Frfr questions, 11r, acoustic and vocals.. do I need a mixer?

[webstersp]

I have the eleven rack and want to go FRFR for my live and rehearsal setup and I don't know [bleep][bleep][bleep][bleep] about FRFR :P
I would like to use the 11r and be able to use my FRFR speaker with my acoustic guitar (takamine with CT4B preamp) and vocals for solo acoustic sometimes (11r with my band and the acoustic guitar and vocals for small gigs I'm doing alone).

Do I need a mixer? something like the ZED-10 FX or simply loudspeakers like the QSC k-12 with 2 inputs?

[Muzza_Boogie]

i think you can adjust the levels on the actual enclosure itself.... tho it would be a lot more convenient to have a mixer next to you I guess.

I would see what the cabinet offers in way of gain and volume adjustment and make your decision based on that knowledge.

[TieDyedDevil]

IIUC, you'd like to use a powered speaker either with your ER, or with acoustic and vocals.

If you had a powered speaker with multiple mixable inputs (as on the QSC K-series, for example), you could mix acoustic and vocal mic right on the powered speaker. However, the sound would be completely dry.

If it were me, I'd want a small mixer with built-in FX for the acoustic rig. That way I could add reverb to the vocals and have some EQ adjustment available in case it's needed by the room, mic or instrument.

[moff]

The idea is that FRFR has a "flat" response curve, so it doesn't colour the sound at all. In theory, if the guitar's strip on the FOH console has its EQ disabled (or set flat), what you hear from the monitor is also what's coming out of the PA (providing the FOH has had its master EQ correctly set so that the PA is "flattened" for that room). If done correctly, that monsterous Jimmy Page tone you have in your FRFR should be exactly reproduced out front. That's "in theory". In practice, you may have to make a small adjustment or two out front.

I have an "acoustic" patch on my 11R, which is actually no amp/no cab/no mic, but with a bit of compression and EQ. I cemented the setup while going through the PA at the house gig I play the most, with some coaching from the FOH guy regarding EQ settings for a smooth transition. Now it's EQ'ed to be good at the same FOH settings as my electric, and it's level-balanced, so I can just unplug guitars and switch them as needed, and the FOH guy doesn't have to do anything.

My K12 has separate mixable inputs on the back, so if I wanted to, I could also run my vocal monitor through it, because monitors are (or should be) dry anyway.

[webstersp]

Originally Posted by TieDyedDevil

IIUC, you'd like to use a powered speaker either with your ER, or with acoustic and vocals.

If you had a powered speaker with multiple mixable inputs (as on the QSC K-series, for example), you could mix acoustic and vocal mic right on the powered speaker. However, the sound would be completely dry.

If it were me, I'd want a small mixer with built-in FX for the acoustic rig. That way I could add reverb to the vocals and have some EQ adjustment available in case it's needed by the room, mic or instrument.

My first idea was to go with a mackie HD 1221 and a ZED-10 FX mixer.
On the Mackie there is only one input (not 100% sure). I would conenct my mic and my acoustic guitar to the mixer and the mixer to the powered speaker.

Coul I also plug the eleven rack in the mixer or would I lose quality in the sound?

[TieDyedDevil]

ER through mixer works fine. Flatten or defeat channel EQ and set levels properly.

[webstersp]

thanks I'll try this setup then!!
Would you recomend QSC, EV or the Mackies 1221?

[aaron.ferrer]

Eleven rack xlr outputs are perfect for running to an frfr speaker because theyvare line level. Not good for a mixers xlr though! Use a xlr to 1/4 adapter and plug into line input.

[moff]

Originally Posted by aaron.ferrer

Eleven rack xlr outputs are perfect for running to an frfr speaker because theyvare line level. Not good for a mixers xlr though! Use a xlr to 1/4 adapter and plug into line input.

Even better, use the 1/4" Amp Outputs and a DI box for FOH.

[aaron.ferrer]

Originally Posted by moff

Even better, use the 1/4" Amp Outputs and a DI box for FOH.

I do this. It ensures I can use my eleven rack anywhere and not have to bug the soubdguy about repatching his board.