I've played two gigs with my new EV SxA100 speakers. Once using me X1 and the last using my 9000 Pro. The first time, I ran stereo right out of the X1. Last night I ran mono out of the 9K Pro and daisy chained the EVs. I can't seem to get much volume (loudness) out of the EVs either way (gain is turned up to max on the back of the speakers). My old Peavey 300 watt pa head into two Cerwin Vega 15" two way cabinets blows the EVs away. Also when I run the same program material through a 60 watt Roland Cube keyboard amp it sounds twice as loud as the same sound source does through one EV. Am I doing something wrong? Is there packing material in the EVs that needs to be removed (they both have a "stuffy" sound i.e. snare drums sound like hitting on cardboard boxes)?
Thanks,
DVJ

The EV's perform much better with a mixer. The input is just not as hot as some other amps, but the power IS there. Try the mic inputs, but be careful ....... they might be
"TOO hot."
(there is ALWAYS a soing title in my posts!!)
The EQ is a little strange, for sure, but as an "All in one" package, I love mine. I do prefer using them WITH a mixer, because of power and sound color. I think that's the way they were intended to be used anyway. The option of plugging direct is a nice "add on" but not the MAIN feature. Try a mixer, and see if you like them better.

Hi Deaton,

I seem to be getting sufficient volume with my setup when going directly from my Yamaha PSR2000 to the EVs, possibly because the PSR2000 might have a hotter output then the X1. But I agree, for large venues, going thru a mixer (I use a Mackie 1202) is preferable as it provides much better eq sound/volume control.

side note: I had to (when I initially purchased them) return one of my SXA100's because one speaker didn't sound right. For some reason the acoustic piano sounded real 'thin & weak'(tinny), even though the 'other sounds' seemed normal. At first I wondered if it was 'just me', but directly comparing it to the other speaker quickly confirmed my thoughts. I returned it to my local music store (Guitar Center) and they replaced it immediately. I'm still very happy with this 'all in one' PA system. It sounds smooth and natural without sounding overhyped, and is lightweight/easy to transport and quick to setup/breakdown. I was easily able to fit in 3 Valentines Day gigs yesterday (at 3 different venue locations) thanks to my lightweight setup (Yamaha PSR2000, SxA100 speakers + kb/mic/speaker stands). Setup time: 10-15 minutes max.

- Scott
http://scottyee.com

I recently added a powered sub to my two powered Yorkville Skrs. It is the NX200S. Has 200watts, 1-10" spkr. 54Lbs. very compact. Adds so much to the overall sound. I run my SD1 in stereo, into a Mackie 1202 L/R output to powered Yorkvilles on stands.
The Mackie has two, effecta and monitor, sends for each channel. Both sends include EQ I use send 1 for the Sub and send 2 for the powered monitor (Fender 1270p) The send for the sub sums left and right, very cool, so I get full input into sub. The diffence in sound with the sub is tremendous

I recently added a powered sub to my two powered Yorkville Skrs. It is the NX200S. Has 200watts, 1-10" spkr. 54Lbs. very compact. Adds so much to the overall sound. I run my SD1 in stereo, into a Mackie 1202 L/R output to powered Yorkvilles on stands.
The Mackie has two, effecta and monitor, sends for each channel. Both sends include EQ I use send 1 for the Sub and send 2 for the powered monitor (Fender 1270p) The send for the sub sums left and right, very cool, so I get full input into sub. The diffence in sound with the sub is tremendous

Just to avoid confusion - The Mackie 1202 series does NOT route the monitor send to the EQ of the channel, but you DO have the option of selecting "post" so it follows the EQ. (It functions as an additional effect send this way)
IN the "pre" mode - it goes to the mains without passing through the EQ. Small point, but worth mentioning.
You're right about subs - they add so much to an overall sound. Whenever it REAL important, I carry a separate crossover and a sub system too. Most times, I don't need it.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Uncle Dave:
[B]Just to avoid confusion - The Mackie 1202 series does NOT route the monitor send to the EQ of the channel.
Dave I believe the EQ of the chanel your using is always present in the monitor send. I found this surprising since no board I ever worked this way? I checked the manual and it confirmed this. When you have your monitor plugged in crank th High, Mid or Low EQ and you will see what I mean.

That means you have the "post" button pushed down, and the send is now acting like an effects send, and NOT a monitor. Mackie gives you a choice. Monitor sends should not follow the EQ. It only causes trouble with feedback. Check your panel for the pre/post button.

[QUOTE]That means you have the "post" button pushed down, and the send is now acting like an effects send, and NOT a monitor. Mackie gives you a choice. Monitor sends should not follow the EQ. It only causes trouble with feedback. Check your panel for the pre/post button.
Dave I agree you do not want your chanel EQ settings to go to the monitor and let me repeat my sub set-up. I use the Effect 2 send for the Sub reason: when I raise or lower volume (Chanel Fader only)it will contol mains and sub together.
Let me Quote the 1202-VLZ Pro Mackie Manual:
"With the AUX 1 SELECT switch up (disengaged), AUX SEND 1 will tap a Channel pre-fader (GAIN) and pre-MUTE/ALT 3-4, meaning that no matter how you manipulate those controls as they feed the MAIN MIX, the AUX SEND will continue to belt out that channel's signal. This is the preferred method for setting up stage monitor feeds. EQ settings will affect all AUX SENDs.
With the switch down, the AUX SEND 1 becomes an ordinary effects send --post-fader (GAIN) and post-MUTE/ALT 3-4. This is a must for effects sends, since you want the levels of your "wet" signals to follow the level of the "dry".
You will notice they refer to PRE-FADER not PRE -EFFECTS. ALSO NOTE "EQ settings will affect all AUX SENDS". I tried this just before I wrote this! This is the way it works.

JC,
If what you say is true, I stand corrected, but I never had a "pre" signal that followed EQ settings. It's the whole reason for being separate. Those Mackie guys are charting new waters here. Now I'll have to go check mine out too !

After receiving several helpful responses it seems that neither the X1 nor the 9000 Pro put out sufficient line level voltage needed by the EV powered speakers. Thus, I need some form of pre amp. I discovered a "Pre Out" on the back of my Roland Cube-60 and used that at my last gig. While it worked fine for loudness, it limited me to mono and if I turned up the volume on the Cube-60 It turned up the EVs also. So, in order to achieve what I'm looking for I've been advised to get a small mixer. Now remember, I went to the powered speakers to "simplify" and "lighten" my gig rig. In order avoid carrying in a pa head I'm now carrying in and setting up two speaker stands and two long power cords to get AC to the speakers. That being the case I want to keep the mixer small. I have a nice Mackie 1402 but it's a bit "overkill" for my live setup. I was wondering about the Behringer MX602A. Does it put out sufficient line voltage? Is it small enough to sit on the keyboard (X1 0r 9000 Pro) or am I going to have to carry a table or stand on which to place it?
Thanks,
Deaton

The 602 is narrow, but quite long to sit on a keyboard. I have another idea - try a MIDIMAN - audiobuddy. It's a 2 channel preamp made for mic or line level signals - very tiny, and VERY hot output! XLR and 1/4". I have one, and it really works well!

Deaton,
I have the same problem with X4 and Hughes & Kettner LUCAS amplifier. X4's signal is too weak, so, in large venues, I use a very small mixer in the middle to ajust signal levels. It's a Folio Notepad, Spirit by Soundcraft, with 4 mono channels (2 band equalizer in each channel) and two stereo, with no equalization. There is an optional accessoire to mount the mixer in a mic stand. Very light and small.
José.

Intriguing idea , as it's MUCH lighter & smaller than the Mackie 1202. I'm seriously considering going the AudioBuddy route now for the larger gigs where more volume is required.

Uncle Dave, do you recommend going out the PSR2000's L/R 'main outs' or using the 2000's Aux (fixed level) RCA outs to the Audio Buddy? Does it matter as far as sound quality is concerned?

Is there any 'sound quality' advantage to using the PSR200's fixed level RCA outputs to the Audio Buddy? This method would require that the Audio Buddy be situated on or next to the KB, for volume control access.

It would be far more convenient (and preferable) to control the overall volume from the PSR2000's 'master volume knob' allowing the AudioBuddy to be placed 'anywhere', but this requires going out the 2000's 'main outs'.

Even though the Audio Buddy was specifically designed for the studio as a mic preamp I'm probably going to continue to route my vocals thru the 2000's mic eq/efx section and go out with the keyboard sounds. I hope that the Audio Buddy isn't too delicate to withstand the rigors of gigging.

Uncle Dave, before actually purchasing the Audio Buddy, I was hoping to get more detailed SETUP advice from you using it with the PSR2000 & EVSX100's setup.

Thanks, - Scott

SCott,
First of all, the audio buddy has mic inputs AND line inputs. It's a TWO trick pony.
Secondly, I prefer to use the rca outs, so the kb monitor is separate from the main. I hear no difference in tone or quality, just makes it easier to make "me" happy on stage.
This is a very well made unit - all metal construction, but super tiny. It may even velcro to your stand or sit ontop of the kb with some rubber feet.
I'm going to use it this week and I'll tell you all about it.

http://www.midiman.net/products/m-audio/audibudy.php



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 02-20-2002).]

Whew - watchin' Donny work is givin' me whiplash !

I wonder do any of you have or know about e 15 Dynacord speakers -- I use them 15 speaker and excellent horn.
I tested these with stage 200 or is it 2000 EVs and they are way ahead in regard to drum , piano, I'm not sure re voice. They are about 8 years old and I still find them to be great. However I wonder would sub and tops be much better -- I use powermate 1000 spowered mixer. Pierce

Is the Audio Buddy better than Rolls Playmate? How small is this Audio Buddy?

Same size as the playmate. It's a toss up really - the Rolls has more switches on it, so I guess it might be a better buy, but the audio buddy is a great mic preamp too. You gotta try them.