Looking for a stereo to mono signal converter

This will convert signal levels, not speaker levels. Do you really need to do this at speaker level? You will surely lose some power if you do it that way.

Jan

Ahh yes, I didnt think about that. Thanks for pointing that out!

What are you using for an amplifier?

Right now just a 2 channel 100w A/V type amp. The goal is to have a L, C, and R speaker for a piano project I'm working on. So I'd need to combine the stereo outputs to mono for the center channel.
 
A very old solution is a isolation transformer which allows you to wire two amplifier outputs in series. You can not parallel amplifier outputs. You could use two 8 Ohm power resistors to mix left and right outputs but this wastes a lot of power. I think it's a better idea to add a slave mono power amp much like a bass sub. Another possibility is to invert one channel, wire the mono speaker as bridged and invert the inverted stereo speaker. If there are no stereo speakers then a line level mono adapter is a couple 1k resistors from left and right to mono out, and you don't have to use both power amps. An integrated amp probably has "tape monitor" jacks where you can do this between the pre-amp and power amp.
 
A very old solution is a isolation transformer which allows you to wire two amplifier outputs in series. You can not parallel amplifier outputs. You could use two 8 Ohm power resistors to mix left and right outputs but this wastes a lot of power. I think it's a better idea to add a slave mono power amp much like a bass sub. Another possibility is to invert one channel, wire the mono speaker as bridged and invert the inverted stereo speaker. If there are no stereo speakers then a line level mono adapter is a couple 1k resistors from left and right to mono out, and you don't have to use both power amps. An integrated amp probably has "tape monitor" jacks where you can do this between the pre-amp and power amp.


Great info, thank you so much. Alot to consider, here!
 
Right now just a 2 channel 100w A/V type amp. The goal is to have a L, C, and R speaker for a piano project I'm working on. So I'd need to combine the stereo outputs to mono for the center channel.

The most basic solution is to connect a speaker between the two 'hot' L and R speaker outputs. By definition that is L+R (or L-R depending on phase).
There will be a bit more load on the stereo amp but should not be a problem. If the C is a bit too loud, just put a smallish resistor in series with it.

Something you can try immediately with no stuff required!

Jan
 
Additional center speaker as requested in post 4

Easiest way to do it is like this.

A little change of the standard speaker wiring is required.
The two speaker channels are symbolised by the triangles.

The additional pot is not essential, but allows reduction of
the center level down to zero. You can use a pot of say three
times the speaker impedance. This has to be a high wattage
type.

A small adaptor box will be useful. Speaker polarities are as usual.

Do not use this scheme with floating or bridged speaker outputs.
Any ordinary power amp output will drive the three speakers. You
can check connection of the "black" or negative terminals with an
ohmmeter if not sure.
 

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The most basic solution is to connect a speaker between the two 'hot' L and R speaker outputs. By definition that is L+R (or L-R depending on phase).
There will be a bit more load on the stereo amp but should not be a problem. If the C is a bit too loud, just put a smallish resistor in series with it.

Something you can try immediately with no stuff required!

Jan


Very interesting, I was not aware this was possible. I will look into this more. When you say a bit more load, what exactly do you mean? Do you mean each speaker will just have a bit less volume when the 3rd is added, or do you mean it could damage the amp more easily?


Jan, this way you will always have a differential signal on the additional speaker.


What are the consequences of this?


Easiest way to do it is like this.

A little change of the standard speaker wiring is required.
The two speaker channels are symbolised by the triangles.

The additional pot is not essential, but allows reduction of
the center level down to zero. You can use a pot of say three
times the speaker impedance. This has to be a high wattage
type.

A small adaptor box will be useful. Speaker polarities are as usual.

Do not use this scheme with floating or bridged speaker outputs.
Any ordinary power amp output will drive the three speakers. You
can check connection of the "black" or negative terminals with an
ohmmeter if not sure.


I'm trying to understand the speaker output diagrams, but it is a bit confusing. What is representing the red/black connections for each channel of the amp? It appears you want the mono speaker, and extra load, each in series on a different channel?
 
I'm trying to understand the speaker output diagrams, but it is a bit confusing. What is representing the red/black connections for each channel of the amp? It appears you want the mono speaker, and extra load, each in series on a different channel?

This is form of a standard schematic.

At the tip of the triangles the the "red" or positive terminals.
"Common ground" goes to the "black", negative terminals.

Try not to short your outputs and damage the amp if you are
not sure about this.

The center speaker receives the sum of both channel output currents.