Aux send/return question.

[DullElysium]

So now that i got your attention. Where can i get sturgis pod settings and boooooms???!! Haha. Just kidding.

So my question actually is about the aux sends/returns of a mixer.
I'm currently using phonic helixboard 24 universal and it has aux sends/returns. I've never really paid too much attention to them but i understand that they can be used to plug an external compressor/gate etc. to the mixer?

Can I safely test the aux sends/returns with my guitars gate pedal?

And i'd like some advice also on what rack gate/compressors to buy. Not too expensive but i cant trust behringer either.

Whoa. Been surfing this forum for ages and this is my first post.

 

[streetwise]

A gate or a compressor would be connected to the insert in your mixer. You can feed delays or reverbs or monitors with aux sends, but that's for live sound.

 

[DullElysium]

Thanks! One more question. I suppose that some compressors and gates have multiple inputs and outputs? Gate would help the feedback problem we run to pretty easily

 

[streetwise]

Thanks! One more question. I suppose that some compressors and gates have multiple inputs and outputs?

What do you mean? Most compressors and gates do have at least two channels. DBX166XL is inexpensive and okay for live use.

Gate would help the feedback problem we run to pretty easily

No, that's a wrong approach. A 31-band equalizer will help with feedback, you can cut those feedback frequencies off.

 

[DullElysium]

I mean like if someday i have to use a gate/compressor on more than a single track. I totally forgot about the multiband eq approach since the gate worked wonders on my guitar. But as far as i know a gate should do the trick also. Since we only get feedback when the vocalist isnt using the mic. My mixer has only high, mid, mid with changable freq, and low eq knobs. I have tried cuttin the feedback with those but they take so much other frequencies with them so the multiband would be great i guess.

 

[streetwise]

I mean like if someday i have to use a gate/compressor on more than a single track. I totally forgot about the multiband eq approach since the gate worked wonders on my guitar. But as far as i know a gate should do the trick also. Since we only get feedback when the vocalist isnt using the mic. My mixer has only high, mid, mid with changable freq, and low eq knobs. I have tried cuttin the feedback with those but they take so much other frequencies with them so the multiband would be great i guess.

If you need to use a compressor for multiple sources you either need to use the compressor in a group insert or get more channels.

I don't think a gate will solve the issue with feedback. It might, but an equalizer will most likely do it a lot better. If the vocalists mic gets feedback before the gate mutes the signal, you still get feedback. I do live sound engineering for work along with my studies, a 31-band EQ is the right tool and it will do the trick. You can also try different placement for your speakers and vocalist. And don't use any cheap SM58 clone's, they often have problems with feedback and handling noise.

 

[DullElysium]

Can you suggest any good eq's? My mic is an official shure sm58 and the lead vocalist has a sennheiser. Can't remember the model but i do know it was more expensive than se sm58.

 

[streetwise]

Dbx 1231 is decent. I mostly use Driverack or digital mixers at work so I'm not very familiar with all the different units.

Are you familiar with using a graphic EQ? Try boosting single faders with your mic near the volume where you normally get feedback. You'll notice some frequencies where the mic starts to squeal easily. Cut those frequencies. To tune your PA system you can listen to music you're familiar with (so you know how it's supposed to sound) then use the same method of boosting single frequencies, and cut annoying frequencies. Don't boost anything. When you're done, try bypassing the EQ and see if it got better or worse

Connect the EQ to your master insert or after main out.

 

[DullElysium]

I've been using some 10-band eq's with my guitar and on my computer. The 31-band eq sounds like a really precise thing anyways thanks so much man! I must say that this forum seems to be a really good place.

 

[arv_foh]

Dbx 1231 is decent.

+1, good EQ for the price... if you have an iPhone and can't identify the specific frequencies causing feedback download RTA (or RTA lite) and it will help you pick them out so you can pull them out

 

[DullElysium]

Haha i was so confused about what the hell has an iphone to do with this, but then i figured you weretalking about an app for it. And yes i have an iphone. Will have to look for that app. I'll propably order that eq this weekend.