Use the PX 'Subharmonic Synthesizer' with Mackie 1301 subs ?

Ian Anthony

Hi all,

My name is Ian and I am a newbie to this Forum! I've checked the FAQ's and other sections as requested by the Moderators, and I can't see anything similar to this topic, so here goes.....

I have recently purchased a ‘Driverack PX Powered Speaker Optimiser’, to assist me in getting the best out of my powered speaker system.

I have a question about how to best use the PX, so I thought it might be helpful if I briefly described my sound system to you?

I work as a solo singer, so my sound system is quite straightforward. I use a Shure SM58 VHF radio microphone for my vocal and either mini-disc or CD player to play my backing tracks.

Mixer / sound source, is a Dynacord 600. I take a final mix / unamplified stereo signal directly from the mixer to the Driverack PX, via two XLR leads.

I then use four XLR leads to send the sub outputs / main outputs to my powered speakers which are….

2 x Mackie 450s
2 x Mackie 1301 subs

I use a second pair of Mackie 450’s as stage monitors, looped from the main PA Mackie 450’s. ( I do this to get the benefit of the AFS system, but I would welcome anyones thoughts on this! ).

I tend to use the full Driverack System Wizard as often as possible at each venue, following the Main Speaker Levels Auto setup, Auto EQ, and AFS procedure whenever I can do so.

My question is as follows…..

I am considering using the Subharmonic Synthesizer to enhance the sound from my Mackie 1301 subs, ( as described in Section 5.3 of the Driverack PX manual ).

The text mentions that I should be careful not to try and get my subs to produce frequencies that they are not designed to deal with, and that frequencies between 24-36Hz and/or 36-56 Hz can be added in via the Subharmonic Synthesizer.

So, is it ok for me to use the Subharmonic Synthesizer with my Mackie 1301 subs, as described above, without risking physical damage or spoiling the bass section of my mix?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on this and look forward to hearing from anyone on this topic.

Ian.

Gadget

I don't like the sub synth...especially where vocals are concerned... I think it's a gimmick, and useful perhaps for techno or trans music maybe...You have 2 PEQ's and the GEQ and the sub xover gain to tailor the sound of the speakers.. I have NEVER needed the sub synth to get deep rich punchy bass...
I have also never seen a 1301 model on Mackie equipment...?

Gadget

Ian Anthony

Hi Gadget, thanks for getting back to me on this.

I think I'll take your advice and leave the Subharmonic Synthesizer alone! I very rarely need to use my rig for dance or techno tracks, so there doesn't seem a great deal of benefit in adding to the bass output?

I guess I'm just enjoying experimenting with this new piece of kit, which is working really well for me anyway, without tweaking the bass output.

You are also absolutely right, there is no such thing as a Mackie 1301 sub!

I think my Alzheimers gene is kicking in, as I definitely own a set of 1501's, not 1301's!
But never mind, five minutes from now I'll have forgotten that I got it wrong anyway!

Thanks again for your time and congratulations on setting up a very useful and informative forum.

Ian Anthony.

Dennis

Just for a little background, the DBX 120(A) Subharmonic Synth is a stand alone piece that was popular 10 or 15 years ago. It is routed in the same manner as a reverb so individual channels can be assigned to it. It was typically used on the kick drum, floor tom, and possibly bass guitar.

Why DBX incorporated it into various DriveRacks to affect the entire mix is a puzzler but maybe DJs like them.

Dennis

Cory Cooper

A former DJ here. Personally, never used it myself. I put it in the same category as the BBE Sonic Maximizer. No offense to those who like it/use it, but it does more harm than good in my experience.

Cheers,

C

Gadget

Yo Coop!
Long time no hear! Whats happening old friend?
G

Cory Cooper

PM sent...