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Post subject: thanks for the recent replys
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 10:01 am
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About XLR connectors. :) and the "ground lift" switch function. Plug into a mixer and P/A system, which ones I wonder ? Or run as stereo outs to two external amps (for increased volume)? There are many choices. I'll be looking into that. And for recording ? More investigation is necessary. Any suggestions (other than to stop asking questions) :D :oops: ?


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Post subject: Re: thanks for the recent replies
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 10:23 am
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A single balanced output isn't a stereo out. It's mono but with the signal voltage split into inverted and non-inverted copies. Stereo signals are entirely different.

Also be aware that some manufacturers use XLR connectors for speaker connections or instrument level signals or even mains electrical supplies. Don't assume that a signal is what you think it may be just because of the connector, always check the manual if you're not sure.

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Post subject: Re: thanks for the recent replys
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 10:27 am
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dig it


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Post subject: Re: thanks for the recent replys
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 11:41 am
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As mentioned on any XLR connector check the manual for application, level etc.

A ground lift switch usually indicates a mic level low impedance output suitable to patch into a mixer.

The ground lift should ONLY be engaged when hum is present when the ground lift is off and the signal is balanced. The hum indicates a ground loop, which is usually only present when the mixer and the amp are on separate electrical circuits and one of the circuit grounds is possibly faulty. The ground is important for safety reasons, and I've never had to use the ground lift.

A lot of what to do with an XLR out depends on the type amp you are talking about. Guitar amps seem to respond best to a microphone as the speaker contributes some to the "tone formula" of getting a player-pleasing desirable tone. A miked guitar speaker usually is the way to go. Some mics are better than others to mike a guitar speaker. For example an SM58 makes a good vocal mike but is a really lousy guitar amp mic. Better choices include the SM57 or a Sennheiser E609 or even a combo of the two on separate tracks.

If it is a bass amp, a direct out is often preferable to miking in a live/gigging situation, but in the studio recording the bass onto two tracks simultaneously with one direct and one miked is a recommended technique. In mixing the track often a combination of the two bass tracks will give the best tone. Also when miking bass along with the direct xlr out, it is often a good idea (based on room acoustics) to back the microphone off the speaker a bit and let the tone catch some air. The ideal bass recording setup is to use two mics with the first one close and a second one at least 3 feet away (or more depending on the room) plus a direct xlr out and record each signal simultaneously onto 3 separate tracks and mix down in post for the best fitting tone for the piece. Take it easy with the amp EQ when recording. Try to have the amp set to a clean vanilla sound which you can flavor later in post. The primary goal of recording bass is to get a distortion free tone. You can always add distortion in post but it is a far neater trick if not downright impossible to remove distortion from the original recorded track. Again the microphones matter a lot. Some popular bass mikes include the Shure SM7, Shure SM57, Sennnheiser MD421/MD421U or various high pressure condensers. Just my opinion, your mileage may vary. Plus tax and balancing.


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Post subject: Re: thanks for the recent replys
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 3:09 pm
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Thank you again for a detailed reply. I have recently obtained a Mustang 3, V2 amp which I really do love. I also have a GDEC 3-30 as well as a mini passport, mini and Mustang 2, V1. I have never owned an amplifier with such capabilities and do want to learn how to properly use to it full extent, that's what I got it for. Now, time to learn how to use it for recording and just plain old playing. I have never owned a mixing board, p/a system or had an amp with an effects loop, so this is all new to me, and it is a learning process I am enjoying quite a lot (if you hadn't noticed). So I do appreciate all reply's.

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Post subject: Re: thanks for the recent replys
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 5:20 pm
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brotherdave wrote:
The ground lift should ONLY be engaged when hum is present when the ground lift is off and the signal is balanced. The hum indicates a ground loop, which is usually only present when the mixer and the amp are on separate electrical circuits and one of the circuit grounds is possibly faulty. The ground is important for safety reasons, and I've never had to use the ground lift


It depends on where you live too. Some of Europe, plus New Zealand (if I'm not mistaken) has "floating ground", with the ground you get from the electicity company not being earthed at any point, but can be at any voltage differential from any of the live connectors. And one of the two "live" wires won't be earth+ground either, as both connectors are live.
The drawback of systems like this is obvious - ground is not neutral, and can carry a large current potential. The benefit is that the electrical system tends to continue working after lightning strikes or single downed wires, as it switches over to different phases, not relying on a ground differential.
Anyhow, a system with floating ground makes a big difference. In that case you should earth your equipment with a wire to earth if it has an earth connector, but not ground it to the electrical system. And, indeed, almost all electical cables for electronic equipment will then be ungrounded too.


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Post subject: Re: thanks for the recent replys
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 5:52 pm
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arth1 wrote:

It depends on where you live too. Some of Europe, plus New Zealand (if I'm not mistaken) has "floating ground", with the ground you get from the electicity company not being earthed at any point, but can be at any voltage differential from any of the live connectors. And one of the two "live" wires won't be earth+ground either, as both connectors are live.


That's simply not true. Supply grounds are always connected to earth. Look under your sink and you'll see a yellow and green striped wire connected onto the copper pipes. That's how most houses have their earth connection. The supply is earthed. Always.

arth1 wrote:
In that case you should earth your equipment with a wire to earth if it has an earth connector, but not ground it to the electrical system. And, indeed, almost all electical cables for electronic equipment will then be ungrounded too.


Absolutely utterly wrong and idiotically dangerous. The safety ground of an electrical appliance exists (partly) so the fuse will blow when excess current runs to earth. If you run a device without a safety ground then you risk electrocution.

arth1, you are making very inaccurate statements about electrical safety and you clearly have limited understanding of the subject. This is a very unwise thing to do when someone asks for advice.

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Post subject: Re: thanks for the recent replys
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 6:00 pm
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There ya go, I took a photo under my sink. The supply is grounded. Your amp has a ground connection for a very good reason.

DO NOT OPERATE ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IF THE GROUND CONNECTION IS DISCONNECTED

... and don't offer electrical safety advice unless you know what you're talking about. There's a world of difference between a signal ground and a supply ground.

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