I have been using the QSC k-10 powered loudspeaker with the
DPA/UA/Rev.II/EDB-1 setup 1 to 2 times a week for the last 2 months in a Jazz Big-band ensemble. Also have tested and played this setup quite a bit in my workshop.
This is definitely the setup I needed.
It all started with the thought of using a microphone to capture a more natural sound from the Db.
On my bass I feel a pickup works as if I was "holding an ear against the wall in a house". I can hear other sounds I don't like or need to hear. The microphone picks up the sound wave not the
contact vibrations. Don't get me wrong I still blend in a pickup for a more direct sound if needed.
To power the DPA 4099b microphone I use a Universal Audio 710 pre-Amp (48v phantom power).
I then "blend/mix/EQ" the DPA/UA-710 with a Rev.Solo II pickup using the Headway EDB-1 Pre-amp.
--2 Pre-amps may be redundant; however, balancing the Rev.soloII and DPA before the Headway seems to work best for me. The Headway's input gain knobs are now set equally (about 12-O'clock or so) and the EQ is flat and notch filter off to start with which is a good place to start when blending the mic and pickup. The Headway Preamp is used as a mixer/EQ/DI
in a small box. It work's good for now.
My Db is not the loudest but it's not weak or dead. For a hybrid 5-string Hi-C I would say it's volume is average, tone is deep dark on the low-E, somewhat brite on the high-C yet I feel is fairly even if that makes sense.
Anyway, I
can use the Headway to phantom-power the DPA mic; however, the Headway EDB-1's 18v phantom power limit requires it's gains to be turned up for the mic which adds some audio hiss and makes it hard to EQ both mic/pickup. That also seems to reduce headroom/punch. Using the UA-710 pre-amp to power up the DPA 4099b produces a beautifully warm sound with a
very low noise level of harshness and hiss which allows the Headway to work in it's best range.
Ok as for the k-10.
After reading "
Jrlynch's" post in regard to the QSC-k10 powered loudspeaker I thankfully felt it a very good solution for me.
Thank's JR! I trusted your opinion.
As you said in an earlier post. "
Seems like the dog caught the squirrel. Now what?"
You are absolutely right on. That is really a good analogy IMO.
The 90deg. sound pattern of the QSC K-10 with the tone and volume that the DPA/REV.II/Headway blend produces is a sound I am
more than satisfied with.
No searching or hunting for the right balance of volume or tone. It's just much more CLEAR and AUTHENTIC to me as I play.
The K-10's freq range goes down to 56hz and the Db's low-E is about 42hz yet I really don't think a QSC-sub woofer is needed. If I Eq off just a little-little of the lowest-lows it's not boomy, muddy or distorted with the speaker turned up to 0db of gain. It's sweet sounding. It really does seem to be "the little speaker that could". As a bonus it even has it's own separate 2ch. with separate filter switches and RCA inputs and separate line outputs. The Ch.2 portion has a remote gain feature that may also be quite useful.
In the Big-band practice room (w/19-25 pieces) there isn't a PA system nor do they need one yet they still want "More Bass!"
As a joke I try to remind them that an orchestra playing "The Right of Spring" or the "Planets" calls for 8-10 or more basses. LOL.
Yes, I can push the speaker system to feedback or the bass & strings themselves to over-resonate if I'm too close to the speaker at high volume levels; however, now I think (2)two K-10's speakers spaced 3-10 Ft. apart will end the request for "More Bass" and will reduce feedback/resonance problems drastically if not totally.
IMHO a 2 speaker array will create a
really BIG! sound in a BIG room -60'x60' without pushing the speaker & Db/strings as much. I think it would even fill a bigger room maybe 120'x120'.
A much wider
field of sound that is balanced to the room (
sound pressure and tone) sounding like the real instrument yet easy to manage. Whoa!
I am definitely going to consider a second K-10. For now I've been using an SWR-15 as reinforcement but it's not working for me. Too much work trying to balance the K-10 and the SWR-15. I've tried a few different Amp/Cab variations but I am sold on the K-10's and the DPA/UA/HEADWAY setup.
Cost some money, but I think I have the tools to get the job done. Over and out!
Well, one more thing though. After the last Big-band gig I think using only
DI to FOH system and stage monitors (
no bass amp which may cause delay,echo,feedback_whatever) will work best but If i need to hear myself more I'll walk out to my car and pull out the 32lb. QSC K-10.
What a difference these devices have made for me. As you can tell I'm excited about this setup.
I can hear and feel the natural bass sound with a "loudspeaker" on a stand in the mix much better and I can now focus of the charts rather then the speaker system. I don't think it could be much better IMO. It works very good for me.
Thanks "jrlynch" and all TBer's for all you do and say,
Contrabbasso
