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karaoke_carlos

karaoke_carlos

New DJ
Jun 30, 2008
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I anticipate possibly going to a powered setup in the near future. However, I still love my passive speakers and want to have "the best of both worlds" so I can pull out powered or non-powered speakers on demand, depending on the job.

I have all my cases hard-wired, so they have a connection plate with all my inputs/outputs. This creates a really nice, clean look with all cables going in the same direction, come from the same location.

Here's an overview of my setup:

Mixer output goes to EQ, then crossover, then two separate amps (hi/lo). This is perfect for "non-powered" setups.

I want to be able to still "tune" the system (rather than running out of the box configuration) and run separate signals to the tops and bottoms whenever I go powered. I'm considering "y" XLR connectors out of the crossover, sending the signal simultaneously to the amplifiers and the powered speakers, so I can still tune/detune the system.

Will putting a Y connector affect my sound quality? can you see any foreseeable issues before I start drilling my case and end up with something I don't want/need?

Thanks!

Carlos
 
Instead of a Y connector if your amp has a through signal XLR or 1/4" TRS input (Parallel to single XLR input) you can feed that signal to the powered speaker, just add a patch panel XLR in your rack and you have the feed for the powered speaker.
This PLX2 would use the !/4" input as an output to the powered speaker:
PLX3602_rear_hi.jpg


In this PL3 you have an XLR through that gives you the same result:
PL380_rear.jpg


Or you can use a splitter, but it's simpler to use the above example specially if you have no space on the rack and it's a lot better than a Y cable.
 
Carlos,
You just need to remember one thing powered speakers don't like too much eq or maximizers. These will give you headaches on the powered speakers.
 
About the powered speakers or using the amp inputs as a thru out?

Powered speakers usually have all the processing they need, external equalizers should only be used to cut frequencies down, no boost and only in small amounts. A maximizer can overdrive the speaker even if the clip lights don't light up as you are feeding boosted signals, you can read some horror stories if you search old threads.

Using the 1/4" inputs as outputs is easy as these connectors are wired in parallel to the XLR's- So you feed the main signal into the XLR and then make a 1/4" TRS plug cable on one end and the male XLR output connector at the other end either in a patch panel (Which I think is safer regarding pulling the plug out by accident) or from the amp to the speaker like you were daisy chaining some powered speakers. Just remember there's a limit on how many times you can do this as the impedance changes if you keep on adding powered cabinets.
 
Thanks, SVO.

I think I'm getting most of what you wrote... whenever I use an EQ... it's usually not to ENHANCE a frequency, but to DETUNE a frequency. Perfect example: We did a wedding at a local venue. Nice, 5 star hotel. We walked in, set up, and started sound check. As it turns out, the AC registers on the ceiling were loose, creating a horrible rattle. With less than an hour before guest arrival, we didn't have time to sit there and wait for hotel staff to diagnose and repair the problem before guests entered the room. We ended up finding the frequency that was causing the problem, detuned it, and the rattle went away by about 90%. That was enough to make it bearable for the guests. That's really the main idea... for sound correction once we are installed in a room.
 
karaoke_carlos said:
I anticipate possibly going to a powered setup in the near future. However, I still love my passive speakers and want to have "the best of both worlds" so I can pull out powered or non-powered speakers on demand, depending on the job.

I have all my cases hard-wired, so they have a connection plate with all my inputs/outputs. This creates a really nice, clean look with all cables going in the same direction, come from the same location. You need to separate Signals from Power/AC signals, otherwise it is a good idea.

Here's an overview of my setup:

Mixer output goes to EQ, then crossover, then two separate amps (hi/lo). This is perfect for "non-powered" setups.

I want to be able to still "tune" the system (rather than running out of the box configuration) and run separate signals to the tops and bottoms whenever I go powered. I'm considering "y" XLR connectors out of the crossover, sending the signal simultaneously to the amplifiers and the powered speakers, so I can still tune/detune the system.


Will putting a Y connector affect my sound quality? This is exactly what I use except my options XLR Y Connector is used at the EQs outputs. One set goes to my Bose Controller/Two way Crossover and the other set goes to my Three way Electronic Crossover. can you see any foreseeable issues before I start drilling my case and end up with something I don't want/need? Keep the AC cords away from signal sources.

Thanks!
Carlos
Click to expand...
Some answers above in RED
If you are using a Rack with amps in it you are best served to either install exhaust fans or leave the back open otherwise the amps will not only run hot but may heat up other components in the case.

I see no problem using an EQ with powered speakers as you may have to adjust frequencies on the fly. The better the signal going to the powered speaker, the better the output of said speaker. There is NO one Powered Speaker system that is an answer all to all venues.
In either two way or three way, I have dedicated drivers for my two or three way frequencies. What I mean is that in a two way configuration, my Bose 802 is not hindered with onboard filtering so it only reproduces the Highs and Mids sent to it and my Subs get pure bass. In the three way configuration I have a cabinet with only tweeter horns that reproduce highs, another cabinet with a Midrange Horn that reproduces Midrange and other Cabinets that reproduces Bass. Each powered by its own amp. My Bose 802 can be the backup for either my Mids or Highs in the 3 way configuration
 
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