This article talks a lot about custom audio amplifiers. It explained what custom audio amplifiers are all about and how it works. There is also a brief description of its components and how they function together to produce the desired effect.
Summary
This article talks a lot about custom audio amplifiers. It explained what custom audio amplifiers are all about and how it works. There is also a brief description of its components and how they function together to produce the desired effect. Aside from the definition, this post explains the functions of each of the various types of custom audio amplifiers available.
The types include the likes of Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-50; Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-100 Standard+ Head; Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head and Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-100 SE+ Head. The other part of this article briefly explains how to install the custom audio amplifiers using the car as an example. The car is one of the common means by which the custom audio amplifier is used.
Not only that but there is also a section that briefly explains what needs to be avoided when carrying out the installation of the custom audio amplifier. The concluding part explained the benefits to be derived when a custom audio amplifier is used. These benefits were listed and explained briefly.
The advantages of installing a custom audio device include increased volume, extra power to the loudspeakers, a public address system, enhanced quality audio sound, adaptability to different events, platforms, or music, and greater efficiency. These are vital features to have when you don’t want to disturb the surrounding areas.
Finally, custom audio amplifiers should be from a qualified brand of audio amplifiers, and every music lover should consider having one.
Introduction
Hearing about the audio system may not be a new thing for those who know about the audio amplifier. However, that doesn’t mean many of these people fully understand what an audio amplifier does, nor exactly know much about a specific brand of the audio amplifier that this post will be based upon Custom Audio Amplifier.
Understanding Custom Audio Amplifiers will enhance readers’ knowledge about this audio system component and give them a robust idea about this particular brand of an audio amplifier. Knowing what a custom audio amplifier is about is one thing, understanding how it works and why you should have one in your audio system is another. Indeed, you might wonder why you even need to know about the custom audio amplifier or just any audio amplifier at all. But if you fancy better audio systems in your devices like cars and home, it is advisable to have a quick read.
This post will indeed contain some technical keywords. However, all will be carefully explained and finely described to the basics for easy understanding and relatable concepts. Hence, without further ado, let’s get down to what a custom audio amplifier deals with, including the factual guide that every audio system owner needs to know.
What is a Custom Audio Amplifier
Custom Audio Amplifier is a specific brand of audio amplifier. It is made by the renowned audio amplifier maker Custom Audio Electronics. Currently, Custom Audio Amplifier has four types of audio amplifiers.
Each of these audio amplifiers has different features that make them unique, hence producing distinct performances. Depending on what you want in your audio system, installing custom audio amplifiers will produce the desired sound effect and quality.
A typical custom audio amplifier is an electronic amplifier designed to enhance, improve, or amplify low-power electronic audio signals to the sound level that is sufficient for loudspeakers, whether in a home theatre gadget or vehicle.
For example, a custom audio amplifier picks up the audio signal from a radio receiver or audio player, or head unit. It then increases the audio signal to the point at which the loudspeakers can convert and produce a quality sound.
Generally, the custom audio amplifier has been used in various sound systems devices such as soundbars, public address systems, home audio systems, car audio systems, and musical instrument amplifiers like piano amplifiers.
Typically, a custom audio amplifier serves as the last electronic phase in a standard audio playback device before transmitting the signal to the loudspeakers for sound or voice release. Different custom audio amplifiers have various power capacities, especially for varying applications such as car audio systems, coach audio systems, and home theatre audio systems. The power grades of custom audio amplifiers are rated in watts and depending on the types of applications. The rating can be in tens, hundreds, or more to produce quality audio effects.
The implementation of a custom audio amplifier operates with transistors in linear mode to establish an output voltage similar to the input voltage level. Thus, the forward voltage gain is high primarily at a minimum of 40 dB going rate.
If the forward voltage gain is a feedback loop component, the total loop gain increases at a higher rate. Hence, the feedback in custom audio amplifiers becomes higher due to the high loop voltage gain, which enhances the output sound.
At the same time, the custom audio amplifier also tried to eliminate any form of distortion resulting from the nonlinearities in the forward path and lessen the power supply noise by boosting the power supply rejection.
Application of a Custom Audio Amplifier
Different types of custom audio amplifiers can be used or applied to various audio system devices. Custom audio amplifiers can be installed for Important applications like the public address systems, theatrical and concert sound reinforcement systems, and domestic systems such as stereo or home-theatre systems, certain huge musical instruments such as piano or electric keyboard.
In most situations for bigger audio systems, the custom audio amplifier is embedded into a sole amplifier headbox that comprises different components such as a preamplifier, tone controls, and electronic effects.
The custom audio amplifiers are often carefully installed in loudspeakers of the audio system, such as a wooden speaker cabinet, to produce an improved and quality sound effect.
Custom audio amplifiers can also be used by Disk Jockeys that want specific performance or need a powerful amplification with a specialized layout by adding a separate rackmount preamplifier, equalizers, and a custom audio amplifier placed in a high road stand.
In some cases, the custom audio amplifiers are used in standalone units, often utilized by individuals like hi-fi audio enthusiasts and manufacturers of public address systems (PA systems) and soundbar systems.
Many hi-fi sound user of custom audio amplifiers uses a stereo custom audio amplifier to bring together both sides of speakers and then create a single-channel (mono) custom audio amplifier to run a subwoofer at optimum performance.
It is understood that the number of custom audio amplifiers to be used in bigger places, such as a sound reinforcement setting, depends on the size of the stage or location. For example, a small eatery space only requires a single custom audio amplifier working with public address speakers.
On the other hand, a nightclub requires multiple custom audio amplifiers for the central speakers, including various amplifiers for other monitor speakers usually used by live artists or musical bands.
There may be a need for extra custom audio amplifiers working for the subwoofer for spacious nightclub spots.
Numerous custom audio amplifiers can be used or installed in different racks and large loudspeakers in stadium concerts. Additional cars and coaches also use custom audio amplifiers in their dashboard stereos, which are fully integrated inside the chassis of the main product.
Types of Custom Audio Amplifiers
Custom audio amplifiers are one of the best available audio amplifiers out there. Custom Audio Electronics carefully produce them. Currently, custom audio amplifiers are of four different types. Each one of them has various features which give them unique functionalities. Here is a complete description of each of the custom audio amplifiers currently available from the manufacturers.
Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-50
This type of custom audio amplifier is designed to have a 50-watt power capacity. It is considered to be the half version of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+.
The custom audio amplifier OD-50 has distinct features, including differences in power section such as output transformer and a pair of 5881 output tubes embedded in the casing unit compared with the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+.
Also, the custom audio amplifier OD-50 has modified channel 2, which produces a little to fit the different output sections better.
The custom audio amplifier OD-50 was formulated and carefully assembled following a series of requests by players who realized that the custom audio amplifier OD-100 is too striking and massive for their needs.
This custom audio amplifier OD-50 is strictly designed to maintain the outstanding tonal qualities of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ while enabling owners to push the power section slightly harder and have less neat headroom in Channel 1.
Other features of Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-50 are the following:
● Brand: Custom Audio Amplifiers
● Model: OD 50 Standard +
● Watt: 50
● Rectifier: Solid State
● Class type: AB
● Number of Channels: 2 Channels With Independent EQ. Foot Switch Controls Channel Switching and Channel 2 Boost
● Master volume: Independent Master Volume For Each Channel
● Power Tubes: 5881 (optional EL34)
● Number of Power tubes: 2
● Preamp Tubes: 12AX7
● Number of Preamp tubes: 6
● Circuit Type: PCB
● Effect loop: Tube Buffered Series Effects Loop With Return Control – Only In-Circuit When Cables Are Connected
● Direct out: Effects Send Jack is Always Active And May Be Used As A Low Impedance Preamp Section Line Out
● Cabinet Type: Head
● Cab Color: Black (Optional Custom Colors By Special Order – Call For Price )
● Measurements: 28.5″W X 11.25″H X 9.5″ D
● Weight: 60lbs
Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-100 Standard+ Head
This custom audio amplifier is the latest and refined version of the original OD-100 released some decades ago. The custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ is considered the flagship of the OD-100 family of custom audio amplifiers.
This custom audio amplifier is made with a tremendous massive sound and unrivaled functionalities from a 2CH/2EQ class of audio amplifiers.
The Channel 1 of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ Head is more like an oldie Blackface – cool, neat, and delightful at the top, and punchy at the lower end with an outstanding definition common in the 60s.
On the other hand, the Channel 2 of the custom audio amplifier can be described as the great and massive sounding hot-rodded English overdrive and grimace tones you often hear around you.
Comparably, the enhanced nature of Channel 2 is like an extra channel or station, and the rate of the boost can be modified by the users to satisfaction using the internal trim pot. Custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ Head is characterized by its smooth, clean sound that combines perfectly trimmed audio in the high-mids that provide a thick mix of sounds that is neither muddy nor undefined.
Again, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+’s overdrive and high-gain distortion features can be defined as clear with a massive but indistinct rear edge, clear and heavy midrange, and soft singing highs.
The custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard has a quick transition attack but is not tough around the edges; it neatly conveys your audio sound’s nuances with identity and clear tone.
The custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ is designed with Depth, and Power Amp Presence controls on the back panel.
The Depth knob of a custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ is practically designed to provide a low-end boost control for the power section of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+. This key is made to deliver extra bottom while maintaining an overall neat sound.
Also, the front panel of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ Presence has been modified to Brilliance, and its effect can be seen in Channel 2 only.
On the other hand, the Presence knob on the back panel regulates the high-end response of both channels in the custom audio amplifier section.
It quickly enables users to modify the radiance of the custom audio amplifier to the immediate area of the room users are playing in without running the EQ of the custom audio amplifier on the front panel.
Another exciting thing about this custom audio amplifier OD-100 Standard+ is that Channel 1 has a broad spectrum of overdrive sounds that are considered clean.
During operation, using the manual boost switch and turning up the gain knob will give out warm and throaty overdrive sounds that are perfect and suitable for numerous shades of music genres.
This latest type of custom audio amplifier has overdrive and boost pedals of various kinds.
Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head
Custom audio amplifiers OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head are finely designed with a Channel 2 considered to have less gain than Channel 2 of the OD-100 SE+ or the OD-100 Standard+.
If users are looking for a vintage voicing alternative, this is a perfect choice. The custom audio amplifier OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head is similar to a cranked non-master-volume amplifier with EL-34 output tubes and all the necessary options to adjust the master volume to satisfaction, such as getting a cranked sound and feelings at reasonable volume levels.
The custom audio amplifier OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head is characterized by a new preamp circuit for Channel 2. It comprises a silver “Plexi-style” output transformer and EL-34 output tubes in the power section to deliver authentic vintage British sound.
However, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head’s Channel 1 have these features just like the Standard and the SE, which only differs in the new power section, which helps produce slightly more mids and compression.
Technically, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head produce an impeccable sound similar to that of the 60’s Blackface sound. However, the Classic’s Channel 2 sound is generally considered natural with a slight gain.
The low-end custom audio amplifiers OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head are usually tighter with a faster transient attack. The amplifier’s reaction challenges users to use it anywhere.
It is also known to be admired by amazing instrumental players that have precise control over their instruments. And who prefer the personality of their playing to shine through without artificial hype from the custom audio amplifier.
Alternatively, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head’s Channel 2 is big, raw, throaty in sound quality with a tough growl, organic, and touch-sensitive to users playing dynamic instruments.
Generally, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 Classic and Classic+ Head is considered a vintage kind of tone that can be modified to taste and refined with pedals. For this reason, the custom audio amplifier is termed a players’ audio amplifier, especially for players who understand the actual sound they desire from the instruments and the know-how to bring out the tones they crave with their creativity.
Custom Audio Amplifier – OD-100 SE+ Head
The custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head is stylishly designed for the high-gain players who always want more volume gain.
It is structurally designed based on the ultra high-gain Channel 3 of the renowned 3+SE rack preamp. In terms of delivery, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head has a distinct voicing and composition that is fully immersed in the boosted mode of Channel 2 of the custom audio amplifier OD-100SE.
These characteristics above ensure that the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head has an intense yet clear grimace sound that is considered to be hyper-aggressive and funky at the same time.
Typically, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head overrides all kinds of sonic territories that need mondo fractions of gain that are still formulated and rhythmic. The dynamism of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head comes from its excellent string-to-string clarity despite the gain, which is cranked to the top.
When using a custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head, players tend to strum a chord to hear each string and each note together with other amplifiers, which gains a greater quality.
In terms of appearance, the Channel 1 of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head is comparable to that of the Standard+, which is generally considered to produce a wonderful vintage clean sound.
The Channel 1 of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head can be combined with Channel 2 to provide a mega high-gain sound.
On the other hand, the latest enhanced unboosted mode of the SE+’s Channel 2 is characterized by a crunch heaven sound with plenty of gains to spare. As such, the unboosted mode is considered to be more suitable for overdrive and distortion pedals.
It helps in producing different types of crunch and high-gain sounds that differ from the strong boosted mode of the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+
Generally, the custom audio amplifier OD-100 SE+ Head has three parts. The lowest position is known as bypass. In contrast, the middle position provides users an acceptable boost of the low-mid frequencies. It is known to deliver extra power and a massive soundscape at middle to high volume levels.
Finally, the upper position gives more low-end. It is only suggested for low-volume playing platforms, especially when players desire massive sound but can’t turn up the amplifier due to its loudness.
Installing a Custom Audio Amplifier
Installing a custom audio amplifier can be tricky. But if you follow the required steps accordingly, one can be able to DIY. Also, before installing custom audio amplifiers can be done, one needs to do certain things. For the sake of this post, a brief example of a custom audio amplifier in an automobile will be fully explained. Hence, let’s quickly get down to it. Shall we?
What are the things to do before the installation of a custom audio amplifier in a car?
● Ensure you detach the battery’s negative wire before commencing the installation process. It will guide against potential problems that may probably occur.
● Ensure you unwind all the wires before you begin to install the amplifier.
● Remove all the RCA cables, speakers, REM, and REMOTE CONTROL away from the power cables. It will help you remove any form of interference from the audio signal.
● Make available quality connectors. It will provide a credible installation and reduce any potential loss of the audio signal or power.
● Drill carefully. And when drilling, stay away from anything related to the petrol (fuel) tank, the fuel, brake, hydraulic, or vacuum pipes, including the electrical wiring.
● Don’t ever try to route a wire below the vehicle to prevent any form of risk. It is highly recommended to install the cables inside the car for better protection.
● Again don’t try to route wires beyond or through sharp rims. It is advisable to protect the wire that passes through the metal with a grommet.
● Ensure to protect the battery and electrical circuit from potential damages with the help of fuses.
● Thoroughly prepare the ready chassis ground by ensuring all the traces are scraped neatly from paint on the metal surface. It improves the correct grounding.
● Also, remember not to install any of the custom audio amplifiers in the vehicle’s engine compartment. Otherwise, the warranty is void.
The actual Installation steps of custom audio amplifiers
Step 1 — Disconnect the battery
Step 2 — Mount the amplifier
Step 3 — Install the power wire
Step 4 — Install the fuse holder
Step 5 — Connect the power wire
Step 6 — Ground wire: the most important connection of all
Step 7 — Install the remote turn-on wire
Step 8 — Making the signal connections
Step 9 — Speaker wiring
Step 10 — Connect all the wires
Step 11 — Turning it on
Step 12 — Setting the amp’s gain
Benefits of Custom Audio Amplifier
Usually, what comes to everybody’s mind when making a purchase or acquiring something is what they stand to benefit from. Ordinarily, many people don’t know and don’t care about how the quality sound is produced.
Because of that, when people are asked to get a quality audio amplifier like a custom audio amplifier, the first question that usually comes to mind is what they stand to benefit from and if at all it is necessary.
People get to enjoy good music when it sounds nice, clean, and clear for what is worth it. With the help of custom audio amplifiers, there are a lot of benefits to derive. These benefits include but are not limited to the following:
It increases the volume
One of the main functions of custom audio amplifiers is that increases the volume of the music or sound being played. It gives the sound an extra boost and makes the loudspeakers expand unit sound volume delivery.
It improves the audio quality.
Aside from the increment in the audio volume, the use of custom audio amplifiers helps the audio system have a clean audio sound. It is generally understood that a quality amplifier, like a custom audio amplifier, reduces external noise and thereby produces quality audio sound.
It has high adaptability features.
With a quality amplifier like custom audio amplifiers, the users are bound to enjoy different channels that produce specific sound features that meet other occasions, events, or platforms. Custom audio features are known to provide a boosted stereo amp, which combines many channels inside one
Great efficiency.
One of the stand out features of a custom audio system is producing quality sound at high volume, yet without affecting the surroundings. Especially with a high-end custom audio amplifier, there is a guarantee of excellent efficiency, which implies that the surrounding people don’t have to listen to your music despite the increased volume
It adds extra power for loudspeakers and a subwoofer
A custom audio amplifier is known to have the ability to provide the appropriate authority for getting optimal rendition out of higher quality aftermarket speakers. In the case of subwoofers which tend to require extra power than typical speakers, it is believed that a custom audio amplifier is an ideal device for adding a subwoofer
Conclusions
This post has extensively talked about custom audio amplifiers from A-Z. It includes the different types of customized audio systems available to the users.
The post shows that each of the various custom audio amplifiers provides different features that meet several demands of musical instrument players, car owners, DJs, and others.
Depending on what you want in custom audio amplifiers, each type is readily available and can be tuned to personal satisfaction.
An installation guide also carefully describes what and what should not be done when installing a custom audio amplifier using a car as an example.
It is recommended that individuals follow the steps described here carefully to avoid any potential risks or dangers that may arise from incorrect installation; However, if the installation process is too technical to DIY.
It is advisable to call in experts who have the skills and experience to help in installing the custom audio amplifier at a reasonable price.
Also, the last part of this post talks about the benefits of installing a custom amplifier. It shows that the installation of the custom audio amplifiers has more upside, ranging from the increased volumes, quality audio sound, more adaptability, and great efficiency to more power production, which enhances loudspeakers or subwoofers.
Lastly, this is a comprehensive post on custom audio amplifiers, and it is expected to answer any questions you might be looking for their answers. However, if you still need more questions concerning custom audio amplifiers, don’t hesitate to contact us for more answers.