I just got a new mixer, the Pioneer DJM-5000. The mixer has switchable attenuation on the main outs but it’s not enough attenuation when connecting to input 1 or 2 on my L1 Classics.
The three position switch on the mixer will give you 0dB, -6dB, or -12dB of attenuation. I combined -12dB built into the mixer with a 10dB impedance pad that I have and it still seemed too hot. I don’t know if it correct to assume that adding the two together would give me -22dB of attenuation.
I was looking at the manual for the mixer and noted in the specifications that the main and zone outputs on XLR are rated at 8dBu. The manual calls this Standard Output Level. There’s another entry though that lists the same outputs at 25dBu. The manual calls this Rated Output Level.
I’m not certain but I’m guessing that 8dBu is the number I should be concerned with. I know the Wiki suggests a 20dB impedance pad.
Aren’t these outputs normally rated at 4dB. Should I consider buying impedance pads that are rated higher than -20 dB?
Here is a link to the owners manual for the DJM-5000.
http://www.pioneerelectronics…ERATING INSTRUCTIONS
By the way my old mixer had a trim knob that allowed a maximum of -20dB of attenuation on the main outs and I always ran it at the max attenuation.
Just to make things clear here is a simple diagram of how I have things hooked up.
I can speak to my own experience here, so I will. I am a wedding DJ. About two months ago, I bought the Denon DN-MC6000. I ran XLR out from the Denon to Ch 1 and C2 of my two L1 Model 1s, with a -20 db pad. For the first time ever, I started to see red flashes on the L1. I called Bose Support, and they recommended trying XLR out from the Denon to 1/4" in on the L1, saying it would give me more headroom without degrading the sound. They were spot-on with the advice, and I’ve had not a problem since. That includes a Fourth of July outdoor gig in a park, where I probably pushed the L1s as hard as I ever have. No issues.
Have you considered XLR to 1/4"?
I have always run XLR cables in the past. I thought it was best to run XLR so that the connections would be balanced instead of unbalanced. I assume the 1/4 inch connections are unbalanced TS connectors rather than balanced TRS connectors. The manual doesn't specifically mention TS or TRS, it says...quote:Have you considered XLR to 1/4"?
quote:Inserting a 1/4-inch phone plug sends the input signal to an unbalanced high-impedance line-level circuit
I wanted to be sure my signal would be clean and noise free so I used the balanced XLR cables. I guess I could try a 1/4 inch input. I already have plenty of XLR cables but I can pickup a couple short 1-2 foot XLR to 1/4 inch cables to try and see if that makes the difference... without introducing noise.
I just talked to Bose tech support and they also recommended using the 1/4 inch imputs. I inquired about balanced vs. unbalanced and the rep told me it shouldn’t be a problem unless I’m running cables longer than 100 feet. The longest cable I ever run is 50 feet so I’m going to pickup some short XLR to 1/4 inch adapter cables and see how it works.
Are you using one Classic or two?
If using just one, are you connecting both left and right XLR into channel 1 and 2 simultaneously? (Hint: Use just one XLR output and set your mixer to MONO.)
Are you using the wireless remote?
Where are your input trim channel settings when going XLR out to XLR in? (Hint: For that board, they should be at 0.)
Thanks Cap. I always had them set between 3 and 4 with the last mixer. I turned the trim knobs down to about 1 to 2 when I tested everything the other day. I never thought about turning them down to zero. I wasn’t really thinking but at the time I assumed doing that would turn the volume off.
It’s been quite a while since I have been on these forums. I haven’t needed to be here because everything with my Bose systems have been working fine. In the past couple days I have searched and read some posts and found that without the remotes plugged in, everything is set to 12 o’clock. I had forgotten that and I haven’t plugged in my remotes in ages. I don’t plan on plugging them in now but I will try turning the trim knobs down to zero and see how that works.
Cap, would you run XLR into inputs 1 or 2 or do you think the recommendation to run a 1/4 inch is a good option? I don’t want to run into any noise issues.
I ordered a pair of XLR to 1/4 inch cables so I’ll give those a try this weekend during sound check but I can always fall back on the XLR with the trim set to zero and the impedance pads in place.
There are so many variables in action here that it is really hard to give an answer that fits exactly your mode and method of operation.
If you’re not using the wired remotes, then don’t worry about them. Once the powerstand has been turned off, they revert to default (which on the wired remote is all dials set at 12 o’clock).
Your mixer’s individual channel’s trim settings should give you all the volume control stabilization you’d need regardless of you cable choice. Most DM-500 users have those trims successfully set somewhere between 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock. Any higher and problems may arise.
IF your fingers get tired of typing as mine do, gimme a jingle. My lips move much faster than two index fingers and a keyboard.
I use -20 db pads in Ch. 1 with preset 58 & it sounds awesome!