Tips for Better Sound
- Volume levels (potentiometers) should not be set to their absolute maximum. If any potentiometer needs to be turned all the way to its end position, there is probably a fault in the setup somewhere. The ideal position is around zero or at the halfway point. This does not apply to DJ mixing consoles or the volume on power amplifiers.
- Before connecting or disconnecting cables, turn the volume down to zero, or alternatively
do this with the equipment switched off. - Handle the microphone volume with care. When turning it up, it is a good idea to speak or make some sound into the microphone. When the volume gets too high, a slight echo appears first — this is a kind of warning that feedback is about to occur. If you simply turn the microphone up without testing, there is no way to tell the maximum possible volume (it depends mainly on the room and on the position of the speakers and the microphone), and the moment it is exceeded, feedback can occur instantly, with the system squealing at full power. With a powerful sound system this is dangerous both for your hearing and potentially for the equipment.
- A constant hum, should it appear, can be removed by switching the „Ground Lift“ switch to ON or Lift on the amplifier or on the speakers. If the system does not have this and no DI box is used, the hum can be eliminated by setting the output of the playback device (mixing console, laptop, CD player) to the highest possible volume and, conversely, turning the volume down on the amplifier.
- If a rustling noise appears in the sound when a laptop is connected directly to the amplifier, it is probably caused by the laptop battery charging (it should stop once the laptop is unplugged from the mains). To remove it, you can proceed the same way as with hum. Another option is to turn the volume down on the laptop and, conversely, set the volume on the amplifier all the way up to maximum.
- A constant hum, should it appear, can be removed by switching the „Ground Lift“ switch to ON or Lift on the amplifier or on the speakers. If the system does not have this and no DI box is used, the hum can be eliminated by setting the output of the playback device (mixing console, laptop, CD player) to the highest possible volume and, conversely, turning the volume down on the amplifier.
- If the output at low frequencies is suspiciously weak, it is worth disconnecting one speaker. If the volume at low frequencies then increases, the polarity of one of the cables is probably reversed (one speaker is playing out of phase). Speaker placement also plays an important role (see the next point).
- Speaker placement: The highest low-frequency output is achieved by placing the speakers on the floor in a corner of the room or against a wall. Conversely, the lowest low-frequency output occurs when a speaker is placed in open space or on stands. That is why, for outdoor events, exponential horn cabinets are used (see e.g. SUB 15). Mid and high sections should be placed (or aimed) at ear height if possible.
- If the speakers hiss, check the volume settings (see point 1), or do not hesitate to call our hotline.
- The level indicators (signal meters) on the amplifier may flash up to red at peak volume, but they must never stay lit red continuously! The indicators on the mixing console are ideally kept no higher than around the 0 level. For more volume, turn up the volume on the amplifier. Once the system is connected, it is a good idea to verify that it is set up correctly, for example by testing the maximum volume.
Sound Equipment Wiring Diagram
