I brought a dual CD player, 5 channel DJ mixer, and wireless mics. I ran all that into a Yamaha 01v. I provided Aux outputs to the video guy, and got a return to have sound with videos (e.g. shorts clips of the winners during awards). I ran the 01v master output to a DEQ/DCX, and from there to the PA cabinets.
The PA was powered Mackie products. The tops were SRM-450's, and the subs were SWA-1501's. The subs were center clustered under the stage, and wall loaded. The tops were distributed across the long edge of the room at about 20ft intervals. The tops were set to "cross fire" in a "XX" pattern across the front of the room. This was done to help minimize the slap back off the opposite wall. The subs got a "sum'd" signal, the tops were running stereo in a "L R L R" pattern across the room.
The setup on Friday evening was rushed. We were not able to get into the room until 3pm, and doors opened at 6pm. I setup the crossover at 90Hz/100Hz. The sound was OK with the volume low...but was nothing but "boom" and "mud" at war volume. The highs from the tops were *very* harsh. The vocal range was flat and really buried in the mix. I adjusted the subs as far down as I could in the mix...but eventually ran out of control on the DCX to bring the subs down.
On Saturday morning, I readjusted the whole system. The tops got 70Hz to 15kHz. The subs got 40-70Hz. The sub signal was -20dB relative to the tops. I used the EQ to put in a "frownie face" to boost the mids and lower the lows and highs. The edges of the frown were -8dB from the middle. At this point, the sound was "better" but for my standard was still less than desirable. By limiting the frequencies that went to the subs, most of the "mud" was cleaned up, but the subs were still clearly "one note wonders" with a good "boom" at 60Hz and not much else.
Overall, my impression is that I am incredibility spoiled by my BFM system.
DR200's completely outclass the Mackie tops in every possible way. The clarity is soooooo much better that it is almost impossible to describe the difference. The horizontal dispersion is much better. The vertical dispersion is much better.
The T39's completely outclass the Mackie subs. The folded horn design eliminates the higher order harmonics. This gives the bass actual clarity, instead of just a big "boom."
It's only been a few years...but I just can not go back to using conventional direct radiating speakers. Fortunately, I do not have to.
--Stan Graves
Unfortunately I only kept the Eons out of my old setup... I've sold off every last bit of my old PA systems on Craigslist