Sound Reinforcement

The power amp in the sound board cabinet at the Minstrel was changed out this last Friday 3/30. The old noisy QSC RMX-850 was removed, and replaced by a new Crown XLS-1500. The old amp was audibly noisy to the point that it was a distraction to anyone sitting near the board.

The new Crown amp is rated at 525w/channel into 4 ohms, and weighs 8.6 pounds. This compares to 300 w/channel and 35 lbs for the old QSC amp. The resulting 26.4 lbs. reduction in weight of the sound cabinet is most noticeable, and a very welcome change when carrying the board up and down the steps at MUF. With the new amp, there are no changes in how we setup or tear down sound at the Minstrel.

The old RMX-850’s problem with high ambient noise may be due to a blown transistor in the fan control circuit that kept the fan at full speed instead of the normal variable speed as needed. I will get that looked into and repaired if necessary. If repairable, the old amp will then become a backup for the Minstrel and other F.P. venues.

Upcoming projects are just some minor cabling updates to the Minstrel sound board to help increase reliability and reduce the rats nest of wiring in the back lower side of the board.