Problems using Behringer ACX1000

I just re-read the manual for the 5th time. It talks about having "Single, Parallel, and Dual effect" That the single and parallel effects provide an effect or effects combination for both channel. While the dual effects allows each channel to have its own effect. When I look through the effects list an example of a single effect is: "Delay" An example of a parallel effect is: "Delay + Room1" and lately an example of a Dual is: "Slow Chorus/Reverb"

To me, this is saying that if I choose a selection like the first then I am going to get delay in on both guitar and vocals, if I choose the second I will get Delay and Room1 in on both guitar and vocals, but if I choose the third then I will get Slow Chorus on guitar and reverb on vocals. As a side (If I am correct about the dual effects) reverb is the only vocal effect listed in the dual section.
I just downloaded the PDF of the manual, and that's the way it reads to me too, but it's not exactly comprehensive is it? - does it sound like that's what it's doing when you use a dual setting?

Re: just reverb on dual setting - It might well just be me, but I can't see what effects besides reverb anyone would need on a vocal channel in everyday use?

geoo

Don't know anything about your amp. Behringer manuals are always difficult to understand, I own lots of Behringer gear and have to read the manuals over and over again. They are always right once you figure out what they are saying. Behringer is a German company, so you kinda lose something in the translation sometime.

If you know you are going to be gigging someday, you probably need to invest in a PA. PA systems are very expensive, it is hard to get a decent PA for under $1000, but it can be done.

Behringer actually makes some of the best intermediate PA gear. Yes, you can get better, but it costs lots more. And you can get cheaper too, but it is usually junk.

A powered mixer is a good start. This combines a mixer for vocals and instruments, some effects, usually a 7 or 9 band EQ and most have two amplifiers, one for your FOH (front of house) or Main speakers, and the other for Monitors so the band can hear itself.

I own a Behringer PMH2000 and would recommend it to anybody. It has 10 channels, effects, dual 9 band EQs, and two 250 watt @ 4 ohm amps. This powered mixer is surprisingly powerful and good clear sound.

Behringer PMH2000

I have owned this powered mixer for 4 years, used it for a couple hundred gigs and it still works great.

There are many other makes, but this would be hard to beat for price and features.

Then you will need some good speakers. A great low cost speaker is the Peavey PR series. These speakers really sound awesome, read the reviews.

Peavey PR15 Full Range Speakers

Of course, you need mics, speaker stands, speaker cables.... It adds up quick. But both of these items are excellent for the low price and will provide quality sound.

With a PA you would run your vocal mics right into the powered mixer. You can also run acoustic-electric guitars straight in as well. Electric guitar amps are best mic'd and run into the mixer.

This is why it is important to get a mixer with as many channels as possible. Two or three vocals, couple of guitars, keyboard, bass, drums, it is real easy to need 10 or more channels, so with PAs it is always good to get a little more than you think you will need, because in short time you will need the extra.

These are just suggestions. Check out powered mixers by Yamaha, Peavey, and Mackie as well. They are all good.

but it's not exactly comprehensive is it? - does it sound like that's what it's doing when you use a dual setting?

Re: just reverb on dual setting - It might well just be me, but I can't see what effects besides reverb anyone would need on a vocal channel in everyday use?

No its not. LOL But I did figure out what I was doing wrong last night. Basically, on each channel there is an effects knob and I thought that I could individually set an effect using that knob. But, actually there is a master knob that sets the effect for both channels and the two knobs control the intensity of the effect.

As for why? Well, just like we like to have our toys with guitar.. I like my toys on vocals too. We could get by with just a little reverb on guitar too ya know. LOL

Wes.. Thanks so much for the post. To be honest, I think its my ignorance about PAs that has kept me from buying one. But, I think I might start peicing one together slowly based on your post. I had thought about setting up a home recording studio next year. Couldn't some of this equipment be used for both. I could justify it alot better that way. I am guessing the mixer could be used and the speakers as monitors. Of course, the mics and such.

Thanks guys
Geoo

As for why? Well, just like we like to have our toys with guitar.. I like my toys on vocals too. We could get by with just a little reverb on guitar too ya know. LOL
Aye :)

geoo

Yes, you can use a good mixer for both home recording and as a live PA mixer as well.

Here is the mixer page from Musicians Friend, as you can see, you can spend anywhere from $40 to thousands for a mixer.

Mixers at MF

PAs are not so difficult, but there are some basic things to know. One of the best sites is Scotts PA Tutorial. Read the tutorial, it is written in very simple basic language that anyone can understand. It will start you with the most basic PA and take you right up to large complex systems. Like anything else you need to learn some of the jargon, but it is not hard at all.

Scott's PA Tutorial

You can learn a lot at this site, and if you have questions just visit the Message Board, very friendly folks who are glad to answer even the most basic questions.

I told you about a powered mixer that combines the mixer, effects, EQ, and power amps into one unit. These are very simple to transport, setup, and operate but can be limited. Others prefer to build a system from seperate components. If you are going to record at home, a component system might be better for you. But to start out you need:

1) Mixer- best to get as many input channels as possible.
2) EQ (equalizer)- maybe not necessary at first, some mixers have built in EQ.
3) Effects- not necessary at first, again some mixers have built in effects.
4) Power Amp to power your speakers.
5) Mics and stands.
6) Full range speakers that can be used for live gigs. These are different from studio monitors.
7) Floor monitors so the band can hear itself- You do not always need these at first, there are ways to setup that will allow the band to hear the Main speakers.

Once you know the components and basic setup it is very easy. Read Scott's PA first, you will be lots more comfortable with PAs from just reading that.

Wes