Full System Polarity Check

In this video, I demonstrate how easy it is to check the system polarity WITHOUT opening a single cabinet. Many times we mix on PA Systems that are not our own and not all that familiar with. I demonstrate an easy way to check the polarity that can be easily done in a few minutes.
Run the impulse starting with the kick drum channel and send it all the way thru the entire signal chain. From there you can easily measure if the subs are in polarity. Move up to the Tops as well and check those. Last but not least, you can even check stage monitors.
Once you have confirmation all the gear is in positive polarity on a "System" level, especially left to right, you can then decide if a channel polarity flip is needed.
Why spend time EQ-ing a PA system if you are not sure what the polarity is. This will save you more time in the long run & will rule out such issues once the show starts.
Check out my book called: "How To Make Your Bar PA Kick Butt" now available on Amazon:
amzn.to/3fOSLa1
Check out my website here: www.soundasylum...
Galaxy Audio Cricket used in this video (one of the best tools you can have in your tool bag):
amzn.to/3eR7oYQ
#LiveSoundMixing, #GalaxyAudioCricket, #LiveSoundSystems

[@soundasylumlive4421]

Super easy way to confirm PA system polarity WITHOUT opening a single cabinet! It's an amazing tool if you mix on different systems regularly. Takes a few minutes.... Don't waste valuable time EQ-ing a system that hasn't been verified for polarity. Keep Rocking!

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

love the info , plz keep posting videos like this thanks

[@soundasylumlive4421]

Sure will! Thank You!

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

@@soundasylumlive4421 the 8004 has a polarity switch on it correct ? if so applying the switch would that help the polarity issue or no ? thanks

[@centerstageentertainment6792]

nthe reason im ask is I own the big brother too the 8004 the 8005s

[@soundasylumlive4421]

@@centerstageentertainment6792 - yeah it sure would. I thought about that after I finished shooting the video. It would have been super easy to do on most powered speakers if they have a polarity switch.
Really what I was getting at is if you have to deal with different sound systems from gig to gig. In my case, when I go into a new venue and no know nothing about a system, my biggest concern is if the system is set up correctly. So, I start by listening and walking the room, if I hear weird “swishing” type of sounds as I am walking then I start thinking possible inverted polarity somewhere. So instead of checking each individual box, you could grab the kick channel line and send a signal through the entire chain and then go up to each speaker and see what you get with the polarity checker. Literally takes a few minutes. If you find a box with an inversion, then it needs to be dealt with. I carry “inversion” cables with me so it is easy to add it on the cable to “reverse” that signal. You wouldn’t believe what you will find out there... especially on older passive sound systems.
Great question!

[@alexmoskvichev1203]

Why use ext speaker and not balanced out?

[@soundasylumlive4421]

Using the ext speaker produces a “positive” acoustic output from the internal speaker which the other available outputs do not provide. It also shuts off the internal speaker. Yeah they could have designed this a little differently I suppose.