Live Sound Setup

ClassicRocker · #1 10-07-2011, 04:33 PM

Our band currently plays small to medium venues, usually indoor clubs but occasionally outside. I output from my guitar through a direct box and split to an onstage Ampeg BA-210SP and to the sound board. I do pad the signal from the direct box. We use two JBL PRX618S 18 inch 600 watt powered subwoofers with built-in crossovers. Would it make a difference if I used the balanced output from the Ampeg to the board instead of directly from my guitar? If so, would it enhance or hurt the final bass output sound to the audience? Also, I play with no effects.

Hellbastard · #2 10-07-2011, 04:44 PM

The only difference if you use the Amp's "Balanced Line out" is that you'll have the EQ settings from your amp going to the board. You'll have to set the gain on the board the same way you would with the DI signal.

Would it hurt the sound on the Front of house mix? It depends on how capable is the guy Mixing for your band.

TimmyP · #3 10-08-2011, 02:03 AM

I prefer that the bass be pre-EQ. As to whether it's the amp's DI or a box, if I have time I try both and see which sounds best.

WayneP · #4 10-08-2011, 05:44 AM

If I were the soundman I’d prefer direct from the bass. It’s not unusual for the balanced outputs of bass amps to be noisy. Plus they often do not have a pre-EQ setting, so any tone control you dial in for your on-stage needs gets passed along to the mixing console.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Tobias Club
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly

uhdinator · #5 10-08-2011, 01:44 PM

Ditto what Wayne said.
Your tone you're used to when dialing it
In by itself ( practicing at home etc..)
Is never the same needed in a PA and different rooms as well as fitting it in a mix with other instruments.

ClassicRocker · #6 10-09-2011, 11:58 AM

Thanks for the input. We performed outside last night and the venue supplied the PA sound . The tech had me line out of the amp's balanced output. At one time I was getting noise from my amp but lately it has been quiet. Friends in the audience said the sound was very good. They were running four subs so we had plenty of thump for the crowd. Typically we do our own sound from the stage and I will try it out of the amp on Saturday. Thanks again!