Question about level setting on powered speakers when used with a mixer

[MakoMan]

I recently picked up a set of Yorkville YX15P powered speakers and in the owner's manual it states that when being used with a mixer, the output level of the speakers should be set at maximum. In fact here is the info from the owner's manual:

"When a mixer drives the YX15P enclosures, the Level control should be set to maximum"

Seems pretty clear... but I can honestly say I have never, ever turned up a powered speaker to maximum. Does this make sense? I am assuming these particular speakers are just designed to work that way. Or is this the way they all are and I've been doing it wrong all this time?

 

[EastCoastThump]

Depends on how your rig's performance matches the appropriate gig volume. If full signal output on your mixer into full volume output on your power amp would be way too loud for the gig (or your cabs), you effectively reduce the useful range on your mixer's master faders by running your power amp(s) w/o attenuation.

Also, unlike separates, active speakers tend to be engineered to somewhat protect the drivers (internal limiting, for example). But few of those musician-grade boxes make effective use of their integrated amp's full power. What's the point of diming a 2000 watts amp into a 12" driver that' stuffed into a 1-cubic ft box?

 

[4Mal]

Gain balancing... If you run the powered speaks wide open, then you send them less signal and have the headroom left in your mixer. I personally run my K series that about 75%. I run digital mixers so no outboard gear. I used to get a lot of gain from external EQ's and Comps. No longer. So I tend to run my powered gear set further up than I did with my old analog setup.

 

[MakoMan]

Thanks Guys, that is great info. Much appreciated. I`m still fairly new to powered speakers with a mixer, but I am learning! Thanks again.

 

[tshapiro]

To keep the volume controlled at a gig and to prevent deafening volume due to something going wrong I keep my amps or powered speakers set low enough that a hot signal from the board is not out of control. This is usually a much higher priority than getting every potential amount of sound out of my speakers or having them run with the optimal responsiveness. I take control over max responsiveness and easier feedback.

 

[MakoMan]

Thanks again guys. I think I understand your points of controlling the volume to be able to utilize the full headroom of the board for the appropriate room size. I don't necessarily have to turn up the level setting all the way to the top, but it's nice to also know I can turn up the speakers all the way if necessary for a larger show!