Rebuilding My Ceremony Rig

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Albatross

DJ Extraordinaire
ODJT Supporter
Sep 7, 2016
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I've been debating about this for a long time... but I'm finally re-doing my ceremony rig.

My typical set up is a Yamaha MG-10 mixer. I have a QLX-D lav mic. And then if I need a handheld I have been taking the one out of my reception system, and then reconnecting it later. I carry it all around in a big waterproof SKB case. And while the function has been perfect... the set up and breakdown always takes a little longer than I wanted.

I hadn't bought another QLX-D system because, quite frankly, they're pricey. And I probably do 1-2 ceremonies a month. It's a painful set up, but I'm not doing it every day.

But I'm tired of it.

Taking the plunge today and picking up a new QLX-D system (combo of SM-58 and beltpack so I can do either). And I'm also moving to the Denon 312 mixer so that I can have a simple rackmount system. Finally.. to keep the antennas tidy, I'm getting the Shure UA-844 to boost and simplify my antennae set up. I'll be mounting it all into a 4U Gator rack.

I should go from 15 minutes+ to about 2 in getting ready to go for a ceremony.

I'll be sure to send this group some pictures as soon as I get it all put together.
 
Welcome to the rebuilders/reworkers club.[emoji1] Sounds like you have a plan, so I’ll simply wish you well.[emoji4]
Ross is in the "re"-builders club ... not the "re-re-re"-builders one ...
 
i copied this set up exactly...and never been happier... that tray is my favorite thing ever... perfect size for all i need

i do normally add a second speaker tho

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phxwHGfZmBc
Only issue with using the mixer section on the back of a speaker is you need to be there (on most) to control levels and that puts you in camera shot range unless you have the speaker at the back of the audience or side, but that then creates issues with sound localization.

A remote mixer or a mixer that can be remote controlled (I know the RCF JMix has a remote controllable one) is generally easier to staff at and quicker to control when things go sideways.

Just my opinion.
 
I had a VERY similar setup about 3 years ago. I used the Rane 1RU mixer instead of the Denon, but I went back to the mixer on top (Bose T4s) of the case for the additional processing (peq, compressor, gate, and other DPS features) which I felt was worth it as I run sound for the ceremonies almost every wedding I DJ. The Bose mixer is so small that I am able to put in the bottom rack space + it's pre-wired, so I just pull it out and put on top of the case for every gig.
 
Ugh... I wish this was a triumphant post about being done. But my new Denon 312X mixer came in today, and I'm concerned.

I've got it racked up already:

37432

The issue is...

I'm getting a pretty decent amount of hum from this mixer. I started out on the Mono Out - since I was hoping to run that straight to my Bose Compact. On that output the hum was pretty bad. I tried a different cable (XLR to 1/4 Inch) and it was better... but not great. Certainly more noise than I've ever noticed from the Yamaha.

I also got some pretty serious feedback from the lav mic. You can see in this photo that I have both mics at 0 db. I normally have them at +6 for the Yamahas, and have had no issues.

But to the note Justin made above... on this mixer I don't have channel EQs on this particular mixer.

I thought I was going to get nice clean processing signal and wouldn't have had to worry about that loss.

Initial reaction is very nervous... The Yamaha may be here to stay.
 
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Ugh... I wish this was a triumphant post about being done. But my new Denon 312X mixer came in today, and I'm concerned.

I've got it racked up already:

View attachment 37432

The issue is...

I'm getting a pretty decent amount of hum from this mixer. I started out on the Mono Out - since I was hoping to run that straight to my Bose Compact. On that output the hum was pretty bad. I tried a different cable (XLR to 1/4 Inch) and it was better... but not great. Certainly more noise than I've ever noticed from the Yamaha.

I also got some pretty serious feedback from the lav mic. You can see in this photo that I have both mics at 0 db. I normally have them at +6 for the Yamahas, and have had no issues.

But to the note Justin made above... on this mixer I don't have channel EQs on this particular mixer.

I thought I was going to get nice clean processing signal and wouldn't have had to worry about that loss.

Initial reaction is very nervous... The Yamaha may be here to stay.


Yamaha is the best! Never any problems with my $155 MG10 mixer. It's the best! Sometimes you get screwed paying for expensive brands.

My Alto ZMX862 is a very quiet mixer as well.
 
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not really, certainly, not better ones. I have tried most of them and always come back to the BOSE Mixer. The Rane single rack mixer was pretty darn good and sounded clean, but nowhere near the flexibility that the digital mixer offers.

Having 3 separate parametric EQs, plus standard 3 band EQ, plus a noise gate (PER CHANNEL) is a big step up from any mixer that I have worked with IMO.

In addition, the T4s also has a global adjustment graphic EQ.

Also, being able to send aux feed a different mix than the master is also very important for wedding DJs.

The mixer couldn't be any easier to operate and the ability to saves scenes is great too.

I have completely eliminated any feedback suppressors such as the Shark, Gorack, and even the DBX one. Just don't need it when I can use a PEQ and adjust for it during sound check.

It's also a lot smaller than the Yami.
 
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The T4s is the newer and "better" one.

I have two T1s and one T4s.

See if you can buy it used. If not, the good thing is with BOSE gear, you can try it and not have to worry if you don't like it. 45-day money back.
 
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Without really trying to promote how amazing the Tonematch mixers are, DJs on IG are finally noticing how powerful the T4s mixer is for ceremonies and DJ setups.

I had a local DJ reach out and bought one, and he can't thank me enough. He is going to make a video with me featured in it. Hopefully, it will convince you that there isn't a better solution for us wedding DJs for both ceremony mixer and as a supplement mixer for your DJ rig.
 
Without really trying to promote how amazing the Tonematch mixers are, DJs on IG are finally noticing how powerful the T4s mixer is for ceremonies and DJ setups.

I had a local DJ reach out and bought one, and he can't thank me enough. He is going to make a video with me featured in it. Hopefully, it will convince you that there isn't a better solution for us wedding DJs for both ceremony mixer and as a supplement mixer for your DJ rig.

The only thing I don't like looking at it is that there isn't an XLR out option. It's rare, but sometimes I need to run my Yamaha into my mains. I could use a 1/4 inch to XLR converter... but I'd prefer to have a mixer that gives me all of the I/O options I normally need.
 
If it were a few bucks cheaper, I wouldn't hesitate to say the QSC TouchMix 8 is a near perfect small mixer .. all the effects and dynamics you'd want .. lots of mic inputs and remote controllable if needed .. unfortunately it's like $850 at the cheapest.

37526
 
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Toch mix is way way bigger and way more cumbersome. I have used it a few times, and cannot recommend it for our use.
 
The only thing I don't like looking at it is that there isn't an XLR out option. It's rare, but sometimes I need to run my Yamaha into my mains. I could use a 1/4 inch to XLR converter... but I'd prefer to have a mixer that gives me all of the I/O options I normally need.

Really?! I have not thought twice about having a XLR since it's so easy to adapt. It's still balanced too.

a $5.00 xlr to 1/4 adapter cable is not really a big deal to buy it should not hold one back in buying any gear. The way I have it set up is just to use a 5 ft 1/4 to XLR cable that drops below the table, terminating in XLR. Then from there, I use my XLR/power combos to my main speakers.

The T8s has XLRs though.