two separate amplifiers in a common chassis with a shared electrical power circuit. Each amp has its sound source input, speaker output and operates independently from its mate. Stereo amps are used in most all home and car stereos -- often integrated with radio tuners and CD players -- and in professional music audio and recording situations where stereo sound is desired. One amp provides power to the left speaker, while the other handles the right.
- Mono power amplifiers contain a single amp, sound source input and one or more speaker outputs. Used when stereo sound is not desired -- such as for home and car sub-woofer systems or basic public address systems -- mono amps are often integrated with preamps, audio control circuitry and controls for musical instrument amplifiers and entry-level music sound systems. Pro sound amp manufacturers have largely discontinued mono amps in favor of stereo amps with mono capability when needed, but some older mono amps are still in use.
- In live music sound systems, stereo operation of power amplifiers is often not desired due to the size of the listening area and proximately of listeners. Because stereo features some sounds on the right speaker and others on the left, audience members who are not directly in the center of the action will not hear both sides evenly. Stage speaker monitors for performers are always operated in mono for the same reason.
- Most stereo power amps can often be configured for 'bridged' mono use via switch or speaker wire configuration. In bridged mode, both amplifiers combine signal to create a single mono speaker output. Another common practice in pro audio is to run one side of the amplifier for the main speakers and the other for stage monitors, essentially creating two mono output signals. This setup eliminates the use of two dedicated mono amplifiers, and is primarily why they are no longer offered by amp companies.
