Karaoke Forums

For the last couple weeks, I've been running my DBX1046 compressor like this:


Mic --> compressor "input" and then compressor "output" --> amp.


It was sounding pretty good, but I thought insert cables would make it sound even better. I wanted to stick with the XLR inputs and outputs on the back of the compressor, so I got a couple of these:


http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IPTBQXFXM5


But there's a problem. When I used these new insert cables, I found I had to turn the mics up a whole lot more (almost to the point of feedback) on both the compressor and the amp to get any kind of sound at all out of the mics. I tried switching the operating level button on the back of the compressor to both the +4db and -10db positions, but it didn't seem to make much difference. All my other settings were the same as with the original hook-up without the insert cables. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

Are you sure you have the cable routed properly? And where are the channel switches set, in particular output gain? it is normal to have to give the signal a bit of output gain boost.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Pretty sure it's routed properly. Each channel of the compressor has an input and output xlr (male and female) to single TRS 1/4" that goes directly into the insert jack for that same channel on the amp. Nice and simple.

Compressor output gain is normally set at +/- 0 db (12 O'clock position) without using the insert cables, but needs to be closer to +15 db (4 O'clok position) to be heard WITH using the insert cables, which is almost maxxed out.

Yeah, that sounds a bit high. It almost sounds like your -4/+10 switch isn't working. I assume it is on the -10 position.

Did you try multiple channels on the mixer into multiple channels on the compressor?

And what about the trim/gain on the mixer channel you are using -- where is that at? Is it midrange or higher?

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Almost sounds like the wrong insert cables. Either they are wired backward (female should be where the male is or vice versa) or just wired inproperly for the connection. The output gains shouldn't be set that high with a proper insert of a compressor.

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