Best way to power on / power off the PX?

DoublePromo

I just purchased one and I am impressed with it. I am a little puzzled as to why there is no power switch for the unit. It was purchased for my home DJ setup and seeing as I pretty much only get to play music on weekends and there being no need for it to be on constantly when not in use, what is the best remedy for this? Plugging / unplugging the unit when using / not using? I already have a high enough electric bill and not only don't need another device constantly on, but I also don't need the constant illumination of the LCD display.

Gadget

The DRPA had a problem that if it was turned off while the amps were still on, or the power went out.. it would cause a system stressing.. sometimes destroying thump...They put FET devices in that prevent the thump when the power gores out, but a switch internally was a constant potential for the noise.. that is a guess...but I'd suggest one of those cheap plug strips with a switch on it.. I would suggest that you use good protocol still, and trun the amps on last and off first...

Gadget

DoublePromo

Thanks. It's customary for me to turn all the volumes down on the mixer before powering down / off anything. Each monitor is plugged into a separate wall outlet, and my DJ equipment including the dbx PX are connected to a (for what it's worth - Acoustic Research) 10-outlet power strip that I use to power down everything when not in use.

Gadget

Hmmmm kinda sounded like you were using this in a home setup... thus the concern for power consumed...This thread makes it sound like you put this stuff in clubs...If this is a home project you are using to practice, I still want you to power down the AMPS.. (if powered speakers are involved they ARE the power amps...) THEN power down the preamp signal equipment...

If your not comfortable with my supposition... contact TECH SUPPORT available above and discuss this with them...Beware that they are VERY strapped and over run with problems... that is why I/we try and deflect some of the problems/questions here...

Gadget... NOT a DBX employee... but Site moderator...

DoublePromo

Yes it's for a home setup, yes I am using powered monitors, and yes thanks for the tidbits. FYI, a few reasons for me wanting to get the dbx PA - I'm \"rebuilding\" my home DJ setup piecemeal and am interested in getting quality products (I also like there being some learning involved) and this dbx fit the bill. I initially was going to get a quality standard EQ with the up/down levers but then started looking at non-lever programmable EQ's as I wanted the choice of having multiple setup variations that I could store and access with the click of a button (nothing worse than someone messing with your EQ settings you spent a lot of time perfecting). Got the dbx from Guitar Center and the salesman gave me a pretty good explanation of all the oohs and aahs of it. I was at first going to get the PA but didn't see the need for it because of the crossover capabilities (though I do see now that the PA does have a power switch).

Gadget, might it be your position that the PA is a better choice than the PX if even just for the power switch?

Gadget

Well, I could personally care less about the power switch... all my systems are one switch all or nothing setups, but I do follow the \"amps on last and off first\" protocol. I have a PX, DRPA, 240,several 260's and a 4800...All serve different needs...I have the PX running a karaoke/DJ rig sight now because it really doesn't need any system delay..I was using powered speakers, but when a bigger punch was needed I subbed in some high power cabs that use external amps.

I actually do prefer the DRPA... it does have the potential turn off thump, and for this reason I have disconnected the power switch internally, and have recommended this to others, and added a cheap UPS for backup power so the DRPA remains running even if the power fails...

I like the 6 outs, I like the ability to at least sum the signal for subs. I like the alignment delay, but it is really insufficient for a lot of applications...

The 260 is really THE hallmark piece in this category...it has it all, and then some. It is twice the price of the PX with a thousand times the features, and ability...If you haven't already I suggest you avail yourself of the READ ME FIRST section and it's FAQ's as there is a lot to learn with this technology as you have already discovered, and you have already expressed a desire to learn..

Good luch and good sound!
Gadget

DoublePromo

Gadget, again thanks for your answers. I have perused the aforementioned sections you spoke of and do see lots of information that I'll soon be utilizing. I do however don't see much in the way of questions regarding recording with the PX. I did see one for the PA but rather than build on that thread further I hope it's okay to ask your advice once more here regarding the PX and recording. Here's my mini-home setup (for all intents and purposes):

Two Technics 1210's
One Denon DNX1500 mixer
Two Denon DNS3500 CDJ's
Two Mackie MR5's (I have a pair of Mackie 450's but I'm in an apartment and don't want to blow out my neighbor's eardrums)
One Pioneer EFX1000 effects processor
One Denon CDR-W1500 recorder

The EFX1000 is connected to the mixer via 1/4\" plugs. The Mackie's are connected to the dbx PX via XLR cables, and the PX is connected to the mixer via XLR cables. I use RCA's to connect the mixer to the CD recorder. My question to you would be is the best to have all of this setup enabling me to actually EQ the sound while I am recording and having the PX set to GEQ?

I really do appreciate your help - hope I'm not sounding like too much of a noob.

Gadget

I would say set the PX up to get a flat response from the speakers so that you can accurately evaluate the sound you are trying to record.. The less processing you do to the recording the better in my opinion.

What is your specific aim with the recordings? What are you planning to do with them? Do you have sufficient EQ on the mixer to get the sound you need for the recording...

Gadget

DoublePromo

The Pioneer DNX1500 is a pretty good mixer - has the standard low / mid / high and gain knobs and pretty good effects. I can use the ranges effectively but I do like the choice of tweaking the overall sound that I hear. I've been a DJ for over 20 years and the nature of my love for the music has always been based more on having an extensive record collection rather than having a excellent sound system, and although I don't DJ out anywhere near as much as I used to, being a bit older and having a few extra dollars to spend, I've decided to treat myself to better quality equipment than I have in the past and the dbx PA seemed like a nice piece to have and to learn about. I still love to play music and have been doing internet mixshows constantly for almost 10 years now, and I just wanted to have a modestly-priced quality EQ / sound module so I can enjoy the music more. But more importantly, the sound that I hear when I am playing music is the sound I'd like to get during the recording process. Eventually the home system is going to get bigger and better, but for now what I have will do. FYI I am also getting my learn on in producing / remixing but most of that takes place on the PC and with an MPC, but I'll be sampling music from vinyl as well. Hopes this gives you a bit more insight as to where I'm headed.

Oh, also, for what it's worth, I'm a die-hard house music DJ and I'm looking to maintain consistency in overall sound levels when mixing.

Gadget

Cool, Well I started Dj'ing in 1979...so that's almost 30 years...now...Oui Vei, I've dated myself pretty effectively haven't I. I actually own a DJ Karaoke company (Twilite Zone Productions) that usually does about 100-150 shows a year. Besides myself I have 3 primary DJ's..I also have a recording studio with a 1\" 16 track reel machine as well as computer based recording and editing...

Enough of that, Yes I think you'll find the DRPA intriguing... consider then putting the record outs on the Hi L/R so that you have 3 PEQ's to work with... this way you can have the speakers on the MID L/R outs and set them up as flat and then you can enhance the recording differently... NOT based on the sound coming from your DJ rig... but your HOPEFULLY better monitors for the recording rig...

Where is your online show?

Gadget