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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

2441.0. "Why is my PA clipping?" by AKOV12::MINEZZI () Mon Sep 10 1990 16:56

    
    I have purchased a small PA system, that consists of a Sound Tech 
    6 channel powered mixer (150 watts), 2 Peavey MFX1 horns and 2 Peavey 
    FH-1 bass bins.  I have a clipping problem.  It seems that when a
    powerful signal is sent through the mike, it starts to clip.  At a
    normal level of vocal the mike is O.K., but as soon as he tries a 
    powerful high note....forget it.  Is the the amp clipping or is the 
    mike clipping?  This Seems to happen with any powerful mike.  
    
    My control knobs are set at 7 on the channel, and 5 on the master volumes.
    Is there anyway that I can get more power from the amp without clipping?
    
    Should I try a comressor on the mike?  Should I just pre-amp the 
    power amp?  or do I just need bigger amps?  Could have the guitar amp
    or their effects processors close by create this problem?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Ron.
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2441.1possibly trim mismatch DYPSS1::SCHAFERI used to wear a big man's hat...Mon Sep 10 1990 17:0314
    Your problem is likely pre-amp clipping (in the mixer).  First thing to
    do is to make sure that your mic and input line attenuations match
    (variable on the board by the "TRIM" or "ATTENUATION" pot.  Usually
    you'll want to be all the way down (assuming -50db).  Use the volume
    slider to control level.
    
    If that doesn't cut it, either:
    
    	a) get a compressor
    	b) teach the singer how to use a mic  8-)
    
    My 2�.
    
+b
2441.2Some commentsMAIL::EATONDIn tentsMon Sep 10 1990 18:3725
    	Can you fill in a couple more details?  I'm not sure I'd classify
    your system as "small" when you're carrying around FH1's.  How are you
    connecting them to your powered amp?  Are you running everything in
    parallel?  If so, I didn't think the MFX1's had a built-in crossover.
    My impression is that a system like this would need an active crossover
    to split the output from a mixer to two separate amps feeding the low
    end (the FH1's and the hi end (the MFX's).
    
    	This, of course, doesn't deal directly with your clipping problem. 
    Clipping is a function of the board - especially if its an integrated
    one like you have.  Do you have an input pad on the board?  It is
    sometimes called "trim" or "pad", etc.  This is where you need to deal
    with clipping.  Cutting back at the trim pot and adding gain on the
    channel fader should do away with the problem (though it may add hiss).
    
    	When you experience "clipping", what are the characteristics? 
    Distortion?  Distortion may be a result of simply not having enough
    power to acheive the level of volume you're trying to get.  Try
    borrowing someone leses power amp and plug it into the pre-amp out
    (sometimes called the mixer output or sub-output).  If the problem
    still occurs, you'll need to look at having the mixer repaired or
    replaced.
    
    	Dan
    
2441.3DNEAST::PUSHARD_MIKETue Sep 11 1990 09:3711
    
    
    My mixer has an input "gain" control. It also has an led which shows
    when the input is too high,causing noise in the system. I set the input
    "gain" to where clipping occurs when I shout right into the mic. I will
    use a word with a "T" at the beginning to give a lot of volume. Once I
    see where its clipping I back-off the "gain" pot until I cannot make it
    clip,then I use the channel fader for the rest of the level setting.
    
    Mike
    
2441.4Not enough power?LEDS::ORSIIwillnotdrawpicturesofnakedladiesinclassTue Sep 11 1990 13:5723
    
    	Ron,
    	If the horns and FH1's have passive crossovers between them,
    	and you are driving them with only 150 watts, you may indeed
    	be clipping the power amp in the mixer head. 150 watts may not
    	be enough to drive your system to the volume you desire. Pass-
    	ive crossovers generally suck up 10-20% of the power available
    	to them, and the 15" spkrs will use the most power. Is the 150
    	watts rated at 4 ohms or 8 ohms? Your speaker set-up would be
    	a 4 ohm load to the mixer/head.
    	    On the other hand, if you have no crossovers, and just
    	connected everything up in parallel, you have a serious problem.
    	The total load would be around 2 ohms and that could blow the
    	head and/or your spkrs if you continue to run it that way. I
    	hope this is not the case.
    	    My opinion is that the system is underpowered. 15" drivers
    	require alot of power to reproduce low frequencies efficiently.
    	The name of the game in sound reinforcement is HEADROOM. If you
    	need 200 watts, get a 300+ watt amp. The 200 watt amp will clip
    	too soon. Not only does it sound bad, but can be awfully expensive.
    	When an amp blows, it usually take the spkrs with it.
    
    	Neal
2441.5a SOUND resource!SMOGGY::TURNERMon Nov 19 1990 12:549
    For $2.00 E.V. will send you their "PA Bible" which is a good resource
    for evaluating your needs and problems in the sound realm.
    
    E-V "PA Bible"
    Electro-Voice, Inc.
    600 Cecil Street
    Buchanan, Michigan  49107
    
    regards, paul