Church PA System Challenges (w/ Digital Sound Board)

[Staccato]

As a student of many technical things, a few things have me wondering...
The PA system has multiple speakers, DI boxes for bass, and/or guitars, and a digital board-Yamaha LS-9.

1. Will some effects pedal boards make it necessary to boost the level of that channel much higher? I've heard of tone suck, and wondered if a lower signal or other 'lower' volume challenge can be caused by multiple pedals.

2. The acoustic/electric bass sounds very good - FOH. Other passive or active electric bass sounds not-so-good by comparison (alone during sound check, or with other instruments in the mix). What possible EQ changes might help with bass? Increase mids or other EQ to create a better sound FOH during a sound check of the passive or active electric bass?

I've got input into improvements, and would like ideas or a better understanding going forward. Programmed default settings on the sound board beg for changes (in this church) depending on the instruments in the mix, or other factors.

Anyone?

 

[Downunderwonder]

Mic the bass amp.

 

[frnjplayer]

As a student of many technical things, a few things have me wondering...
The PA system has multiple speakers, DI boxes for bass, and/or guitars, and a digital board-Yamaha LS-9.

1. Will some effects pedal boards make it necessary to boost the level of that channel much higher? I've heard of tone suck, and wondered if a lower signal or other 'lower' volume challenge can be caused by multiple pedals.

2. The acoustic/electric bass sounds very good - FOH. Other passive or active electric bass sounds not-so-good by comparison (alone during sound check, or with other instruments in the mix). What possible EQ changes might help with bass? Increase mids or other EQ to create a better sound FOH during a sound check of the passive or active electric bass?

I've got input into improvements, and would like ideas or a better understanding going forward. Programmed default settings on the sound board beg for changes (in this church) depending on the instruments in the mix, or other factors.

Anyone?

Step one. Forget about default settings. They are rough approximations, not a "one size fits all". IT sounds like someone either eq'd the board for the AEB or the default was a lucky find.
Different combinations of player, bass, pedals, and DI's will produce different output volumes and tones. Adjust the board to suit the rig of the day because each combination will need different eq's and gain levels. The closest you're going to get to a set and forget default is to set all the eq's flat and then adjust the head amp at the board for volume differences.
If you have to make proposals for improvements to the church system it sounds like the biggest bang for the buck would be training for the sound operators.

 

[Geri O]

You are posing a very difficult question to answer on a forum...

Your situation needs to be seen and heard in person. See if there is a local sound guy or gal with a good reputation, maybe even one that works with a regional sound company that handles large shows and national acts. That person is likely to have experienced very many situations to figure out quickly and make work. This person will be able to see and hear first-hand the issues and problems you are dealing with. Seriously, how would anyone reading this know whether you need more mids or you need to mic the cabinet? Not to mention all the variables you've mentioned. And be prepared to pay a consulting fee, which usually an hourly rate.

Having said that, you might need to tell that person that you don't want to re-engineer the PA or replace it. Sound guys love to change everything, believe me, I know!. Ask them to just try and make some suggestions on how you can make what you have sound better.

I could suggest a $700 Reddi DI for the bass which would certainly help (and is on the short list for my next purchase), or at least not hurt, but that won't fix a reflection problem or rough spots in the room that may be due to poor speaker placement or tuning.

Good luck...

 

[Staccato]

Geri, and everyone, thanks for those comments.

While every situation has challenges, I'm open to more suggestions-keep them coming!