Help me fill my hole!

Longtallronnie

Sorry couldn't help it. 

Since moving to a column PA for acoustic gigs, I've been able to remove the power amp from my 4U rack case, leaving just a Behringer FBQ Graphic EQ. So obviously I need to buy something shiny to take its place but what? 
First thought is a compressor even though they're still a bit of a mystery to me. Are there any idiot proof models out there on a budget? And would I run it as an insert effect for the vocal channel (I have a comp for the guitar) or run the output of the mixer to provide overall compression to the mix? I assume the graphic EQ would still be at the end of the chain. 

I suppose I could just fit a blank but that thought makes me sad.

Sporky

Something with lots of lights.

Maybe a giant tuner or metronome? 

flying_pie

Just get some fairly lights

Longtallronnie

Sporky said:

Something with lots of lights.

Maybe a giant tuner or metronome? 

Does anyone make a rack mounted KITT scanner? 

Trude

Do you definitely need the graphic EQ? In your shoes I think I’d be looking for reasons to avoid dragging the rack out at all!

Failing that, I’d be looking for some kind of 19” snack container. 

maltingsaudio

If compressors are a mystery to you and you’re happy with your sound I would leave well alone. However having said that, my vote would be for a limiter just for safety sake , and this can be done by setting the compressor to infinity ratio and out put at 0db with the threshold at about -5 db. The effect your looking for in this case is as you turn up the volume to speaker damaging levels the sound just gets quieter.

The other thing to consider for the spare hole is either an Autotune or Harmony thingy

Sporky

Lilliput do a 10-inch LCD in a 4U rack mount.

You could watch telly while gigging. 

Danny1969

All the column's I've used , like all modern active speakers have a bit of DSP built in that shapes the frequency response to something the speakers can work with, including anti clipping on the amp. This is what tends to make repairing them tricky if that bit goes wrong as the DSP is flashed in the chip by the manufacturer. 

I like compression myself and always use it on the Bose system for vocals. I don't go mad, medium attack, 3:1 ratio and  basically turn the threshold until it's shaving about 4 to 5dB off the loudest parts of the vocal. This is on a little Mackie DL1608 I use with that system rather than a stand alone compressor. 

I don't know what mixer you have but a good little digital mixer will have everything you need vocal shaping wise. But is you really wanted something for the rack then a Lexicon MX series reverb / delay is a nice thing to have and only £200 ish used. 

Longtallronnie

Trude said:

Do you definitely need the graphic EQ? In your shoes I think I’d be looking for reasons to avoid dragging the rack out at all!

Failing that, I’d be looking for some kind of 19” snack container. 

I do find it really handy for ringing out and generally cleaning up the sound. Plus the case is much lighter without the power amp so it's not too much hassle to bring it.

maltingsaudio said:

If compressors are a mystery to you and you’re happy with your sound I would leave well alone. However having said that, my vote would be for a limiter just for safety sake , and this can be done by setting the compressor to infinity ratio and out put at 0db with the threshold at about -5 db. The effect your looking for in this case is as you turn up the volume to speaker damaging levels the sound just gets quieter.

The other thing to consider for the spare hole is either an Autotune or Harmony thingy

Re-reading the manual, the LD Maui has a built in DSP limiter and compressor so not worth adding another one to the chain. 
Autotune!?  How very dare you! 

Fez

Sporky said:

Lilliput do a 10-inch LCD in a 4U rack mount.

You could watch telly while gigging. 

We do that quite often in venues that are to rude or ignorant to turn the tellies off while people are performing.

shufflebeat

Trude said:

Do you definitely need the graphic EQ?

This is a relevant question for a couple of reasons.

Irregularities that lead to mud and feedback are most often best dealt with at source because the frequencies you cut to tidy up your (i.e.) sm58 might be the exact band you need to make your guitar sound different to your mate’s guitar - but you’ve just notched it out.

Unless your system has a known irregularity or the environment really demands it then *mic choice and placement should be considered first, then channel tweakage. When you do need some system EQ the Behringer wouldn’t be the first, or second choice.

*including instrument/pickup, because they also work just like mics in this scenario.

p.s. For the record I do love a pretty LED in a rack and have all the 1u devices to prove it, in a cupboard.

DiscoStu

Get a digital display with 'BUS REPLACEMENT SERVICE' on it.

Longtallronnie

 shufflebeat said:

Trude said:

Do you definitely need the graphic EQ?

This is a relevant question for a couple of reasons.

Irregularities that lead to mud and feedback are most often best dealt with at source because the frequencies you cut to tidy up your (i.e.) sm58 might be the exact band you need to make your guitar sound different to your mate’s guitar - but you’ve just notched it out.

Unless your system has a known irregularity or the environment really demands it then *mic choice and placement should be considered first, then channel tweakage. When you do need some system EQ the Behringer wouldn’t be the first, or second choice.

*including instrument/pickup, because they also work just like mics in this scenario.

p.s. For the record I do love a pretty LED in a rack and have all the 1u devices to prove it, in a cupboard.

I know Behringer isn't the most respected of manufacturers but it's what I've got and it does the job. None of my gear is what I'd consider high end and it's more than good enough for the odd solo acoustic pub gig I do. 

Just noticed a 2U case on Bax music for £55 which is probably the more sensible option!

shufflebeat

Longtallronnie said:

 shufflebeat said:

Trude said:

Do you definitely need the graphic EQ?

This is a relevant question for a couple of reasons.

Irregularities that lead to mud and feedback are most often best dealt with at source because the frequencies you cut to tidy up your (i.e.) sm58 might be the exact band you need to make your guitar sound different to your mate’s guitar - but you’ve just notched it out.

Unless your system has a known irregularity or the environment really demands it then *mic choice and .

None of my gear is what I'd consider high end and it's more than good enough for the odd solo acoustic pub gig I do. 

Likewise, most of my gear is focused on duo/trio/small band and very Budget-End, but experience is also valuable - and very light to carry.

ICBM

An ART Pro MPA II twin channel valve mic preamp.

Because it will make your guitar and vocal sound better.

But most importantly because it looks really cool with lots of coloured lights and two nice light-up analogue VU meters .

ESBlonde

Trude said:

Do you definitely need the graphic EQ? In your shoes I think I’d be looking for reasons to avoid dragging the rack out at all!

Failing that, I’d be looking for some kind of 19” snack container. 

If you’re wanting to spend money, why not go digital desk/laptop/iPad. 

Get shot of the heavy bulky gear and get far more functionality. 

The learning curve isn’t so bad, and many affordable desks/units have usable presets for things like gates, compression, etc. which are a decent sounding start. You can save a band setup to recall next time for a damn good mix from the off, and just tweak for the room.

Longtallronnie

ESBlonde said:

Trude said:

Do you definitely need the graphic EQ? In your shoes I think I’d be looking for reasons to avoid dragging the rack out at all!

Failing that, I’d be looking for some kind of 19” snack container. 

If you’re wanting to spend money, why not go digital desk/laptop/iPad. 

Get shot of the heavy bulky gear and get far more functionality. 

The learning curve isn’t so bad, and many affordable desks/units have usable presets for things like gates, compression, etc. which are a decent sounding start. You can save a band setup to recall next time for a damn good mix from the off, and just tweak for the room.

Think I've decided to look for a smaller case rather than adding more gear (god i feel dirty saying that!).
Overall, I'm happy with the sound I'm getting so if it ain broke eh?