Amp without a speaker

[richardjmorgan]

Just a quick one – would I be able to use my Tonehammer 350 for recording by running out of the DI output if I didn’t have a speaker cab plugged in? I know generally running an amp without a load is a no-no but wasn’t sure if that still applies with these little Class D types

[Cuzzie]

Only amp that needs a load is a tube amp.

Thats because it opens a loop in the circuit to offload the heat (signal) sonit does not form an ever increasing circle which blows the tubes/amps

Class D have internal switching transistors which perform this job, and there will be other heat sinks, fans etc.

Broadly speaking.

So yes - DI out with confidence without a speaker on class D amps

Edited August 6, 2019 by Cuzzie

[richardjmorgan]

Ah, smashing, cheers! 

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

43 minutes ago, Cuzzie said:

Class D have internal switching transistors which perform this job, and there will be other heat sinks, fans etc.

Valves need a load because current always flows through the output transformer primary winding. SS needs no load because when there's nothing plugged in to the output no current flows from the output devices.

[Cuzzie]

@Bill Fitzmaurice will always succinctly and properly fill in the gaps - a wealth of knowledge - my explanations are a bit bargain basement especially as I was struggling for signal in the welsh hills!