Noob PA System Questions

punkrocker-182 · 08-18-2006, 07:42 PM

Hi, I just bought a PA system on EBAY the other day, after that i looked at some reviews of the mixer, and people who have the system say that the fuses burn... whats a fuse? do they need replacing when they burn? Also on the back of the mixer there is a switch that says 115/230 volts, and the users manual says to switch it to the corect voltage or you could harm the system. How can i tell the voltage of my outlet or W/E?

Im a noobie when it comes to PA systems

, so all awnsers would be appreciated.
Thx

green242 · 08-19-2006, 10:07 AM

Well I can tell you that a fuse is a little insert that is put into electronics so that the thing that is being powered dosn't get too much power and burn itself out. Your house probably has fuses or a breaker box (which works in almost the same way). Fuses can be replaced. Just finding the right one for your application may be difficult. Fuses get worn out after time, and just blow. So the fuse on your pa will just need replacing more often.
As for your other question, i can't answer

pitchfork · 08-19-2006, 11:39 AM

110 volts is american
240 volts is english

Thats the difference I think.

Englands is less likely to kill you because its got less amps, how about that eh?

When you do get the mixer if you plan on live gigging it make sure you buy a spare fuse actually no buy like 5 or 10 so you don't have to go through the hassle of finding a new fuse when one blows (very occasionally)

punkrocker-182 · 08-19-2006, 01:16 PM

Oh thx guys
Where can i buy fuses?

fuzzyhair · 08-20-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkrocker-182

Oh thx guys
Where can i buy fuses?

home depot maybe?

pitchfork · 08-20-2006, 03:07 PM

stereo shops

punkrocker-182 · 08-20-2006, 08:15 PM

okay thx

PremierManiac · 08-20-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitchfork

110 volts is american
240 volts is english

Not necessarily.

Over here (America), regular outlets (for normal appliances [TV, toaster, etc.]) run 110V while bigger appliances such as washing machines, ranges/ovens, and dryers use 240V.

punkrocker-182 · 08-21-2006, 12:31 AM

what would be a PA mixer?

***Aes820*** · 08-21-2006, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitchfork

Englands is less likely to kill you because its got less amps, how about that eh?

It only takes .06 amps across your chest to spang you out.
And a houehold 240v outlet will let 10 amps through before any fuse blows.

Threadstarter: It is very important that you use the correct type of fuse as a replacement in your amp. So if you're unsure about anything, talk to a tech.

pitchfork · 08-21-2006, 10:04 AM

Yes but In america its a lower voltage and therefore more amps, in theory it would have more risk of killing you.

punkrocker-182 · 08-21-2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aes820

Threadstarter: It is very important that you use the correct type of fuse as a replacement in your amp. So if you're unsure about anything, talk to a tech.

It problably says on the back of the mixer right?

PremierManiac · 08-21-2006, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkrocker-182

what would be a PA mixer?

Here's a good example of a basic PA mixer.
http://www.carvin.com/products/single.php?ItemNumber=sm162

***Aes820*** · 08-22-2006, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitchfork

Yes but In america its a lower voltage and therefore more amps, in theory it would have more risk of killing you.

Well, I guess, yes.
But that's like comparing what'll be more likely to kill you if it falls on you, A dump truck or a cement mixer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkrocker-182

It problably says on the back of the mixer right?

Yep. Or even maybe on the side of the fuse that's in the amp at the moment.

punkrocker-182 · 08-23-2006, 12:23 AM

So do i have to take off the casing to get to the fuse?
Here is the mixer btw. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-MPM4130-4Channel-Powered-Mixer-with-DSP?sku=630421

***Aes820*** · 08-23-2006, 03:39 AM

Oh. A Nady.
Those are not really a very nice brand. They are kind of cheap and nasty.

It should be fine for just running vocals through during practising. But don't expect that thing to be able to handle much more.
I dare say than in a year or so time you'll be wanting to upgrade again.

Did you get speakers for it as well?

As for the fuse. It'll be located inside that IEC power inlet socket.
On the back, there's that 3 pronged socket that you use to plug the power cable into. Just underneath the socket will be a little plastic compartment that holds the fuse. You may have to use a butter knife or a flathead screwdriver to get to it.

punkrocker-182 · 08-23-2006, 03:19 PM

Yeah I know it's cheap but its my first system. And yes i got 2 12" speakers,(mabye they were 10").

EDIT: Thanx for the fuse help, i think i see where your talking about on the picture.

punkrocker-182 · 08-24-2006, 12:07 PM

I got the system yesterday it looks and works great so far, now im wondering how do i know when the fuse burns out? will it not turn on or something? Just wondering...

kidthatplaysguitar91 · 08-25-2006, 09:09 PM

Do all mixers have fuses?

I just bought A pa system and i dont see where a fuse could go?

PremierManiac · 08-25-2006, 10:57 PM

No, not all mixers have fuses.

***Aes820*** · 08-26-2006, 05:39 AM

If the mains fuse burns out the amp just wont turn on at all.

All mixers should have some kind of protection fuse, as defined by the IEC 60268 standard.

kidthatplaysguitar91 · 08-26-2006, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aes820

If the mains fuse burns out the amp just wont turn on at all.

All mixers should have some kind of protection fuse, as defined by the IEC 60268 standard.

i'll have to look at it later.
Thanks

kidthatplaysguitar91 · 08-26-2006, 12:25 PM

Well heres my everything
Mixer
http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_yamaha_mg124_12input_4_bus_mixer?full_sku=102063963
Speakers, 2 of these.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_american_audio_dls15p_15_2way_powered_speaker?full_sku=102806585
Vocal Mic
http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_shure_sm58_mic?full_sku=100038284
Djembe Mic
http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_audix_i5_instrument_microphone?full_sku=102671294

Then a mixer stand, 2 speaker stands and then all the cables.

punkrocker-182 · 08-27-2006, 08:42 PM

Some of the links say it coudn't find the item.

kidthatplaysguitar91 · 08-28-2006, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aes820

If the mains fuse burns out the amp just wont turn on at all.

All mixers should have some kind of protection fuse, as defined by the IEC 60268 standard.

The plug that goes into the wall has one of those big ****ing black plastic box like things. Dont those do that?

kidthatplaysguitar91 · 08-28-2006, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkrocker-182

Some of the links say it coudn't find the item.

Ehh w/e i dont feel like getting new links hah.

cadencethefire · 08-28-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkrocker-182

Oh thx guys
Where can i buy fuses?

Radioshack

punkrocker-182 · 08-29-2006, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidthatplaysguitar91

Ehh w/e i dont feel like getting new links hah.

Ok

***Aes820*** · 08-29-2006, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidthatplaysguitar91

The plug that goes into the wall has one of those big ****ing black plastic box like things. Dont those do that?

Yep inside that there'll be a transformer (that may have a thermal fuse on it) as well as some power supply circitry, that will also include a protection fuse.

08-18-2006, 07:42 PM	#1
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	Noob PA System Questions Hi, I just bought a PA system on EBAY the other day, after that i looked at some reviews of the mixer, and people who have the system say that the fuses burn... whats a fuse? do they need replacing when they burn? Also on the back of the mixer there is a switch that says 115/230 volts, and the users manual says to switch it to the corect voltage or you could harm the system. How can i tell the voltage of my outlet or W/E? Im a noobie when it comes to PA systems , so all awnsers would be appreciated. Thx

08-23-2006, 03:19 PM	#17
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	Yeah I know it's cheap but its my first system. And yes i got 2 12" speakers,(mabye they were 10"). EDIT: Thanx for the fuse help, i think i see where your talking about on the picture. Last edited by punkrocker-182; 08-23-2006 at 03:24 PM.

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08-19-2006, 10:07 AM	#2
green242 Knowledge is power Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 1,132	Well I can tell you that a fuse is a little insert that is put into electronics so that the thing that is being powered dosn't get too much power and burn itself out. Your house probably has fuses or a breaker box (which works in almost the same way). Fuses can be replaced. Just finding the right one for your application may be difficult. Fuses get worn out after time, and just blow. So the fuse on your pa will just need replacing more often. As for your other question, i can't answer

08-19-2006, 11:39 AM	#3
pitchfork Beerman Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Swindon Posts: 5,818	110 volts is american 240 volts is english Thats the difference I think. Englands is less likely to kill you because its got less amps, how about that eh? When you do get the mixer if you plan on live gigging it make sure you buy a spare fuse actually no buy like 5 or 10 so you don't have to go through the hassle of finding a new fuse when one blows (very occasionally)

08-19-2006, 01:16 PM	#4
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	Oh thx guys Where can i buy fuses?

08-20-2006, 03:07 PM	#6
pitchfork Beerman Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Swindon Posts: 5,818	stereo shops

08-20-2006, 08:15 PM	#7
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	okay thx

08-21-2006, 12:31 AM	#9
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	what would be a PA mixer?

08-21-2006, 10:04 AM	#11
pitchfork Beerman Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Swindon Posts: 5,818	Yes but In america its a lower voltage and therefore more amps, in theory it would have more risk of killing you.

08-23-2006, 12:23 AM	#15
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	So do i have to take off the casing to get to the fuse? Here is the mixer btw. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-MPM4130-4Channel-Powered-Mixer-with-DSP?sku=630421

08-23-2006, 03:39 AM	#16
*Aes820* Moderator Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Straya Posts: 18,033	Oh. A Nady. Those are not really a very nice brand. They are kind of cheap and nasty. It should be fine for just running vocals through during practising. But don't expect that thing to be able to handle much more. I dare say than in a year or so time you'll be wanting to upgrade again. Did you get speakers for it as well? As for the fuse. It'll be located inside that IEC power inlet socket. On the back, there's that 3 pronged socket that you use to plug the power cable into. Just underneath the socket will be a little plastic compartment that holds the fuse. You may have to use a butter knife or a flathead screwdriver to get to it.

08-24-2006, 12:07 PM	#18
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	I got the system yesterday it looks and works great so far, now im wondering how do i know when the fuse burns out? will it not turn on or something? Just wondering...

08-25-2006, 09:09 PM	#19
kidthatplaysguitar91 R.V. Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,872	Do all mixers have fuses? I just bought A pa system and i dont see where a fuse could go?

08-25-2006, 10:57 PM	#20
PremierManiac KM: 8/23/1946 - 9/27/1978 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,182	No, not all mixers have fuses.

08-26-2006, 05:39 AM	#21
*Aes820* Moderator Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Straya Posts: 18,033	If the mains fuse burns out the amp just wont turn on at all. All mixers should have some kind of protection fuse, as defined by the IEC 60268 standard.

08-26-2006, 12:25 PM	#23
kidthatplaysguitar91 R.V. Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,872	Well heres my everything Mixer http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_yamaha_mg124_12input_4_bus_mixer?full_sku=102063963 Speakers, 2 of these. http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_american_audio_dls15p_15_2way_powered_speaker?full_sku=102806585 Vocal Mic http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_shure_sm58_mic?full_sku=100038284 Djembe Mic http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_audix_i5_instrument_microphone?full_sku=102671294 Then a mixer stand, 2 speaker stands and then all the cables.

08-27-2006, 08:42 PM	#24
punkrocker-182 Teh Party Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 435	Some of the links say it coudn't find the item.