mVrms setting into PA

[Jay x]

I have purchased a small set of PA speakers.
My intent to use the mini as a source for background and later a cranked up Disco.

As these are small PA active cabinets I want to set their main volume near max so I get the benefit of the full watts they have.

So... I have noticed a big difference when altering the mVrms output on the mini.

Anything above 800 appears to be pushing the PA too hot when running their amps at 90%.. running at 500 means I get more volume calibration and I can still reach the PAs limit at this setting.

So.. any benefit running at 500 instead of 800 ?

Could it maybe be more punchy at 800 ? More headroom at 400 ? ... Am I just imagining benefits ?

Thanks

 

[harkpabst]

Could it maybe be more punchy at 800 ? More headroom at 400 ? ... Am I just imagining benefits ?

Well ... maybe in part.

In the manual you should find the input sensitivity of your small PA speakers. That's the voltage they need for full power output. Now, if you want a little safety margin (so you can't overdrive the built-in amps) go with a maximum output voltage as close to that value, just a little lower. If you know you have a lot of programme material that does not ever reach 0 dBFS (maximum digital level, Full Scale) like rips from early CDs, you might chose an output voltage close to the sensitivity, just a little higher.

Higher output voltage won't sound more punchy, but your brain might try to convince you that not having to turn the volume fully up sounds more energetic, more powerful. It really doesn't though.

 

[Jay x]

Well ... maybe in part.

In the manual you should find the input sensitivity of your small PA speakers. That's the voltage they need for full power output. Now, if you want a little safety margin (so you can't overdrive the built-in amps) go with a maximum output voltage as close to that value, just a little lower. If you know you have a lot of programme material that does not ever reach 0 dBFS (maximum digital level, Full Scale) like rips from early CDs, you might chose an output voltage close to the sensitivity, just a little higher.

Higher output voltage won't sound more punchy, but your brain might try to convince you that not having to turn the volume fully up sounds more energetic, more powerful. It really doesn't though.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

The manual is very sparse not including input figures.

Basically, with the power all the way up on the PA amp :-

@800 mVrms the PA will clip @ digital input 60%

@500 mVrms the PA will clip @ 85% digital input

I assume @500 is preferable ??

 

[harkpabst]

The manual is very sparse not including input figures.

Bummer.

Basically, with the power all the way up on the PA amp :-

@800 mVrms the PA will clip @ digital input 60%

@500 mVrms the PA will clip @ 85% digital input

I assume @500 is preferable ??

Yes, I think so. 200 mV (is that available with the WiiM Mini?) would not be sufficient to drive the PA to full volume.

 

[Jay x]

It's a couple of these.. rca into one, XLR mono mixed to the other.

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/SubZero-MP8-Multi-Position-Battery-Powered-DSP-PA-System/5ZLL