|
Post by h34ton on Apr 21, 2008 10:21:31 GMT 1
Hi there. As a performing musician, I don't really know much about the science of live sound. I've put together a basic mobile PA for the band, which, I'm hoping to build up "as we go along" The problem is, the small effort I have made has got me a little worried in the fact that I've done something wrong somewhere. The sound is fine, but I seem to be over driving the top amp. The Led's are creeping in to the red, but I'm operating at nowhere near the systems maximum volume. I have got bass guitar and kick drum coming through the tops as well as the bins. The bins themselves seem to be fine I've got what is supposed to be there and the amp seems fine. I think i may have done something wrong with the Cross over and graphic. I would appreciate it if some one could tell me how to set the offending items up or what I've done wrong. The equipment is as follows.(Not the best gear i know but it'll do for now!) BEHRINGER EURODESK SL32 42 FX PRO ULTRAGRAPH PRO FBQ6200 SUPER-X PRO CX2310 EUROPOWER EP2500 (bottom) STUDIOMASTER AX1500 (top) YAMAHA AX TOPS EV FORCE i BASS BINS. Hope someone can help, Steve.
|
|
|
Post by gingerbiscuit69 on Apr 21, 2008 17:12:05 GMT 1
what frequency have you crossed over the system (between subs and midtops)??
even the upper bass which will most likely be in coming through the midtops will eat a lot of power.
heres my guide:
start with everything off, and work through bit by bit, im familar with most kit so can tell u most.
DESK run a cd through the desk using NO EQ so the master output is constantly green, occasionally popping into the +3db yellow.
EQ set flat - so the knobs are all along the 0db centreline, the equaliser should also have the same input level showing, the output level should be similar (theres a button to toggle between input and output on the VU meter). Set the low cut to 45hz, and leave the high pass on maximum. turn on the limiters and set to max, turn down slowly until the first bar of red limiting flickers on with the beat. turn up one tiny notch above this - then u are protected by a basic compressor from nasty peaks.
XOVER once again with the master inputs set to 0db, the xover is now getting the maximum signal it should ever be getting. the xover frequency should be between 100-125hz for live sound at a guess with reflex rigs. set the low and midtop outs on the xover to MINIMUM GAIN (volume). Will turn these up soon.
AMPS little amp prepwork (still off remember) - on the dipswitches on the berry bass amp, set the clip limiters on both channels to on - theres a little key by the power input socket which tells you which of the 10dips do what. If the studiomaster has a clip limiter, switch it on. you can now turn on the amps, and turn the front inputs up to maximum volume (speakers connected of course).
SETTING LEVEL music playing still, slowly turn the xover outputs up one by one until the relevant channel of the amp starts to hit the clip light or the speaker starts to sound like its struggling. ideally the setting should be barely hitting the clip once in a while on a hard kick drum hit in the music, no more!!
there you have it, the system is set so when you are leaving green on the desk you know thats full power. push it any more and the limiter will start kicking in, push that too hard and hopefully the amps will provide some clip protection, but will sound crap long before that.
if you decide to eq parts of the system, you may need to adjust the xover output gains to compensate for any extra energy produced, such as if you increase the 63hz kick, the bass will need turning down a bit.
let us know how you get on, and welcome to the forum. Ta, Pat
|
|
|
Post by h34ton on Apr 22, 2008 9:43:23 GMT 1
Thanks Pat, I'll get onto that before the next gig. I'm not sure what frequency I've crossed the signals at without looking. What should it be? I can adjust accordingly at the next rehearsal. Hopefully, we can play a Bigger Room without the fear of the amp cutting out (yes the clip protection came in and cut one side off) Incidentally, that side always seems to get warm(er) than the other, but the cheap and cheerful behringer stays stone cold! Cheers mate, Steve.
|
|
|
Post by gingerbiscuit69 on Apr 23, 2008 16:42:44 GMT 1
could do with a larger amp really, midtop uses a surprising amount of power in live useage. maybe use the studiomaster for wedges in future?
crossover, id say around 110-125hz for live...
|
|
|
Post by h34ton on Apr 24, 2008 11:17:03 GMT 1
Thanks Pat, Bigger amp it is then!
|
|