As a dj, learning how to properly set gain stage was the best thing that I learned, next to mixing. I have some speakers that I deemed to be horrible. Turns out, I just need to set gains properly. This is also essential to me, because at this time, I do not have the budget to spend on the super high end brands, so I have some stuff that is decent and still pretty good. And make them sound just as good.
So Entertainment DJs My setup is growing. Right now, I have 4 Alto TS212’s for tops, 2 EV ELX200-18sp subs, and two Harbinger V115’s that I use for stage monitors
I’m a regular guy. Didn’t go to Berkeley to learn sound, don’t have any API grad friends to show me the tricks. What I know I had to learn on the fly so I really appreciate your video that teaches on regular guy terms. Will be recommending your video to many. Thanks!
Man I love these videos. I've been a DJ for a long time now but I'm learning a great deal about becoming more professional from you and your videos. Keep them coming.
Awesome video....I had what I considered a good sounding sound system QSC KW122 & QSC KS118, but after watching this video I decided to run my Pioneer sx2 through my Mackie profx8v2 mixer with the sub going through my aux out and it sounded even better! Thanks, and I appreciate the time you put into posting these videos....👍
I have guys that got into DJ'n but couldn't set the EQ or Crossover & I had to do over & over again for them. So I set it and put a cover plate over them so they couldn't get out of position or as we say phase but they wanted more out of the speakers and I told the don't get new speakers just buy a better woofer. But being a DJ is more than saying I'm a DJ. KNOW your music but also know your equipment as well.
I feel I need to make a correction here: TRS IS a balanced input. It is essentially the same thing as XLR, but in 1/4" form. TS is an unbalanced which shouldnt be used for signal over 16ft Also while Allen & Heath do make good quality mixers, they are very expensive. I alsways recommend the Behringer 1204 mixer because it is basically the same thing, with built in effects, but is MUCH more affordable. YES I generally don't like Behringer products, YES its not as good quality and may not last as long, BUT I have been using my little Behringer for my personal DJ setup for years now. If you take proper care of it and know how to maintain it, its not a bad little mixer and can definitely get the job done and still last a good while til you are ready and able to upgrade.
I should have seen this video before yesterday. Did a Christmas event and in an after thought I realized I should have put the sub on an aux. Good video thumbs up.
Where aux fed subs really shine is mixing a live band. Aux fed subs allow you to run your main rig as full range speakers including the lower frequencies and then only feed the bass heavy instruments like kick, bass and keys to the aux fed subs. This way you don't have the low frequencies of the bass heavy instruments muddying up the lower frequencies of the other instruments. Great video with your clear explanations .
In my experience, subs are generally worked hard without a lot of headroom. Subs are all about moving a lot of air. People want to feel the music. That is great for bass, kick and low keys. But other instruments have a touch of very low frequency. A grand piano, percussion, the breath of a singer or sax player, or thumping on the body of an acoustic guitar. Instruments you don't want to feed to your aux fed subs. By running the mains full range, these instruments get the touch of very low frequency they need while the power of the kick and bass drive the subs so you can feel the music. Is there frequency smear? Probably. But with aux fed subs you don't boost the low end with channel EQ. Rather you boost the low end with the aux send. If you run your sub aux send post fader, pre-EQ, you can even cut the very low frequencies in the kick and bass channel EQ to preserve mains low end for the other instruments. YMMV.
Great videos! I have to say, it takes a lot of moxy to do educational videos on subjects that are attached to such a critical industry. Appreciate what your doing my friend. Thank you...
I hate it when a DJ can't keep his signal under 3dB. Sometimes I have to run all the way to the stage to tap their shoulder because I'm getting +10dB signal in my mixer ( no kidding! ). Then 10 minutes later it's the same story all over again.... This is on gigs with rented Adamson line arrays and at least 6 dual 18's, no gear you'd want to blow :) Great video btw!
Great video! Just wanted to point out that 1/4" TRS cables ARE balanced, whereas 1/4" TS cables are not. But yeah, XLR is always preferable. And gain staging is SO important! Edit: I see others beat me to the punch on this one
Hay I love your videos. I’m trying to become a dj and your really helping give some in site into how to get started and how much to get started lol keep the video coming I’m looking forward to it
Sorry, just had to correct it, but the mixer doesn’t have to be XLR out. You just need to check the specifications that it has Balanced out. Some mixers have 1/4” outs, and they’re balanced. Tl;dr check the specification to make sure it’s Balanced Out regardless of the connection. Great video nonetheless! Keep it up man!
I have been connecting my sound wrong all along, i used the XLR balanced cable connecting it to the mic input on channel 1. The sound was good but i will try channel 5 of the mixer and hear how it wil sound
Loving the videos! Can you do a video on the best ways to avoid Feedback in our wireless mics. I seem to have a problem with that. I use an SX2 with Evolve 50's and turn the base down on the mic channel. Still get feedback sometimes.
If you’re able to have something like a graphic EQ (used to tune PA systems for feedback and other things) you can notch out certain frequencies another option to something like this is a dbx Go-Rack if you can find one second hand and use the built in anti feedback suppresser. The cheapest solution is to try to use microphones behind the PA where possible have the presenter / spokesperson stand in front of the PA speakers along with turning off mics when they aren’t in use
Thanks for the info. Gotta have the gains set properly. I use the Peavey Kosmos V2 Spectrum Enhancement System. It works as a crossover, removes the highs from the sub channel, removes the bass from the top(if you wish) and creates an additional tone 1 octave below the input bass.
I’ve got a buddy that runs his mains on his controllers main out, and his subs get signal from the booth out. Sets all the speakers to 100hz cross over and he’s good to go. Just food for thought.
Pretty much the same thing that’s been said in this video, minus the option to control how much of each input goes through as it is usually a direct copy of the FOH out
I can see why Aux to Sub is great for live band kick bass isolation etc but for a DJ full range track signal coming from Aux to the Sub or Subs is it better than the crossover in the Sub seperating the low bass and only allowing the middle and high frequency to go to the speakers thus freeing them from the heavy work load of handling the bass and by doing so improving the clarity of the sound from the speakers making the volume appear louder clearer better!
It was just the reason that was started in the video, you don’t have the vocal channels turned up because they don’t usually produce frequencies down that low, running the subs from the aux didn’t mean that it wouldn’t need the crossover, anytime tops + subs are used a crossover will always be required, active subs usually have this built in
Great video man! Question I have the MG10XU it has balance xlr and 1/4 as the master. Then I have the 1/4 monitor. So the question is could I use the monitor output like an aux?
You definitely can. I’ve got that one and do it all the time but instead of subs I use it for a send to another room. The only down fall to this is that all signals will be sent to the sub, if you wanted to use the ‘aux’ sub method then you can use the FX send but having the return down If you need me to clarify things let me know
Talk about missing something... He never did show how to wire it up! That blue cable was plugged into the aux out and going to the subs. He never showed or explained it lol
I have a Harbinger LP9800 Powered mixer and use two Peavey PV115 non powered speakers and two 8 ohm monitors out of the mixer as well.. and I also come out of the preamp monitor output on the LP9800 to a peavey 300 monitor amp to run two extra monitors for ohms. Now, How or can I, come out of the LP9800 board preamp output main on front of the mixer,(either Left/mono or right), to run a sub?. ( powered or non powered sub)and if so, what else would I need to run the sub? A BBE sonic maximizer, crossover, or equalizer? or what..? is this possible? It would be used for small rooms with small band in like a VFW to hold about 200/300 people. Thanks.Bruce Hayes
You would NOT want to send Powered signal from a Powered Mixer to a Power Amp. IF you are going to use a Power Amp, (Why when you have a Powered Mixer?) get your signal from the Non-Powered output of the mixer. Be sure not to over power the Passive Speakers.
I gotta say this is crucial when setting up subs and really makes a difference during the mix. It’s nice to push the low end for the crowd when energy is high. However you can’t leave the signal to high through out the entire mix - Kinda muddys the sound and pushes bass during the anticlimactic parts of he track
John! You never showed how to wire it up lol! That blue cable going from aux out to subs never got explained! Concept was dead on (although I never do it anymore) but you missed explaining the blue wire and how you wire it up. The aux knobs aren't going to magically turn up just the subs. That's what it looked like lol
I suggest going to the subs first is using a active PA for a few reasons then running the tops off of the high pass out / satellite out 1. Most active speakers have a built in crossover that will then take the low end that’s going into the sub and won’t put it in the top (allowing more headroom) 2. Less cables ran up / down the speaker pole = cleaner setup
When running aux feed sub setup, you run from board to tops, then board to subs from aux output. You end up with more signal cable runs to the speakers, but the extra control is worth it. For the average mobile dj, it's not worth the trouble, but when doing sound for a band or concert sound setup, this is the way to go. Anything that doesn't produce low frequency sound, doesn't need to be routed through the sub channel.
@ 4:06 . . . Aren't 1/4" TRS Balanced also? Yes, yes they are. 1/4" TS and RCAs are Unbalanced, but XLR and TRS 1/4" connectors are balanced when used on 3-Conductor Cable. When setting Gain Structure, always use your Heaviest Low end or Bass heavy track on repeat. Never "Adjust" your sound with the Gain/Trim. "Set It & Forget It". If you are using a mixer with EQ, you should leave your Powered Speaker's DSP Flat. No adjustments except choosing use with/without Subwoofer. Otherwise, you may be "Stacking" problems in the over all sound.
I love the content bro, been binging your vids as far back as 2016.. but the out of focus shots... hurting my eyes.. hope we can improve on this going forward.
Question i am using the ddj sr i just bought the sz but it has xlr how do i plug in xlr to a mixer from my controller with xlr or should i do xlr to 1/4 in cables?
Just a little note... If your aux doesn't offer a "post fader" option (which most do), you can use the efx bus for your aux fed sub. So once you've got the sub to top ratio dialed in, you can control them both with the channel fader or the master..
Big ups to a black man educating us.. Thanx for the time you took to make this video.
As a dj, learning how to properly set gain stage was the best thing that I learned, next to mixing. I have some speakers that I deemed to be horrible. Turns out, I just need to set gains properly. This is also essential to me, because at this time, I do not have the budget to spend on the super high end brands, so I have some stuff that is decent and still pretty good. And make them sound just as good.
DJ Xolani what do you have?
So Entertainment DJs My setup is growing. Right now, I have 4 Alto TS212’s for tops, 2 EV ELX200-18sp subs, and two Harbinger V115’s that I use for stage monitors
Gain staging to me, is everything to start the process for getting the sweetness that we are all looking for.
My sentiments exactly, I just recently had a sound engineer set my gains and I was blown away the sound output!
I’m coming from a live sound background and you’re one of a few DJs that I’ve seen / worked with that has a decent understanding of gain staging
I’m a regular guy. Didn’t go to Berkeley to learn sound, don’t have any API grad friends to show me the tricks. What I know I had to learn on the fly so I really appreciate your video that teaches on regular guy terms. Will be recommending your video to many. Thanks!
How do you connect a second subwoofer?
Man I love these videos. I've been a DJ for a long time now but I'm learning a great deal about becoming more professional from you and your videos. Keep them coming.
I only seen this one video from you. And I did what you had said to my PA rig . It made it sound GREAT. Need to see more VIDEOS
Thanks
Awesome video....I had what I considered a good sounding sound system QSC KW122 & QSC KS118, but after watching this video I decided to run my Pioneer sx2 through my Mackie profx8v2 mixer with the sub going through my aux out and it sounded even better! Thanks, and I appreciate the time you put into posting these videos....👍
We can do it man! When I subbed a few weeks ago you were still at 3k!
I have guys that got into DJ'n but couldn't set the EQ or Crossover & I had to do over & over again for them. So I set it and put a cover plate over them so they couldn't get out of position or as we say phase but they wanted more out of the speakers and I told the don't get new speakers just buy a better woofer. But being a DJ is more than saying I'm a DJ. KNOW your music but also know your equipment as well.
I feel I need to make a correction here:
TRS IS a balanced input. It is essentially the same thing as XLR, but in 1/4" form. TS is an unbalanced which shouldnt be used for signal over 16ft
Also while Allen & Heath do make good quality mixers, they are very expensive.
I alsways recommend the Behringer 1204 mixer because it is basically the same thing, with built in effects, but is MUCH more affordable. YES I generally don't like Behringer products, YES its not as good quality and may not last as long, BUT I have been using my little Behringer for my personal DJ setup for years now. If you take proper care of it and know how to maintain it, its not a bad little mixer and can definitely get the job done and still last a good while til you are ready and able to upgrade.
I should have seen this video before yesterday. Did a Christmas event and in an after thought I realized I should have put the sub on an aux. Good video thumbs up.
Very good clear video. Thank you for your post. Thank you for being clear again. Important info.too
Excellent, on a level everyone can understand!!
Im just starting to get into the audio industry and your videos are so great and have been helping so much. Thank you.
Where aux fed subs really shine is mixing a live band. Aux fed subs allow you to run your main rig as full range speakers including the lower frequencies and then only feed the bass heavy instruments like kick, bass and keys to the aux fed subs. This way you don't have the low frequencies of the bass heavy instruments muddying up the lower frequencies of the other instruments.
Great video with your clear explanations .
Old post but please explain your reasoning behind running your mains full range while using subs. Would this result in frequency smear?
In my experience, subs are generally worked hard without a lot of headroom. Subs are all about moving a lot of air. People want to feel the music. That is great for bass, kick and low keys. But other instruments have a touch of very low frequency. A grand piano, percussion, the breath of a singer or sax player, or thumping on the body of an acoustic guitar. Instruments you don't want to feed to your aux fed subs. By running the mains full range, these instruments get the touch of very low frequency they need while the power of the kick and bass drive the subs so you can feel the music.
Is there frequency smear? Probably. But with aux fed subs you don't boost the low end with channel EQ. Rather you boost the low end with the aux send. If you run your sub aux send post fader, pre-EQ, you can even cut the very low frequencies in the kick and bass channel EQ to preserve mains low end for the other instruments. YMMV.
Just need to say that these videos have been super informative and helpful! Great Job!!! Also, beard looks strong today. Propz.
Great videos! I have to say, it takes a lot of moxy to do educational videos on subjects that are attached to such a critical industry. Appreciate what your doing my friend. Thank you...
Another great video 👍. Hope the rain doesn't cause any serious damages.
I hate it when a DJ can't keep his signal under 3dB. Sometimes I have to run all the way to the stage to tap their shoulder because I'm getting +10dB signal in my mixer ( no kidding! ). Then 10 minutes later it's the same story all over again.... This is on gigs with rented Adamson line arrays and at least 6 dual 18's, no gear you'd want to blow :)
Great video btw!
I love this channel, keep it up :)
Yes ive been saying this for ages you need to be able to control your subs separate from the main mix! I run out of booth out for my sub
How could I connect a sub to my mixer if my mixer doesn't have aux sends?
Excellent video content. Over the last few years, I have gotten to prefer running subs in this same manner. Nice share.
I'm digging the live sound videos. You're a great teacher
This was great but PLEASE do a video on Proper Gain STRUCTURE
Too often, people don't have proper structure and get Clipping without understanding.
Great video! Just wanted to point out that 1/4" TRS cables ARE balanced, whereas 1/4" TS cables are not. But yeah, XLR is always preferable. And gain staging is SO important!
Edit: I see others beat me to the punch on this one
Hay I love your videos. I’m trying to become a dj and your really helping give some in site into how to get started and how much to get started lol keep the video coming I’m looking forward to it
Sorry, just had to correct it, but the mixer doesn’t have to be XLR out. You just need to check the specifications that it has Balanced out. Some mixers have 1/4” outs, and they’re balanced.
Tl;dr check the specification to make sure it’s Balanced Out regardless of the connection.
Great video nonetheless! Keep it up man!
Best yet... thank you John
Brilliant video and thanks for explaining how to control the bass sub and the two way speaker and I'm a beginner dj
That's funny because he never did show how to get the signal to the subs themselves. He passed right over how to wire it up lol
Good stuff keep up the great content.
I have been connecting my sound wrong all along, i used the XLR balanced cable connecting it to the mic input on channel 1. The sound was good but i will try channel 5 of the mixer and hear how it wil sound
Thank you
You are awesome! Thanks for an in-depth Overview on something none have covered! #dontcallme
There were dozens of videos on aux fed subs lol. Even three years ago. And, he never actually SHOWED how to wire it up lol. Not so in depth after all.
Question. So you connected the subs to the aux out to achieve this? Bear with me….. I’m learning
Your content is miles ahead bro. The numbers are going to explode.
Thanks for replying to me on IG today. 804soundz
Loving the videos! Can you do a video on the best ways to avoid Feedback in our wireless mics. I seem to have a problem with that. I use an SX2 with Evolve 50's and turn the base down on the mic channel. Still get feedback sometimes.
If you’re able to have something like a graphic EQ (used to tune PA systems for feedback and other things) you can notch out certain frequencies another option to something like this is a dbx Go-Rack if you can find one second hand and use the built in anti feedback suppresser. The cheapest solution is to try to use microphones behind the PA where possible have the presenter / spokesperson stand in front of the PA speakers along with turning off mics when they aren’t in use
You can also use the Behringer feedback destroyer for dealing with feedback problems
You hit on it. I was gonna to say i didnt like having the sub on aux since you have its more knobs in the equation. Its a trade off
Shared Video onto my FB !!!! Also thanks on the Crux’s Hook up again coming in today !
i like you man.... your videos are very helpful.
thank you for this, just what i needed.
Thanks for the info. Gotta have the gains set properly. I use the Peavey Kosmos V2 Spectrum Enhancement System. It works as a crossover, removes the highs from the sub channel, removes the bass from the top(if you wish) and creates an additional tone 1 octave below the input bass.
Excellent video very informative thanks bro
Thank you so much!
I’ve got a buddy that runs his mains on his controllers main out, and his subs get signal from the booth out. Sets all the speakers to 100hz cross over and he’s good to go. Just food for thought.
Pretty much the same thing that’s been said in this video, minus the option to control how much of each input goes through as it is usually a direct copy of the FOH out
"Don't call me" 😂 😂 pure gold!
You're at 27.8k now! 5 years later!
How do I connect the cables for the aux in the mixer?
I can see why Aux to Sub is great for live band kick bass isolation etc but for a DJ full range track signal coming from Aux to the Sub or Subs is it better than the crossover in the Sub seperating the low bass and only allowing the middle and high frequency to go to the speakers thus freeing them from the heavy work load of handling the bass and by doing so improving the clarity of the sound from the speakers making the volume appear louder clearer better!
Love the t-shirt i need one
well done video
I have zed 10 fix subwoofer Rockville 15 how to connect them
When feeding the subwoofer with Aux out, would you just run it in mono? Or what about using a Y cable to send two XLRs to the sub?
Hi, My mixer does not have AUX mix out. Could I connect to phone ( 1/4 jack) on my mixer to adjust the volume to the sub?
Alternately can't you use the monitor out?
You can but you will then not have the option of controlling what is routed to the sub and how much, you only get a direct copy from the main
@@joshuaculross1387 Would that matter if the sub has a crossover?
It was just the reason that was started in the video, you don’t have the vocal channels turned up because they don’t usually produce frequencies down that low, running the subs from the aux didn’t mean that it wouldn’t need the crossover, anytime tops + subs are used a crossover will always be required, active subs usually have this built in
Nice... Aux Fed via matrix is the best....
Dear please explain me what is the most easiest way to connect Subwoofer with power amplifier????
Amazing !!
I did 3 gain staging videos the other day
Great video man! Question I have the MG10XU it has balance xlr and 1/4 as the master. Then I have the 1/4 monitor. So the question is could I use the monitor output like an aux?
You definitely can. I’ve got that one and do it all the time but instead of subs I use it for a send to another room. The only down fall to this is that all signals will be sent to the sub, if you wanted to use the ‘aux’ sub method then you can use the FX send but having the return down
If you need me to clarify things let me know
@@joshuaculross1387
Got it thanks man!
No Problem mate!!
hello merry christmas...to all
your shirt is killing me smalls! #dontcallme
You missed a VERY key component to gain structure. You also have to set your gain structure between your mixer and your amps or powered speakers
Talk about missing something... He never did show how to wire it up! That blue cable was plugged into the aux out and going to the subs. He never showed or explained it lol
Dam I use tables and it takes me way longer to set up
How would you fix a electric bass guitar on a x air 12 to your subs
I have a Harbinger LP9800 Powered mixer and use two Peavey PV115 non powered speakers and two 8 ohm monitors out of the mixer as well.. and I also come out of the preamp monitor output on the LP9800 to a peavey 300 monitor amp to run two extra monitors for ohms. Now, How or can I, come out of the LP9800 board preamp output main on front of the mixer,(either Left/mono or right), to run a sub?. ( powered or non powered sub)and if so, what else would I need to run the sub? A BBE sonic maximizer, crossover, or equalizer? or what..? is this possible? It would be used for small rooms with small band in like a VFW to hold about 200/300 people. Thanks.Bruce Hayes
Qweation what if you want to up the Power From a powerd mixer to a power amp straight to the passive speakers ? I'd like to know how to do so
You would NOT want to send Powered signal from a Powered Mixer to a Power Amp. IF you are going to use a Power Amp, (Why when you have a Powered Mixer?) get your signal from the Non-Powered output of the mixer. Be sure not to over power the Passive Speakers.
Always aux you subs when possible.
I gotta say this is crucial when setting up subs and really makes a difference during the mix. It’s nice to push the low end for the crowd when energy is high. However you can’t leave the signal to high through out the entire mix - Kinda muddys the sound and pushes bass during the anticlimactic parts of he track
John! You never showed how to wire it up lol! That blue cable going from aux out to subs never got explained! Concept was dead on (although I never do it anymore) but you missed explaining the blue wire and how you wire it up. The aux knobs aren't going to magically turn up just the subs. That's what it looked like lol
my board is a mackie profx22.can i use fx send for.my aux fed sub?
Hey John i'll give you a call tomorrow..... hahaha
You go board to top speaker to sub?
Board to tops and aux to subs... or if your going inline then board to subs then to tops.
I suggest going to the subs first is using a active PA for a few reasons then running the tops off of the high pass out / satellite out
1. Most active speakers have a built in crossover that will then take the low end that’s going into the sub and won’t put it in the top (allowing more headroom)
2. Less cables ran up / down the speaker pole = cleaner setup
When running aux feed sub setup, you run from board to tops, then board to subs from aux output. You end up with more signal cable runs to the speakers, but the extra control is worth it. For the average mobile dj, it's not worth the trouble, but when doing sound for a band or concert sound setup, this is the way to go. Anything that doesn't produce low frequency sound, doesn't need to be routed through the sub channel.
@ 4:06 . . . Aren't 1/4" TRS Balanced also? Yes, yes they are. 1/4" TS and RCAs are Unbalanced, but XLR and TRS 1/4" connectors are balanced when used on 3-Conductor Cable.
When setting Gain Structure, always use your Heaviest Low end or Bass heavy track on repeat. Never "Adjust" your sound with the Gain/Trim. "Set It & Forget It".
If you are using a mixer with EQ, you should leave your Powered Speaker's DSP Flat. No adjustments except choosing use with/without Subwoofer. Otherwise, you may be "Stacking" problems in the over all sound.
I love the content bro, been binging your vids as far back as 2016.. but the out of focus shots... hurting my eyes.. hope we can improve on this going forward.
Nice Shirt
Question i am using the ddj sr i just bought the sz but it has xlr how do i plug in xlr to a mixer from my controller with xlr or should i do xlr to 1/4 in cables?
I have the DDJ SX2 and a Yamaha mixer. I use two XLR females (connect to controller) to 1/4 cables (connect to Yamaha mixer). Hope this makes sense
Like alot of comments below I also use the monitor out for my sub.
Love what you doing man keep it up and thanks for all the info u give, it really helps a lot. #DOONTCALLME
You should not mess with the gain after you set it the first time.
when your sound system set correct...no need for aux feed sub
😍😍
Yeap, that's how I run my subs. Aux sub.
i just run my subs through my booth out
Just a little note... If your aux doesn't offer a "post fader" option (which most do), you can use the efx bus for your aux fed sub. So once you've got the sub to top ratio dialed in, you can control them both with the channel fader or the master..
"I'm not saying that 1/4" can't be used but balanced is always best". TRS 1/4" is balanced. Love your videos brother, but that is just false info.
I was going to say this same thing. TRS can be used for balanced connections (or stereo unbalanced). TS, however, can not.
@@vannk73 Thanks for the knowledge. I had just bought some XLR to 1/4 TS, will be returning them for the TRS ones now.
Not much. What's up with you?
Haha #DONTCALLME
First!!
nice but dude get the F to it