About 12Volt triggering in audio systems

In the world of audio systems, 12V triggering is becoming more and more common as a method for turning on and off power amplifiers, preamplifiers, and other equipment. This method of control is often used in home theater systems where different components need to be turned on and off in a specific order, or in environments where multiple systems need to be integrated.

A 12V trigger is essentially a low voltage control signal that can be sent from a preamplifier, processor, or other source to an amplifier or other device. This signal can be used to turn the device on or off, or to control other functions such as muting. The trigger voltage is usually DC, and can be anywhere from 5-24 volts.

To use 12V triggering in an audio system, the device being controlled must support it. It is often found on high-end equipment, but it is becoming more common on mid-range gear as well. The equipment that is being controlled must also have a 12V trigger input. This input is usually a 3.5mm jack or a RCA jack.

There are several advantages to using 12V triggering in an audio system. The first is that it allows for easy integration of multiple systems. For example, a home theater system may have a preamplifier, a power amplifier, and a DVD player. Using 12V triggers, the preamplifier can send a signal to the power amplifier to turn it on, and the DVD player can send a signal to the preamplifier to turn it on. This eliminates the need to turn everything on manually.

The second advantage of 12V triggering is that it reduces the chance of damage to equipment. Often, when multiple devices are turned on manually, they are turned on in the wrong order. This can cause damage to the devices, particularly to the speakers. By using 12V triggers, the equipment can be turned on and off in a specific order, ensuring that no damage is done.

In summary, 12V triggering is a useful feature in audio systems that allows for easy integration of multiple systems and reduces the chance of damage to equipment. As more and more equipment is equipped with 12V trigger inputs, it is becoming easier to take advantage of this feature in your own setup.