So I've been reading up a lot more about proper gain structure and I see those that believe the amps must be full or almost fully open to be putting out sound, and those that say the amp sensitivity knob should be the last item you adjust.
2 years ago, we had a company come in and give our school a tiny makeover on amps, speakers, and a mixer. Well, we have 2 QSC GX5's driving what appears to be 4 Yamaha C112A's.
We also have a GX3 driving 2 BR15's that we use for monitor's when needed.
Anyway, if I set all my mic level's so that my Mackie ProFX16's meter is reading around 0db, then the amp has to be set to -16 to -14db (1/4 way of the knob) and even some of that is pushing the volume for our small 400 seat auditorium.
If I was to have the GX5's up at the halfway position or -10db, than my mixer levels have to be way down and I start hearing a lot of noise in the sound.
My issue is that I've read that running amps that low can cause over heating. It doesn't help that the company installed all 3 amps directly on top of each other. My first step is I'm going to separate them by 1U and install a vent panel in the rack. I'm also going to look into getting a rack cover for the amps so that no one can adjust the amps after they are set so they don't destroy the speakers.
I know proper gain structure can be a loaded question, but what are your thoughts.
Unfortunately anything that has to be purchased is probably going to by coming out of my pocket, so I really can't afford any new gear at the moment.
2 years ago, we had a company come in and give our school a tiny makeover on amps, speakers, and a mixer. Well, we have 2 QSC GX5's driving what appears to be 4 Yamaha C112A's.
We also have a GX3 driving 2 BR15's that we use for monitor's when needed.
Anyway, if I set all my mic level's so that my Mackie ProFX16's meter is reading around 0db, then the amp has to be set to -16 to -14db (1/4 way of the knob) and even some of that is pushing the volume for our small 400 seat auditorium.
If I was to have the GX5's up at the halfway position or -10db, than my mixer levels have to be way down and I start hearing a lot of noise in the sound.
My issue is that I've read that running amps that low can cause over heating. It doesn't help that the company installed all 3 amps directly on top of each other. My first step is I'm going to separate them by 1U and install a vent panel in the rack. I'm also going to look into getting a rack cover for the amps so that no one can adjust the amps after they are set so they don't destroy the speakers.
I know proper gain structure can be a loaded question, but what are your thoughts.
Unfortunately anything that has to be purchased is probably going to by coming out of my pocket, so I really can't afford any new gear at the moment.