Bass "hole" with Peavey speaker setup

[James T]

Hi, newbie to the group, so go easy with me!

The band I do sound for has managed to beg some more gear, which we used for
the first time last week, and I had some problems. The current FOH setup
is -

Mackie SR24-4 Desk > Behringer Dual 31-Band Graphic > Behringer Crossover

Low Output > HH VX900 Amp > Peavey 118 1x18" Bass Bins
Mid/Hi Output > Peavey CS1800G Amp > Peavey HP-400 2x15"+horn (pre HiSys 4's
but very similar)

We also have a pair of Peavey HiSys 2XTs (1x15" plus horn) and a Peavey
DPC750 Amp, that I plan to put on top of the stack to give some spread.

The sub-bass was great, bearing in mind how basic the gear is, as was the
mid/top end (given the limitations of the Peavey horns!). The main problem
was in the low-mid/upper bass area, where there seemed to be a big gap,
roughly in the melodic area used by the bass guitar.

I'm still developing my 'ear', but have one of those Behringer Ultracurve
analysers with the mic to give me a few clues, so I reckon next time we use
the gear I can set it up and push the problem area up with the EQ, but
before I do that, I was wondering on the best way to connect the speakers
up.

Would I be better off using the dedicated subwoofer out from the crossover
for the bass bins, then biwiring the Peavey cabinets, using the CS1800G for
the low/mids and the DPC750 for the horns? Or is there a better way to
integrate this system? I like the idea of getting away from using the
internal passive crossovers in the Peavey cabs.

The band is a three-piece blues rock band, and we play average 150 capacity,
but sometimes 300 capacity venues. There is almost zero budget at the
moment for new gear, but I am prepared to put a lot of time and effort into
squeezing the best out of this system. If any more info is needed just ask!

Cheers,


James

[Rob Beech]

Post by James T
Would I be better off using the dedicated subwoofer out from the crossover
for the bass bins, then biwiring the Peavey cabinets, using the CS1800G for
the low/mids and the DPC750 for the horns?

yes that spossible although tis a big amp for the horns....unless i'm

mistaking it for anotehr amp (just run the figures by me again someone)
you'd have to be very careful there.

Xover (low pass for sub out) at around 100Hz
Xover between mid and high at around 1.6k (someone will correct me on that
i'm sure)

you want the largest amp on the subs (remeber they are probably 8ohms and
the mid will be 4ohms so you need to use the apt figures).

Then adjust your eq accordingly to get the bass sound you want. (with the
2x15 handling this you should get the desired soudn with minimal
alterations.


Or is there a better way to

Post by James T
integrate this system? I like the idea of getting away from using the
internal passive crossovers in the Peavey cabs.

good idea.

The band is a three-piece blues rock band, and we play average 150 capacity,
but sometimes 300 capacity venues. There is almost zero budget at the
moment for new gear, but I am prepared to put a lot of time and effort into
squeezing the best out of this system. If any more info is needed just ask!

if the system is run correctly then thsi shoudl be adequate for the gigs you
do.

what do you use as monitors?

perhaps you could pick up a second hand cs200 (sticking in line with peavey
gear) or equivelent output (theoretical) and run the horns off that and use
the DPC750 to drive the hi sys 2's to add a bit out front or to your monitor
rig.
Rob

[reese thomas]

Low Output > HH VX900 Amp > Peavey 118 1x18" Bass Bins Mid/Hi Output >
Peavey CS1800G Amp > Peavey HP-400 2x15"+horn ...also ...> Peavey
HiSys 2XTs (1x15" plus horn),...> The sub-bass was great,.., as was
the mid/top end . The main problem was in the low-mid/upper bass area,
... Would I be better off using the dedicated subwoofer out from the
crossover for the bass bins, then biwiring the Peavey cabinets,...
You've got plenty of top , overkill compared to the 1-18 bottoms, the
problem you state will not be addressed by tri amping. I would check
phase, try inverting the bass bins (there's a switch on the xover.
That could very well kill that 'hole' you are percieving.
Speaker location also might be the villian, you could be getting
phase cancellations off walls etc that showed up when you added the
subs. xover point could also be a factor, you dont't state where you
are xing at. The one thing almost garunteed not to help is an
additionial xover point between your mids and horns.
I would also try the combination of just the Hi sys 1-15s and the
bass bins, you might be surprised what that will put out. Reese>