PA Set-up with Amps

[narfdude]

Our band has recently upgraded our sound to include heads that have outputs to mixers. We have a powered Yamaha EFX500012 mixer as a PA with single 15s. I was wondering if you can connect the Heads directly to the PA without damage, without using mics. In this way we can use the mic ports for the drums, and balance the sound. We also want to record the live performances for review. We have a tascam 788 portastudio which attaches nicely to the sterio output on the Yamaha.

Some advice here would be nice. I read the Manual, and they said nothing about connecting amps, just the guitar with effects units.

Help

[ashivraj]

if you're connecting the heads, make sure it's a 'preamp out' or a 'line out' from the head. and a line-in on the mixer.

 

otherwise, way too much magic smoke.

 

also, this might seem obvious, but you dont wanna connect into the line-ins of the same channels as the mic-ins. i.e. channel 1 mic (xlr) in, dont run a line into that.

 

AS

[narfdude]

Thank you! They all have a line out at the back of the amp, and I knew not to put two lnes on the same channel. I will try it tonight at the gig and let you know how it works

[moody]

Generally a guitar line out from an amp will not sound as good as micing the cab. An sub mixer may not go astray.

 

If it's a bass head however, DI it by all means.

[narfdude]

I would like to try the direct line in to the source to eliminate cross pickup and bleeding from the drums. On the board all I get is clipping from the bass when I mic, because of the small venue. I am hoping by going through the line out I will more precisely control seperate volumes.

[Tommy Tune]

You have 26db pads and an 80hz cut on each channel of that board. You might want to try using them if you are bettin peak from the bass or you are getting bleed into the mics.

[moody]

 

Originally posted by narfdude I would like to try the direct line in to the source to eliminate cross pickup and bleeding from the drums. On the board all I get is clipping from the bass when I mic, because of the small venue. I am hoping by going through the line out I will more precisely control seperate volumes.

 

 

As I said, DI the bass, it's the guitars that won't sound right.

[narfdude]

Tried my amp head from the line out, using the 25db cut, it sounded fine. Not sure if it is better than a mic, but sure easier for set-up. Nearly Identicle to the cab.