cedar

Next up.... Mixer and KB settings One recommendation: optimize the EQ before adding width on the V.3. Another recommendation: set the V.3 Level around 1-2 o'clock and bring up your mixer levels until you hit the limits of the V.3. When using a KB direct into the SS; run the KB output level 3/4+ up and keep the SS Level control lower (rather than the reverse). Saving that last 1/4 level on your KB for when the guitar player starts acting up. When using a mixer; again with your KB(s) levels near the top, then each input channel gain trims and levels relatively high, the master well up, and the SS input set to the volume you require (this will usually be achieved under 50% on the SS master Level). Another recommendation: dial in a bit more treble for the upper registers of APs. Avoid passive mixers. Some recommended small format mixers at SW: @ $90 - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PowerMix3 @ $149 - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MM8USBFX Also suggested: a Yamaha MG06X - 6 channels, really compact, looks well made, Both 1/4 inch and XLR outputs.

In anticipation of receiving my SSV3 hopefully in the next few weeks, I decided to review this thread for basic practical information. This is kind of a poor mans faqs, omitting anything I personally dont care about (technical explanations how the unit works, comparisons with other amps, explanations for using subs, etc). This is what I came up with. Much of this consists of unattributed quotes from other posts. Hopefully, my editing did not change actual meaning. Ive organized this by categories (which I will put in separate posts). First up.... Settings on the V.3 The width level sets the balance between the front and side systems. Use the Width control to balance the Side speaker level (L-R, the unique and "widest" parts of the stereo signals) with the Front speaker (L+R, or the mono compatible parts of the stereo signals). The wider patches will bring out more side level, and so you will hear far more pronounced differences b/w the various AP patches than you would in your former mono system. Start with the width at "0", then set the Level (Front speaker only now) to the desired volume. Then bring up the Width level until the stereo image is "just right", or to the point where is sounds natural (like it might sound thru stereo headphones). The farther away you stand, the better you can judge the stereo image, and your level. When you are "wide", you do not need to be as "loud" as you have in past. Usually, the Side Level will sound best around 12 o'clock. If in a hurry, just set the Width "straight up", and season to taste from there. But that "sweet spot" balance can change depending on the environment. Use more Width for a "dead" room (full of people who absorb sound) or for outdoor gigs that have no reflection points, and usually less Width required for a "Live" room. On the amp itself, normally go with the width setting at 12:00, and treble maybe at 2:00. Stated differently: start by "tuning" the Front speaker alone, in mono (this Front speaker system is a tri-amp affair), so set all controls fully down (left)...except level of course. This means you will hear just the woofer and it's own amp...so it will sound a bit muffled (as it should w/ no MF or HF content) but now you can "season to taste". Next, and best if you have a auto play song mode (as many KB do), set it on "play" and begin the tuning of the Front speaker in the mono mode by 1) cranking up the "Mid Level", that is the co ax compressions driver, driven by it's own amp. MF is designed to be "normal" around 12 o'clock....but if you want more "punch" 1-2 is maybe better but be careful, you do not want "harsh". Then 2) bring up the HF control. Try using strings or synth for setting setting this level, as you won't hear much HF on a Hammond/Leslie or EP patch. Maybe 2-3 o'clock is the right spot for HF. But as the HF component is quite "high", silky territory, so it will not really offend if set too high...certainly not nearly as much as compared to the MF component if set too high. Now once you have the Front sounding the way you like, 3) bring up the WIDTH, maybe around 12 o'clock.

How's this project that you volunteered for going?

I started following this thread in earnest sometime in mid-September. During that time, I have joined and left several groups, read a handful of mysteries, endured the travails of the college-application process with my daughter, grown somewhat flabbier and become marginally more proficient at playing transcriptions of Wynton Kelly solos. I can only imagine where my life will be when my unit arrives.

I ordered mine recently, mostly with a view towards using it in blues and funk bands. But I also sometimes play jazz in small combos, including a duet with a guitarist or upright bass in a tiny room. For such a small room, I wonder whether the SS will be suitable, or whether I'd better off using my Alto TS 110A. In other words, do you get much benefit from the stereo effect if the volume is very low and the room very small?

I've been lurking and reading every report carefully. I'm actually surprised how posts continue to be informative, even though this thread is well over 20 pages long. For example, I'm intrigued by the various recommendations on mixers and placement.

I agree and am sure that the SSve actually produces a better sound. I'm asking about a volume comparison simply because that's a quick and easy way for me to get an idea about the power of the SSv3.

Very close to ordering this myself, but have one specific question: Can anyone give me an idea how the SSv3 compars to the Alto110a solely in terms of volume (as opposed to tonal quality)? (This is a description of the Alto: http://www.altoproaudio.com/products/ts110a) I purchased the Alto110a kind of as a stopgap, with the expectation that I could use it for home, as a monitor and for very small jazz gigs (like when playing duets). For those purposes, the Alto is fine and it actually has more power than I expected. During one gig at a small bar with a rock band, I was able to run my Hammond xk1C through the Alto (though used a PA for my CP4). I do not like the sound in the Alto for AP, and assume that the SSv3 would be a big upgrade just in that department. But I am curious whether the volume and projection is significantly greater.

Would the SS work fine in a 75-150 club without a PA?

Can you be more specific about where you draw the line between the small gigs where the SSv3 works fine, and the larger gigs that require your "major firepower"?

"Beware of Mr. Baker" - about Ginger Baker - is very good.

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