Checking impedance on a speaker

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mentat
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Mentat

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After doing a bit of searching, I found a thread with almost exactly similar circumstances as mine:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=48222&page=1

In the end, I wasn't sure whether or not an ohmmeter would provide an accurate representation of the speaker's impedance.

So I have some old 2x12 Peavey, no idea about its power handling, and I'm wondering what the impedance would be on one of the speakers. Ideas?
 
What kind of speakers are they? They are probably 16 ohm speakers. I never saw an old peavey 2x12 with a 4 ohm load, but I can't be sure because they're all obviously used and some people tend to change speakers. The 2 16 ohm speakers hooked up to an amp create an 8 ohm load. I've personally seen about 5 old 2x12 peavey combos and its probably an 8 ohm load (both speakers being 16 ohms each). Can't be 100% sure though.
 
The DC resistance (that's what you are reading on your meter) will be a bit less than the nominal impedance. If the speaker measures 3-3.5 ohms, it's a 4ohm. 5.8-6.5ohms, it's an 8ohm. 12-14, it's a 16ohm.
The actual resistance on the meter will vary depending on the speaker, but I hope you get the point.
 
I assume from your comments that there are no markings on either the amp or speakers about impedance. One option is to email Peavey with the amp details and they will probably know how it was built and with what speakers.

Most amps use an 8 ohm load, and a 2x12 would generally have two 16 ohm speakers wired in parallel, or two 4 ohm speakers wired in series.

Ed
 
Yup, there's no markings on the Peavey save from the logo on the cabinet's handles. The speakers have nothing on them, only some half-unreadable serial number painted on.

The amp is a Laney, plenty versatile as far as impedance matching is concerned.
 
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