Need help...please!

giusfre

Hi! I'm Marco...from Italy...so, please excuse for my english in advance. I'll try to explain my problem:
I've a Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer a pair of Mackie SRM450V2 and a pair of Mackie SWA1501 as subs...and, of course, a drive rack PA+.
I have set the level control on the back of the SRM450 and SWA1501 in the normal position (12 o'clock)
I play a pink noise through the mixer to match a exit level about 0db
In the input headroom meter of the drive rack PA only the first two o tree green lights lights up (30/20)
In the output hedroom meter on the bass only the first one light up (SIG) and on the hight hedroom meters only the firs two or tree green led lights up (20/10) but the red led (TH) sometimes lights up(?).
When I try to set the auto level or the auto eq I can't set the level I desire becouse if I set a level more than - 7/6 db when I press the next button nothing happen and the display say to me to decrease the level! I have red somewhere that I should set the pink noise level between -5db to + 5db but the drive rack don't leave me to do?!?
Did I have to set the pink noise level to +4db (performance level) to match the +4db level of the Mackie specker level control? How can I do it?
Did I have to set the Mackie speaker level control highter than +4db?
The spekars, infact, seems not to sound enought loud as their own power should aspect to do...
Thanks for the help

Gadget

Might as well just forget about the input meters... they are inaccurate, and misleading anyway...( ALMOST every meter IS...) If you set the xover gains at unity, 1 volt in = 1 volt out of the DRPA+ (with the switch in the back in the +4 dB position...If memory serves)

With a powered setup, you would need to set the HPF/LPF somewhere below the subs LPF in order to have ANY control. If the tops are capable of say 127dB, if the subs cannot match that (speaker for speaker...and they usually can't) then you'll need to add more subs, or turn down the tops to match sub output LEVEL.

Note that the measurement mic is routed to the DRPA+ input when the auto EQ process is started, and, that once the CLIP level is met, the DRPA+ will tell you to turn DOWN the level. (this is so the inputs aren't clipping...) to get MORE loudness for the process, you will need to move the speakers AWAY from the measurement mic...the farther the speakers are away, the louder they will HAVE to be to meet the measurement requirements... so, lets say you wish to run 105dB 'C' weighted, using a Decibel meter set the speaker output @ 105dB at the point you want that level (3 feet is pretty useless lets say 10 feet minimum) now move the speaker back (or measurement mic) till you are within the -0- dB area )or slightly below. Now if you take your measurement you should have no trouble with the "TURN DOWN" notification. You will also be measuring the speakers response AT THE LEVEL THEY WILL BE PLAYING... and believe me the loudness makes a BIG difference in the way a speaker sounds... especially when you PUSH IT!

And, I don't care WHAT the manual says...Putting the mic on a stand between the speakers 20-25 feet out is a recipe for DISASTROUS sound! One speaker at time (on a stand if possible, note look up free space measurements, and 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 for understanding why...) mic strait out, 25 feet is best (or so) mic on the ground, on a soft surface (towel, carpet etc.) aimed at the speaker...

A second off axis measurement should also be taken and averaged for best sound (with your ears) between the two measurements

Outdoor freefield measurements on a stand are possible, indoors not so much...

Be forewarned about LF modes and standing waves that will artificially lower the bass level when using the Auto EQ indoors...

Lots more info in the "Start Here" on gain structure and setup, and More in depth stuff in the "FAQ" section on the front page...

Gadget