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Combining mixer left & right outputs

bumperbass

bumperbass

Jun 19, 2012
2,494
1,491
#1
We have a stereo mixer with only L&R outputs. We use only left channel for mains. Didn't have any lead vocal audio last weekend because the mic channel was panned to right, so the BL wants to connect L&R out of mixer with an XLR Y cable so it doesn't happen again. I thought this was a bad idea and that we should use isolation resistors in each XLR output connector (for example, 600 ohm resistors on pin 2 and pin 3??). Will we hurt the mixer in any way by just paralleling outputs or should be use resistors?
Thanks!
 
#3
#5
And to add.. that is NOT the purpose of a "Y" cable anyway. A "Y" cable is designed to split a single signal into two dupes, not MERGE two signals into one.
In certain cases - especially if you are using a "Y" on two powered outputs, yes, you CAN damage the mixer.
I would fix the issue and never mention merging L/R outputs with a "Y" cable again :)

PS: Why do you not use both L + R outputs?
 
#8
while I can certainly sympathize with the frustration of figuring out just exactly which one of those $#@!~ buttons or knobs on this ^%# board got pressed in the move and set up and is messed up..^%$# 250 knobs..I forgot my glasses and can't see what all those knobs I never use are supposed to do... believe me, I feel you pain.

The best solution is just to learn the board and some basic default rules like, Always start by zeroing the board. ( everything flat and up the middle)

That problem really should have been found in about 15 seconds. Maybe less if you KNOW you are only using one side. IMHO
 
#9
Thanks for your replies. I know NOW to always check but sometimes I DON'T run the sound....I am unable to be at every performance so I get a sub and then either they run sound or get somebody else to do it. I found this:
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We'll see if the BL calms down. He thinks the whole show was spoiled when this happened.
 
#10
bumperbass said:
We use only left channel for mains. Didn't have any lead vocal audio last weekend because the mic channel was panned to right
Click to expand...
wait, for the entire show? :eek:

anyway, no. Y-cables are not mixers, you can indeed damage board output devices that way (plus it tends to sound bad.)

like @MYLOWFREQ said first, pan everything to the center if BL is paranoid about missing channels, but a better answer is for whoever's mixing to pay at least minimal attention to what's going on.
 
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#14
BadB said:
Why doesn't the BL just run a stereo mix? Does he only have a single channel power amp available, or something?
Click to expand...

That's my question too.

With the L/R control centered it comes out as essentially a dual mono feed even though it's technically a stereo feed.
I send both L & R with control centered out to my rack then on to the power amp for the high/mid cabinets that way and a single sub-woofer feed to a separate bridged power amp. The advantage is that you utilize both pre-amps and get a cleaner signal at a lower output setting but more volume. This would work the same whether it's a powered or non-powered mixer.
 
#16
Even if you run a stereo mix one channel could be panned left or right and you'd lose them in one speaker and it would sound bad. On our board we run the mains in stereo because that's the way the built in power amps are set up, each with their own EQ. So EQ's have to be matched and no internal EQ for the monitors. Dumb design IMO.

The neat trick I read about is you can use left/right channels to control what you're sending to a sub for example if you don't have a crossover. Mains are left for example and sub is right.
 
#17
#19
musicman7722 said:
Well if you have subs then leave the bass and kick at center and run the left (stands for Low) to the subs. Pan everything else to the right (stands for correct) and send that to the tops only. it will really clean up your sound and you don't need Y cables :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies. We already have the conventional setup....mixer>EQ>crossover>power amps.
 

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