soundguy wrote:Yeah, outboard processing. IIRC, you generally use the 4800(s) for Xovers and processing. Are your mixes to the delay stacks really going to be (or need to be) any different than the mains? It would seem to me that the delay stakcs could be handled quite easily in the processors(s), even an older model spare you may have laying around or available on eBay.
Keep it simple.
Soundguy
Different volume levels at the delay stacks and different EQ (I don't have subs out at the delay stack positions, so we generally run the SRX 725 cabinets full-range). Also, I tend to run a mono mix out at the delay stack position (stereo imaging makes no difference at that distance and, in fact, is counter-productive as my left/right delay stacks are so widely separated that the FOH stacks contribute as much at one side as the other delay stack does).
The 4800 can certainly handle it; I run four channels into the 4800 - Left, right, subs, delay stacks. It's just that I usually *do* have a different mix going to the delay stacks. Also, I prefer to use SAC's delay plug-in over the DriveRacks for delay stacks; you don't need the precision for delay stacks and it's much easier to tune the setup using the SAC plugin than it is to mess around with the 4800's menus (or System Architect). I'm the only one on the crew who can program the 4800 at this point, whereas I've got a couple of people who can set up delay stacks using the SAC plugin.
On a different note, I just purchased a couple of Line 6 transmitter/receiver units (supposedly good to 300'). I've got two Honda EU2000i generator/inverter units so I can make my delay stacks self-contained (wireless) at this point. Currently, I use a pair of SRX 725 cabinets with either an XTi 4000 or an ITech 8K (or 6K) for the delay stacks. I've just received four JBL PRX 625 (powered) speakers for my "B" rig. As they have a 90-degree coverage angle (vs. 70 for the SRX 725), I may try using those for the delay stacks. This will spare me having to place amplifiers out in the crowd along with the generators, speakers, and wireless receivers.
Cheers,
Randy Hyde