Karaoke Forums

Hello,

Based on some recent advice from all of you, I have purchased a DBX Driverack PA+ to begin to upgrade my system for better sound. I realize the PA+ is designed to make the most of bi-amp and tri-amp systems.

Even though I have powered speakers now, I chose the PA+ over the PX to gain the extra features of the PA+, and because I would like to have the flexibility to go with amp(s) and passive speakers if needed in the future.

To review, I have a Yamaha MG124CX Mixer, 2 Behringer B212a powered speakers, and a small Gemini GX-801 powered monitor speaker.

I plan on getting at least one powered sub in the short term near future (a few more months), but I am wondering if I can hook up the PA+ right now with only the full range B212as. I figured it could at least EQ and provide some feedback protection.

I know there has been much discussion on the Driverack PA, PA+, and PX on the forum, but I am not sure if this scenerio has been covered.

If this setup is possible, I would appreciate any setup tips you can give me.

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure it has been touched on in the past but I'll touch on it a little more. The answer would be yes and would be as simple as setting up a "custom configuration" as a "two way" with no subs in the "Setup Wizard" . I'm pretty sure it will default to Lows and Highs. Just set up a full range crossover under the "high" configuration when asked and only use the outputs for the "highs". This should accomplish what you are trying to do. I've done it this way in the past for some applications and it works fine. Here is a link to the DRPA Forums that you might find of interest.
http://www.dbxpro.com/Forum/viewforum.p ... 14d06fb33b

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

Thanks Londonlive!

I think I also remember that you bought the RTA mic. Also make sure you run the auto-EQ wizard with your RTA mic hooked up and 20-25 feet in front of the main speakers with everything hooked up and running.

I would do this AFTER one of your shows, as the pink noise the system will generate to properly EQ the room is VERY annoying. You also want to make sure that you run this EQ wizard at the same volume you sun your shows (which is going to make the pink noise that much more annoying!!).

Finally, if you do EQ on your board, make sure everything is flatlined at nominal before you run the EQ wizard (overall EQ as well as channel EQ knobs).

You'll love teh sound you have on the other side of running the EQ wizard and the setup wizard. Write back and let us know how it turns out!!

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C Mc
KJ, FL

Hello Everyone,

Several of my venues have their own PA, or I use my small PA system on a couple very small venues, but I tried out the full rig with the Driverack PA+ last weekend, and I was really surprised at how easy setup was with the wizards!

I printed out and downloaded so much material from the forum and the DBX site, I thought it would be a real pain, but it was virtually painless.

The sound was fantastic with only my 2 Behringer B212as coming out of the high outputs. The fact that it included presets for the B212as saved some time as well. I did notice the lack of bass, but a Carvin 1801na is next on my wish list to round it out.

The autoeq wasn't quite as bad as I expected, it only took about 1 minute (medium quality) with the RTA mic about 20 feet in front and center of the speakers.

I know there are alot more settings I still need to learn about and I have just begun to scratch the surface, but I am very pleased with the results. I received many comments on the sound quality.

Thanks to all on here who have given helpful advice on the Driverack I am really glad I made this purchase!

ive had the Driverack PA for a while now but just got the behringer ECM8000 RTA mic today ,one thing i didnt see when reading do you point the mic away from the speakers or towards them ?

I had someone hold it at ear level, facing the center of the room (facing between the 2 speakers). I had a pink noise cd handy, but I didn't need it, the driverack produced the pink noise and brought everything down to a flat level.

I used the DBX RTA mic.

I'm glad to hear you are pleased with the addition of your DriveRack , the more you use it the more you will pick up on some little tricks to improve your sound. Initially the price seems to scare people but when you start to figure in all the outboard gear it replaces it is a bargain.

I know the manual will tell you to place the mic between your speakers but I think you'll find you will get better results if you place the mic in front of either side, especially if you are running your EQ in Dual mode. Then walk the room while listening to some canned music and see if you detect any hot spots.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

but which way do you point it ,in the direction of the speakers or away from them to the back of the room?

Towards the speaker.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

ok thanks london ,wanted to be sure as we spend the time telling everyone to point them away with the normal mics .

I am sold.
I am getting one.

Would the 260 be a big advantage over the PA+.
I only use SRM450's and an EV SB122.

Not much unless you are going to be using it for separate zones. The PA is more than adequate for 99% of all situations.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Also, how good is the feedback rejection.
I work a small pub and the room I normally use is narrow.
Consiquently I work mainly just below the feedback threshold.
I like to have near band volume but cant get it.

Once you get it set with the RTA mic, your shouldn't have a lot of problem. It does have a feedback suppressor, not that I put a lot of stock into those, but you can find the offending frequency and use the parametric eq to slice it out.
Could also be speaker placement, although it doesn't sound like you have a whole lot of options there.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Oh I also run a Peavey 15" monitor wedge.

If it were me, I'd would put a separate eq on the monitor, provided it is run independantly from the main mix.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Thanks Lon.

If you buy the DRPA+ and RTA mic, I would run it on the wedge and make a note of the settings it works out. That'll help you figure out where it, and the reflections from the stage area, are peaky so you can make appropriate adjustments using an EQ as Lonman suggests. You can do it by ear as well; but the RTA feature will probably be helpful. When it's done and you have written down what you want, hook it all back up like normal.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

The feedback filters on the Driverack PA work very well and are particularly non destructive especially if set to "Music High", I've also found "Music Medium" to perform acceptably. I will usually assign 4 or 5 as fixed and let the remainder float.

For monitors I like the Peavey 31 band EQ's with what they call FLS (feedback locating system). These EQ's make it quick and simple to located and eliminate feedback quickly.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye