Ampeg SVT4-PRO power rating confusion

[juggahnaught]

Played a gig recently and I'm thinking about setting up a "big rig" again for when I need it. I'm considering an SVT4-Pro as a power amp that can double as a bass amp in an emergency.

I found the Ampeg manual for the SVT4-Pro here: https://ampeg.com/pdf/SVT4PRO_OM.pdf

I'm confused, because on page 18, it lists the RMS values for the power amp alongside continuous values, and these values are different. (Example: "Mono-Bridged: 1600 watts rms @ 4 ohms (1200 watts continuous), 3% THD".) I always thought that RMS and continuous were synonymous (like Program and Peak) and should be the same value. I did a quick and dirty search on here and didn't see anything about this.

There's gotta be something I'm missing and I'd be happy if someone dropped some knowledge on me. What's going on here? Thanks!

 

[Wasnex]

Played a gig recently and I'm thinking about setting up a "big rig" again for when I need it. I'm considering an SVT4-Pro as a power amp that can double as a bass amp in an emergency.

I found the Ampeg manual for the SVT4-Pro here: https://ampeg.com/pdf/SVT4PRO_OM.pdf

I'm confused, because on page 18, it lists the RMS values for the power amp alongside continuous values, and these values are different. (Example: "Mono-Bridged: 1600 watts rms @ 4 ohms (1200 watts continuous), 3% THD".) I always thought that RMS and continuous were synonymous (like Program and Peak) and should be the same value. I did a quick and dirty search on here and didn't see anything about this.

There's gotta be something I'm missing and I'd be happy if someone dropped some knowledge on me. What's going on here? Thanks!

I a believe RMS is actually average rather than continuous. Program, Peak and RMS are the same thing, you are just describing a 6dB crest factor. Program represents 3db transients above the average (RMS) power level. Peak represents 6dB transients.

 

[Raw N Low]

Ampeg SVP-1600's show up from time to time. They're basically the same amp without the preamp in front. You can run two separate preamps or bridge them for max output.

The 5pro is another one that uses the same power block scheme. Sometimes you can find both amps for a really good price.