I just rewired some stage monitors for biamp operation. I didn't want to add the switch necessary to be able to operate them passively or in biamp mode. But it occurred to me that if I ran the signal into the old crossover at the amplifiers, and then connected the crossover to the four conductor cable that runs the speaker, boom, I'm back in passive mode.
It's a little weird, but I'm only preparing for it just in case an amp or crossover fails. I'm doing live sound so I've gotta deal with things like that on the spot.
I was wondering how much it will affect the sound having a larger resistance from the longer cable run post crossover. I do run 14 gauge cables so in the crossover would probably be 20 feet from the speaker.
I'm hoping it makes no difference at all but I figured I'd ask.
It's a little weird, but I'm only preparing for it just in case an amp or crossover fails. I'm doing live sound so I've gotta deal with things like that on the spot.
I was wondering how much it will affect the sound having a larger resistance from the longer cable run post crossover. I do run 14 gauge cables so in the crossover would probably be 20 feet from the speaker.
I'm hoping it makes no difference at all but I figured I'd ask.
Crossover resistors, actual or parasitic, will always have some effect on the response.
But try this out, and see if you like the results. If it keeps you live, small deviations
from the original response may be completely acceptable.
Each 20 foot loop of the #14 wire adds 0.1 Ohm resistance, so it is not much in your case.
But try this out, and see if you like the results. If it keeps you live, small deviations
from the original response may be completely acceptable.
Each 20 foot loop of the #14 wire adds 0.1 Ohm resistance, so it is not much in your case.
Last edited:
James,
Having a backup plan is a good idea.
The sonic effect of resistance between the crossover mounted inside the cabinet or through 20 foot 14AWG cables and low resistance connectors will be less than the frequency response difference between the individual monitor's loudspeaker components from cabinet to cabinet.
The difference in frequency response between the passive crossovers and the active crossovers will have far more effect that you would need to worry about in terms of gain before feedback and affect on sound.
Art