Hello everyone,
I am new to PA system and would appreciate if the experts here could help identify an issue I am having with Fender Passport.
Issue: If I turn the volume of the Fender Passport pass mid level, then the mics (connected to external mixer) get distorted.
My equipment:
Fender Passport Deluxe PD-250 (current setup) - 250W
Fender Passport Venue Serie 1 (future setup) - 600W
Mackie Profx8 8-channel mixer
2 Sennheiser E945 Dynamic mics
My setup:
2 mics connected to 2 channels on the Mackie mixer.
XLR cable out from either a Left or Right output on the back of the mixer and connected to input channel 1 on the Fender Passport.
Instruments connected to other inputs on the Fender Passport.
OR Playback music devices (TV or Phone) connected to Stereo input on the Fender Passport.
Issue:
This setup works perfectly in a small enclosed area like home or garage since the I normally keep the volume less than 50% on the Fender Passport. However, if I have to crank the volume pass 50%, then ONLY the mics (vocal) get distorted or breaking. Instruments and stereo playback, etc which are connected directly to the Fender Passport are fine.
A few notes:
The reason I want to have the mics go through the Mackie mixer first is because I found that the FX Presets on this mixer work perfectly for the vocal I need, especially the FX Preset #16 REVERB + DLY (250ms). I don't know the technical on why, but it just sounds perfect for me and everyone I know. Connecting the mics directly to the Fender Passport PD-250 does not produce a good vocal.
Questions:
1. Is there anything wrong using an external mixer to connected to a PA system like that?
2. I am buying a Fender Passport Event which is much bigger speakers and more power, would that solve the issue?
3. What would you recommend to improve this setup to eliminate this issue?
Thank you very much in advance.
I am new to PA system and would appreciate if the experts here could help identify an issue I am having with Fender Passport.
Issue: If I turn the volume of the Fender Passport pass mid level, then the mics (connected to external mixer) get distorted.
My equipment:
Fender Passport Deluxe PD-250 (current setup) - 250W
Fender Passport Venue Serie 1 (future setup) - 600W
Mackie Profx8 8-channel mixer
2 Sennheiser E945 Dynamic mics
My setup:
2 mics connected to 2 channels on the Mackie mixer.
XLR cable out from either a Left or Right output on the back of the mixer and connected to input channel 1 on the Fender Passport.
Instruments connected to other inputs on the Fender Passport.
OR Playback music devices (TV or Phone) connected to Stereo input on the Fender Passport.
Issue:
This setup works perfectly in a small enclosed area like home or garage since the I normally keep the volume less than 50% on the Fender Passport. However, if I have to crank the volume pass 50%, then ONLY the mics (vocal) get distorted or breaking. Instruments and stereo playback, etc which are connected directly to the Fender Passport are fine.
A few notes:
The reason I want to have the mics go through the Mackie mixer first is because I found that the FX Presets on this mixer work perfectly for the vocal I need, especially the FX Preset #16 REVERB + DLY (250ms). I don't know the technical on why, but it just sounds perfect for me and everyone I know. Connecting the mics directly to the Fender Passport PD-250 does not produce a good vocal.
Questions:
1. Is there anything wrong using an external mixer to connected to a PA system like that?
2. I am buying a Fender Passport Event which is much bigger speakers and more power, would that solve the issue?
3. What would you recommend to improve this setup to eliminate this issue?
Thank you very much in advance.
1. The use of an external mixer is OK, but connected to a mic input rather than a line input will cause distortion if the mixer output is at "line level" (0dBu) as the Passport mic input is only capable of -7dBu input. The line inputs allow up to 30dBu input.
2. No.
3. Plug into the "Line" inputs rather than the "Mic" input.
2. No.
3. Plug into the "Line" inputs rather than the "Mic" input.
Thank you Weltersys!
Sorry for silly question, but how do I run line output out of the Mackie mixer? I see the line inputs which are for plugging in instrument cables on the Fender Passport. I just don’t know how to use the same cable to connect to the mixer. All these times, I only use XLR cable to plug in either Left or Right Stereo output on the back of the mixer.
Sorry for silly question, but how do I run line output out of the Mackie mixer? I see the line inputs which are for plugging in instrument cables on the Fender Passport. I just don’t know how to use the same cable to connect to the mixer. All these times, I only use XLR cable to plug in either Left or Right Stereo output on the back of the mixer.
The main outputs on the Mackie are line level, so you just need an XLR to 1/4 TRS adapter to connect to one of the 1/4" jack inputs on the Passport.
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As I see the panel on the little Mackie, The main outs on the rear are balanced XLR, but up on the mixer panel, upper right are TRS jacks for main out. They are OK running unbalanced, so a simple guitar cord to the Passport should do. The link has close up views of the panel.
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As a side note: people often obsess with using XLR and Balanced everywhere.
Not significant with very short cables and high signal levels.
Problem is that *most* (as in 99% 🙂 ) mixers expect XLR mic level and 1/4" jack line level, specially at an input channel so wire those connectors accordingly.
XLR will typically go through 16 to 24 dB extra gain, go figure.
Mind you, they are tying to "help" you and in general it works.
Not here.
So using one of those adapters as suggested above is a way to go, you bypass the extra gain.
Not significant with very short cables and high signal levels.
Problem is that *most* (as in 99% 🙂 ) mixers expect XLR mic level and 1/4" jack line level, specially at an input channel so wire those connectors accordingly.
XLR will typically go through 16 to 24 dB extra gain, go figure.
Mind you, they are tying to "help" you and in general it works.
Not here.
So using one of those adapters as suggested above is a way to go, you bypass the extra gain.