Setup Problem

micbob

I attempted to setup my DBX PX driverack last night and became very frustrated. Hopefully someone will be able to help me. I connected my PX to the following speakers:

2 powered QSC 18 Subs
2 powered JBL PRX 535 Speakers

I ran the wizard with the MR2 and got through the speaker config ok but after numerous attempts it kept asking me to turn up right sub (which I did) but it could never get them balanced. I finally bypass the sub and finish EQ setup. Not sure if the feedback wizard was completed correctly never got it to the point of feedback. Few questions:

1) Am I able to to use the setup I just saved or will it not work without the balancing to sub and proper feedback setup?

2) Do I need to go through the task of using the M2 or is there and option to connect and go? The problem I have is the place we play has house music playing constantly and doesnt bring it down until we start. Last night was one of those rare moments that I was able to try and set it up while they were closing and everything was quite.

Have to run sound for band and dj tonight. Was hoping to get it in line by tonight. Please let me know if this Driverack is even something that will improve system or would I be better servered without it. Thanks

Gadget

Ok this is kind of confusing. Did you select stereo tops and stereo subs? or stereo tops and mono subs? I think your mistaking a balance issue between the tops and subs, not the left and right subs since there is no 'dual mono' setup. So what it wanted you to do probably, was turn the subs down to match the tops possibly? or vice versa...

What you need to do is get a feel for the way setup goes, and that is why we made the "READ ME FIRST BEFORE POSTING" section.
viewtopic.php?f=61&t=959
and FAQ's here:
viewtopic.php?f=61&t=959

There you will find out how to set your gain structure...
and in these from the FAQ section in particular:
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=2346
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=949
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=953
these tell you how to do the auto EQ so that you don't need to do it at the venue...

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=960
this thread explains in greater detail how, and why to set up your system

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1384
this thread explains how to do an AFS run. Note that the speakers and ALL mics need to be on and running at show volume...

1) Am I able to to use the setup I just saved or will it not work without the balancing to sub and proper feedback setup?

Not sure... but I doubt it will be right...

2) Do I need to go through the task of using the M2 or is there and option to connect and go? The problem I have is the place we play has house music playing constantly and doesnt bring it down until we start. Last night was one of those rare moments that I was able to try and set it up while they were closing and everything was quite.

No, but your system will sound much better, be less prone to feedback issues and be less likely to excite the rooms you play...

But, in the interest of helping you get started, here are a few setup tips:
1. Set up a 2X4 (stereo tops and stereo subs)
2. When it starts asking about balancing press the [preset] button... think of this as the "home" button.. it will always take you to the same spot.
3. Next you need to set up the crossovers properly...unless you have BOTH your speaker types in the menu, (even then what they provider might not be best) I suggest setting the HPF for the subs to 25hz BW18 (this will allow the subs to set their own HPF). Set the LPF on the subs to 90hz LR24. note, if the subs (you didn't include a model #) have a variable frequency control you will need to set that control as high as it will go. Next set the HPF for the tops @ 90hz LR24.
3. Next, play something that you know pretty well, I use Steely Dan, or Dread Zeppelin, Leanne Rimes, How do I live...or whatever, and use the volume controls on the louder of the two (tops, or subs)(this is the balance they are speaking of).

Now, try the new indoor method or better yet outdoors.. and let the mic set up the GEQ for you and flatten the system. (As per the FAQ section)

Make sure to store the whole setup.. or you'll loose i, and that takes 3 presses of the store button...
Gadget

micbob

Thanks for your reply, The model sub I'm using is HPR181i 18" Powered Subwoofer and I setup stereo tops and stereo subs. I read through my manual and thought I was on the right track. It did indicate that it may prompt me to adjust volume knob on speakers or subs during balancing. It stated to turn up right sub. Now whether it was trying to balance it with other sub or tops not sure. I just know I kept increasing and at no point was it able to complete. When I first got the unit I was under the impression the setup wasnt that difficult but after reading and attempting it appears to be a very complicated and error prone task. I love the idea of the driverack but in my situations I do not have much of an chance to run the wizard because the venue would have to turn their house system off and patrons would get upset by the pink noise. I was hoping there was a way to still benefit from the system. Obviously getting it online tonight is out of the question but I will continue to go through the links you provided and see if its possible to get it setup. Thanks

Dra

How was the output of the right sub to the left? Try physically swapping the subs positions and swap the cables. So, now the left is the right and visa versa. See if the PX still wants you to increase the right side.

Also try starting with the tops' level down an additional 50% (or more) and see if that changes anything.

DRA

micbob

Thanks will give it a try. One other question, during the wizard setup it states to "set to performance level" does this mean to the level I want it to be during the show or is the a level to be determined by the wizard setup? :oops: Thanks

Dra

Just to be clear I don't have a PX. Just a PA and 260. Just offering basic troubleshooting.

Performance level is the "loudness" you will have the system playing when in use.

DRA

Gadget

And that would be a question for the auto eq section...usually, the FBX asks you to turn the masters DOWN and then bring them up slowly after pressing the next button.

It really isn't that difficult, you could easily get it set up for tonight... your tops are probably much louder than your subs so no matter how much you turned them up it wouldn't be enough.. I'd skip that and just turn the loudest speakers down till they match well.. as I said in my lengthy post, then set one of the tops on the floor in your living room, hopefully it's carpeted??? then set the mic on the floor about 5-8 feet out and run an auto eq pass. make sure that if you don't have carpet that you set the mic on a towel or soft cloth... when you add your subs tune them by ear. I usually find front loaded subs have a peak about 60 hz and 100 hz so I add a PEQ there... but that's for later..

For now add the subs and re-set the balance as directed before.. from the tops to the subs. make sure to save the info when ever the red store lite is lit or whatever you changed won't be there next time...

Now, if your doing live sound (if DJ don't worry about the AFS right now) then you need to have everything set up and running with all mics on and up to volume.. THEN do an AFS pass.. follow the instructions..
G

micbob

Thanks, My system is already setup at the gig so any adjustments I would have to do there. Is that still possible? Thanks

Gadget

No, not the auto EQ, you could still set the xovers and HPF's and LPF's and do the balance, but don't try the auto EQ.. you could do the AFS too but there will be some ringing as the filters set...you could hoevre set them to just 12 roamingf filters...for now..
g