HOGFAN Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I have been using an older receiver's preamp out to a power amp running my KP 301's for tailgate/block parties....and the sound is really great. However, I recently picked up a mixer to use (to save my receiver from outdoor use) and I can tell a noticeable difference in the sound quality.....not as clean nor loud as using the receiver's preamp. Is this just the case with using a mixer vs a preamp from a vintage receiver? I'm trying to determine if I need a better mixer or maybe just pick up another vintage receiver and use the preamp out like I have been doing. Your help is much appreciated! Hogfan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 need a better mixer Maybe... It depends on the mixer, and how you set the gain through it. Some of the little mixers are really not very good at all. Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOGFAN Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 That's kind of what I thought....just wanted to confirm. The mixer I have cost like $150. It looks like the better mixers are at least 3X the cost of this one. I'll probably look for another older receiver with pre outs on it for $200 or so. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 What mixer is it? I understand the low price vs. quality of sound but it should be able to drive the amp/speakers to equal loudness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOGFAN Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 The mixer is a Cortex R1U....single space rack mixer. It sounds decent, but not as good as using the pre-outs on my HK 730! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Spec sheet is unclear. Are you using the XLR outs or the 1/4 inch? Says the XLRs are balanced, But says 1/4 inch are unbalanced but then says 1/4 inch are TRS capable of the same level as XLRs. So how have you been hooking it up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOGFAN Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 I'm pretty sure I use the 1/4 inch cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 So 1/4 inch to RCA at amp? Or does the amp have 1/4 inch inputs? My concern, because the spec sheet is not clear, is that you maybe grounding out the low side of a balanced signal if you are running it into an unbalanced input on the amp. With the unbalanced preouts on your receiver running into the amp there is no such issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOGFAN Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 I'm pretty sure I'm running 1/4" directly from mixer to my QSC amp (I'll check this evening). When I was using my HK 730, I know I was running RCA from pre-out to the QSC amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOGFAN Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 I checked and I'm running 1/4" directly from mixer to the amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 So the QSC amp has 1/4 inch inputs. Are they balanced inputs? Are you using TRS or TS 1/4 inch cable between the mixer and amp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOGFAN Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 My QSC amp does have 1/4" inputs. I'm not sure if they are balanced or not. How would I tell? Also, what is the difference between TRS and TS cable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I would THINK the QSC inputs are balanced but let's check the documentation to be sure. Got a manual? Or model #? A TS (tip & sleeve) cable has only 2 contacts on each end and only 2 conductors usually a center conductor and a shield. These are used for unbalanced equipment interconnects or musical instruments(electric guitars etc). A TRS (tip, ring & sleeve) on the other hand has 3 contacts on each end connected by a 3 conductor cable usually a twisted pair and a separate shield. These are used for balanced interconnects. Here's a link that shows a picture of each: http://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/whats-the-difference-between-ts-and-trs-cables/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOGFAN Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 babadono, OK, it appears my 1/4" cable is a TS version. I'll switch to RCA cables and see if the sound quality improves. Thanks for your help! Hogfan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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