dbx DriveRack VENU360 Custom Speaker and Amplifier Setup

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on setting up your gain structure, running auto EQ, and utilizing the AFS (Advanced Feedback Suppressor) with the dbx DriveRack VENU360 system. Proper setup ensures optimal sound quality for your custom speakers and amplifiers.

Chapter 1: Setting Up Gain Structure

1. Prepare Your System

   • Connect your speakers and amplifiers to the DriveRack VENU360.
   • Ensure all connections are secure.

2. Set Up Gain Structure

   • Make sure your system is balanced before proceeding.
   • Skip the Level Assistant since you will manually set the gain structure.

3. Access the Wizard

   • Click the Wizard button on the DriveRack interface.
   • Select Run Auto EQ.

Chapter 2: Running Auto EQ for Mains

1. Select EQ Settings

   • Choose the EQ you want to set up, starting with the mains.
   • Select Recommended Curve.

2. Connect RTA Microphone

   • Place the RTA microphone between your main speakers as shown on the display.

3. Set Test Tone Level

   • Press Select to set the test tone level.

4. Perform RTA Measurements

   • Choose 3 for the number of RTA mic measurements.
   • Keep the mic in the middle of your speakers and press Select for Position 1.
   • Move the mic according to the display for Position 2 and press Select.
   • Move the mic one last time for Position 3 and press Select.

5. Calculate Auto EQ Settings

   • The system will calculate and display the auto EQ changes.
   • Press Select to finish.
   • Confirm by selecting Yes to run the auto EQ.

Chapter 3: Running Auto EQ for Monitors

1. Select Monitor EQ Settings

   • Choose the correct auto EQ for your monitors and press Select.
   • Select Recommended Curve.

2. Connect RTA Microphone

   • Place the RTA microphone in front of your monitor speaker as shown on the display.

3. Set Test Tone Level

   • Press Select to set the test tone level.

4. Perform RTA Measurements

   • Choose 3 for the number of RTA mic measurements.
   • Keep the mic in front of your speaker and press Select for Position 1.
   • Move the mic according to the display for Position 2 and press Select.
   • Move the mic one last time for Position 3 and press Select.

5. Calculate Auto EQ Settings

   • The system will calculate and display the auto EQ changes.
   • Press Select to continue.
   • Select No when asked if you want to EQ another system.

Chapter 4: Running the AFS

1. Access AFS Wizard

   • Click the Wizard button and select Run AFS.
   • Start with the main speakers.

2. Perform Soundcheck

   • Conduct a soundcheck with all microphones onstage.
   • After the soundcheck, press Select.

3. Bypass Noise Gates

   • Bypass any active noise gates and press Select again.

4. Adjust Master Faders

   • Lower your master faders completely and press Select.

5. Choose Filter Settings

   • You can choose No to select a specific number of filters or use the default, which is 6.
   • Select your AFS filter type, typically using Music and Speech.

6. Handle Feedback

   • Slowly raise your master faders until feedback occurs, then lower the output to the correct performance level.
   • Press Select one last time to exit the AFS wizard.

7. Repeat for Monitors

   • Select Yes to run the AFS for your monitors.
   • Follow the same steps as for the main speakers.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up your gain structure, run auto EQ for both mains and monitors, and utilized the AFS on your dbx DriveRack VENU360 system. Ensure to verify your settings during rehearsals and feel free to revisit any steps for adjustments. For further assistance, visit www.ccltss.org.