Carvin FX1244P Instruction Manual - Page 30
Connecting, Speakers, gauge
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FX44 Mixer Setting Up a Sound System Section 5 2) Connecting the Main Amps and Speakers Any of the CARVIN FX-44 consoles can be used for Mono or Stereo sound reinforcement. The mixer model numbers describe the particular models features. The number represents the (number of channels) X (number of outputs) format. Therefore the FX1244 console for instance is a (12 channel) X (4 stereo output) format. This means that 12 input channels may be mixed to (4) outputs or "stereo", which subsequently may be summed together to feed a mono output. For the sake of simplicity we will show how to hook up a "stereo" system here. 3) Powered Mixers and Non-Powered Mixers You will be using the "LEFT OUT" and "RIGHT OUT" XLR jacks as the main pre-amp outputs to drive your power amplifiers. These 2 balanced output jacks will provide the lowest noise levels for signal output. The same snake that was used to feed the signals from the stage to the mixer usually has provisions for sending output signals from the mixer to the stage. You may plug the (pre-amp level) LEFT OUT and RIGHT OUT outputs from your mixer into the snake cable. This will send the signal to the power amplifiers, usually left on stage. The power amplifiers will then drive your speakers. The "2 TRK OUT" RCA jacks may be used as auxiliary main pre-amp outputs. These RCA jacks are non-balanced outputs and generally used for taping. Once the snake cable, or alternate means of cabling, carrying the signal has reached the stage, the connections are made to the power amplifiers. The power amp outputs can then be connected to the speakers. using a heavy gauge wire. A 16 gauge (AWG) or heavier nonshielded wire is recommended. Note: Your speaker cables are the only ones that should not be shielded. Alf other cables in your system that carry 'Mic' and 'Pre-amp' level signals should be shielded. To have shielded cables connected to the power amp outputs of your amplifiers could result in damaging the amplifier circuits. 4) Powered Mixers With powered mixers (i.e. mixers with built in power amplifiers) you cannot take the "LEFT (MONO)" and "RIGHT (MON1)" post amplifier outputs and feed them through the snake to power your speakers on stage. Doing this could result in damage to the power amp in the mixing console. Only 'Pre-amp' signals can be returned to the stage through the snake. Since you cannot send speaker level signals up the snake you will have to use separate speaker cables. These cables will carry the signal, from the powered console outputs, directly to the speakers. A 16 gauge(AWG) or heavier non-shielded wire is recommended. Keep in mind that the minimum loading for "LEFT (MONO)" and "RIGHT (MON1)" amp outputs is 4.0. per side. Even though there are two jacks per side. Note: Your speaker cables are the only ones that should not be shielded. All other cables in your system that carry Mic and Pre-amp level signals should be shielded. To have shielded cables connected to the power amp outputs of your console or amplifiers could result in damaging the amplifier circuits. 6) Connecting the Monitor Amps and Speakers In a typical setup for live sound the "FX" series MON1 and MON2 monitor (auxiliary) busses will be used to provide monitor mixes for the musicians on stage. The MON1 and MON2 output signals will be sent to the stage just like the main output signals. The signals are sent to the stage either by using a direct shielded wire from the rear of the mixer or by using the snake. The signal can now be pluged into the inputs of the monitor amplifiers that will be powering the monitor speakers. Remember: ALL monitor sends are pre-amp level and are non powered. These signals are used to drive power amplifiers that subsequently drive your monitor speakers. You CANNOT drive loudspeakers directly from the "MON1" and "MON2" outputs. The "MONO OUT" XLR jack would normally not he used for stereo performances. It would oe used in a Mono set-uo. where the signal sent to the loudspeakers is non-stereo or mono. The XLR "MONO OUT" delivers is the combination of the "LEFT OUT" and "RIGHT OUT" signals. Use this pre-amp out when you need only Mono signal, like during a lecture. 5-2