Speaker Connection to DRPA

twinspindj

What is the best way to hook up my speakers to DRPA based on following considerations?

Speakers are all Active.
Each speaker can pass along the signal to another via Input and Output XLR connections on the back of the speaker.

Speakers:
Set A = Mackie 1530 (500W) 3-way (no vol control on back of speaker)
Set B = RCF 200A (200W+) 12\" 2-way, (vol control on back of speaker)
Set C = RCF 800A (400W) 15\" Subwoofer, (vol control on back of sub)

Set A = Floor standing
Set B = Spkr Stand Used for setup
Set C = Floor Standing

Question 1: What set of speakers (A,B,C) will the Left and Right Output XLR cords be connected to first? Then, from it to the second and from the second to the third?

Question 2: What program setting should I use for this setup?

All speakers have internal crossover within, so no external system is utilized.

The type of event that this particular array will be used is for Formal Dance (Hip-Hop/Rap, Classic Rock, etc.) with about 400-500 people attending.

Anything else I may need to know for good sound? I don't understand the RTA procedures.

Thanks in advance.
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Dra

How did you set them up prior to getting the DRPA?
What are the internal x-overs set at for each speaker?
Are all speakers (3) together?
Do you want to have control over indivual speakers?
Are you staying away from 6 XLR cable runs, even at the expense of sound quality, for ease of set-up?

DRA

twinspindj

How did you set them up prior to getting the DRPA?

Left and Right spkr outputs from Mixer to Mackie (1530) 3-way Input; XLR from Mackie \"output\" to RCF Sub's Input; then XLR from RCF Sub \"Output\" to RCF 2-way Spkr Input. (Same for Right Channel) The only problem I had was that the RCF 2-way spkrs are more efficient than the Mackie 1530 3-way spkr, so I adjusted volume output on back of RCF 2-Way to match Mackie output at Performance Level. There are no volume controls on back of Machie 1530.

What are the internal x-overs set at for each speaker?

I don't know? They are powered speakers and the crossovers are internal and cannot be manually changed.

Do you want to have control over indivual speakers?

I'm not sure what you mean. I always use stereo mode for speakers. Can you explain? I just want to have them blend together...of course the subwoofer should be able to be increased in intensity when necessary.

Are you staying away from 6 XLR cable runs, even at the expense of sound quality, for ease of set-up?

As I understand it, the pass through or \"outbut\" from each speaker is only passing the signal, not modifying it in any way. If I shut off any speaker in the chain, the other two will have a signal coming from them.

What do you mean by \"even at the expense of sound quality\"?

I use six XLR cords to connect the speakers: Left side = 3 XLR cords, Right side = 3. The L & R \"output\" from DRPA are connected to first speaker in chain, i.e. Mackie 1530.

I have used the DJ Setup (2-way) when using ONLY RCF Main (2-way) and RCF Sub together. However, I use \"Full Range\" Program setup when using the Mackie 1530's with RCF's. I hope that by using Full Range Program that each speaker does it's own thing: Mackie does -3 Way, RCF does 2-way, and RCF sub does subwoofer. Correct?

I have no experience at trying to set crossover points or RTA procedure. Need hands-on instruction with someone who knows how to set the EQ, etc.

Feed back please.

Dra

I can't find ANY info on the 800A, not even on the RCF site. There has to be a x-over filter, either fixed or variable. I have to have that info.

DRA

twinspindj

DRA--I did find crossover information for the speakers:

RCF ART 800AS (Subs): 80Hz ; Frequency Response (40 - 200 Hz)

RCF ART 200A: (2-way) 1800Hz (Freq Response: 58 -20,000 Hz)

Mackie 1530: (3-Way) 700 Hz and 3000 Hz
Mackie 1530 Freq. Range: (-10db) 40Hz - 20KHz; Freq Response: (-3db) 45Hz - 18KHz)

Hope this helps. And...thanks for being patient.

Dra

Well, not what I was hoping for. The 80hz anyway. But, we'll go with it.

We will set up two systems.
System #1 be the Mackie.
System #2 will be the RCF combo.

In the wizard, set up Stereo Linked for the GEQ.
Custom Bi-amp speaker with Custom sub.
Custom amps for all three.

The band grouping could be any of several, but I will go with...
Hi - Mackie
Mid - 200A
Lo - 800A

Hi -
Hi-pass 50hz, BW 18
Gain - 0
Hi outputs from DRPA to Mackies

Mid -
Hi-pass 80hz, LR 24
Lo-pass 18K, BW 6
Gain - 0
Mid outputs to 200A's

Lo -
Hi-pass 40hz, BW 18
Gain - 0
Lo-pass 80hz, LR 24
Lo output (L) to 800A

This will give you control over each speaker. There are some drawbacks, but it is a start. You could use only 2 bands and use the internal x-over of the 800A, but you lose the individual control of the sub.

DRA

twinspindj

:oops: This will be a challenge. I'm not that well versed in equalizations, but I will make attempt...later this week and post back.

Thank you for the help, thus far.

Dra

Be sure to go to the FAQ section and read all that is there. Also download the Driveware GUI. Although you have the DRPA, it will give you a better \"view\" of what is going on in the DRPA.

DRA

Gadget

Does the sub have a variable LPF? because if it doesn't you really have to go with the 80 hz frequency. with limited power comes limited volume at that low crossover point, I also don't like crossovers that sit right on top of the first harmonic (thud) of the kick... makes no sense to me...

Gadget

twinspindj

Gadget...I will try and find the Owner's Manual that came with the Subwoofer and ring back when I locate it.

Thanks for reviewing the post. You're the man!

Gadget

I review ALL the post my friend...nothing gets by my watchful eye.. With Dra and Kevin, and others doing such a good job theres no need for me to chime in usually...

Gadget

Dra

Well! :roll:
Just kidding.

It is hard to imagine that a \"pro\"level sub would be 80 hz and 80 hz only.
I've Googled and there are very few references to this model and they are not English (Italian I guess). RCF site apparently does not support discontinued.

DRA

Gadget

I have the RCF woofers in my Yorkville Elite mains...with B&C 750 HF drivers... I've answered a few questions about RCF and they have never had very much info. As you surmised I think it's an over seas thing...
Gadget

twinspindj

Yes, RCF speakers that I have are Italian made. Mackie used to distribute them in USA, but RCF subsequently took back them back. They are still being sold in USA, however. Probably not that model. Again, I'll check around for the Owner's manual and chime back.

Thanks all for being thorough and observant.

twinspindj

Well...I did find the RCF Subwoofer manual and here is what it states:

Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 200 Hz
Crossover Frequency: 80 Hz, Crossover 24db Octive

:?

I'm not sure what you meant by

This will give you control over each speaker. There are some drawbacks, but it is a start. You could use only 2 bands and use the internal x-over of the 800A, but you lose the individual control of the sub.

DRA

Here is some additional information I found that may be useful:

RCF ART 800AS (Subs): 80Hz ; Frequency Response (40 - 200 Hz)

RCF ART 200A: (2-way) 1800Hz (Freq Response: 58 -20,000 Hz)

Mackie 1530: (3-Way) 700 Hz and 3000 Hz
Mackie 1530 Freq. Range: (-10db) 40Hz - 20KHz; Freq Response: (-3db) 45Hz - 18KHz)

twinspindj

:? Seriously, need opinion. Will the system I have be large enough to play for a Formal Event with approxmately 400-700 people? Keep in mind that not everyone will be dancing. The room is quite large with high ceilings and is configured like a rectangle. I will be playing across the short wall and about 2/3 up the long wall. Dance floor is in front of me. Several round tables and head table (rectangular) on the other side of the dance floor in front of me with the remainder of the tables in the 2/3 area of the room to my left.

I feel like I will really need to put the volume to the Subwoofers. The setup you have indicated is a bit confusing.

All input is welcomed.

:oops:

Dra

Is there a button or switch, or alternate input for the sub to by-pass or turn off the filter? It seems strange that it gives response to 200hz if no access to it.

Just ignore he drawback statement and set it up as described, with one change if possible... If you can, by-pass / turn off the sub x-over then change 80 hz to 100 hz in both places listed.

Whether you have enough gear is a matter of perspective. Set up outdoors and let'r rip. Go to about where the far wall would be and if it is loud enough then it will for sure be loud enough in the roiom.

DRA

twinspindj

Thanks DRA for update/input.

Re: Subwoofer RCF 800AS

There is not way to have access to the crossover externally. The only buttons on the back side of the RCF 800AS is (1) Volume control, (2) Phase button, and (3) Input and Output XLR connectors, and extra plug output for a tandem power source, i.e. to connect the ART 200A. I can tell you that the signal passes through the RCF 800AS (subwoofer) to any speaker that is connected to the RCF 800AS's \"output\" XLR, when it is ON or OFF! Same for the ART200. The ART 200 does not have an additional electrical \"output\". But, it does have an extra XLR \"Output\"...to hook in series.

I've used the setup in the \"Big\" Ballroom before. Had the DRPA set for \"Full Range\" and sent L and R outputs to Mackie and then to RCF Sub, and then to the Satellite RCF 200A from the Sub. I had to tweak the RCF 200's because they are more efficient than the Mackie 1530s. For what it's worth, I do have another mixer that does have a dedicated subwoofer ouput. I can then control the subwoofer volume by the mixer's subwoofer knob, if that's an alternative to getting more sub response. Comments.

Dra

With the set-up I layed out you will be able (from within the x-over section) control each speaker (set) with the gains. Particularly the low (sub). You may be a little lucky here, as normally you have to re-adjust the higher band point as you increase the gain, but since your sub is acting as a 2nd filter then gain won't affect it.

DRA