Determining amps dynamic range

sirogenous
sirogenous Posts: 57
edited August 2001 in Technical/Setup
Can somene please explain how to determine an amplifiers dynamic range if one knows it's rated output and it's maximum output levels in watts.
Post edited by sirogenous on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • JohanK
    JohanK Posts: 29
    edited August 2001
    I believe you mean dynamic headroom. Formula is:

    Dynamic Headroom stated in dB = 10 * log (M/C)

    where M=max output in watts and C=continuous output in watts.

    If this is not what you meant, please explain further. Anyway, hope this helps.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sirogenous
    sirogenous Posts: 57
    edited August 2001
    Opps, my mistake. Dynamic headroom is precisely what I had intended to refer too. Please excuse my error. Anyhow, thank you JohanK for replying to my question. However, I must admit that I possess little knowledge of all but the most basic of math skills. If you wouldn't mind, would you please explain what the symbols (*, log, M/C) represent in your reply. Thank You.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited August 2001
    Hello,
    Thanks for your interesting question. Maybe I can help. A decibel (dB) is a very convenient way of comparing different voltages and power levels. Since we might be dealing with a wide differential between the incoming small signal of an FM antenna and the relatively large signal leaving a CD player, its helpful if we can use a convenient "shorthand" notation. This is exactly what a dB can accomplish.
    Let's say the maximum power rating of an amplifier is 100 Watts and the continuous power rating is 50 Watts. If we divide 100 by 50 we get 2 as a result. Now we need to find the logarithm of the number 2. Most computers have a calculator as part of their basic programs, once you find the calculator section, you might have to go into the "view" section and choose the "scientific" version of the program. Once done enter "2" as the number and click on the "log" key. You should get 0.30102, this is the log of the number 2. Then multiply (*) this number by 10 and you should get 3.01. This is the dB value of those two power ratings, 3 dB. So, with our example amplifier (a pretty good one, actually) the dynamic headroom is 3 dB.
    I hope this is helpful information.
    Best regards, Ken Swauger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sirogenous
    sirogenous Posts: 57
    edited August 2001
    Hello Ken,
    Thank you for replying to my post. Your detailed explaination answered my question perfectly. Plus, your answer came with a bonus as well. I did not know that the calculator funtion also included a scientific function as well. Thank You.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter