# Amplifier Load (VA)

> Read apparent power and RMS current demand, understand why VA differs from the input-power setting, and check amplifier peaks in Headroom.

Source: https://simulator.00aud.io/docs/reference/tiles/amplifier-load

This tile shows the electrical demand on the amplifier as impedance changes with frequency. It reports apparent power in VA, with an optional RMS current curve.

- **Shows:** Apparent amplifier demand in VA at each frequency, with optional RMS current.
- **Healthy when:** Voltage, current and load suit your amplifier at the level and crest factor you intend to use.
- **If it is not:** Reduce power or boost, review wiring, and inspect the amplifier requirements in **Headroom**.

## The tile

_Figure: Apparent power changes with impedance across frequency, despite a fixed input-power setting._

Vented example at 100 W reference input, half space, 1 m. Simulated when this page was built.

| Amplifier Load (VA) | Peak | At |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 W input setting | 113.4 VA | 191 Hz |
| 50 W input setting | 56.7 VA | 191 Hz |

At the 100 W input setting, the example reaches 113.4 VA. Its largest RMS current is 5.67 A near 191.1 Hz. [Open this example](https://simulator.00aud.io/app?template=vented&power=100) and switch on **Current** to see the current demand.

The faint Pin line is the input-power setting. It is a reference, not an amplifier limit. Multiple-entry horns can show additional amplifier-channel loads. Hover readouts retain their units; do not read the current line as VA.

## Why VA and watts differ

The power control establishes a drive voltage using the nominal load. The actual impedance varies with frequency, so the current varies too. Apparent power is RMS voltage multiplied by RMS current; real power also depends on the phase between them.

> **This is demand, not an amplifier model** The tile does not simulate clipping or protection in a particular amplifier. For the voltage and current peaks needed by music, open **Headroom** and its **Amp** panel, set the listening target and crest factor, then compare with your amplifier’s specifications.

## What moves it

| Change | Effect |
| --- | --- |
| Lower the power setting | Reduces apparent power and RMS current. |
| Change wiring or the number of drivers | Changes the nominal load and impedance seen by the amplifier. |
| Add EQ boost | Raises demand at the boosted frequencies. |
| Change the enclosure | Changes the impedance peaks and dips, and therefore current demand. |

## What to try

| Try | What it changes |
| --- | --- |
| [Show current](https://simulator.00aud.io/docs/reference/tiles/impedance) | Turn on **Current** to find where RMS current demand is highest. |
| [Check music peaks](https://simulator.00aud.io/docs/reference/tiles/headroom) | Open **Headroom** and **Amp** for voltage and current requirements at your target and crest factor. |

## Ask your AI

**Ask your AI**

> Using 00 Simulator, simulate my workspace at its current powers and EQ. Report the maximum apparent power and RMS current for each design, where they occur, and the minimum impedance. Then explain which design asks the most of the amplifier.