I have a Yamaha EMX660 with two 4 ohm speakers. Lately when I push the mic with loud vocals the sound breaks up. This happens even at very low volume and likewise I can crank the volume and the sound is clear as long as the vocals don't get too loud. Problem persists with multiple mics and cables. I can't tell if the issue is with my speakers or with the PA head. Any suggestions?
The distortion can happen in any part of the chain. Reduce the mic gain (before the fader) and/or check the gain structure.
If this unit is 10 years old or older, check electrolytic coupler or power supply caps. Distortion loud is one sign any audio gear has been struck by the "planned obsolescence" part - cheap short life e-caps. there are caps sold with 3000 to 10000 hours service life, but audio gear makers usually won't buy them. My 9 year old TV just started doing it, in November. Happens a lot the first time in cold weather.
One can buy a $100 Peak meter to check e-caps, but usually I use bad sound plus the calender on the wall to check them. Ten years plus bad sound, out they all go. Plus reseat any brass or tin plated connectors, oxidation on the pins can also cause this, though more often oxide causes drop out. This goes for protection relays which also have usually have cheap corrodable contacts. These have to be disassembled and cleaned, or replaced if they won't come apart. Gold rhodium or palladium plate on audio connectors is pretty reliable, but seldom used in consumer gear. Pots can also cause dropout, and heavily used ones like master volume should be replaced while you have the case apart.
This is so common, the music committee at the church refuses donations of any gear older than five years. Which part doesn't matter to them, they just trash the whole system, like most American consumers supporting the planned obsolescence economy. I'm one of the few that runs 50 year old electronic audio gear -successfully.
One can buy a $100 Peak meter to check e-caps, but usually I use bad sound plus the calender on the wall to check them. Ten years plus bad sound, out they all go. Plus reseat any brass or tin plated connectors, oxidation on the pins can also cause this, though more often oxide causes drop out. This goes for protection relays which also have usually have cheap corrodable contacts. These have to be disassembled and cleaned, or replaced if they won't come apart. Gold rhodium or palladium plate on audio connectors is pretty reliable, but seldom used in consumer gear. Pots can also cause dropout, and heavily used ones like master volume should be replaced while you have the case apart.
This is so common, the music committee at the church refuses donations of any gear older than five years. Which part doesn't matter to them, they just trash the whole system, like most American consumers supporting the planned obsolescence economy. I'm one of the few that runs 50 year old electronic audio gear -successfully.
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You have tried different cables and mic - the just fine.
Now you have to check if you input is to high.
There is probably a Pad button and a gain knob. You have to turn these down, or you even better insert a compressor/limiter
Now you have to check if you input is to high.
There is probably a Pad button and a gain knob. You have to turn these down, or you even better insert a compressor/limiter
Something on the channel inserts won't stop the mic pre-amp clipping. Reducing input gain is the only way.
Chris
Chris
From the Yamaha website:
EMX660: Pad Switch
Pad switch decreases the input sensitivity for extra loud sources (i.e. screaming singers, shouting speakers or high output microphones).
EMX660: Pad Switch
Pad switch decreases the input sensitivity for extra loud sources (i.e. screaming singers, shouting speakers or high output microphones).
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