question for gadget

jmch783

hey there,

i just recently purchased a dbx driverack 260 and seeing as i'm new with it i was hoping you can help me out from a configuration standpoint. I am slightly confused with the part in the setup wizard called \"high amp level setting.\" here are the specs of my PA, which we run ONLY vocals through:

2 active mackie srm-450's
mackie vlz-3 1202
lexicon mx-200 effects processor
*dbx driverack PA*

Essentially, I want to know if I match the high amp level setting on the driverack with the level setting on the back of the mackie srm-450, which is always at 12 o'clock or 50.

Also, during feedback suppression setup, can I leave the mic plugged in even while the gain is down and feedback detection is taking place or should it be removed from the first channel altogether?

Lastly, in terms of Q settings, based on my situation, what value setting would you recommend?

Dra

Hi J, Gadget is kinda preoccupied right now, but you might get lucky and he'll check in. I'll try to answer your questions.

1) Set the amp level to match the 260. Setting a true gain structure with a powered box is difficult at best because of the built in limiting.

2) The purpose of the AFS (FBX) is to suppress feed back from all mics being used. Whether you are solo, in a quartet, mic guitar amps, or a full drum kit, all mics should be on and at predicted levels. In this case (a lot of mics) you would be increasing gain at the masters.
Tip: If you find that you are running out of filters and need more, you can use the notch filter for the more narrow ones and the PEQs for the wider ones. Just ID them in the GUI and copy them where appropriate. Clear the AFS and re-do.
So, the simple answer is... Put your mic (SM58, etc) where ever it will be used and turn it up until the filters latch on.

3) Not sure what you're asking her. Q is the width of the band to be affected. In the PEQ's, it is what ever is needed. In the AFS (Hi, Med, Lo, Speech). Play with it. Start with Hi (least intrusive). If you fill the filters and still have feed back. Check your speaker placement and mic positioning. Dont let the speakers fire straight into a wall, try a slight angle. If you can safely tilt you stands (assuming), do so, but be careful. If none of this works try Med, and so on.

If you are not using the GUI. Do!

Since you only run vocals thru, you can run a fairly high hi-pass filter. 95-100hz BW18. If not for that 50-55hz would be wise.

Hope this helped. If you have follow-ups, feel free.

DRA

jmch783

thanks for the reply. i really appreciate the help...i just want to get the best settings possible...i think i've got it but...

1. the drive rack indicates my high amp level should be 100. so are you saying i turn up the volume level on the back of the srm 450 from the 50 (mid level) it's on to 100? the only reason why i am asking this is because we blew out a pair of srm-450's at a large show back in february because we pushed them too hard, which is why we bought the driverack, lol. we don't want to blow them again so having some reassurance would be nice. now that i think about it...in terms of setting vocal levels on the vlz-pro going forward, do i continue to set the levels the normal way i've been doing it(which is basically soloing the channel, setting the preamp level to around 0db, then unsoloing and bringing the master to U gain, then i've got the channel fader to turn up and down as my level)?

sorry for all the questions and if i sound confusing. just trying to get this set up correctly, lol.

-J

2. awesome

3. awesome

Dra

Odd (amp level 100). The GUI driveware says 50, which is where the cab manual recommends as well.

So set both at 50.

Setting channel gain - Solo the channel (I assume that the output meters register the channel). Set the channel fader and master fader both to -0-Have the user of this mic sing as loudly and as proximally as they will typically be during the show. Bring the channel gain up until the meter hits -0- (usually bumping the first red LED). Have them go absolutely as loud as is possible for the show and see if the channel clips or the meter pegs. If the channel barely lights that should be OK as you have about 3 db left. All this should be done without speakers on (or unpluged from DR). You can still increase the channel volume and the master is needed but the gain should not be increased.

DRA

Dra

Really strange that you popped a pair running just vocals. Must have been sending a clipped signal. The hi-pass filter will give you more headroom as well.

Report back and let us know how all goes. Or fire more questions as you think of them.

DRA