How to use TRS Out (A and B)

SQ SQ General Discussions
1

I’m new to A&H but am planning to get an SQ Rack and DX168.

My intention is to use the 8 outs on the DX168 to send hardwired stereo IEM mixes to 4 band members.

I also want to send two more hardwired stereo IEM mixes to 2 band members (back of stage) from the SQ Rack. Instead of using 4 more XLR outs, can I use the two TRS outputs (A out and B out) by connecting a ‘stereo jack to twin XLR cable’ to each of these outs? These are cables we previously had made for use on a QSC Touchmix. Specifically, will the performers get the stereo IEM mix this way?

And will they be able adjust that mix using the SQ4You app? I am assuming that if I assign a stereo mix bus to A out and another to B out that they will each be able to adjust their bus.

2

On our SQ7 (and I assume the same is true for the SQ-RACK) the A out and B out are MONO balanced TRS outputs. If you want a stereo IEM for these, you will only end up with one (1) additional stereo IEM.

The IEMs (via SQ4You) will connect to one of the 8 AUX channels (each set to stereo for use with the IEMs - with the signals feeding each AUX mix set to pre-fade).

You can connect any AUX channel to any output (DX168 or A out / B out) by use of the output patch.

Hope this helps. Ask if you need anything further.

Download the SQ4You and SQ Mix Pad Apps and have a play offline. Also, download the block diagram to see what is possible.

Dave

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3

Just out of interest, what are you using the rack’s outputs for?

Dave

4

You would still have 10 outs on the SQ Rack up for grabs for the other two guys unless you have those allocated for something else. I am assuming you would be using outs 11/12 for FOH L and R.

5

Intention is to use Outs on SQ Rack only for hardwired stereo IEMs for 2 performers (upstage). And then DX168 outs for hardwired stereo IEMs for 4 performers (downstage).

But that leaves me short on upstage outs for FOH L/R so I’ll have to either run 2x XLRs to the speakers as well as the ethercon cat cable to the DX168. Or connect a downstage performer to the rack directly.

6

Thank you. Yes I can use the outs on the rack. I was just wondering whether we could make use of some good quality cables I had bought. (1/4in stereo jack to twin XLR)

7

If you are using a DX168, don’t want to run more cables between the rack and the stage, and have a bit of money spare, you could always daisy chain a couple of ME-1 personal mixers from the DX168…

Just another option to think about…

Dave

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8

Hi Dave, you would need a GX4816 to connect the ME-1 because it runs at a different sample rate than the DX168
Sam, I would suggest two DX-168 or a DX168 and a DX012 if you have the money. (BTW, welcome to the forum…)
Let’s also not mention that the sound quality is much better due to the dLive preamps and outputs through the DX168 than from the console.
A cheaper option still is to use stage drops (8-12 channel multicore cable) to address your upstage/down-stage issues and connect them directly to the SQ Rack’s outputs. You did say your are only using the SQ Rack for monitors, correct?
If you are also using the mixer for FOH than you can use the two balanced Out A and Out B for your mains speakers. These TRS 1/4" outputs function just the same as balanced audio as the XLR outputs.

9

Timot,

Thanks for that nugget of information!

Dave

10

Thanks for your suggestions @timot and @daver2.

The SQ Rack with DX168 is to run both FOH and monitors, where there are 7 inputs to DX168 and 5 inputs to SQ rack (across 6 performers).

Then 4 outputs from the rack to 2x wired stereo IEMs and 8 outputs from DX168 to 4x wired stereo IEMs. But I still need FOH L/R preferably from the DX168… It seems what would be prefect for me is a fictional product I’ll call DX1610.

For now extra budget beyond these two items is not feasible but if it was I think it would be more cost effective to buy some wireless IEMs and connect to the SQ rack outputs than to buy an additional A&H stagebox.

Out of interest, if the outputs on the box are better than the console, would it make more sense to use two of those for the FOH L/R main speakers?

11

Hi @samueldraper,
IMO… the use of the DX168 makes the system sound remarkably better, compared to the stand alone console. In terms of sound quality it is really close to the Advantis/dLive system without the cool features these consoles offer. If you have the financial ability I would go for either two DX168 or one GX4816.
(just remember to use shielded network cable for your SLink (STP) CAT6a)
Good Luck, let us know what you decide…