Mixer volume settings / amp settings

[paul1404]

Am I right in believeing that amps should be set to full volume and mixer should be a low as possible to save blowing speakers etc ?
Whats does everyone else do - say you want to run your PA quite loud - big hall

[katman]

No.

If you have the amps up full and only feed it a low level signal then you are more susceptable to noise pick up. Also if someone accidently whacks up the volume on the mixer it will be straight through to the speakers.

Audio levels should be kept as high as possible through the signal chain without overloading anything and then attenuated at the latest possible point in the chain eg the amps to preserve the best signal to noise ratio.

[Daryll]

For me....

Sub amp full on .
Mid/top on 12 o clock , that is the best sound balance.

Both controlled via the mixer master.

Daryll

[NKR]

For me

Amp full
Master contol on mixer full or almost full
Control the signal on the gain and use your volume faders to keep your volume under control. It should be very hard to blow stuff up if you work within the parameters of the kit you are working with.

If you are worried add a limiter inbetween your desk and amp. Something like the DBX drive rack or there are similar cheaper alternatives.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I was always told...

Amps up full and control the volume via the mixer.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Just out of interest and slightly off topic, but I read somewhere recently that the gain pots on active subs should be all the way up and you should control the bass by using the eq on your mixer.

I've never done it this way - anyone else?

[mike8863]

off topic still, but doesn't darren look like ricky gervais in that picture!!

[hammy]

off topic still, but doesn't darren look like ricky gervais in that picture!!

Not at all, Ricky is quite a good looking fella.

I have my sub amp on full, my active speakers on 3oclock, my mixer main also 3 oclock, my gains on 12 oclock

[Excalibur]

I was always told...

Amps up full and control the volume via the mixer.
Me too. However, I do however agree that you shouldn't feed it an unduly low signal, as that is bad. That article about setting the signal path explained it well. Anyone know where it is? It ought to be a sticky, if it isn't already.


Just out of interest and slightly off topic, but I read somewhere recently that the gain pots on active subs should be all the way up and you should control the bass by using the eq on your mixer.

I've never done it this way - anyone else?
That sort of lines up with Neil, Gary and my views, and appears to me to be a workround of the fact that the volume controls for active cabs aren't always to hand.

With an active crossover and passive cabs, I simply alter the sub output relative to the tops to achieve the desired balance. Simples.

[chrisj]

Active speakers usually around 11 o-clock but if I use passives the amp is always on full and the signal is controlled by the mixer and the EQ is usually set at 1 o-clock before going to amp. Subs are always on amp.

[djdave01]

i run my active system's satelite speakers full up and control the volume from the mixer, however, the sub control is only run a third up, it clips all the time otherwise even though the bass on the mixer isnt up high

[STEVE HANLEY]

Mine used to be amp full up and everything else controlled through the mixer.

Then one day a very well respected member of this forum told me "Amp at 3/4 then everything else through the mixer and because of who he is I took that advice and haven't changed since;) ;) ;)

[Digital Jack]

That's a good rule of thumb , you can't make good use of the amp's headroom otherwise....(Particularly on GOOD amp's).

[Baley Dee]

i run my active system's satelite speakers full up and control the volume from the mixer, however, the sub control is only run a third up, it clips all the time otherwise even though the bass on the mixer isnt up high

What tops & Sub(s) are you using?

[Ecstatic Events]

Just out of interest and slightly off topic, but I read somewhere recently that the gain pots on active subs should be all the way up and you should control the bass by using the eq on your mixer.

I've never done it this way - anyone else?

I havent personally - But it makes sense - Take some of the Turbosound Active Subs as an example - They have no external volume adjustment :eek: :eek: :eek:

Re: The OP - I use an active set up - Subs (when used) rarely pass 12-1 o clock - Mids/Tops at 2-3 o clock (max) all controlled via the mixer with no peaks (into the red)

[djdave01]

What tops & Sub(s) are you using?

HK Audio Lucas 2000, had it about 4 years