AES or analog input for my amps

J

Jeff Hague

Freshman
Jan 12, 2011
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Mechanicsville, Virginia, United States
www.richmondproaudio.com
Happy New Year Everyone!
As Im going through my various options for setting up the new rig I am starting to have some specific questions that some of you may be able to help me with. What Im grappling with right now is; is there enough benefit to using AES/EBU inputs to my amps to justify the cost of AES/EBU cables.
I have a Soundcraft Si Performer 3 and an Si Performer 1 plus a Mini Stagebox16 and a Mini Stagebox32. The Stagebox32 has 8 analog outputs and 4 AES/EBU. My amps are Crown Itech 6000s which have AES/EBU in and through.
I plan on running an aux for front fills, an aux for subs and L/R for the mains. If I go analog all the way, that only leaves 4 analog outs on the Stagebox32 for monitor sends (if Im running monitors from FOH). Typically I run 5 or even 6 monitor mixes.
I could use AES/EBU for the subs and mains leaving 7 analog outs for monitors but my understanding is I need AES cables that could cost $500 or more - four 50' plus some shortys inside the amp racks.
Another option would be to run both Stageboxes giving 16 analog outs or run my analog snake for stage returns but Id rather avoid both of those options.
So I guess the question is; Is AES worth the cost of the cables or are the expensive cables even necessary?
Thanks!
 
Re: AES or analog input for my amps

Like most cables, what's important is the the mechanical quality of the cables. As long as the cables are sturdy enough for the environment and the handling and so on ......
 
Re: AES or analog input for my amps

Jeff Hague said:
I need AES cables that could cost $500 or more - four 50' plus some shortys inside the amp racks.
So I guess the question is; Is AES worth the cost of the cables or are the expensive cables even necessary?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Jeff if you have any "true" 110 ohm dmx cables that are three pin, you could use that for your test. That's all I've used, mind you I've only used it once... I didn't hear much difference, and it saved me running one other cable from Foh ...ooooooo
 
Re: AES or analog input for my amps

AES cables(110ohm imp) is necessary for reliable transmission over long distances. Both DMX and Cat5 is 110ohm and can be used. Analog audio can also travel down these cables without any issues.

$500 in AES cable is a lot of cable, it's not that expensive compared to "regular" XLR cable.

And, you can use your existing cables for transmission over short distances, it will work. It's not just as reliable and the distance is unpredictable. Try it and see if it works, AES is not magic, it's just a digital signal.
 
Re: AES or analog input for my amps

I have run AES down a regular snake with no issues.

Yes 110 ohm cable "should" be used-but in many cases you are fine without it-depending on particulars

So-your mileage may vary
 
Re: AES or analog input for my amps

Jeff Hague said:
Happy New Year Everyone!
As Im going through my various options for setting up the new rig I am starting to have some specific questions that some of you may be able to help me with. What Im grappling with right now is; is there enough benefit to using AES/EBU inputs to my amps to justify the cost of AES/EBU cables.
I have a Soundcraft Si Performer 3 and an Si Performer 1 plus a Mini Stagebox16 and a Mini Stagebox32. The Stagebox32 has 8 analog outputs and 4 AES/EBU. My amps are Crown Itech 6000s which have AES/EBU in and through.
I plan on running an aux for front fills, an aux for subs and L/R for the mains. If I go analog all the way, that only leaves 4 analog outs on the Stagebox32 for monitor sends (if Im running monitors from FOH). Typically I run 5 or even 6 monitor mixes.
I could use AES/EBU for the subs and mains leaving 7 analog outs for monitors but my understanding is I need AES cables that could cost $500 or more - four 50' plus some shortys inside the amp racks.
Another option would be to run both Stageboxes giving 16 analog outs or run my analog snake for stage returns but Id rather avoid both of those options.
So I guess the question is; Is AES worth the cost of the cables or are the expensive cables even necessary?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Jeff,
Short solution (if it works for you). I would try to place the Stagebox32 near the Amp Rack (for as short as cable runs as possible) and then run your Main's the Sub's and the Front Fill off of two AES Lines, That leaves your 8 other outputs for your monitor Mixes. I think this might make your FoH Mix sound a little better (Less D/A and A/D Processing) and it still leaves you a lot of analog mixes for the Musicians. Just a thought. If you can rack your stage box in the same rack or nearby you can get away with say 5-10' of AES Cable.
 
Re: AES or analog input for my amps

Really? $500 for 4 50' cables? You buying Monsta or something?

If the cost of the cable will make you drop two monitor mixes, perhaps you only need four mixes for what you are charging.

If you need six, then the question you need to ask is where to get cost effective data cables.

http://audiopile.net/products/Mic_Instr_Cables/DMX/DMX_3X_cutsheet.shtml

50' for $50 each.

Sent from my iPad HD
 
Re: AES or analog input for my amps

Douglas Plander said:
Jeff,
Short solution (if it works for you). I would try to place the Stagebox32 near the Amp Rack (for as short as cable runs as possible) and then run your Main's the Sub's and the Front Fill off of two AES Lines, That leaves your 8 other outputs for your monitor Mixes. I think this might make your FoH Mix sound a little better (Less D/A and A/D Processing) and it still leaves you a lot of analog mixes for the Musicians. Just a thought. If you can rack your stage box in the same rack or nearby you can get away with say 5-10' of AES Cable.
Click to expand...

Id like to keep the rack with the stagebox near the drum kit to minimize backline cabling and I have 2 amp racks, 1 behind each speaker stack. Also, the front fills and wedges are all JBL PRX700 series powered boxes so AES is only an option for the subs and mains.
I didnt realize until this post that DMX and AES are both 110 ohm and essentially interchangeable. Searching for straight up AES cables returns some real expensive stuff. Searching for DMX / AES cables is much easier on the wallet...
 
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