• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Need Sub Advice to Complete PA Rig

sincity

sincity

Oct 16, 2002
1,009
10
Connecticut
#1
I need a sub for the following setup. I want to go powered since I would already be spending roughly $700.00 on a passive sub and power amp.

Here is my rig:

1 - Peavey XR696F / 1,200 watts (600 per side)
2 - New Peavey SP5 mains (800 watts each)

I play small to medium sized clubs in a (4) piece band. Bass, drums, electric and acoustic guitarist and (2) vocal mics.

We play classic and alternative rock, pop & country.

What powered subs do you recommend? Also, can I EQ a sub from my head?

Thanks in advance for your input.
 
#2
Looks like you're running into a classic case of the limited expandability of powered mixers. When you move beyond very basic speakers-on-stick applications, passive mixers with either powered cabinets or amp/passive speakers allow much better control over your speaker system than a powered mixer. That being said, you have some options. I'd take a look at Yorkville powered subs, as they are great bang for the buck and most models will take a speaker level input. In that case you could run from your powered mixer speaker outs into the powered sub, then to your speakers. Something like the LS720P might fit your needs well.
 
#3
I'd take a look at Yorkville powered subs, as they are great bang for the buck and most models will take a speaker level input. In that case you could run from your powered mixer speaker outs into the powered sub, then to your speakers.
Click to expand...

I had better luck running JBL JRX's(powered) off of speaker levels than line levels from my Peavey mixer. Peavey advises even though the subs are powered that you dont exceed the spec ohm's for your mixer.
 
#4
Barisaxman said:
Looks like you're running into a classic case of the limited expandability of powered mixers. When you move beyond very basic speakers-on-stick applications, passive mixers with either powered cabinets or amp/passive speakers allow much better control over your speaker system than a powered mixer. That being said, you have some options. I'd take a look at Yorkville powered subs, as they are great bang for the buck and most models will take a speaker level input. In that case you could run from your powered mixer speaker outs into the powered sub, then to your speakers. Something like the LS720P might fit your needs well.
Click to expand...

Thanks Barisaxman. I hear you about a passive mixer, but this is what I got. Thanks for the suggestion of the Yorkvilles. I will check them out.

I don't gig too regularly or play in front of really large crowds. Just looking for a decent thump when needed. I think the system without a sub sound pretty good right now, but I want the option when needed.
 
#6
sincity said:
That's interesting. Does a powered main put a load on the amp?
Click to expand...

Typically, you wouldn't drive a powered sub or a powered top with the speaker output of a powered mixer. You would want to feed it with an Aux out or a main out, line level signal intended for feeding another power amp.

It looks like the peavey 696f has line level outputs for both the monitor signal and the main signal in the lower right hand side of the mixers front panel.

Hope this helps,
Derek
 
#7
sincity said:
That's interesting. Does a powered main put a load on the amp?
Click to expand...

Good question. I had an issue at a show with low volume thru the powered subs when I fed them line levels. I figured like you, that a powered speaker wouldnt draw much of a load if any at all so I just daisy chained the powered subs with the mains to finish the show.

Called Peavey after the show and they said I was lucky not to fry the amps in the powered mixer. Never do that again. It all played just wonderful. Maybe Peavey being extra cautious.


Edit...I should add at the point I added the subs I was already at 4 ohms on each channel. Sorry.


Your question still stands.
 
#8
According to the manual for the Jbl JRX series powered subs, you CAN feed them a speaker level signal.

It recommends feeding the speaker level signal into your tops first, then taking a parallel output into the powered sub.

Not really sure what ohm load the powered mixer would see in this situation?

Maybe someone more tech savy could explain how that speaker level signal gets padded down inside the JRX box and what effect it has on the load the mixer sees.

Derek
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back