bosabose
I happen to have one and took me a while to familiarize myself on how to use it and I'm beginning to like it at this point. But I don't think it is a must have for DJ's. I bought it out of curiosity.
Posted Mon 06 Jan 14 @ 10:13 am
srvo72woof
Hi folks,
Just wanted to chime in on this from a professional's perspective. I've used Drive Racks, up to the Drive Rack 4800 many times for my AV work on hundreds of corporate AV shows. Bottom line, it is a well designed tool box full of all the stuff an engineer would want in a full rack of gear. One can EQ the mains, run a separate EQ for your monitors or karaoke monitor, crossover your amps on a passive system, notch out unwanted frequency peaks to control feedback (you could actually just route a microphone through a channel if you want and use the feedback eliminator as a super-accurate notch filter. If you set up a stage at one end of a long ball room, you could setup some satellite speakers 100 feet away and set a delay on them so they are time-aligned with your main rig. The possibilities are endless and the best part is all these setups can be named and saved as a show file and recalled in the future. All this being said, most of these cool tricks I have used on the Driverack PA2 and PA+ (2in 6out) , and the Driverack 4800 (4in 8out). I don't have any experience on the PX, but what I know from reading, is its a 2in 4out (two main and two sub output) with all of the best two channel processing (geared toward the powered loudspeakers). This product seems to retail about $300 while the PA2 retails about $500. I would spend the extra $200 and get the extra outputs. One thing I've learned from experience is to use the software to set them up verses the front knobs, which tend to be complicated to navigate. It appears the PA2 can use an Ipad app, which is really cool.
Kevin
Just wanted to chime in on this from a professional's perspective. I've used Drive Racks, up to the Drive Rack 4800 many times for my AV work on hundreds of corporate AV shows. Bottom line, it is a well designed tool box full of all the stuff an engineer would want in a full rack of gear. One can EQ the mains, run a separate EQ for your monitors or karaoke monitor, crossover your amps on a passive system, notch out unwanted frequency peaks to control feedback (you could actually just route a microphone through a channel if you want and use the feedback eliminator as a super-accurate notch filter. If you set up a stage at one end of a long ball room, you could setup some satellite speakers 100 feet away and set a delay on them so they are time-aligned with your main rig. The possibilities are endless and the best part is all these setups can be named and saved as a show file and recalled in the future. All this being said, most of these cool tricks I have used on the Driverack PA2 and PA+ (2in 6out) , and the Driverack 4800 (4in 8out). I don't have any experience on the PX, but what I know from reading, is its a 2in 4out (two main and two sub output) with all of the best two channel processing (geared toward the powered loudspeakers). This product seems to retail about $300 while the PA2 retails about $500. I would spend the extra $200 and get the extra outputs. One thing I've learned from experience is to use the software to set them up verses the front knobs, which tend to be complicated to navigate. It appears the PA2 can use an Ipad app, which is really cool.
Kevin
Posted Tue 07 Jan 14 @ 10:49 am
JD The DJ
I purchased one about 6 months ago and LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have tested it with Mackies, JBL's, and some others. I though I got new speakers, EQ perfect, better bass response overall, no feed back. awesome!
Posted Thu 09 Jan 14 @ 6:01 am
djfrochocr
Because im using self powered speakers, im just using an AUTOCOM PRO-XO MDX 1600, to protect the system... and works fine for me, good limiter good compresor and the dynamic enhancer is very impresive.
About the PA you are asking... well that depends.. if your speakers are included on the preset list is going to be very easy, but if not and specially if you dont know how to set up manually the parameters... then you better not buy that one sir.
About the PA you are asking... well that depends.. if your speakers are included on the preset list is going to be very easy, but if not and specially if you dont know how to set up manually the parameters... then you better not buy that one sir.
Posted Thu 09 Jan 14 @ 8:11 am
groovindj
I think the OP made his decision in post #4 and is long gone.
Posted Thu 09 Jan 14 @ 9:02 am
srvo72woof
groovindj wrote :
I think the OP made his decision in post #4 and is long gone.
Maybe someone else will learn something useful out of all of this! :)
Posted Fri 10 Jan 14 @ 12:51 pm
freppa
djcity wrote :
A Driverack is one of the BEST investments you can make as far as sound is concerned.
A Driverack is one of the BEST investments you can make as far as sound is concerned.
AMEN !
Posted Sat 11 Jan 14 @ 5:34 am
mrgrumpy1
Well apparently this topic needed discuss! Thanks for all the feed back and the education. I almost feel I should pay for this much schooling!! I never thought about renting one to try and what a splendid idea! I'm running all new Peavey powered stuff so it should have the capabilities of reproducing the sound, but the problem I have is being a sound freak. I want my sound just as good as it gets and always trying to improve. I will rent one and try it, then post my opinion on it. Thanks again all and I tell ya, half the fun of owning Virtual DJ is coming here.
Posted Sun 12 Jan 14 @ 2:26 pm
djcity
Renting a Driverack might not be a bad idea but like other sound processors and speaker management, you get better results with practice the more you use it.
The RTA wizard is wonderful though.
Take my word for it (and the others who advised you on getting the Driverack). It's just about the BEST purchase you can make for your sound system HANDS DOWN!
The RTA wizard is wonderful though.
Take my word for it (and the others who advised you on getting the Driverack). It's just about the BEST purchase you can make for your sound system HANDS DOWN!
Posted Mon 13 Jan 14 @ 12:02 pm
mrgrumpy1
Thanks Djcity.:-)
Posted Tue 14 Jan 14 @ 3:50 pm
djcity
mrgrumpy1 wrote :
Thanks Djcity.:-)
No problem.
If you wind up getting one, take some time with the manual and learn more about it.
It will help you immensely.
Posted Tue 14 Jan 14 @ 4:26 pm
Jason K
I use it at my club. Haven't taken the time to learn it's functions properly, buy I have a good friend who does sound for huge events. He tuned it up for me and it makes a huge difference. He doesn't personally like the unit though. He keeps telling me to buy and EV model that's almost double the money.
Every sound system can take advantage of these processors. It's all about tuning to the room.
Every sound system can take advantage of these processors. It's all about tuning to the room.
Posted Tue 14 Jan 14 @ 7:28 pm
jmavila02
djfrochocr wrote :
Because im using self powered speakers, im just using an AUTOCOM PRO-XO MDX 1600, to protect the system... and works fine for me, good limiter good compresor and the dynamic enhancer is very impresive.
I will check that one out.
About the PA you are asking... well that depends.. if your speakers are included on the preset list is going to be very easy, but if not and specially if you dont know how to set up manually the parameters... then you better not buy that one sir.
I will check that one out.
About the PA you are asking... well that depends.. if your speakers are included on the preset list is going to be very easy, but if not and specially if you dont know how to set up manually the parameters... then you better not buy that one sir.
I was thinking of buying the dbx because I like portability but at the same time I want to get more bass. I went to a wedding once and the dj there was packing some serious bass. I'm not sure if this can be done with powered speakers because he was using a single jbl for the bass and some yamahas as tops. I know his speakers were not powered but with all the technology available I wonder if powered speakers can sound just as good.
Posted Wed 22 Jan 14 @ 11:43 am
groovindj
jmavila02 wrote :
I want to get more bass.
The best way to do that is to add subs to your setup.
If you've got subs already, then you need to either add more, or buy better subs.
It's not a good idea to force speakers into reproducing something they're not designed to do. The amount of bass coming from a speaker is a physical limitation. If you add more bass via EQ then you're putting more strain on your amps and on the speaker driver itself.
Posted Wed 22 Jan 14 @ 12:28 pm
djcity
Hey Groovin...
I have seen other posts from you and you are a knowledgeable fella.
What the driverack does for powered speakers is what signal processing does for passive speakers.
I know that you don't own one so I am taking this opportunity to try to share some info with you.
You first need to understand that a powered speaker is first just a speaker that has the amp attached.
The circuitry provided with the speaker is good but GENERAL. The DSP provided only hits GENERAL optimization.
Some people may want their sub to hit at 85 or 90Hz instead of the GENERAL 100Hz provided by the built in DSP.
Some people may wish to compress the bass or the highs to clean up and tighten up the sound to suit their own preferences.
The Driverack allows you to do all this and a lot more.
It can QE the room, balance the speakers, cut feedback, set limits, compress, set delays, incorporate sub harmonics and more.
You can set and use only the things you want and or need. You do not have to use everything that's available in the driverack.
I have very high end gear and my speakers sound GREAT stand alone but sound AMAZING using the driverack!
My sound is louder, stronger, clearer, clearer, crisper, sharper and more defined WITHOUT pushing too hard or adding additional gain or master.
Take this as an example...
2 QSCKW181's with 2 EV ELX115p's
With no driverack it sounds damn good! Let's say I can get 132db's. If I push for more, I will start to hit the limiter and be in danger of clipping.
My sound is good but the bass is a little muddy and the highs are a little sharp.
That same system run through the driverack...
I can now achieve 136db's. If I push more, I still have a bit of headroom to play with. I will not hit the speaker limiter and will not clip thanks to the compressor / limiter.
My bass is tighter, deeper, CLEANER. My highs are smoother and not harsh even at extremely loud volumes.
ANY speaker set up can benefit greatly from a Driverack no matter if it's a budget low end system or an extremely high end system.
I don't want to get into a pissing match with you. I am trying to educate you on something you are not very familiar with and show you the benefits.
You do not have to use one but please don't discourage someone from using one as it could save their whole sound system even if it's just protecting the speakers from clipping.
The Driverack WILL make a system sound and perform better.
I have seen other posts from you and you are a knowledgeable fella.
What the driverack does for powered speakers is what signal processing does for passive speakers.
I know that you don't own one so I am taking this opportunity to try to share some info with you.
You first need to understand that a powered speaker is first just a speaker that has the amp attached.
The circuitry provided with the speaker is good but GENERAL. The DSP provided only hits GENERAL optimization.
Some people may want their sub to hit at 85 or 90Hz instead of the GENERAL 100Hz provided by the built in DSP.
Some people may wish to compress the bass or the highs to clean up and tighten up the sound to suit their own preferences.
The Driverack allows you to do all this and a lot more.
It can QE the room, balance the speakers, cut feedback, set limits, compress, set delays, incorporate sub harmonics and more.
You can set and use only the things you want and or need. You do not have to use everything that's available in the driverack.
I have very high end gear and my speakers sound GREAT stand alone but sound AMAZING using the driverack!
My sound is louder, stronger, clearer, clearer, crisper, sharper and more defined WITHOUT pushing too hard or adding additional gain or master.
Take this as an example...
2 QSCKW181's with 2 EV ELX115p's
With no driverack it sounds damn good! Let's say I can get 132db's. If I push for more, I will start to hit the limiter and be in danger of clipping.
My sound is good but the bass is a little muddy and the highs are a little sharp.
That same system run through the driverack...
I can now achieve 136db's. If I push more, I still have a bit of headroom to play with. I will not hit the speaker limiter and will not clip thanks to the compressor / limiter.
My bass is tighter, deeper, CLEANER. My highs are smoother and not harsh even at extremely loud volumes.
ANY speaker set up can benefit greatly from a Driverack no matter if it's a budget low end system or an extremely high end system.
I don't want to get into a pissing match with you. I am trying to educate you on something you are not very familiar with and show you the benefits.
You do not have to use one but please don't discourage someone from using one as it could save their whole sound system even if it's just protecting the speakers from clipping.
The Driverack WILL make a system sound and perform better.
Posted Wed 22 Jan 14 @ 1:05 pm
djcity
jmavila02 wrote :
I was thinking of buying the dbx because I like portability but at the same time I want to get more bass. I went to a wedding once and the dj there was packing some serious bass. I'm not sure if this can be done with powered speakers because he was using a single jbl for the bass and some yamahas as tops. I know his speakers were not powered but with all the technology available I wonder if powered speakers can sound just as good.
djfrochocr wrote :
Because im using self powered speakers, im just using an AUTOCOM PRO-XO MDX 1600, to protect the system... and works fine for me, good limiter good compresor and the dynamic enhancer is very impresive.
I will check that one out.
About the PA you are asking... well that depends.. if your speakers are included on the preset list is going to be very easy, but if not and specially if you dont know how to set up manually the parameters... then you better not buy that one sir.
I will check that one out.
About the PA you are asking... well that depends.. if your speakers are included on the preset list is going to be very easy, but if not and specially if you dont know how to set up manually the parameters... then you better not buy that one sir.
I was thinking of buying the dbx because I like portability but at the same time I want to get more bass. I went to a wedding once and the dj there was packing some serious bass. I'm not sure if this can be done with powered speakers because he was using a single jbl for the bass and some yamahas as tops. I know his speakers were not powered but with all the technology available I wonder if powered speakers can sound just as good.
A Driverack will help but it can't do the impossible.
For real bass, you need subs.
The driverack will help you get THE MOST out of your subs and tops but it can only do so much.
Posted Wed 22 Jan 14 @ 1:08 pm
groovindj
djcity wrote :
I have seen other posts from you and you are a knowledgeable fella.
Cheers!
djcity wrote :
I know that you don't own one
Correct, I don't own a DriveRack - but I do own several other similar signal processors (as previously stated). I know how they work, what they do, and how that affects the output.
djcity wrote :
The circuitry provided with the speaker is good but GENERAL. The DSP provided only hits GENERAL optimization.
No. The circuitry in a powered speaker is (or should be) designed to work with that speaker specifically.
djcity wrote :
the GENERAL 100Hz provided by the built in DSP.
No - not all powered subs use a 100Hz crossover point. Therefore it's not "general". It's specific to that product.
djcity wrote :
I am trying to educate you on something you are not very familiar with
Well thanks dude, but I am already educated. I know how DJ kit, PA kit and gadgets in general work. I own the stuff, I use the stuff. I'm familiar with it. I've run passive systems in the past, with active crossovers and multiple amps. I now use powered systems with all that jazz built in.
Posted Wed 22 Jan 14 @ 1:48 pm
djcity
Ok groovin.
I will not attempt to tell YOU anything further about the driverack.
If asked, I will continue to educate others.
Good day to you.
I will not attempt to tell YOU anything further about the driverack.
If asked, I will continue to educate others.
Good day to you.
Posted Wed 22 Jan 14 @ 2:27 pm
richtoy
He he, so funny when not very clever people try to be clever. So amusing. It's like saying: "Hey listen bud, I don't live if France, but I am very knowledgeable; and it's rubbish. Move to where I live, as it's fantastic. Why go to all the hassle of being French when it's so much easier not to be? Take it from me, I've not been French all my life, for like 35 years or over, and it rocks. Huh? Durr?". Some people are just so thick. I love the way the debate grew richer and deeper with the grammar corrections. Ha ha, just killed me. By the way if you're French, I hope you understand irony, (if you do irony?) Ha ha, just kidding.
And just in case you are taking anything above as literal; I really think France rocks, and I actually wish I lived there.
Anyhow city, I'm really interested in your posts about the QSC KW181s, as I have two of those, and two ZXa5s - I don't have a crossover, and neither of the speaker models have them either. The ZXa5s are the most incredible speakers ever, but they don't have any limiters on them. Would the PX driverack help me out here? (My subs sound ok, but a little woolly due to no crossover). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
And just in case you are taking anything above as literal; I really think France rocks, and I actually wish I lived there.
Anyhow city, I'm really interested in your posts about the QSC KW181s, as I have two of those, and two ZXa5s - I don't have a crossover, and neither of the speaker models have them either. The ZXa5s are the most incredible speakers ever, but they don't have any limiters on them. Would the PX driverack help me out here? (My subs sound ok, but a little woolly due to no crossover). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Posted Sun 16 Feb 14 @ 6:37 am
groovindj
richtoy wrote :
neither of the speaker models have them either.
Actually the ZXA5 does have a crossover - or to be exact, a high pass switch.
A quick browse of the manuals for the QSC sub and the ZXA5 shows that the two can be used together quite simply, by feeding the ZXA5s from the pass-through outputs of the QSC sub and setting ZXA5s to high pass mode.
This is exactly the method used by QSC on their range, which is why the QSC sub only has pass-through. Plus, the high pass on the ZXA5s is at 100Hz too, so should work just fine with the QSC sub.
Posted Sun 16 Feb 14 @ 8:08 am
