SOUND ON SOUND

[James Perrett]

Ch Vol set at 9 o'clock.

That would set alarm bells ringing to me unless I knew that control was right at the input (in which case it would probably be labelled input gain). Chances are that there is a preamp stage before this control and you are overloading the preamp. The optimum setting is probably somewhere between 12 o'clock at 3 o'clock - depending upon the noise performance of the Eon's input stage.

[Wonks]

The JBL Eon One Settings were as follows:
Bass and Treble at 12 o'clock (midpoint). Reverb at 10 o'clock. Ch Vol set at 9 o'clock.
Mic input switch in. Master Volume about 1/4....
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..OR, is the fix to push the CH 1 JBL Eon One Mic/Line switch to Line and crank the levels on the CH 1 and Master Volume?

You said it yourself. I'd set the master volume on full and the EONs input channel set to line input and the channel volume at around 3/4.

You should now be able to control the output from the main fader. Your next task is to make sure the input gains on your mixer are set correctly so that the inputs aren't distorting. Turn down the master output knob. On each input channel at a time, set the output fader knob to 0dB gain, press the pre fader solo button and adjust the input trim control on the channel until the meter LEDs are peaking in the -2 to +2dB area. Once you've done this to all your inputs (remember to only PF solo one channel at a time and remember to undo the PF solo on the last channel you used) , then you should be able to bring your master output fader up and hear a lot of nice noise from your EON speaker.

Now's the time to balance the channels, but try and keep the loudest channel at 0dB gain if you can, and lower the others below this. Hopefully you shouldn't need to have the main meters going much above the 0dB level, as you've got now the EON's volume set high. There will be some headroom on the EON's inputs, but you probably can't drive it too hard above the nominal input level (which will be when the mixer's output meters hit 0dB) before the input begins to clip.

Also, keep an eye on the limit light on the EON. If this starts flashing, then the power amps are working at almost their maximum output and the signal to them is being limited to protect them and the speakers. At this point, you'll need to back off the input signal, either by reducing the input channel volume, or by lowering the signal level from the mixer.

There are other variations on setting up your mixer levels, but this one works OK for me.

+4 indicates +4dBu. the 'professional' line level (the 'consumer line level is a bit lower level signal and is -10dBv, note the different units).

[Sam Spoons]

Yup, as Wonky says. Just to reinforce, line level for everything except mics, it's just better that way.

[SteveGeetar]

Thanks to all for your prompt and thoughtful advice, I've learned I made several mistakes that likely caused my sound quality issue. Listed below is what I think I need to do, with a few clarifying questions. If I misunderstood or still don't have it figured out, I'd appreciate you re-calibrating me.
1. I understand that if I'm going to run my Mackie Mixer L Main XLR output to the JBL CH 3, I need to get an XLR to TRS cable. But that CH has no reverb, so I want to use either CH 1 or 2.
2. For me to use the reverb on the JBL, I need to use either CH 1 or 2. I currently run my Mackie Mixer L Main XLR output to the JBL CH1 input with an XLR connector. JBL CH 1 and 2 inputs are combinations jacks.
QUESTION - Do I need to get an XLR to TRS cable to make that proper connection to be at line level?
3. The Mic/Line selector on the JBL CH 1 will be set to Line Level.
4. I'll do all EQ on the Mackie Mixer.
QUESTION - Should I set the JBL tone knobs straight up or all the way left?
5. The Main Output Level switch on the back of the Mackie Mixer will be set to +4 rather than Mic.
6. I will carefully adhere to the Level Setting and the Instant Mixing procedures in the Mackie Mixer Manual to ensure that the gain levels are set properly to ensure sufficient signal strength and to avoid clipping. Will use the Mixer Channel volumes to fine tune individual sources' volumes.
6. Once all sources are balanced on the mixer, I will leave all settings alone and adjust the overall volume level with the Main Mix master volume on the mixer.
6. The Channel and Master Volume knobs on the JBL Eon One will be set to Max. Will watch to ensure the yellow LED clipping light doesn't light. Will adjust CH 1 volume down if light comes on or if signal sounds distorted.

[Wonks]

2. From the description in the EON manual, I'd say yes , but if you've already been connecting to it with an XLR to XLR and the mic/line switch made a big difference to the output from the EON, rather than cut off the signal altogether (as if it has switched to the TRS input), then your good to go with an XLR-XLR cable.

4. Have them centred to start with. Playback some music you know well and see if you think it sounds balanced. If it's too bassy to too dull, then I'd use the tone controls on the EON to get a sound you're more happy with. Straight up should be fine for most things if JBL have done their job, but in some locations you might want to just tweak thinks a bit if there's a lot of reverb making things muddy, or a lot of soft surfaces soaking up the high frequencies. You've only got basic treble and bass controls, so you can't do too much to the sound with it. but give it a go and see if it helps. If not, just leave them flat.

Then you can use the mixer's channel tone controls to treat the input signals as required.

[ljoliver30]

I’m probably making a simple mistake, but here is my issue:
I have a Shure SM58 connected via XLR - XLR to the JBL Eon One Pro. Mic input selected, switch turned on, the mic does not get much volume, even with the channel at max level and Master above midpoint. Almost as if a preamp is missing.
I’ve attempted the phantom power, but know that is not necessary on the dynamic SM58.
Guitar/piano/line work great with appropriate volume.
Any ideas on my mistake?

[Wonks]

I don't think you've made a mistake, it just looks like the EON one isn't really set up for mic inputs, despite the mic/line switch. All that really does is select whether the signal comes from the XLR connections or the TRS ones for that channel.

The input impedance for both switch settings is 40k ohms, which implies to me that there is no true mic pre-amp built into the unit. That's a line input impedance and a mic pre-amp impedance is normally in the 1k-3k ohm region (though some older mics prefer 600 ohms).

So you'll almost certainly need to have the channel gain right up to get anything out of the mic. The high input impedance is probably attenuating the signal, and it won't be doing anything for the frequency response of the mic.

What has been suggested by Shure in a similar situation with a Peavey mixer amp is to use a low to high impedance converter. http://www.shure.com/americas/support/f ... ance-input

Shure do the A85F converter (around £25) which also gives a 24dB signal boost, and you will then plug it in to the jack part of the combi and select 'line' input. Shure also do the more expensive A95UF, which looks to be the same basic device but with an adaptor for using either male or female jack connections.

There are other similar devices out there if you want to look around.

Alternatively, buy a small two channel mixer, and plug the output from that into the EON.

[ljoliver30]

That makes sense. Thank you for the help!

[pax-eterna]

[quote="Wonks"]I don't think you've made a mistake, it just looks like the EON one isn't really set up for mic inputs, despite the mic/line switch. All that really does is select whether the signal comes from the XLR connections or the TRS ones for that channel.

Sorry, not true. It is a just "combo" jack, nothing flash!. You get the same result if using a mic with a trs OR xlr!
The switch does not switch between what type of conector is being used, rather it changes according to the input impedance of what is being connected.

I use it with line ins (from a keyboard). I use channel 1 and 2 for really quiet gigs where I don't use a mixer, and 3/4 for louder gigs where I do use a separate mixer.

And the main outs? I use standard mono cables from the mixer to the Eon 1s. Using an XLR makes no dfference to output levels. Or clarity for that matter. Perhaps if running at more than about 30 feet you'll get less chance of RF interference, but sound level/quality? All good. Been using a pair of these for near three years now :)

[Wonks]

The switch does not switch between what type of conector is being used, rather it changes according to the input impedance of what is being connected.

I'm sorry, but that makes no sense to me whatsoever. Could you explain that a little better?

All I'm going by is JBL's own data sheet for the speaker. According to that, the input impedance of both the line and mic settings is 40k ohms. Having re-read the spec sheet section of the user manual, the switch does seem to swap between mic and line levels (no further technical details). The user manual also clearly stated that the "Mic/Line button selects between a microphone (XLR) input or a line (1/4" phone) input". Don't blame me if JBL can't describe their equipment properly.

However, with that 40k impedance in mic input mode, you'd still need to use a high impedance mic (or an adapter and a low impedance mic as I suggested).

[pax-eterna]

haha, sorry wonks...my explanation is about as good as JBL's :D

I think I misunderstood YOUR post....thought you were saying the MIC/LINE switch changes the connector status somehow.

As you wrote just above all it does is swap between mic/line impedance inputs. I have not been able to find on their website any spec data as to what the two levels are (just the 40 you mentioned).

What I can say (from use) is that the levels are definitely different! TBH, I have hunch this 40Kohm is a misprint, or a unique JBL way of expressing things. If they were both 40K then I would assume the line level in or a mic level in should not be louder/softer (for want of a better term).

If you insert a MIC (even when using the XLR) and do not have MIC selected it is way soft, the reverse is true for line level sources. As in the MIC is way too hot!

Sorry for any misunderstanding I may have caused.

[Wonks]

No problem, Pax.

I was just looking for an explanation for the OP's very low mic level problem, and a high input impedance would account for that.

Maybe next time that you use your Eon, you could try plugging a mic (if you've got a standard handheld dynamic handy) into one of the XLR inputs and seeing if you too get a low signal level, even on the mic setting?

[pax-eterna]

yep, I'll do that...I'll post up the result.

[Spec33]

Hi,
I've got a Mackie 1220i which has the same button (I guess). The manual says and I quote:

"When the switch is out (+4 dB), the XLR main outputs provide a "+4dBu" line level signal. You can then connect these outputs to the line-level inputs of power amplifiers, powered loudspeakers or serial processors.

When the switch is pushed in (mic), the XLR main outputs are attenuated to microphone level. "

I know this only answers part of your question and I am not expert enough to help with the other part. (In fact I have a question of my own regarding using DI boxes with the JBL Eon One but I'll wait for your problem to be fully resolved first).

[Nestor]

Hi Somebody can helpme please.
Onces the battery is full charged, after 1 hour of working, the speakers turn on the red led of the battery, My question is why ? supposedly last up to 5 hours of work?

[strutnfret]

For posterity in case someone else comes here looking for clarification of the JBL EON One inputs covered in part of this thread...

I found this thread when I was also puzzled at the JBL EON One Channel 1 & 2 inputs and function of the 'MIC/LINE' switch, and ultimately learned the following from experiments and info from a helpful JBL (Harman) support rep:

* Really all that the MIC/LINE switch does is add attenuation to the input signal (when in the LINE position), applicable to both the XLR and TRS inputs.
* There is no significant difference in the balanced XLR and TRS input signal paths... selecting one is just a matter of convenience. As the manual states, both have the same input impedance (40K ohms).
* Any internal inline pre-amp applies equally to the input from XLR and TRS. (MIC vs LINE does not switch in/out any pre-amp; it only controls the attenuation mentioned above.)

So really you can just think of MIC/LINE as a kind of PAD switch and experiment to determine the appropriate setting for your input signal. For example I'm driving it from the main line level out from a consumer Mackie board. Curiously I found that I need to have the EON switch in the MIC position for sufficient signal; but it sounds fine and there's no way I could drive it sufficiently from the Mackie when in the LINE position.

(I'm using a pair of the EON Ones as an alternative to our main larger PA when playing in tight 'coffee house' situations)

[Hugh Robjohns]

For posterity in case someone else comes here looking for clarification of the JBL EON One inputs covered in part of this thread...

Thanks for sharing that info.

So really you can just think of MIC/LINE as a kind of PAD switch and experiment to determine the appropriate setting for your input signal....there's no way I could drive it sufficiently from the Mackie when in the LINE position.

Yes, it is very common in mixers, interfaces etc, to use the mic preamp for everything, and just pad down the line input to mic level when required.

It is bizarre that JBL state the max SPL from the eon, but not the input level required to achieve that... Or the nominal sensitivities of the mic and line inputs.... Or the available gain range. And while I would normally commend a company for stating the input impedance, as long as it's more than 1.5k Ohms, it really doesn't matter, whereas all those other things really do!

H

[kdoerbecker]

Yes, run the Mackie output set to +4 and the JBL set to line using XLE connector cables. Wiring is the same as for a IRS phone jack except the mechanical connection is stronger and more reliable. I have a JBL and am very happy with it in small venues except that a mic directly in to the channel (even in the mic setting) will not drive the unit to the full 105db spl the specs call for. I also have to use a mixer then connect that to the JBL.