SMS-1 to Behringer EP2500

[Matt34]

Probably an easy question but I can't find a reassuring answer. My SMS-1 has only one XLR LFE output. Do I only need to run one XLR cable to the Behringer for both subs or do I need to get a Y-connector for both inputs?

Second question, where do you guys get the output cables to run from the Behringer to the subs?

Sorry for the newb questions, taking my first steps into the pro-audio world.

 

[mike c]

are you gonna use one channel PER sub? if yes, the behringer has a dip switch that can send the same signal sent to input 1 to input 2 (though they are not equally as loud, but i think you can just up the gain on channel 2)
or you can just use an RCA to XLR cable for channel 2 (which would mean they are still not equally loud)
or you can use RCA to XLR's for both the channels.

behringer to the subs? ordinary speaker wire ... gauger 12 or gauge 10 would be sufficient for most purposes.

 

[OttoMatic]

Yeah, I use a single XLR to the EP2500 with the DIP switch set to send it to both channels. However, I wasn't aware that it wouldn't have the same level to the signal. I thought it was a simple copy. mike c -- is that outlined in the manual that that will occur? (i.e., ch2 won't have the same level as ch1?).

mike c is also right that normal speaker wire will work. If you're talking about those different connectors, they're called Speakon, and you can order them from PE or whatever. However, I believe if you remove that little black plastic housing on the back, there are screw terminals or something (I never removed it -- I used the Speakons, but the Speakons are not necessary).

Good luck!

 

[mike c]

Yeah, I use a single XLR to the EP2500 with the DIP switch set to send it to both channels. However, I wasn't aware that it wouldn't have the same level to the signal. I thought it was a simple copy. mike c -- is that outlined in the manual that that will occur? (i.e., ch2 won't have the same level as ch1?).

mike c is also right that normal speaker wire will work. If you're talking about those different connectors, they're called Speakon, and you can order them from PE or whatever. However, I believe if you remove that little black plastic housing on the back, there are screw terminals or something (I never removed it -- I used the Speakons, but the Speakons are not necessary).

Good luck!

it's not mentioned in the manual, but i read that it really doesn't have the same loudness in actual usage. if you are powering two different subs, it's perfectly safe and easily corrected by calibrating each sub on its own. but when powering two voice coils using one channel each ... kapoot driver.

ottomatic is right that you need to unscrew the thingy that's covering the regular speaker wire binding posts. (forgot about those)

 

[Matt34]

Mike,

Was there a reason why you used a RCA to XLR cable? Why not just use the provided XLR connection on the SMS-1?

 

[mike c]

i think it was because i already had RCA to XLR cables ... no good reason really

i have since used the XLR though, but i used an RG59 cable which is not balanced anyway.

 

[Matt34]

but at the moment, i'm using all 4 outputs

Who would have thunk.


Thanks for the help... you to Ottomatic.

 

[Matt34]

Another question...If your output to the amp is XLR does your input from the receiver to the SMS-1 have to be XLR also? Or can you input to the SMS-1 via RCA and output to the amp XLR?

I have a feeling I'm going to need a RCA TO XLR cable.

I have one sub finished but Partexpress was back ordered on the binding posts I picked out so the second sub has to wait.

 

[OttoMatic]

I have a feeling that it will be OK to go into the SMS-1 with RCA and then from the SMS-1 to the sub using XLR. Of course, you lose the benefits of transmitting a balanced signal, but that's how most of these types of devices work (in my experience).

I think you'll be fine either way.

Edit: I had a quick look at the manual, and I don't think it specifically states one way or another. I'm pretty sure that the XLR output is the same as the RCA output, with an additional inverted pin. If you don't use that other inverted pin, it will still work (and that's what's happening when you go unbalanced on the input using RCA).

 

[Matt34]

I'm not getting a signal to the amp. I have it running RCA from the reciever to the SMS-1 then XLR to the amp. I have it going to input 2 on the amp and the speaker wire from output 2 to the sub. No signal light on the EP2500.

I have number 3 and 8 going to the right (as your looking from the back of the unit) all the rest staying to the left.

 

[OttoMatic]

No signal light on the EP2500.

Do you have it turned up somewhat? The signal light only lights up when there's relatively large signal (i.e., it doesn't just "light up" all the time if there's a signal present -- it kinda lights up with the beat, if you know what I mean).

I'll review the manual in a minute. Don't worry -- I had similar problems with my EP2500 when I first got it; at first I thought it was DOA!!!

Does it work if you remove the SMS-1?

 

[OttoMatic]

If 3 and 8 are to the right, that means that you have just turned off the "low cut filter". That seems OK, and all other settings are correct. You're using stereo I/O, so using channel 2 should be fine.

Keep playing with it and post back.

 

[Matt34]

Do you have it turned up somewhat? The signal light only lights up when there's relatively large signal (i.e., it doesn't just "light up" all the time if there's a signal present -- it kinda lights up with the beat, if you know what I mean).

I'll review the manual in a minute. Don't worry -- I had similar problems with my EP2500 when I first got it; at first I thought it was DOA!!!

Does it work if you remove the SMS-1?

I turned it up a bit (from -40 to -20) via the receiver trying to run the SMS calibration setup.

Edit: Ok I get what your saying and I got it to work by turning up the SMS-1 volume and playing a game through the PS3 but I still can't get any output from the SMS calibration?

 

[mike c]

looks like you got it fixed.

but some additional info :
-15 on the volume is the "unity" gain - means it's neither adding or attenuating to the signal
-using RCA from the receiver and RCA to the SMS-1 is perfectly fine no matter what output you use
-the EP2500 (and other pro equipment) will need a little bit more signal on the input side ... or at least you will be turning the gain up - OR you can increase the subwoofer channel level on the receiver and on the SMS-1 - try to divide it between the two.

 

[OttoMatic]

Edit: Ok I get what your saying and I got it to work by turning up the SMS-1 volume and playing a game through the PS3 but I still can't get any output from the SMS calibration?

Yeah, I've never played with the SMS-1, but just keep everything pretty hot and hopefully you'll be able to get something going.

 

[Matt34]

looks like you got it fixed.

but some additional info :
-15 on the volume is the "unity" gain - means it's neither adding or attenuating to the signal
-using RCA from the receiver and RCA to the SMS-1 is perfectly fine no matter what output you use
-the EP2500 (and other pro equipment) will need a little bit more signal on the input side ... or at least you will be turning the gain up - OR you can increase the subwoofer channel level on the receiver and on the SMS-1 - try to divide it between the two.

Mike,

I have almost maxed out the SMS-1 gain and the receiver gain and still can't get the FR sweep from the SMS to work.

 

[mike c]

FR sweep?

you do have the EQ out (stereo RCA outs) from the SMS-1 back to your receiver right? (and selected that input on the receiver)

that's happened to me before

 

[Matt34]

FR sweep?

you do have the EQ out (stereo RCA outs) from the SMS-1 back to your receiver right? (and selected that input on the receiver)

that's happened to me before

Yep, none of that has changed. I'm going to have another shot at it here again, let my head clear up a bit. Just demo'd Transformers on BD using just the single sub....so far I really like it.