Switching between active monitors and passive

Blackwater · 20th March 2007

Hola!!

Trying to figure out a way to switch monitors in my control room.
I'm currently using ADAM P33A's (active) and want to swich back and forth via a footswitch to some less quality Hi-Fi speakers being powered by a consumer Dennon amp in my rack. Is this possible? I would obvously like to not affect the quality of the audio.
Also I am using a Benchmark DAC-1 to feed my ADAM's. I'm not sure if this matters but thought I would mention it.

BTW- I want to do this so as to hear what I'm not hearing in the lows on the ADAM's. PITA cause I'm liking them a lot except for the low end.

Thanks,

Chris

max cooper · 20th March 2007

The DAC-1 has one pair XLR and one pair RCA outs on the back. Simplest thing would be to connect one pair to the actives and one to the amplifier. Quick and dirty way, put inline switches on the mainscables to the speakers and the amp, as there's no switching on the DAC-1 for the outputs. They're both on all the time.

Then shut off whichever you don't want to hear.

You could put switches in the audio cables after the DAC-1, and it might be the more 'elegant' solution, but just switching the amps off and on would work fine.

Sonicvalley · 20th March 2007

you could also get a monitor switcher. i have the "switch witch" and i can switch between my genelec's, ns10's, Urie mains, and i have a sub hooked up that can be switched on or off. it is a great box.

Blackwater · 21st March 2007

Thanks,

I'm really looking for that footswitch control. Maybe there is a way to do that as well as integrate the DAC-1.

Max,

To turn off the ADAM's would take a lot of time and crawling. I'm looking for a
" quick switch " over to the passive monitors and back again. Love the idea though and it makes the most sesnse but back and forth quickly (seconds) is the real goal.

Sonic,

I'm not sure if I could utilize a foot switch with the product you suggested.

Thanks,

Chris

tINY · 21st March 2007

So, get a power supply, a handful of relays and a Push-on-push-off switch (like form a Fender amp) and go to town.

It's not that hard.....

-tINY

20th March 2007	#1
Blackwater Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Webster N.H. Posts: 510 Thread Starter	Switching between active monitors and passive Hola!! Trying to figure out a way to switch monitors in my control room. I'm currently using ADAM P33A's (active) and want to swich back and forth via a footswitch to some less quality Hi-Fi speakers being powered by a consumer Dennon amp in my rack. Is this possible? I would obvously like to not affect the quality of the audio. Also I am using a Benchmark DAC-1 to feed my ADAM's. I'm not sure if this matters but thought I would mention it. BTW- I want to do this so as to hear what I'm not hearing in the lows on the ADAM's. PITA cause I'm liking them a lot except for the low end. Thanks, Chris __________________ Chris Westerman Blackwater Sound and Mastering __________________________ ______________ "That Kick drum is so subliminal, It's Animal!"

20th March 2007	#3
Sonicvalley Gear nut Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 120	you could also get a monitor switcher. i have the "switch witch" and i can switch between my genelec's, ns10's, Urie mains, and i have a sub hooked up that can be switched on or off. it is a great box. __________________ Bomb Shelter Studios www.BOMBshelterSALEM.com

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20th March 2007	#2
max cooper Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2004 Location: tx Posts: 8,802	The DAC-1 has one pair XLR and one pair RCA outs on the back. Simplest thing would be to connect one pair to the actives and one to the amplifier. Quick and dirty way, put inline switches on the mainscables to the speakers and the amp, as there's no switching on the DAC-1 for the outputs. They're both on all the time. Then shut off whichever you don't want to hear. You could put switches in the audio cables after the DAC-1, and it might be the more 'elegant' solution, but just switching the amps off and on would work fine.

21st March 2007	#4
Blackwater Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Webster N.H. Posts: 510 Thread Starter	Thanks, I'm really looking for that footswitch control. Maybe there is a way to do that as well as integrate the DAC-1. Max, To turn off the ADAM's would take a lot of time and crawling. I'm looking for a " quick switch " over to the passive monitors and back again. Love the idea though and it makes the most sesnse but back and forth quickly (seconds) is the real goal. Sonic, I'm not sure if I could utilize a foot switch with the product you suggested. Thanks, Chris

21st March 2007	#5
tINY Gear Guru Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 10,234	So, get a power supply, a handful of relays and a Push-on-push-off switch (like form a Fender amp) and go to town. It's not that hard..... -tINY