What’s the best way to connect to pub/bar PA mixer??
Hi,
Kit: Pioneer DDJ-RR controller
Had my first time DJing outside my bedroom the other night, just a general pub gig playing a mix of stuff. It was my first time connecting to a PA mixer and had no one available to help. I managed to connect to the channel they were using with my phono lead and TRS adapters. The thing is I know I can go in to the AUX input too but I’m not sure what the best way to connect up is?? The PA mixer is literally right in front of my controller so no point using XLR.
There are multiple speakers around the pub/bar and I’m not sure if I need to connect up differently so it’s a mono connection so I have more control over the sound quality? One of the bar girls did mention the sound wasn’t as loud on one side of the bar, so if I plug mono this will give me more control over the AUX input won’t it?
I attached using TRS/Jack connections to L&R as I’ve circled in RED above, this was because the current music they had playing was through this connection and I wasn’t sure what was best to do for my setup!
The best way is indeed to use XLR to TRS cables into a stereo channel (or two mono channels, one panned to each side) to ensure that a balanced connection is carried over which minimizes most noise introduced by longer cables.
That said, if the mixer is sitting close to use use a pair of RCA cables from and plug it into the AUX input of the mixer, then turn the AUX IN volume up (near the VU meters in the model you reference). If you want finer control over EQ, panning and such use the methods described in the previous paragraph.
In your case if one of the sides wasn’t as loud then the Pan control wasn’t centered or you were using bad cables/adaptors.
If its an Alto mixer, assume at least one thing on it is faulty. Its really the most bargain basement of mixers you can buy and isnt pro grade at all. Ive used a few.
Great thanks for your help guys! I think by the setup it’s probably best to go straight in to the AUX and I can adjust EQ’s from my controllers mixer. I can’t remember whether it is an ALTO mixer, that was just a similar one I found.. but in saying that their setup isn’t great I know that.
