My Driverack PA+ and AutoEQ

JohnNYC

Hi all,

First off, I would like to thank the moderators here for being SO helpful and informative. I've been delving deep into all the FAQs since I've picked up my DRPA+. Most UGs on the web have a bunch of smart@$$ "know-it-alls", but you guys are the REAL DEAL!

Ok, now for my dilemma:

I have set up my system using the Setup Wizard, but when I got to the Auto EQ feature, I was nearly killed (figuratively, of course)! Can anyone say Jet Engine!

As I was going through the step-by-step of AutoEQ, I was balancing by top speakers by adjusting the amp levels. No problem...the pink noise was at a reasonable level and I was making progress. Then, without warning, the JET ENGINE from hell appeared. I thought my system was going to explode!

I immediately cut the power and bailed on the process. Let's just say I'm gun shy to try it again, in fear of blowing my system to bits. I've only done the System Setup and left the Auto EQ alone for now.

It sounds great at the moment when I run program music through it. The crossover points seem to be about right, but I'd like to flatten out the system a bit before I take it on a gig. I use this system to mix a 4-piece rock band (three vocals, drums, keys, gtr, bass) in medium-size clubs.

My system (4x2) is as follows:

1 - Behringer Eurodesk MX2442A
2 - JBL MP412 tops
2 - JBL MRX518S subs
1 - Crown PowerBase2 for tops
1 - QSC PLX 3602 for the subs

I did the initial setup my garage which is a 25 X 30 room, 10' ceilings, with the mic about 20' away from the speakers, centered between the tops.

Also, I sometimes use only one MRX518S (ie, mono sub), so I set up a preset for the 3X2 (just using one side of the PLX, not bridging), as well as for the full 4x2 system.

Thanks in advance,
John

Gadget

Hi John,

Welcome...we pride ourselves as a professional and accurate knowledge base. We welcome everyone from newbie on up, and discuss all things audio here... not just Driverack.

As to your dilemma... Which mic are you using... you didn't say... here's how to determine what I suspect is wrong.. I think your mic cable (or mic) is bad...

1. Hook up the mic and cable. Enable the RTA in realtime (press the RTA button) make sure you are in the "MIC" mode
2. Use the sensitivity control to make sure there is enough signal present...if there is NO signal you'll need to check the cable and mic
*NOTE* the cable might work for a dynamic mic but NOT work with a phantom powered mic like all measurement mics are...

The Driverack will go right to wide open pink noise

the JET ENGINE from hell appeared.

if the mic is not there for the DR to sense with... so that tells me that the mic is missing from the input stage of the DR...

Try that first and get back to us...when the mic is working properly it will ask you to turn up the signal MANUALLY... and it will barely be audible when the mic is properly connected and working...

Gadget

JohnNYC

Hi Gadget,

Thanks for the quick response.

I believe the mic was functioning because I did try the RTA button when I was running the program music, just to see if that was the case. I was able to see the individual frequencies bouncing up and down, and I toggled through the "slow, medium and fast" modes of the RTA as well.

The mic I am using is an Apex 220:
http://www.apexelectronics.com/products.asp?id=83&cat=2&type=1

I know it's a bit of a "cheapie", but it should get the job done, for the most part.

I also forgot to note that I run my amps full-out. I did program the DRPA+ with the amp levels set to 100% during the setup process. The jet engine happened right after I balanced my top speakers/amp. I believe I had to turn my right top amp channel down to about 92% before I could continue.

I'll try again with a new cable and I'll be sure to wear "shooter's muffs" just in case I'm on the TARMAC again ;-)!

Happy Holidays,
John

Dra

I had a similar thing happen. Kinda like a multi-stage rocket booster. It ended up being the mic itself.

DRA

Gadget

Did you do a proper gain structure? As I recall the wizard goes through auto level then right into the Auto EQ where it wants you to turn up the level... if it goes supernova right away I'd have to say the mic isn't recognized... Otherwise you'll have to contact Tech support...may be a probleem with the unit itself...
G