How to Set up a power Speaker for DJ and live band - Tips On How NOT to Blow-up your Speakers

[@2332gregor]

I've learned more from this man's short videos than I did my 7 years in high school

[@atech9020]

Compression / Limiting is an ANTI DYNAMICS tool. It reduces the dynamics in the media and as a result, increases the average volume of the media. This higher average volume level will actually INCREASE the heating potential and temperature of the speaker's voice coils. It seems as if you are saving some level from the system because the peaks are no longer driving the level meters up. The meters are peak only and don't determine the average / RMS level of the media. Commercial media ( the stuff you hear on the radio for instance ) is already highly compressed and compressing it more doesn't really help. Another thing to consider is that basic compressors are not fast enough to actually clamp down on the initial transient peak of the incoming signal. This means that a very small amount of the peak level in the media is actually slipping through the compressor and contributing to the heating of the speakers Voice coil as well. Most meters are not fast enough to react to this transient spike and you just simply don't see it. You need specialty compressors/limiters to properly save speakers. The types of limiters and compressors used for that purpose have very fast reaction times, can handle dealing with RMS output levels and can even limit output based on the voltage produced by the amplifier. I.E. a very specific and controlled tool with a very specific task. Typical compressors and limiters simply do no good for speaker protection and if not used properly can actually make things worse. Speakers voice coils heat up as a result of the amount of the energy they dissipate. So if you have more energy on average going in, you obviously heat the coils up more. This is further exacerbated by what is known as POWER COMPRESSION. As the speaker's coils get hotter, they increase resistance to electrical flow. This increased resistance to electrical flow reduces the output of the speaker anywhere from -3db to -9db and possibly more! This means that as the speaker's coil heats up, the speaker actually gets quieter as it becomes less and less efficient. Most peoples natural reaction is to turn it up, but all this does is make the problem get even worse. The coil heats up more and then more power compression occurs bringing the level back down. Eventually, you get to a point where you simply run out of headroom and the speaker simply starts to cook. A good DJ or sound engineer will stop short of clipping the amp, and if running as loud as things will go, the speaker will just cook until it fails. How long it can do this is based on a few factors that go beyond the scope of this topic. The long and short of it is that compression in and of itself does not protect and or save the speaker. Self-powered speakers almost all invariably have some form of limiting built into them. This limiting typically includes peak and or RMS limiting. While it won't guarantee the protection of the speaker it can greatly reduce the possibility of failure from mild and perhaps even moderate abuse. Using compressors and limiters prior to a self-powered speaker should be done so for musical and creative purposes only, NOT for speaker protection. Passive speakers that utilize an external amplifier can benefit from having some sort of speaker protections from DSP devise, but it should be from one that is meant to do that task. Again the typical units that you buy at Guitar Center and other Box stores are not appropriate for the task of speaker protection. Speakers " blow up " and fail from abuse and negligence. That abuse is from the user trying to eeek out every last bit of what the speaker has to offer. The user needs to simply be more in tune to what the speaker is saying and what the meters are telling them. If the meters are peaking, turn things down. If the speaker sounds like it is dying, turn it down. If you keep turning things up and it isn't getting any louder, it is not going to get any louder and you are just going to burn the speaker up. If you are not asking the speaker to do things it can't do, it will last a very long time and provide many years of reliable service.

[@expertisland]

Great Job with the details I Just had a look at your Channel And I Am Not sure why your videos Do not a Higher view count they are great full of Tech talk about Audio.

[@expertisland]

If like Watch My videos have a look @A/Tech kzbin.info/door/Pl8t4C8UUv2BnMbBYeYcnwvideos

[@atech9020]

@@expertisland Thank you. I don't really push for views on my videos and I don't try to cater to YT's algorithms. My channel is also lacking in content at the moment. I need to get to creating more videos. I was initially shooting to do more 101 type videos where I explain what an XLR is and stuff, but I tend to produce videos more as the questions come my way. A picture is worth a thousand words sort of thing. I am not a videographer and I don't have any real video editing software, so all my videos are made in single takes and you basically get the talking hands thing. Basically, my videos are not entertaining and more just about information digestion. Thanks again and have fun. Your content is great, just thought I would bring to light a couple of things is all.

[@sethlogan9724]

Thanks for the useful information

[@mikeferrit1708]

If I have a computer connected to my mixer does the volume matter on the computer? Should I set it to 100%, preference? Does it matter?

[@deejaygal]

Man, you are the only person on KZbin that is covering what I'm needing help with. Is there any chance you can give me some help if I email you? I have just bought some new speakers and need some help maximising the performance. Happy to donate if that helps. Greetings from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@valiantvasquez]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I was calling the condenser auto gain and auto filter. I noticed that while playing DJ music on home speakers that the system had a condenser filter and signal regulator built in for auto gain, but not on my DJ PA speakers. My new used mixer should solve that. I still have to regulate or delete some of my music files because even music from the popular DJ pools can sound flat or have a low signal.

[@nickcata1465]

I use a dbx driverack PA2 for my home 35 RU audio rack in my apt living room. I have it in between a Mackie 1604 VLZ-4 and a TOA 900 series amp, and drives 4 TOA F-1000 speakers. I always wanted to own a few dbx driverack units

[@stephentesta9106]

All this info is really important. Thank you for making clarity out of it all.

[@ProCreativeLLC]

hi. The videos are great thank. I confused by the compressor. When the light was on on channel 1 you had the knob at about 1, then you said you were dialing it back and bringing the level down. So you aren't actually turning the compressor up when you use it, you're turning it down?? thanks again man, great help.

[@99QTZ]

Informative video! How would you hook this up then! Mixer to inputs on dbx 286xs, then out to speakers? What settings would you start at on the compressor, for us Novices? Thank you!

[@TheChickThatRox]

hello, thx for all your info. Can you Please tell me how to hook up dbx1066 between powered speakers and mixer to compress the entire mix to save the speakers??? thanks.

[@master_alex8605]

I've finally found what I was looking for

[@robertvondarth1730]

If a sub is manufacturer rated down to say 35hz, would a steep high pass filter at about 40 help protect the sub? Same as a mains rated to 60 hz, steep highpsss at 70 or so?

[@MrDjphil1976]

On Mackie's 15inch speakers should the amp power position stay at unity 12 o'clock and just decrease or increase the line input level so it doesn't over heat or over drive the amp?

[@davidroberts2404]

On jbl I turn the master power halfway and just use line/gain control to adjust the volume. If done the other way it will overheat the amp

[@MrDjphil1976]

@@davidroberts2404 many thanks.

[@jeycrisis]

Hi, aren't you mixing preamp and amp on the ZLX? To my understanding, the small knob next to input socket corresponds to preamp, this is the one used to put your input level at 0db, then the master volume (amp) is on top. I just bought ETX-12p which look similar and it seems to be like that.

[@langetlikisorma]

I have Mackie thump 15 , I blew one , I’m thinking of adding the limiter , do you have a video about that please

[@seriksson9721]

Good and interesting. Many nice tips. Thanks

[@42griff]

with a Amplifier do you put the low sound speakers on one channel and the high-sounding speakers on the other. We are talking about 4 speakers and 4 channel amp

[@snaxx101]

Do you have a video on how to set up a compressor with your DJ setup?

[@stevemccray4458]

Would you do a video on the Yamaha mg12xu. mixer

[@jorgesreef3187]

Your videos are so educational I appreciate your help thx 🙏

[@transendre1]

What kind of PA system would be good for an elementary school? Where you don't have an audio engineer or tech? Is there anyway to prevent blown speakers by kids or other newbies? Couldn't speakers have some sensors that would limit damaging playback(like an audio circuit breaker)?

[@Operator11X]

Can i add my Alesis 3632 to my Profx8 by Mackie and Alto Tx15?

[@elcheapooutdoors7883]

I have the Harbinger V2312x2 and a Harbinger V2318sx1. the manufacturer suggests that I come from my Mackie mix 5 external mixer into the subwoofer inputs and then from the subwoofer outputs to just one speaker the channel 3 I think it is with the Bluetooth it has the mono and stereo plugs for quarter inch. then run from out of that speaker to the Link in on the other speaker. would it be the same thing as running from the out of the sub to the mono inn on each speaker with a separate wire or would it be worth investing in the 50 ft XLR cable to tie the two tops together

[@philsep7939]

Isn’t when the light turns on it compressing. You doing it when the light turns off means is not being compress. I have the same mixer.

[@ProCreativeLLC]

ive been using zlx 15 as monitors using the 'master volume' with the input dials at 12 oclock, impossible to dial in the gain and reverb.

[@Davey_01]

Not complicated at all ;) thanks man I think I get it a little. Basically keep the volume on my ipad at full and the volume on my thump bst down until the party gets going then turn up the speaker on the back yes? I’ve been doing it the other way around

[@expertisland]

you got it, I would 100% then down one on the iPad or phone just so the volume limiter does not kick in.

[@Davey_01]

Will do thanks much appreciated 👍🏻

[@faautobahna9416]

You needed to show close ups of controls on speakers when you talked about them.

[@sergiofernandez8500]

Let me ask you a question, I’ve called the manufacturer of my speakers and they told me to put the gain on the speaker at full tilt and control it from the mixer or controller, what do you think?

[@expertisland]

I am making a video based on your question. Coming soon.

[@michaelg8443]

Thanks for this video. It answered a lot of questions in my head. Yes, I subscribed :)

[@CarsPaint]

Haha booooo , just turn the lowest frequency on 12db highest frequency on 12db & put it on max max MAX 👌& enjoy 👍🙂 You'll smell it before it starts burning 🤣🤣🔥😶

[@OldBuckaroo]

I just got a Depusheng HT7 mixer. Im not sure how to input stereo from my laptop. There's 5 5 mic inputs, but i don't see any audio input. Do I use 2 mic inputs 1/4 using mic 4 and 5? Help! Im not happy there's no xlr to speakers. I assumed they were on the back panel. User manual isnt very good. Only 2 lousey videos on youtube

[@kfir013]

Unfortunately. I can't see which button are you press. You setting like at the office and not actually pointing with the camera on the mixer. Your explanation is great!

[@TheLifeGuards]

Unfortunately, I understood absolutely nothing of what you just said. English classes maybe?

[@djrmctv6444]

Great information, thanks for sharing.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Question please, can I replace a woofer speaker of those altos with a better quality or more expensive speakers and would that give me better quality sound

[@zhaoxie8928]

Sir i connect my bass guitar (line out from bass amp) to the PA system,, i do have 2 subwoofers left and right (electrovoice and alto ts318s ,, can my bass guitar still damage my 2 top speakers alto ts312 or not? Please explain to me im afraid not to destroy my top speakers

[@sfernando1]

How does a compressor work?

[@sfernando1]

Where's the pre amp control, individual channel control?

[@thecheapaudioengineer]

Gates .. hmm its like If some input has level like -80dB while not in use... Background noise. It cuts it down to -infinity

[@safetyofficer7759]

Very interesting... On your demo , you used powered speakers... This dbx thing you're talking about will work fine with powered speakers too? Been looking at dbx products and saw this "driverack pa" thing. Is this the same as those you showed here? Thanks for sharing this important stuff!

[@expertisland]

Great question, For sure a powered speaker is just a speaker with a built-in matched amplifier the DriveRack PA is a great unit for large setups where the speakers are stacked like dual 18" bottom then 4 mid range horns with a rack of tweeter on top, each with there own amp,( old school setup still out there) but the DriveRack PA now discontinued based on DBX website. Today we look at line arrays for big setups.

[@danielgossman1753]

@@expertisland Just check dbx website, driverack pa2 still up for sale. I cant believe they would discontinue such a widely used product.

[@constant.locust]

As a powered speaker setup would be tops and subs you can use the DBX PA+ it is the drive-rack to use with powered speakers if needed.

[@sam-7328]

i really need help, i run my subs and tops (all passive) through a crossover, what dB do i set the crossover frequencies to?

[@JGilly-cp1tk]

I would reccomend to spend time fine tuning the system everyones preferences and sweet spots are different

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

What was the name of the music you played at the end? Using my iPhone as source. What volume should the phone be at? 85%, 95% 100%?

[@jordanparvanov4372]

Hi guys i need a advice. I need speakers for mobile dj for about 100 people to play without bass boxes and im wondering between Alto ts415 or RCF 715a ?

[@expertisland]

if you're not looking at the price and you just want a great top-of-the-line (who cares) then RCF 715a at $1000, But I'm a little Frugal so I look at your Question "mobile DJ for about 100 people to play without bass boxes" look at the TS415 and The Harbinger V4115 at $500.

[@jordanparvanov4372]

@@expertisland the price for this model rcf is 550$ but is the bass enough or Alto have more bass?

[@dermyduffy666]

Hi, recently bought TS315 Alto Speakers, I have notcied that the HI, MID are gone when DJing sound is really bad, very bassy, not clear whatsoever, I believe it may be the Tweeter. I only bought these speakers less than 10 months ago and have used them only about 6 times a small events? Is this normal? Do you think I would be covered with Warranty or any advice you can give me?

[@jamesslaven4103]

I have owned 3 sets of altos 2 & 315s they were all terrible had to replace 4 tweeters and 2 Woofers over the course of a year and a half (one 8 hour gig a week) this was with running them as discussed in this video I’d never buy an other set of altos. I now use 2 yamaha dhr15 with a dxs15 mk2 sub and the sound and reliability is next level. Get rid of your altos add a few hundered £s more and go with a better brand. Yamaha, Rcf etc …

[@keithfarrell320]

Please include a DBX sonic maximizer like the BBE 382iSW Stereo Sonic Maximizer with Subwoofer Output

[@expertisland]

I will see what I can do. thanks

[@keithfarrell320]

@@expertisland I use this with my dj set up and think it does alot for sound quality. I run 2 EV ELX118P 18" Powered Subwoofers with 2 ALTO TS 315 tops running thru a nady audio CX-23SW 3-Way Stereo And Subwoofer Crossover and the DBX maximizer. I have found an incredible difference with the maximizer. When you shut off the maximizer and the wife says what happen to the good sound you know your crowd at a event can tell the difference.

[@keithfarrell320]

On a separate note I sent you a facebook message.

[@expertisland]

That is a great setup most people think it stop at the speaker and sub-woofer. and the nady audio CX-23SW is only $ 110USD or $170CAD for ever one who would like to see what we are talking about here is the link. amzn.to/2XexXii

[@CarsPaint]

You explain very well but this is kind of basic if you've got a good ear & a good sound system 🤔 I mainly play deep house and hip hop so I leave it mostly flat and turn the 60hz down when turning it up so the cops don't come 😂

[@tuber.007knowitall2]

All I did was plug mine in and smelling burning . 2000 watt what did I do wrong brand new and the chip on the back of display is burned half way

[@Gladiator1972]

Does it damage the speaker if the limiter indicator is on, but it's not clipping (clip light off).?

[@expertisland]

Limiter or Clip light is your speaker's way of telling you that you're closing into the Max out Put of the Speaker. it's like squealing your tires you're not going to damage your tires today or tomorrow, but do it every day you will need new tires soon.

[@Gladiator1972]

@@expertisland thanks, I ended up adding a Harbinger S12 and that helped a little.

[@edgarorozco1354]

Do I connect my mixer thru the channels or thru the master ?

[@edgarorozco1354]

Or do I connect my speakers to the channels ?

[@Gladiator1972]

is a mixer absolutely necessary for a simple DJ set up?

[@expertisland]

Better but not necessary

[@Panslapper]

Gladiator1972 Depends on your source ie which controller. Overall a mixer will improve any setup especially where the source ie controller may lack volume power such as the Traktor S2 mk3 or any entry to mid level controller. Many people buy entry level controllers for the size as opposed to the bigger high end units. I prefer smaller controllers and so a pocket mixer such as the Mackie 402vlz or Mix8 is ideal for the extra output power without the added weight for lugging around. Keeps cost down too.

[@TheRealRichThompson]

Thanks for the content, this is my first video of yours I’ve watched and I liked the content and delivery a lot...excited to learn more from your channel! I DJ & MC mainly corporate events and run all QSC speakers (K8’s, K10’s, KW152’s, and KW181’s) and Yamaha mixers...having recently transitioned from Behringer and several years ago transitioned from all Mackie SRM450 production. I ran through the content you have up so far and don’t see either QSC speaker content or Yamaha mixer driven content...is that with purpose or are you intending to deliver content with either of these manufacturers in the future? Do you have comparison thoughts on QSC and Yamaha?? Thanks for your time and work on the channel! -Rich

[@idread1104]

great job..good info..

[@expertisland]

Thank you.

[@zicofitzgerald9015]

My brand new ev15 sayed clipped ondes and i diddnt notice for 1 hour. But they still play. Are they destroyed?

[@SteTrax]

Not necessarily. The clipping light is a guide to let you know that you are potentially damaging your speakers. Clipping can cause considerable damage over time, however you'll usually know if they've already become damaged by listening to them. If they still sound fine at their specified operating levels then you should be ok.

[@roberthagmaier9603]

I blew my speakers from Triggering my bass drums through them.Not playing a live gig or anything just from at home practicing.I did have the speaker for a long time so I guess it was just it's time LOL.who knows I know drums I don't really know anything about audio though.

[@PR3DESH]

great explanation 🤘🤘🤘🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@dolak1919]

Can hear but can't see your mixer level controls... pity

[@mohammedosman4902]

thank you for your great explanations

[@allancarter6473]

I have an active crossover with a limited would this help my midtops

[@expertisland]

yes it will.

[@mm-2018]

What if my rack limiter. " Driverack" goes in the yellow and red but the powered speakers are not....is it safe because it's working or do I bring down the source and render the limiters useless?

[@tothgabor98]

If Driveracks limiter set up well it is safe until the sound from the mixer not distorted.

[@monique85]

HI i have 2qsc k12 and 2qsc kw181 i havve a driverack pa2 is it necessary to get a compressor/limiter/gate

[@Panslapper]

shotta p I’m pretty sure the PA2 already has both of those features. Check Dix website for user manual.

[@hilariousclinton81]

What was the mixer on the left?

[@expertisland]

Mackie profx8v2

[@cyrilsimon9949]

OUTPUT DISTORTION FROM THE MIXER MAIN LINE OUT PUT USUALLY THAT CAUSED SPEAKER BLOWN UP DUE , THEREFORE MANAGE YOUR GAIN STRUCTURE TO AVOID DISTORTION. THE ALTO HAVE AN INDICATOR TO TELL YOU IF THE SIGNAL IS TOO HIGH AND DISTORTED, SO YOU LOWER THE MIXER MAIN LINE OUT.

[@georgeogrady449]

Pa no good have to get new box tweeter brocken work well plastic thin

[@bekkerthesokuangeldragon68]

I’ve always gone 12 o’ clock position on my 2 powered tops and powered subwoofer. And my DJ Set master gain is also on 12 o’ clock position. But I haven’t gone like super loud and I have 2x k.2 2,000 watt 10 inch powered speakers and 1 seismic audio boosted 18 powered subwoofer and all my gains are on 12 o’ clock position. I haven’t gone to a big indoor dance club that has like 100 or 200 people size club ( 1,600 watt 18 inch. ). So what should I do for all the master gains? I also have a Numark NVii DJ Set. Anyone please answer this.

[@UlisseDapaDJ]

Nice video... Thanks

[@zak-ce6ri]

how to i set my gain and main knob to not burn it out my speakers get hot only after a couple minutes of use and they are both on unity level and my mixer isnt even hitting orange someone help pleaseeeee

[@SteTrax]

If your amp/speakers are matched then it's more than likely a fault with either the amp/speakers or mixer. Mixers have been known to show incorrect peak level display readings due to a fault (although this is fairly uncommon).

[@easthalldesignmiami]

I understand up to the pre amp and volume buttons on the Speaker? Two volumes? Huh? Pre-amp control? What is this?

[@easthalldesignmiami]

Is pre-amp, gain?

[@expertisland]

*Thank you for the Question* , I used it for my *Question of the Day video* and here is the Link kzbin.info/www/bejne/enTbcpZ-fM52mdU

[@CarsPaint]

Lol this video just made me scared because I'm running 1300RMS with a 600RMS Amplifier 😑🥲 living life on the edge everytime I turn it up 🤣

[@TeleporterM11]

Gain staging is delicate stuff

[@uniquekreationzproductions]

So many ads pop up in a short span between each other, makes this video very difficult to follow

[@expertisland]

I had a look and adjust cut the max ads by 1/2

[@georgeogrady449]

Add gain make it loud

[@LuisGarcia-mv4ep]

Thanks for the video how can i contact you directly i need a home setup.

[@JGilly-cp1tk]

@@Bambino007 what's funny this guy in the video runs a shop

[@JGilly-cp1tk]

@@Bambino007 also for many with a high budget pa systems will be their choice as it will provide incredible sound also if they have house parties obviously it is ideal to have a system as u should know

[@angelnava9051]

How long can a speaker play at a party? It’s 4500 watts

[@dtomic1]

Long

[@soentertainmentdjs2316]

I wonder if anyone got confused when you used the terms “9 o clock and 12 o clock”? I knew what you meant but there may be some who got lost! Good video otherwise.

[@JGilly-cp1tk]

I understand very well also its common tbh

[@concretejungle6938]

@@JGilly-cp1tk 💯

[@georgeogrady449]

Vocal conpress

[@camouflagesounds]

Most times your ear tells you what you need to know. Parameters perform differently for different equipment. Theory is only half story

[@korospds]

What good speakers without subwoofer can cover 150 people

[@jaspermorant2352]

jbl eon615

[@abdonrodriguez3586]

Stop adding all this extra equipment to your. Speakers because you saw another Dj using it.. Keep it simple, If you have good speakers chances are they’re already tuned. Some of this extra EQing will take your speakers beyond what they are rated and you wind up frying them... i use Qsc k12’s Have one on top of kw181 for dance floor and one to left and right of center.. my gain at the 10to 11 O’clock and sounds wonderful..

[@SteTrax]

The caveat is that it all depends on the size of room and the volume levels you expect the music to be played at. Under-amplifying or over-amplifying speakers is bad for both the equipment and/or the ears. It makes sense to use additional gear if you want to maximise the output of your equipment. It's a bit like having a powerful car engine - if it's not tuned correctly ( and either not being driven or over-driven) it's probably wasting a lot of power and is likely to give you problems over time. That said, if your venue sizes are consistent and the gear you have works fine, no problem at all.