Adding sub to DC-1

[fyrn]

What is the best way to integrate a sub using the DC-1 as pre. I'm using the XLR outputs to the amp for the speakers. I'm assuming I can use the RCA out for the sub. However, my sub only has one line in. Would I use a Y connector at the DC-1 to sum the L&R signal into one going to the sub or just use one channel.
I am concern about using a Y connector to sum the L & R output from the DC-1, would that cause signal short, back feed or any other electrical problems?
Thanks for the help

[hemster]

You can use the Y-connector without worries of a short or any other electrical problems. Left channel output can also be used for your sub. Try each way an see what you prefer. Just make sure to blend the sub in with prudent setting of the low cutoff frequency on the sub. Start with 80Hz but that depends on the sub and here too, experimentation is key to a successful result that sounds good to you.

[GreenKiwi]

I don't think that you want to use a passive Y connector to sum the signals. You need a connector that is designed for summing.

Why not wye
www.rane.com/note109.html

I remember @emokeith posted one a while back.

[KeithL]

You won't hurt anything by connecting the two outputs together, although you'd be better off using the unbalanced outputs for the sub.

However, you'd be much better off getting a little passive crossover like THIS one... which will give you a true crossover, one which you can set to whatever frequency you like.

www.hlabs.com/products/crossovers/index_files/Page384.htm

[fyrn]

I will use the unbalanced (rca) L&R outputs signal from the DC-1 to the sub. I know the signal is full bandwidth but I can use the sub's crossover to filter it. My concern was summing the L&R signal with a Y connector possible causing some phase, impedance, or other electrical issues that may damage the CD -1 by doing so. (kind of the issues as summing speakers)
I read the article greenwiki points to, but even with a sub that has L&R inputs the signal has to be summed internally at some point since its a mono amp. I just didn't know if it was the same as using a simple Y connector externally for a single input.
I have heard both yes and no so that's why I wanted some inputs from the pros.

[KeithL]

Some devices CAN be damaged if you simply connect the two outputs together; for others, while it won't cause damage, it can cause significant distortion; for still others, if you connect one set of outputs together, you effectively short both sets together, so you would end up with mono on your main speakers. This is why any sub with left and right inputs, or any other device intended to sum the left and right inputs, will take the safe route and sum them through a pair of resistors. (Note that there's no down-side to doing so, and resistors only cost a few cents.)

It is OK to connect the two unbalanced outputs on the DC-1 (specifically) directly together... (however, if you think you might EVER connect the same cable to the outputs of another device, then it's safer to get one with the "safety resistors").

Feb 5, 2015 11:56:07 GMT -5 fyrn said:

I will use the unbalanced (rca) L&R outputs signal from the DC-1 to the sub. I know the signal is full bandwidth but I can use the sub's crossover to filter it. My concern was summing the L&R signal with a Y connector possible causing some phase, impedance, or other electrical issues that may damage the CD -1 by doing so. (kind of the issues as summing speakers)
I read the article greenwiki points to, but even with a sub that has L&R inputs the signal has to be summed internally at some point since its a mono amp. I just didn't know if it was the same as using a simple Y connector externally for a single input.
I have heard both yes and no so that's why I wanted some inputs from the pros.

[fyrn]

Thanks Keith.

Do you know of an external connector that has a safety resistor design specifically for this purpose?

[soundmaster]

if your crossing over anything below 80hz you only need one connection, right or left will work just fine without any signal lose, that's the way I have mine setup!