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Thread: Multichannel preamplifier

  1. #1
    Senior Member timc's Avatar
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    Multichannel preamplifier

    Hi.

    Does anyone know about a cheap 4+ channel preamplifier?


    -Tim
    2213 + 2435HPL w/aquaplas + H9800 (Matsj edition)

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    What kind of sources do you plan on using? There are tons of inexpensive sound mixers out there that usually start at 4 channels, most of which include line level inputs, which will generally work OK.

    John

  3. #3
    Senior Member timc's Avatar
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    Hi.

    I need a preamplifier for my 2 way speaker with active x-over. So input is linelevel.

    Isnt the cheap mixers usually troubled with high lvl's of noise?

    Any special recomandations? I have to admit i didnt think of mixers as a posibility at all. Nice



    Edit: I have checked a few mixers now, and i can't find any with 4 mono outputs. I need 4 channels inn and 4 channels out.


    -Tim
    2213 + 2435HPL w/aquaplas + H9800 (Matsj edition)

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    I'm kinda' confused. Is each channel separate, like ch1 in -> ch1 out, ch2 in -> ch2 out, etc.? If so you should be able to take the "out" from the insert jacks, if the mixer has them.

    If you could clarify exactly how you desire the circuit flow, we'd have a better idea of what's appropriate.

    John

  5. #5
    Senior Member timc's Avatar
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    Hi John.

    What i want is a 4channel preamplifier. Just like you get 7.1 inn and 7.1 preout on a surroundreciever.

    The signal goes like this:

    Source digital into Behringer DCX2496 ---> 2x2ways out and into a 4channel preamp ---> into 4 separate mono poweramplifiers.

    I don't need, but individual volume adjustment on the channels would be a bonus.

    For reference you can check the Parasound Halo P7 preamplifier. Thats what I'm looking for in a cheaper version.


    -Tim
    2213 + 2435HPL w/aquaplas + H9800 (Matsj edition)

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    Quote Originally Posted by timc View Post
    Source digital into Behringer DCX2496 ---> 2x2ways out and into a 4channel preamp ---> into 4 separate mono poweramplifiers.
    Why not go just direct from the DCX2496 into the power amps?

    John

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    Senior Seņor boputnam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by timc View Post
    Does anyone know about a cheap 4+ channel preamplifier?


    Quote Originally Posted by johnaec View Post
    There are tons of inexpensive sound mixers out there that usually start at 4 channels, most of which include line level inputs, which will generally work OK.


    Quote Originally Posted by timc View Post
    Isnt the cheap mixers usually troubled with high lvl's of noise?
    A number of Forumites use mixers in this fashion. Earl K, for one, comes to mind.

    Quote Originally Posted by timc View Post
    I have checked a few mixers now, and i can't find any with 4 mono outputs. I need 4 channels in and 4 channels out.
    And there, you are mistaken - even the cheapo mixers have Mono outs, you are just looking in the wrong place. The Aux sends are all mono. You need to find a small mixer with four Aux sends.

    Shown: Rear of Mackie 1642-VLZ for reference.

    .
    bo

    "Indeed, not!!"

  8. #8
    Senior Member timc's Avatar
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    Will the 4 outputs on the Mackie follow the master volume on the Mixer? I thought they were just individually lvl adjusted and did not react to the master volume.



    -Tim
    2213 + 2435HPL w/aquaplas + H9800 (Matsj edition)

  9. #9
    Senior Seņor boputnam's Avatar
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    That depends on the model.

    You need to have a mixer where they can be switched to Post-Fader for that. Typically, two on a small mixer are Post-Fader (intended for FX), and two are switchable to Pre-/Post-Fader. More flexibility with more cost. Some of these are can be changed either through internal jumpers or with a "cut/solder" on the PCB's. Check the Block Diagrams.

    Be aware, these Aux sends are also typically Pre-EQ, if that matters.

    But like John, I wonder....
    Quote Originally Posted by johnaec View Post
    Why not go just direct from the DCX2496 into the power amps?
    Maybe we don't fully understand your intended signal path and use.

  10. #10
    Senior Member timc's Avatar
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    Because there is no volume control on the DCX,


    I will try to clarify. I run a digital input to the DCX. The DCX works as an active x-over providing me with 2 outputs for left and 2 outputs for right channel. Woofer and Treble. This results in 4 individual mono channels in need of a volume control. All EQ is done in the DCX.

    This is how it is supposed to be when done ATM im just using it as an EQ.

    -Tim
    2213 + 2435HPL w/aquaplas + H9800 (Matsj edition)

  11. #11
    Senior Seņor boputnam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by timc View Post
    This results in 4 individual mono channels in need of a volume control. All EQ is done in the DCX.
    Ah, got it!

    So, once you set the individual Aux output levels, for your balance preference, you want to be able to change the entire system level, with one knob.

    I need to think about that.

  12. #12
    Senior Member timc's Avatar
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    Now we are talkin!


    Yup thats the idea. Its no problem to have 2 knobs for the maste volume. (like on a mixer)


    http://www.audioresearch.com/MP1.html

    This is the product i hope to be able to afford in the future for this specific task.


    -Tim
    2213 + 2435HPL w/aquaplas + H9800 (Matsj edition)

  13. #13
    Senior Member timc's Avatar
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    As i stated earlier using the DCX after the preamp gives it a low input analog signal. The result is bad S/N ratio.

    Since im using the digital input on the DCX its not an option. I want to vary the gain AFTER the DCX. In PA application it not an issue since the volume is normally set to very loud.

    The ARC will be used after the DCX.


    -Tim
    2213 + 2435HPL w/aquaplas + H9800 (Matsj edition)

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    Senior Member grumpy's Avatar
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    You could also look for a used EMM labs Switchman... sometimes they pop up at
    weird prices.

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