Limiting amp output

[wounded horse]

Hi All,
I'm nearly ready to try out the O15WB 2X12 and this is my situation. For ages i've wanted to go the preamp/parametric/power amp route for my 5 string bass and this I've now done. The big but is my power amp - QSC RMX1450 is a ridiculous 1400 watts RMS bridged mono into 4 ohms and the Omni is a monster for bass but the QSC was too cheap (£150 and as good as new) to pass up. I know it has level controls but I'm still botherered about frying drivers what with transient peaks and all that. I don't want to use guesswork. Back in the days when I thought black widows were good drivers I toasted 2 of them. I'm not planning on using anything like the amps potential; we're a pop/rock covers band. What do I need to get to rein the amp in to mind my nice new eminences - 3012LF X 2 + 8MRA X 1? Where in the signal chain does it go? would a 2496 do this? Usual thanks in advance.

[DJPhatman]

If you spend for a DCX2496, then bi-amp the rig. You will have 2 channels of amp, so why not?

it would be placed just before the amp in the signal chain. Bass pre-amp to DCX/parametric to amp. You know the DCX has a bunch of parametric, right?

[Gregory East]

Plain old limiter will do the trick, same place, right before amp.

[Tom Smit]

Perhaps you could run off of just one channel (450 watts).

[wounded horse]

Perhaps you could run off of just one channel (450 watts).

I don't think so Mr Tammo. What will drive the other channel? That would be half stereo. Wouldn't it cook the amp with one side having no load. The 1400 watts is because I have to run it bridged into the cab load - 4ohms.

[DJPhatman]

Running only one side of an amp will do no harm. But, I still think you should consider bi-amping. Behringer DCX2496 will do everything you need in 1 RU.

[wounded horse]

DJ, by this, do you mean I should decomission the passive X over in the omni and drive the 12" sub drivers and 8" mid horn via the 2496 and 2 separate amps? Or both channels of the QSC 1450? Spell it out for me . This is all new to me, having had a simple bass head for years. Thanks

[Gregory East]

That's exactly what he meant for you to do. Overkill if you ask me when you already have passive xover. Too much amp is a minor inconvenience.

Yes you can run it off one channel. The other channel doesn't care what its mate is doing.

I would think you could measure preamp output (with the right peak holding true RMS meter) winding up the preamp and slamming the bass into it. Someone who actually knows what they're doing could help with that.

Then you could simulate that input peak with a sine signal of the right magnitude and wind down the amp attenuator until it gives the max voltage for the cabs. Job done. No limiter required.

Or a 100 buck limiter is your friend.

[WB]

If you spend for a DCX2496, then bi-amp the rig.

Yes, to that.

[DJPhatman]

DJ, by this, do you mean I should decomission the passive X over in the omni and drive the 12" sub drivers and 8" mid horn via the 2496 and 2 separate amps? Or both channels of the QSC 1450? Spell it out for me . This is all new to me, having had a simple bass head for years. Thanks

Bi-amping the rig gives you complete control over the individual drivers. Overkill? Yes. But, this gives you the best options when playing. Set a bunch of presets to boost lows, boost the mids, whatever "flavor" you like. As a bonus, you can do changes on the fly that you can't do with a passive rig.