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[Shawn Fieseler]

Recently I was pitched the idea of owning a DBX Driverack PA+. We actually don't even own a processor yet, so we are considering it. While looking at the back, I noticed that there is no output for monitors and the same/similar setup for other units like this.

How would you setup monitors with something like this?

[Ivan Beaver]

Shawn Fieseler wrote on Sun, 09 January 2011 18:06

Recently I was pitched the idea of owning a DBX Driverack PA+. We actually don't even own a processor yet, so we are considering it. While looking at the back, I noticed that there is no output for monitors and the same/similar setup for other units like this. How would you setup monitors with something like this?

Exactly what are you calling "monitors".

Are you talking about a computer monitor-as in a GUI? Monitor as in wedge on the stage.

If it is the later-you just plug it in.  You have to have a corrisponding input to the output.  

Different DSP's have different layouts, capabilities, functionality and so forth.

It would help if you told about your setup and needs-to help figure out if the unit would work for you needs.

[Shawn Fieseler]

Would use in a live band setting. I'd like to run subs, mids, and highs separately.... but also need to run monitors so we can hear ourselves.

[Ivan Beaver]

Shawn Fieseler wrote on Sun, 09 January 2011 18:31

Would use in a live band setting. I'd like to run subs, mids, and highs separately.... but also need to run monitors so we can hear ourselves.

You say monitors.  Does that mean multiple monitors off of a single mix-or multiple mixes?  Or are the monitors run off of the main mix?

[Shawn Fieseler]

The main mix (easiest setup?).

[Ivan Beaver]

Shawn Fieseler wrote on Sun, 09 January 2011 18:58

The main mix (easiest setup?).

Then all you have to do is route the main signal to a particular output and plug the monitor amp input into that output and adjust as needed.

[Shawn Fieseler]

I'd have to see if I have secondary outputs on my mixer. I was thinking that all I had was the L/R XLR's, which would go to the DBX processor.

In fact, i'm pretty sure that's the case. Suggestions for a better processor?

[Dick Rees]

Shawn....

Think of it like this:

Your monitors and mains are entirely separate systems.  You need separate processing for each.  If you wish to process both the mains signal and the monitor signal(s) you would have to have a processor which would have inputs and outputs for each system.

If you were running a house mix to the mains and one monitor mix that would require one (or more) channel(s)  for the mains and one channel in/out for the monitors.  Separate mixes, separate channels.  If you're running the mains with subs and passive tops, you'd be using a minimum of two outputs for them.  If you're bi-amping your tops, you'd need three outs (counting the subs).

There are DSP's which will do all that in one unit.  The DRPA is not one of them unless you are running tops/subs/single monitor mix.  And I assume your band will want more than a single monitor mix.

Edit:

Unless you're just running the mains mix to the monitors, you want to feed the monitors via auxes on the board.  Each aux will have an output to feed the signal to the monitor (amps/speakers) using any processing (such as EQ) in between.

[Marlow Wilson]

Ivan Beaver wrote on Sun, 09 January 2011 19:10

Shawn Fieseler wrote on Sun, 09 January 2011 18:58 The main mix (easiest setup?). Then all you have to do is route the main signal to a particular output and plug the monitor amp input into that output and adjust as needed.

I'm not sure the DR PA will let you do this, though I'm sure someone else can chime in.  Assuming subs are mono you would need a DSP that can do this at the minimum, unless you do everything mono, which might actually have advantages.

1 Sub (mono)
2 Monitor send (mono)
3 left mid
4 left high
5 right mid
6 right high

I would be inclined to look at something like the DCX2496 which will allow more flexibility.  It also has a third input which you could use for a separate 'proper' monitor mix if you go that way in the future.

[Shawn Fieseler]

Sounds like this is going to turn complicated. Maybe I should have mentioned that the monitors are just to hear ourselves. I want a setup that will allow me to EQ the monitors so I can ring out the feedback. (the SR guys here have been a big help on that situation). Thoughts?