Impedance

Impedance is the term used to represent the resistance of a circuit to alternating current, which is what comes out of amplifiers. Impedance is expressed as a value in Ohms (also written as ‘R’) just like direct current resistance, but consists of the direct current resistance + capacitive and inductive reactance. These cannot be measured with a simple resistance meter.

Loudspeakers have an impedance rating which will be higher than their resistance as measured with a meter.

How impedance works with the Elemental.

The Elemental impedance (4, 8 or 16R) should match the amplifier output impedance. Like many amplifiers the Elemental has 2 output sockets to drive loudspeakers in a stack. An 8R impedance output can drive 1 x 8R loudspeaker cabinet or 2 x 16R loudspeaker cabinets. The Elemental used here would be an 8R unit plugged into 1 socket in place of the loudspeaker cabinet. The second amplifier output socket is left empty. The Elemental can then have 1 x 8R loudspeaker cabinet plugged in or 2 x 16R cabinets or 1 x 16R cabinet and a Ballast Box, which is selected for the 8R amplifier. The Ballast Box will measure 16R but is rated for the 8R Elemental because it balances the loading of the 16R cabinet, giving the required loading of 8R.

The Ballast Boxes are not designed as amplifier loads so should not be used directly into an amplifier output.

The system works for all Elemental impedance variances, each has an associated Ballast Box.