PA Questions

[Gary Blanchard]

This seems like the most likely place, but Mark can move it if there is a better place.

We have this PA system:

Some specs:
Peavey Escort 3000 Portable PA System Features:
•Two-way speaker system with 10" woofer and piezoelectric horn
•Five-channel powered mixer
•Four XLR mic inputs with 15 V phantom power
•Two stereo line inputs
•60mm faders
•High-quality digital reverb
•300W output power (150 Watts per channel) with DDTTM
•Five-band graphic equalizer with FLS
•Output Power: 150 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm load
•Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-3 dB measured at 1 Watt
•Overload Protection: DDTTM (Distortion Detection Technology) limits the power amplifier input to prevent clipping distortion that can damage speakers.
•Distortion: Less than 0.1% THD
•Max Gain: 86 dB mic input to speaker output
•Signal/Noise Ratio: 85dB mic input typical

I tried using it in a medium sized, rectagular room (about like a typical church hall) and got a lot of feedback, and people toward the back of the room complained they couldn't hear. (Okay, it was senior center, but even the staff made this observation.) I am sure there are things that I am doing wrong. Some questions I have include:

• Which should be higher, the main volume or the channel volume?
• This has bass and treble controls and an equalizer. WHat are the best settings?
• Does running three microphones through this make sense, or do we really need something different?

As you can see, I don't know diddley about this.

HELP! messedup0

 

[baimun]

Always start with all EQ's flat or dead center.

If each input has an input volume knob, then you want to get the signal hot, but not clipping, particularly if you're using any reverb or anything on the board.

Most of the channels will have a "zero" section which is where you'd ultimately like them all to average (or on the low end) and then control the overall output with the master faders.

When running an external amp, I run it almost maxed out so there's lots of clean headroom, even if I'm only pushing the inputs 25%.



I will say this though.... when I have problems with too many highs or feedback from pushing a pair of speakers too hard, you'd be amazed how much better it will sound with FOUR speakers... like adding a pair of subs. You'll ultimately push more air across the room, but each speaker isn't working nearly as hard. Also, watch your mic placements to the speakers... those plastic cabs have a tendancy to radiate sound out the sides more so than a solid wood cabinet that projects forwards.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

Thanks for the reply.

Okay, I'm dense.

So I should put the main faders all the way up and then get as little volume from the channel faders as needed?

Also, the channels have knobs for treble and bass in addition to the equalizer. First dumb question is which way do the knobs turn to increase bass or decrease treble. Then, is there an "average" way the sliders on the eq should be set?

They should never let old folkies get ahould of stuff that plugs in.

 

[jaxn slim]

Thanks for the reply.

Okay, I'm dense.

So I should put the main faders all the way up and then get as little volume from the channel faders as needed?

Not necessarily. You could end up with a high noise/signal ratio that way. I usually set the channel volumes first, then mess with the main volume. I think baimun is saying that you want each channel to be fairly high without distorting. Then you have a lot of signal going into the main volume, which then reduces the noise compared to signal.

Also, the channels have knobs for treble and bass in addition to the equalizer. First dumb question is which way do the knobs turn to increase bass or decrease treble. Then, is there an "average" way the sliders on the eq should be set?

I'm not sure I follow. Are there separate bass and treble knobs for each channel and then an EQ for the whole PA? I'd say "average" is to just leave it in the middle.

They should never let old folkies get ahould of stuff that plugs in.

It's overwhelming to anyone who just dives into it.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

I'm not sure I follow. Are there separate bass and treble knobs for each channel and then an EQ for the whole PA? I'd say "average" is to just leave it in the middle.

Yes there are seperate bass and treble knobs for each channel and an EQ for the whole PA. Someone once told me the "proper" setting for EQ would be a frown shape. That doesn't sound right to me. It's a downer, for one thing.

 

[jaxn slim]

Yes there are seperate bass and treble knobs for each channel and an EQ for the whole PA. Someone once told me the "proper" setting for EQ would be a frown shape. That doesn't sound right to me. It's a downer, for one thing.

It depends on a lot of factors. Every room sounds different. I'd keep it flat and use your own ear (or a friend's who is musically inclined) to adjust to taste.

 

[Prages]

Does that PA have anything around the top 1/3 of the volume sliders labeled as 0, Unity, or U?

If so, you really want to be at or below that on all your channels and your master volume. I don't see trim controls for the inputs, so in your case, I'd try to get the individual channels to a bit below Unity (maybe -5db if it's labeled) and use the master sliders to control the over all volume.

I'd set all the EQ knobs and sliders to the mid point, and make any necessary adjustments due to the room from there.

Also, those 10" speakers just aren't gonna throw sound very far, so I doubt you'll have a whole lot of lucking making it loud enough all the way in the back of a medium sized church hall.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

Okay, if I were to replace this thing, any suggestions as to what to look for. I see a max of three microphones and a CD player being plugged into it. A medium sized church hall is the biggest indoor space I forsee using ths for, though I sometimes have an outdoor solo gig. I need to keep the price down. :rolleyes: