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RE: Request Help for Audio Equipment Set Up (Non Pro User)

Posted by Dave_K on January 13, 2017 at 14:15:56:
As others have said, this probably isn't the best site to ask about setting up a PA system.

What are you're trying to use the system for? I'm guessing DJ use for parties, weddings, etc.

I'm really not the best person to offer advice on PA setup, but here's a few comments on your questions:

1. You really should get an RTA mic. Otherwise you are "flying blind" so to speak. There is not much point in having a Driverack without one.

2. If I were you I would return the DBx 231, not use the EQ in the Crown, and do any equalization in the Driverack.

3. The best crossover frequency and slope depends on the performance of your mains and subs and how much SPL you need. Generally speaking, you should choose a Butterworth filter if you need an odd-order slope (6 dB or 18 dB per octave) or a Linkwitz-Riley if you need an even-order slope (12 dB or 24 dB per octave). Without knowing anything about the performance of your subs and system usage, a reasonable starting point would be 80Hz LR24.

4. I would not use any compression unless you're finding yourself running out of headroom trying to cover a large area outdoors or something like that. Regarding the limiter, see below.

5. Since you have a pair of passive main speakers and subs, you only need to use the Driverack as a 2-way crossover for the mains & sub. The Driverack can also be used as a crossover for an active 3-way speaker system but that's not what you have so you don't need the mid.

6. If you need to use a limiter to avoid driving the speakers and/or sub over their rated power limits, I think you can do a quick calculation to convert the speaker's maximum watts to dBu based on the speaker's nominal impedance. And then subtract the gain of the Crown amplifier to give you maximum dBu at the output of the Driverack. Do the same for the sub and the C-W amp which will give you a separate value of maximum dBu out of the Driverack. Pick the lower of these two dBu values and set the limiter something like 3 dB below that. I have no experience with the Driverack but in theory this should give you something safe.

7. If you're using the Driverack's auto-EQ, you'll want to measure and use a different EQ setting for each room you put the system in because room acoustics vary from room to room. Same thing if you change the speaker placement in the room. I think for outdoor use, you shouldn't need a different EQ setting for each location. If you do end up using the sub indoors, note the sub level will need to be lower than for outdoor use.

8. I have no experience with this