Tested out some FRFR/active speakers with a Helix today

John_A

@fretmeister. Gave the DXR10 a try with a EB USA sub through th Helix running the Ampeg model.  Only at home but it got very loud before I chickened out worrying about it blowing up.  Probably not rock backline loud, but certainly pop band rehearsal volume and sounded very good indeed.  Just how loud it would go I don't really know, but it's oomph blind it's size 

fretmeister

Thank you.

looknig at the specs of the 10 and the 12 there doesn't seem to be any difference except the cone size.

But I suppose if FRFR for stage monitoring then it should be the PA taking the strain.

TimmyO

I'll stick my P with flats through it later in the week when I can get some time with nobody else home 

fretmeister

Cool!

John_A

fretmeister said:

Thank you.

looknig at the specs of the 10 and the 12 there doesn't seem to be any difference except the cone size.

But I suppose if FRFR for stage monitoring then it should be the PA taking the strain.

It would certainly do as backline for a small pub with a not ridiculously loud band, but sub octave fuzziness at rock levels you would need some reinforcement 

fretmeister

My plan is to off load some kit so I can try one for guitar use, and at the same time I can compare them with my existing bass cabs.

If they perform as well as I hope, then I can think about selling the bass cabs too.

fretmeister

Just listening to this...



Is it my imagination or could the differences in the sounds be dealt with by a different IR / Cab sim relatively easily?

Cabicular

fretmeister said:

Just listening to this...



Is it my imagination or could the differences in the sounds be dealt with by a different IR / Cab sim relatively easily?

I'm not sure how much I can get from a you tube recording of a PA speaker TBH.
It's a bit like a demo of 4K telly on a standard def set

TimmyO

I think if the weight of the 12 is palatable then stick with your existing stuff. It's a big difference. 

fretmeister

My existing guitar stuff is a trad 2x12 with a power amp.

I quite like the idea of fannying about with stereo - and I've been offered a part x involving a bass I have and a Pair of DXR12.

The 10s would probably be more than enough - but a trade deal would also be easy.

Mmmm

John_A

A pair of DXR's, 10's or 12's is a big investment, I would try some with  your bass to make sure they'll do what you want first

fretmeister

Doh, I was looking at the wrong weights.

The 12s are 10lb heavier than the 10s.

Cannot be arsed with that anymore.

TimmyO

fretmeister said:

Doh, I was looking at the wrong weights.

The 12s are 10lb heavier than the 10s.

Cannot be arsed with that anymore.

that's what I meant! 

I can see the appeal in the swapsie though. 

In one of the videos i trawled in reseach there's a guy deming an Atomic cab and a DXR10

In that demo he prefers the Atomic (as to be fair did I) but he says it stays at home and he gigs the DXR10 due to convenience and 'almost as good' (this was for guitar) 

Sporky

10lb is only 4.54kg though.

So get metric ones.

fretmeister

I might even sell a bass to get there a little quicker.

Maybe a pedal or 2 as well.

Jonathanthomas83

A pair of DXR10s were a great investment, as far as I'm concerned. Lovely speakers.

vaticancameos

So like, correct me if I'm wrong here (being someone about to pull the trigger on a Helix or Kemper)

At home, you go Helix > DXR10, which with the right IR's, sounds good even when really quiet?

At a show, you go Helix > DXR10 (on-stage) > Helix direct out to PA (with a good IR?)

Am I right?

Also what about headphones with the Helix? 

simonk

vaticancameos said:

So like, correct me if I'm wrong here (being someone about to pull the trigger on a Helix or Kemper)

At home, you go Helix > DXR10, which with the right IR's, sounds good even when really quiet?

At a show, you go Helix > DXR10 (on-stage) > Helix direct out to PA (with a good IR?)

Am I right?

Also what about headphones with the Helix? 

Helix > DXR10, for home and rehearsal.
Helix > DXR10 > desk, for gigs (using the 'Thru' on the DXR)

Just got back from first rehearsal with Helix - sounded epically good. Can't wait to gig it on Saturday now!

simonk

Quick question actually, are you Helix chaps diming the DXR's at gigs? Or running them on the mic setting for a few extra dB's?

I had the DXR volume around 3 o'clock (line input) and the Helix master volume somewhere between 1 and 2 o'clock. It was loud but I reckon I'll need a bit more come Saturday.

John_A

I run the 1/4 out from the Helix to the DXR and the XLR to the PA with the volume knob only controlling the 1/4 inch that way I can control my monitor volume from the Helix without affecting the sound out front.  I run the DXR at 0 DB and normally have the Helix volume about half way.