Trip: Are you using DSP on the Rat Trap 5 rig? If not , what X-overs are on it?

Dave Rat> It’s engineer-dependent. Pearl Jam uses no DSP, Brett goes entirely analog, as I did till this last Peppers tour. Most of the systems go out with either a Soundweb or an XTA 226 as the DSP.
The system comes up quicker with very little EQ but the HF with the DSP's still present an audible alteration to the ultra highs.

We use KT DN800's as our analog x-over.

Trip: What do you think sounds best on it? I don't like Soundweb, too much BS to get around on. Have you tried the dbx DriveRack?

Dave Rat: I personally like the Soundweb as a design tool. It really allows me to control everything without repatching. Plus I can design the control interface to a/b changes and determine the effects of diferent configurations very quickly. No, I have not tried the DBX. I did mess with the new KT unit and it was quite user friendly.

Tom B: Do you use computer modelling to help with your designs? If so, is it a custom program, or off the shelf?

Dave Rat: Actually, no. Believe it or not, I design the bulk in my head and then tranfer the design to Corel Draw, which allows me a fast easy way to determine if everything will fit. I then run the designs by other Rats who offer valuable input and a good balance, and finally fax the design to the cabinet maker working on it. Usually, Jeff Lee from Technology Artists.

Tucci: What's the thinking behind the tweets on aux?

Dave Rat: Pretty much the same as subs on an aux. It’s at the edge of human hearing and the limits of driver technology, so dealing with it separately offers several advantages.

You really don’t need your lead guitar or toms going to the tweets, the 2"s will cover them just fine. How often do you see a live show that is either dull (no tweet) or contant swish? I found it really cleared up the top end. Almost as much as subs on an aux clears up the low. Those unwanted instruments just can’t get there.

Keep in mind the Rat system 2"s go all the way out (i.e. similar top end with the tweet off as most major systems.) The tweets on an aux allow you to mix the show and then add sparkle to select instruments.

Tucci: In a 5 way system, you run the risk of numerous crossover area anomalies. Do you use measurement sytems to check phase interference and timing issues?