One of the best ways to double up your amp’s output and supply more power to your subwoofers is ‘Bridging.’ Whether you have one subwoofer, two subwoofers, or multiple subs, you can bridge your channel amplifier to enjoy an amazing sound experience.
However, bridging the channel amplifier to the subwoofer is not a simple task, especially if you don’t possess any technical knowledge. But we make it easy for you by providing you with the simplest guide to perform this process.
Before that let’s delve into some vital details.
Why is Bridging the Best for Powering Your Subwoofer?
A bridge is an amplifying feature inbuilt into the car’s stereo system. It comes with a push-pull mechanism that allows one channel to produce powerful signals opposite of the second channel. This eventually brings more power to both channels.
Bridging is a flexible approach to gaining more power from two channels. It is great to power up subwoofers so that more bass sound can be generated.
What do You need to Bridge a 4 Channel Amp to a Subwoofer?
It is always better to pre-prepare to successfully bridge the 4-channel amp to a subwoofer. Some essentials that you need for the bridging process are:
- A screwdriver for tightening screws in the amp.
- A four-channel amp for bridging.
- Speaker wires to connect the terminals to the amplifier.
- A wire stripper for separating the wire’s edge before placing it inside the amplifier.
- Manual to understand the connection process.
How to Bridge a 4 Channel Amp to 1 Subwoofer?
Now, that you are ready with all the supplies. Here are a few steps you need to follow.
- Step 1 – Check Your Amplifier’s Details
Before connecting your amplifier to the subwoofer, you must make sure that it is bridgeable.
It is not possible to bridge some amplifiers manually because they are internally bridged. Moreover, if you bridge them, it can reduce their load resistance to a great extent. This may ultimately damage your amplifier.
Hence, check the detailed specifications beforehand. These details are mentioned in the pamphlets or mentioned at the back of the amp.
- Step 2 – Understand the Layout
For a 4-channel amplifier, you will see 8 terminals at its back. Each channel has a set of negative (-) and positive (+) terminals. Pair them together to move to the next step.
- Step 3 – Connect the Negative and Positive Terminals
Take a long speaker wire that runs from the amplifier to the sub. Join the positive end and terminal of the subwoofer and channel to each other.
Similarly, attach the negative terminal and end of both the devices to each other.
- Step 4 – Clamp It
After creating a secured connection, you may remove the insulation from the wire by half-inch from both ends using a wire stripper. Finally, tighten the screw clamp of terminals using a clamp and secure the wire properly.
The good thing is that you can even bridge a 4 Channel Amp to 2 Subwoofers. See the details to do so.
How to Bridge a 4 Channel Amp to 2 Speakers and One Subwoofer?
You can bridge one sub and speakers to a 4-channel amplifier.
- Step 1 – Remove the Wire
After following the first two steps of the above-mentioned process, use a wire stripper and strip off the wire ½ inches from both ends.
- Step 2 – Attach a Positive Wire
Insert the red wire into the positive terminal of the channel from one end and to the positive end of the sub.
- Step 3 – Build a Negative Connection
Complete the connection by joining the negative ends of the speaker and amp using a black wire.
- Step 4 – Connect the Two Speakers
Connect two speakers through the fifth terminal and eighth end of the fourth and third channels.
Check for a secured connection. Make sure you form a secured connection without leaving loose wires.
Some Important Things You Must Know
Bridging may seem complicated but it is easy once you know how to do it. But learning about the steps is not enough for a successful bridging. You need to learn more!
Can I Bridge an Amp that is non-Bridgeable?
It is not possible to perform bridging on a non-bridgeable amp. Your amps must be compatible with the stereo system and with each other. If they are not bridgeable, you have to get them replaced.
You may also consider purchasing an aftermarket receiver that provides additional channels for amplification.
What is the Minimum Impedance Rating of an Amplifier?
The impedance rating is the OHM rating, which is the load resistance level of an amplifier to the electrical flow at the speaker’s terminal. Most of these amplifiers are designed to offer resistance of 2 OHMS per channel for standard stereo use.
This minimum impedance rating is a warning sign. If you are using a load lower than the minimum level, it can make your amplifier hot and even result in permanent damage.
Hence, while buying the 4-channel amplifier you must check its impedance rating.
By How Much does the Power Increase When You Bridge an Amplifier?
There is an increase in the power level when you bridge an amplifier by a multiple of 4. But this increment depends on various factors like your amplifier’s rating, its design, and limitations.
But if the output is larger, your amplifier would need more power from your car battery.
What Crossover Settings are Needed for a Bridged Amplifier?
Luxury car owners have the added advantage of crossover settings for amplifiers. To get high-quality sound from your car’s subwoofer you must separate high-frequency vocals and music from entering into the sub.
For this, you need to manage the crossover settings of your amplifier. You may proceed by following these steps:
- First, adjust the crossover switch to a low-pass filter on your amp.
- Set a low-pass filter dial to the maximum level.
- Play sound with bass.
- Now, turn down the pass filter dial so that you can listen to the upper range. This is 80 Hz or below. Slowly lowering the dial lets you cut off the amplifier’s frequency.
- When the frequency is cut-off, turn up the volume dial of the stereo. If it requires more power, you can adjust the crossover settings again.
Final Words
Bridging a 4-Channel Amp to one or two subwoofers is not difficult. You just have to follow the right path. Also, you can add other devices to the amplifier.
Once all the things fit together perfectly, you can enjoy a great sound system.
Keep Enjoying!
- Will Volume On TV Work For Speakers Connected To TV?
- How To Turn Off Your Bose 700 Headphones | Quick Method
- How To Get Sound From A Monitor Without Speakers [2023]
- How To Connect External Speakers To LG TV? [3-Step Process]
- Can You Use Coax As A Speaker Cable? [5 Methods]