I am not a guitar guy. But I am trying to run my guitar players guitar through our PA, and his direct-out does not seem to be working properly. it is putting out a very low signal and is the same, no matter what the volume level is on the output volume control. It is a Peavey Triple X. Is it possible that the plug and knob just needs to be cleaned up? The amp itself is fine and has been used continuously. This direct out has never been used on this head unit. Or is there something I am missing? I do not see any other controls that may be related to the direct output. Would a DI box fix this? I would think that it should work without one. With any guitar rig that has a DO with a volume control, is it necessary to have a DI box inline to the mixing board?
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I don't see a direct out on any of my XXX schematics. There is a line out, is that what you mean?
The line out is a simple voltage divider across the speaker output. The level control right next to it should be able to turn it down to zero. It would be easy enough to see if the pot is broken inside.
ALWAYS run the amp with a load. NEVER run without a load so you can silently send a signal elsewhere. I hope you were not doing that.
The line out level is completely dependent on the level of sound coming from the amp output.
The line out is not balanced, a TRS plug into it will not result in a balanced signal to your mixer.
The line out is a simple voltage divider across the speaker output. The level control right next to it should be able to turn it down to zero. It would be easy enough to see if the pot is broken inside.
ALWAYS run the amp with a load. NEVER run without a load so you can silently send a signal elsewhere. I hope you were not doing that.
The line out level is completely dependent on the level of sound coming from the amp output.
The line out is not balanced, a TRS plug into it will not result in a balanced signal to your mixer.
At least some variants of the XXX have a line out that delivers an attenuated signal from the speaker outputs.
Running a guitar amp into a PA by an unfiltered line out/effect send or the like will give less than satisfactory results. You can use a DI with loudspeaker simulation, usually the speaker signal can be looped through.
And right, do NOT! do this without a speaker connected.
Running a guitar amp into a PA by an unfiltered line out/effect send or the like will give less than satisfactory results. You can use a DI with loudspeaker simulation, usually the speaker signal can be looped through.
And right, do NOT! do this without a speaker connected.
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Peeping the Owner's Manual, and the schematic...
I do not see a "Direct Out". What does it really say?
"Direct" is often taken to mean "direct from guitar". That's where you would use a DI box.
"Effects Send" _IS_ a low-level interface to guitar-level effects boxes. It seems to be adjustable. However this is *before* the Master Volume (I had to see the schematic to be sure) so will indeed be trouble in PA.
Over toward the other side should be "Line Out". This is post-MV and is specifically intended to drive other power amps with the same sound the XXX is putting into its speaker. THIS is where you want to tap a PA signal.
Or maybe. There seem to be several variant "XXX"es so it is possible you found one without all the frills. If you work a soldering iron, it would be trivial (maybe not your job) to hack a 22K resistor and a 10K Audio pot. (It seems to say Linear but I think typical levels will be all cramped-up in the 1-2 zone; a Audio would spread this out.)
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Still, especially with a distortion machine like the XXX, you will not be happy with the sound produced. At least massive EQing will be required.
REPLY--THANKS GUYS!
My mistake. it is in fact labeled.."Line" out. and no, I am definitely not running it without a loAd present. We played a show recently, and tried to utilize the line out option, but ended up having to run a mic, due to the signal being almost non-existent. Im trying to figure out now the best way to utilize it for future use to avoid having to mess with a mic and worrying about ambient noise, positioning, etc. in our jam room we definitely don't need it. it is plenty loud. lol so it sounds like the level pot is probably needing some attention?
ENZO..you mentioned not having a balanced signal going to the mixer. This should not effect the signals strength correct? I really don't know if there is any interference because the signal is not really strong enough to get much volume through the PA. and the cable is brand new and works everywhere else I use it.
So I guess overall, am I just waisting my time? Is it better in the end to just mic a guitar amp anyways? I don't have extensive EQ equipment. but then again we aren't playing for 20,000 people either. lol
My mistake. it is in fact labeled.."Line" out. and no, I am definitely not running it without a loAd present. We played a show recently, and tried to utilize the line out option, but ended up having to run a mic, due to the signal being almost non-existent. Im trying to figure out now the best way to utilize it for future use to avoid having to mess with a mic and worrying about ambient noise, positioning, etc. in our jam room we definitely don't need it. it is plenty loud. lol so it sounds like the level pot is probably needing some attention?
ENZO..you mentioned not having a balanced signal going to the mixer. This should not effect the signals strength correct? I really don't know if there is any interference because the signal is not really strong enough to get much volume through the PA. and the cable is brand new and works everywhere else I use it.
So I guess overall, am I just waisting my time? Is it better in the end to just mic a guitar amp anyways? I don't have extensive EQ equipment. but then again we aren't playing for 20,000 people either. lol
It shouldn't affect the signal strength. But the reason I said that was your use of the term direct out. To me, a direct out is a balanced line to send back to the PA. If someone assumed the line out was a direct out, they COULD be thinking it was a balances TRS jack for the purpose, and plugging a unbalanced cord and sending that to the board might work poorly.
Plug the amp into a dummy load so the speaker sound won't interfere, and listen to just what is coming out the line out. Does the level control work now?
And as I think someone suggested, try using the FX send instead of the line out.
Plug the amp into a dummy load so the speaker sound won't interfere, and listen to just what is coming out the line out. Does the level control work now?
And as I think someone suggested, try using the FX send instead of the line out.
You should get a signal of useable level from the line out anyway. Did you use the XLR mic input or a 1/4" line input on your desk? What XXX amp is it exactly?
Sorry that I am repating myself, but you will need some speaker simulation or the tone (especially when distorted) will burn your ears. If you decide to get some decent device just loop the speaker signal through it, you will get a balanced DI signal that plugs directly into the mic in of your mixer, this is especially convenient when using a multicore cable because there will be no need for adaptors.
Sorry that I am repating myself, but you will need some speaker simulation or the tone (especially when distorted) will burn your ears. If you decide to get some decent device just loop the speaker signal through it, you will get a balanced DI signal that plugs directly into the mic in of your mixer, this is especially convenient when using a multicore cable because there will be no need for adaptors.
Correct. The speaker itself is an essential part of a guitar amp's tone. Without micing the speaker you lose a lot of the amp's tonal goodness. Speaker emulator boxes don't generally sound too good either, unless you want to spend big $$$.
ENZO- awesome! I will try these things. I appreciate it.
GeorgeK- I am using a 1/4" out and a 1/4" into the mixer. It is the 120W triple X (1st series?) head unit.
AquaTarkus- that's what we have ended up doing at every show anyhow(mic'n i mean).
i was really hoping to be able to talk these guys into running through the PA/monitors for practice so we can get a better balance of sound and get them to turn down. but its not imperative that we do this. im just trying new things and seeing how it works out. but i also want to do it right.
Well thank you guys or all your help. i will try these suggestions and let yall know how it works out. Thanks Again!!
GeorgeK- I am using a 1/4" out and a 1/4" into the mixer. It is the 120W triple X (1st series?) head unit.
AquaTarkus- that's what we have ended up doing at every show anyhow(mic'n i mean).
i was really hoping to be able to talk these guys into running through the PA/monitors for practice so we can get a better balance of sound and get them to turn down. but its not imperative that we do this. im just trying new things and seeing how it works out. but i also want to do it right.
Well thank you guys or all your help. i will try these suggestions and let yall know how it works out. Thanks Again!!
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In my opinion, a decent simulation is better than a poorly mic'd speaker, but of course, when it is possible to use am microphone, do it. For best results, you will have to work with the distance the angle and the position of the microphone. As a rule of thumb, the nearer you aim at the center of a speaker, the more "bite" you get. Miking directly at 90 degrees angle directly to the center usually will sound harsh. Big 4x12" cabinets can be a challenge, as they need some distance to cover their advantages. Close miking does not really put them over a single speaker.
Does the line out work now?
Does the line out work now?
Good simulations aren't that easy to come by, while it isn't hard to close-mic a speaker angled and off centre.
Am I the only one to ever have stumbled over a amp mic stand? Guess I have to play on bigger stages!😀
But I agree with you of course. What I wanted to point out initially is that the line out of the peavey is actually useless for PA. It's intention probably was to provide a connection for a slave amp.
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