In case you need some more details, here is a full description and review of Mixer Amplifier:
In this review of Mixer Amplifier, I am going to show you both the good and the bad. After all, what is a review without some honesty, right? First, I have to tell you upfront that Mixer Amplifier is my favorite choice. Sure, there are other products in the same class, but frankly, none of them as good (in terms of quality). I do have to say this though. some other products may be better, but based on quality and price, Mixer Amplifier is the clear winner.
Whats the difference between Mixer Amplifier an Amplifier and a Mixer?
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A preamp and power amp are two very different things. The preamp is volume, tone, selection, inputs at a constant voltage. The power amp makes it LOUD. In the home theater amp, there is one preamp and 5 power amps, one for each speaker. In the mixer there is a multichannel preamp (mixer), and an amp for each speaker, usually two. Some mixers have amps, although most don’t. The inputs on the mixer are for line level, (recorded music source) instruments, or mikes before amplification. You cannot double amplify. If you do not understand this, find some one who does before you blow up your speakers. Speaker rating is meaningless. Playing music loud in your home only uses about 5 or so watts. And, watts are meaningless too. You need high current (read high quality) for PA work as the current demand (work load) is high. Cheap amps can’t supply enough current, then the amp clips (distorts) sends a distorted signal to the speakers and fries the voice coil. That’s what blows up speakers. A 30 watt Denon sounds better and plays louder than a 100 watt SONY with less distortion, and cost 3X as much. My suggestion, rent a proper PA system and NEVER use your home speakers for PA work. PA speakers are very different than home speakers. They can take the abuse. As far as your original question goes, it sounds like you want to take the amplified (speaker level) output form the home theater amp and go into the mixing board. The answer is DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. You will have so much distortion that your speakers will turn to jelly the minute you turn it up.
Well it’s not as easy as that. I wouldn’t use the Crate as your speaker because you’ll have too much going through it and if it doesn’t blow it it will definitely sound like crap. On the flip side if you buy speakers and monitors you will have to buy a seperate power amp. (Unless the speakers are self powered..if they don’t have an on/off switch then they’re not). And a power amp is not like a guitar amp or anything…its a device that basically sends power to the speakers so when you plug in your guitar, bass, and mics sound will actually come out. With out the power amp you will get no sound. You might also look into buying a powered mixer instead…that would also solve your problem. Either way….best case scenerio you’re looking to spend about anywhere from 500 to 1000 more than you thought.