Need help PA/EQ question!!

[rockinpop]

I am putting together a PA. My question is this. I have 31 "dual" band eq. I would like to use channel 1 of the eq for the FOH speakers and channel 2 of the eq for the monitors. Can this be done and if so how. I was thinking this.... Use a "Y" cable from left & right out of the mixer into channel 1 of the eq. Use another "Y" cable from the monitor send (mixer) to channel 2 of the eq. Woud this work? Could it damage anything? I appreciate any input..... Thanks!!

[projectMalamute]

Originally Posted by rockinpop

I am putting together a PA. My question is this. I have 31 "dual" band eq. I would like to use channel 1 of the eq for the FOH speakers and channel 2 of the eq for the monitors. Can this be done and if so how. I was thinking this.... Use a "Y" cable from left & right out of the mixer into channel 1 of the eq. Use another "Y" cable from the monitor send (mixer) to channel 2 of the eq. Woud this work? Could it damage anything? I appreciate any input..... Thanks!!

You can't sum two signals with a Y cable. You can split them that way, but not sum them.

You either need another channel of EQ or you need to run the FOH in mono, which is probably what you want to be doing anyway.

If you have a mono mix out use that, if not just pick left or right and use that.

The aux send for the monitor mix should already just be a mono signal. I don't understand what you would be trying to connect a Y cable to here.

[Jimbob Jones]

Hi

First things first; what are you trying to achieve by using an EQ on your speakers? IME EQing your outputs without good reason is just asking for trouble, especially with a 31-band. That said, if you're trying to combat feedback, then using the EQ may be a worthwhile approach.

Again IME, Y cables are not a great idea; they tend to cause more problems than they solve.

If you can post what equipment you specifically have; what make/model of desk, EQ, amps and speakers, then we can be a lot more helpful in suggesting solutions to your question!

[StuartV]

What projectMalamute said.

If you're only going to use one channel on the EQ for FOH, then obviously you are going to be running FOH in Mono. Ditto for monitors. So, no need for Y cables.

[rockinpop]

I am using a Soundcraft MFXi 12 channel mixer along with a BBE eqa231 dual band eq. A BBE Max X3 crossover. I have 2 powered RCF FOH speakers. 2 powered Yorkville subs. I am using a power amp to drive the monitors. I recently used this set up without EQ'ing the monitors. I used both channels of the EQ for the FOH. I would like to split that now and use 1 band of eq for the FOH and 1 band of the eq for the monitors. I am fairly new at this and want to make sure I hook this all up correctly. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thanks!

[Highway27]

As was said above, unless you have some specific reason to run stereo channels to the FOH speakers, use a single output from the board 'MIX' (either L or R) to A Channel In on the EQ, then A Channel Out to the Crossover Input. Then take the Crossover High Out to your first speaker XLR In, then go from the first speaker XLR Out to the 2nd Speaker XLR In. Take the Low Output from the Crossover to your first Sub Input, then another cable from the Thru to the second Sub Input. That's the FOH setup, just make sure you don't pan any of the channels to the 'wrong' side.

For the monitors, just take the Monitor Out (Aux Send) on the Mixer to the B Channel In on the EQ, then B Channel Out to the Power Amp for the monitors.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by Jimbob Jones

First things first; what are you trying to achieve by using an EQ on your speakers? IME EQing your outputs without good reason is just asking for trouble, especially with a 31-band.

LOL.

For the sake of Your audience (and Your band if you're using monitors), I sure hope it's not You who runs the sound.

Highway27 has the approach I'd use.

Once again, unless there's a very good reason to run stereo for some unthinkable reason, always go mono on mains.

Regards
Sam

[Zooberwerx]

I hate desks that don't offer L & R mains inserts in addition to the mic channel inserts. That being said, my DriveRack (EQ) resides between my mixer and power amps. I have a "rescue" EQ inserted on my L main channel (it's a mono set-up) but pretty much a waste of rack space and cable...haven't called upon it in over two years. For monitors, I rely solely on the mic channel EQ's via Aux 1 output routed through *gasp* a low end Sonic Maximizer and on to the monitor amp. I installed the SM as an experiment and was pleased with the results so I never removed it from the signal path. Bit untraditional but, hey, whatever works.

Riis

[Jimbob Jones]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

LOL.

For the sake of Your audience (and Your band if you're using monitors), I sure hope it's not You who runs the sound.

Sorry, I feel that there's a misunderstanding here. If you EQ your channels right, why would you ever boost/cut frequencies en-masse on the outputs?

Please note that I said 'Without good reason'; I wasn't rubbishing the idea of troubleshooting with a graphic, merely saying that putting one in 'for the sake of it' is a bit pointless. In fact it would most probably make the system sound worse.

I can think of three possible reasons for EQing outputs, and for all of them I would do it as a last resort.

1. hella feedback

2. really, truly, naff sounding speakers

3. a really, truly, naff sounding room

All of these would be better solved by careful speaker positioning, EQing specific channels and adjusting overall volume.

If there is some secret reason for EQing outs only known to some, then I would love to give my ounce of blood and be let in on it!

Just FYI, I am a sound engineer. Obviously you'd have to hear my mix to make your own judgement, but I very rarely get complaints from band or audience.

Oh, and +1 on running the entire mix in mono.