JBL Eon G2 Wiring Question

[curtusua]

Hello all...

My first post to the forum. I'm just getting back into playing again and bought a new Roland TDK 20BK set and a pair of JBL 15" Eon G2's for a monitor system while I practice. I am an older drummer and had a TD-10 et when they first came out. I played in a local cover band but sold all of my gear because of my "real" job and haven't played for about 10 years.

My question is that since the TD-20 has unbalanced outputs, how do I hook both monitors up together without using the XLR inputs on the monitors (which, I understand are balanced inputs)? I tried to "daisy chain" them together according to the instruction manual using an XLR cable from monitor one "out" to monitor two "in", and connecting the two "master out" jacks on the TD-20 to the unbalanced inputs to the first monitor, but only the monitor that I have inputs from the sound module (monitor one) is active. Both speakers are fine as with either one connected to the sound module via the "master out" jacks individually, they work fine. I just can't seem to get them to work together. I have the switches on the monitor (one) se for mixed output.

I was thinking that as a simple solution, I would just buy a mono 1/4" cable which splits into two mono 1/4" jacks and feed one to each of the 1/4" inputs on the back of each of the JBL's. I guess I only need mono out but I do play along to a song practice list on my iPod which I mix into the unit and it is stereo. Of course, maybe it doesn't matter after the module's mix?

Any help is greatly appreciated... this is a great forum and I've learned so much already.

Curt

[BarT]

Welcome!

Any reason you can't connect Master L to input 2 on one and Master R to input 2 on the other for glorious stereo?

When you try to daisy-chain them in mono, are you using mono or stereo cables to the 1/4" inputs? (Inputs 2 and 3 can accept either balanced or unbalanced.)


Bruce

[Hercules]

Welcome!

Any reason you can't connect Master L to input 2 on one and Master R to input 2 on the other for glorious stereo?


Bruce

Welcome also.

I support Bruce's question and add a bit of wonder as to why you would want to go mono when you already have stereo working....???

[BarT]

I'm not sure if he does already have them working in stereo, but probably could easily with no hook-up between the two speakers.

For a mono-only speaker arrangement like daisy-chaining those two, you should only use a single cable from the module's LEFT (MONO) output.


Bruce

[curtusua]

Hi guys...

Thanks for the welcome and replies.

I currently am using stereo cables and using both L and R outputs into the first monitor. I tried using an XLR cable to daisy chain the two monitors together. The only thing that is confusing (at least to me!) is that input #1 (the XLR input/output) is the balanced connection, whereas input #2 (the 1/4" inputs (no outputs)), are the unbalanced connections.

I guess I could try the one cable to each monitor... that seems like a simple solution.

Thanks again!

curt

[curtusua]

I just connected each of the two stereo cables into one of unbalanced inputs on the speakers and both are working fine. As usual, the simplest approach is often the best.

BTW Bruce, I see your reference to the Beatles in your signature and thought I'd tell you that I saw the Beatles live in September 1964. It was the first concert I ever went to. That is one concert I'll never forget despite all of the others I have seen since.

Thanks again for the replies.

Curt

[StevieZ]

I use this same setup with my TD-20 and dual JBL Eon G2's. I've attached a diagram showing my LIVE setup. I use the TD20 Master Outputs to send the master drum mix to the PA. For my personal monitors, I send the "Phones" mix from the TD-20 (1/4") to the 1/4" input on G2 #1. Then, daisy chain the two G2's with XLR connections. It's not stereo, but works great as I also "Mix In" the rest of the band from the PA via the TD-20. I control the band/drum mix for my monitors with the Mix In volume and the Monitor volume knobs located on the TD-20. I hope this helps and good luck!...........Steve

[Ausbeat]

Hi Guys

I have an identical setup i.e. TD20 with 2 x JBL EON G2 15 monitors. Originally I was using the phones jack to one JBL and daisy chaining to the second monitor. This worked o.k. but a guy in the band suggested I buy 2 x D.I. boxes (direct out boxes) so I could convert the unbalanced signal to a balanced one.
My current setup is to run 2 x 1/4" jacks from the Master Outs and into the 2 x D.I's. I then run a XLR mic lead to each of the JBL,s from the D.I's and it works better than any other setup Ive had so far.
You should be able to buy a couple of D.I's for around $ 80.00 each or less but I would go for something of good quality.

Something worth noting is to make sure you buy "unbalanced" 1/4" jacks otherwise the "balnced" jacks will not work without pulling them half way out. Not ideal when they can vibrate all the way out during a gig

Hope this helps
Cheers

[StevieZ]

Ausbeat,

Great idea! I happen to have 2 DI's and will put them to work immediately. How do you tell the difference between balanced and unbalanced 1/4" jacks? Thanks for your help..........Steve

[StevieZ]

Ausbeat,

Appears that one issue with using the Master Outs setup and the DIs you suggested, instead of the phone jack, is losing the opportunity to "Mix IN" the band mix from the PA and control the mix to your JBLs via the TD-20 Mix In and Phone volume knobs. Thanks.......Steve

[Ausbeat]

Hi StevieZ

Glad to give you some help mate.

Firstly, the difference between balanced and unbalanced is basically mono and stereo jacks which have either single black rings (mono) or double black rings (stereo) near the tip of the lead. Unfortunately Roland only provide unbalanced outputs therefore the mono lead is the appropriate option.

Secondly, you wont lose the mix in function if you have enough aux sends on the mixing desk. You plug this lead into your mix in from the desk and allocate whatever you want in your monitors from whats going into the desk. This will work and give you control of how much you place in your monitors.

Cheers
Bernie

[StevieZ]

Hi Bernie,

Thanks for all the great info! If I understand correctly, the enclosed diagram reflects the setup you describe. I'm still puzzled on how to route the TD-20 "Mix In", that contains the band mix from the PA Board, to the G2's without it being fed back into the PA on the drum channels. Please clarify and thanks for your help.

Steve

[Ausbeat]

Hi StevieZ

Sorry I may have not explained it clear enough.
You would setup with D.I.'s as I described for your own monitoring using the JBL's and you would need to use the direct outputs on the module into the desk and have the aux send from the desk into the mix in on the module thereby having control of the volume coming back from the desk. Hope this makes sense.

Cheers

[BarT]

Hi StevieZ

Sorry I may have not explained it clear enough.
You would setup with D.I.'s as I described for your own monitoring using the JBL's and you would need to use the direct outputs on the module into the desk and have the aux send from the desk into the mix in on the module thereby having control of the volume coming back from the desk. Hope this makes sense.

Cheers

That doesn't answer the question which was how to avoid a loop from mix in to master outputs and back again.

Bruce

[StevieZ]

Bruce,

If I understand Ausbeat's response, it appears his setup uses the TD-20 Master Outs (with the Mix In) for the personal monitors and the TD-20 Direct Outs (without Mix In) for the PA...........Steve