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Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:29 pm
by kevynknevik
got a behringer active crossover and a berhinger exciter...which would you guys recommend to patch into first...the crossover to the exciter then to amp...or exciter to crossover then to amp...? advise much appreciated!
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:11 pm
by BrentEvans
kevynknevik wrote:got a behringer active crossover and a berhinger exciter...which would you guys recommend to patch into first...the crossover to the exciter then to amp...or exciter to crossover then to amp...? advise much appreciated!
Exciters in live situations are a great way to create feedback where it did not previously exist. They rarely add anything desirable to the sound (the sole exception that I've heard was a Sonic Maximizer used with Bose 802s, it actually made them listenable). The proper setup would be Mixer>EQ>Crossover>Amp(s). Trade that exciter for a good EQ unit, at least the the DEQ2496 or FBQ3102. The EQ will let you precisely control where you want to cut and boost, where an exciter is is more broadband.
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:14 pm
by kevynknevik
BrentEvans wrote:kevynknevik wrote:got a behringer active crossover and a berhinger exciter...which would you guys recommend to patch into first...the crossover to the exciter then to amp...or exciter to crossover then to amp...? advise much appreciated!
Exciters in live situations are a great way to create feedback where it did not previously exist. They rarely add anything desirable to the sound (the sole exception that I've heard was a Sonic Maximizer used with Bose 802s, it actually made them listenable). The proper setup would be Mixer>EQ>Crossover>Amp(s). Trade that exciter for a good EQ unit, at least the the DEQ2496 or FBQ3102. The EQ will let you precisely control where you want to cut and boost, where an exciter is is more broadband.
Great advise...thx much!
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:30 pm
by Bill Fitzmaurice
BrentEvans wrote:
Exciters in live situations are a great way to create feedback where it did not previously exist. They rarely add anything desirable to the sound (the sole exception that I've heard was a Sonic Maximizer used with Bose 802s, it actually made them listenable). The proper setup would be Mixer>EQ>Crossover>Amp(s). Trade that exciter for a good EQ unit, at least the the DEQ2496 or FBQ3102. The EQ will let you precisely control where you want to cut and boost, where an exciter is is more broadband.
+1. Exciters will make a bad speaker sound better, but a good speaker sound worse.
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:40 pm
by bzb
What does an exciter actually do to the signal?
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:50 pm
by BrentEvans
bzb wrote:What does an exciter actually do to the signal?
Exciters add high frequency gain, in various ways. Some are more complex than others. They were originally a way to overcome the problem of poor HF response in analog magnetic tape but quickly became xcessively used as a recording tool and then improperly deployed in live audio (where they simply do not belong). These days there is almost no use for them at all (unless you're a Bose junkie).
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:07 pm
by kevynknevik
The one i have is this;
http://www.behringer.de/EN/Products/DSP1424P.aspx
Any opinions out there...?
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:16 pm
by kevynknevik
Oh i forgot to mention i'm a dj not live band if this makes a difference..using peavy pr 15's and home made sub cabs until i get the plans for the OT12's n T39's...it'll be a summer build this year.....I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:26 pm
by BrentEvans
I have one. First of all, that's not just an exciter. It has an exciter built in, but you shouldn't use it, it stinks, as does the useless "thickness" control it has. The limiter is pretty good, but the whole unit adds noticeable latency. It's actually a mastering processor, and it's not really designed for live use. It's designed to push a recording to the wall without killing the sound, and it's OK at doing that. I used it for years before going all digital to keep a tape deck feed at a constant level, which it did quite well. I'd still trade it for a good EQ if you don't' have one already, it probably won't do much for your sound, and definitely not as much as a good EQ will.
Also, the pic on the product page highlights what a fun company Behringer can be.

Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:27 pm
by Bill Fitzmaurice
bzb wrote:What does an exciter actually do to the signal?
Basically it's a fuzzbox. It clips the incoming signal, creating high harmonics of the original signal, high passes them and mixes them with the original signal. It adds brightness to speakers that lack good highs, but if the speakers have good highs the added harmonics can sound harsh.
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:12 pm
by bzb
Wow, I think I now understand why so many mobile DJ systems in Atlanta hurt my ears. I've seen these things in so many racks over the years.
Well, that and a lot of guys just don't know how to use the faders. Maybe they're deaf from it so they need to push everything into the red.
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:58 pm
by kevynknevik
Thank you for the "input" on the "output" guys...n have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Guess I'll see yaz next year...
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 2:35 pm
by mattaudio
No matter if you want to ... double the loudness of your PA system without adding more amplifier power, the DSP1424P is the perfect tool.
I'm buying one tonight! lol
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 2:47 pm
by bitSmasher
one? I'm going to get TWO!
Re: Wiring rig question
Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 8:05 pm
by BrentEvans
mattaudio wrote:No matter if you want to ... double the loudness of your PA system without adding more amplifier power, the DSP1424P is the perfect tool.
I'm buying one tonight! lol
Assuming you guys are joking...
