Clip Indicator For Any Power Amp

Short Tour Video:

A power amplifier cannot deliver an output wave wider than its power supply voltage. When you reach the limit, increasing gain may sound louder but sound will be distorted and can even damage speakers. This simple clipping indicator circuit will announce with an LED that you have reached that limit.

Circuit Diagram:

Components:

• Q1 BC547NPN transistor

• Q2 BC557PNP transistor

• D1-D3 1N4148diode

Note: If your amp V+ voltage is higher than 45v use BC546/BC556 (up to 65v) or other higher voltage ones. Also increase R4 for a led current of 30mA. ( R=v/a )

Description - Emitter-follower:

LED Driver:

Peak Hold:

D1-D3 Voltage Drop:

For Higher Power Amps:

Circuit optimized for high power amps ( v+ over 50V )

Video: