EQ'ing the PA bass channel

[HassBacker]

I'll be doing an outdoor gig this weekend. This will be the first time I will run in the PA. I have the option of using the DI of my preamp or using a DI box. I would prefer to use the post DI out of the preamp, as I'm not sure if the pre out runs the signal through the tube.
The PA channel has the usual complement of controls: bass treble, semi-parametric mids and a 100Hz low cut filter
There are powered subs and 15" mains, but I'm not sure of the capability of the subs. The kybd player sounds ok through the PA
I guess my questions are:
Do any of you use the low-cut filter and if so, how do you EQ the channel to compensate?
If the low cut is not used, what are some good starting points for the EQ?
Thanks.

[baba]

I don't use the low cut filter for bass. I would start flat with the bass channel on the eq. Listen and REMOVE instead of add with the EQ. Don't overthink it, just listen. Remember, the objective out front is not to get the bass to sound good alone, the objective is to make it sound good in the mix. Don't obsess over instrument tones too much, obsess over your overall mix.

[MuzikMan]

Originally Posted by baba

I don't use the low cut filter for bass. I would start flat with the bass channel on the eq. Listen and REMOVE instead of add with the EQ. Don't overthink it, just listen. Remember, the objective out front is not to get the bass to sound good alone, the objective is to make it sound good in the mix. Don't obsess over instrument tones too much, obsess over your overall mix.

Perfect response! Nothing more needs to be said, really.

[Zooberwerx]

I might do a mid-sweep on the board to remove any mud or bumps but that's about it. The 75 hz filter removes waaaaay too much low end. I do use the 30-40 hz filters on the Xover and QSC amps.

Just a sidenote: The pre-EQ DI signal from my Hartke 3500 head sounds better than post-EQ. Not sure why but its a great argument for allowing the soundguy to do the mix.

Riis

[HassBacker]

Thanks for the guidance all. It should go ok, but I am unsure if the PA can deal with a lot of bass. If the PA starts to fart out, I'll just have to turn the rig up some. (which is really what I want to do anyway )

[Deacon_Blues]

Originally Posted by HassBacker

Thanks for the guidance all. It should go ok, but I am unsure if the PA can deal with a lot of bass. If the PA starts to fart out, I'll just have to turn the rig up some. (which is really what I want to do anyway )

What is the wattage of your rig versus the PA?

[TimmyP]

I've yet to have a post EQ-DI work as well as a pre-EQ DI. EQ that's right on the rig ain't right for the PA.

Take a DI just in case. Some amp DIs work fine at some venues and have ground loop problems at others.

I've yet to find an amp DI that could match the sound of a Radial Pro48 active DI.

I find that most PAs - at least those with subs - are overbearing at 80. So if your bass and the kick are ballsy but "not right", pull the graphic down 3dB or 6 dB at 80, and adjust the channel EQ from there.

If you need more "growl" in your sound, boost the mid somewhere between 500 and 1000 (sweep to see what you like).

You'll likely have to turn the treble down to reduce string noise, and the twank of any slapping.