QSC K8.2 inputs and settings

[Kitchensmith]

So I have a piano 5 and been playing it through a pair of Bose S1's. It sounds great but not loud enough for gigging, so I bought a pair of QSC k8.2's as recommended by many on here. I have the Nord plugged into each speakers "HZ line" input and have left all of the settings on default. They are not as loud as the Boses were, 2000 watts should be screaming. Am I missing something or should I be in the mike inputs or do something with the settings? Or do I need a preamp?

[FZiegler]

Make sure you create a good output signal on your Piano 5; I set the main level knob to 3 'o clock on my Stage 3.

Then make sure to have the input set to 'line' on the QSCs and try to slightly raise the volume above 0 dB. There should be enough power for smaller gigs indoors or for monitoring on stage. Or did you expect to cover a full audience open air?

The QSC shouldn't be 'screaming', but they are indeed meant to create some power.

Nord instruments don't have the hottest signals. In order to get the last amount of power out of the boxes, a preamp would be a possible solution, but I'm not sure if this is something you should want: The QSCs sound good if there is some headroom left for the transients of piano sounds. It should be enough to use the main volume knob of the Piano 5 and the gain knob on the QSCs. And be aware that they need a little distance to develop their power.

[florence]

hi, the input impedance is probably set to instrument (HI-Z) and you need to switch it to line level.

[Rusty Mike]

As an alternative to a preamp, a small mixer is a big help with gain management, headroom and a little quick EQ.

[cphollis]

You need to match the level of your Nord outputs to the inputs on your QSC K8.2s.

You can:
(1) use the "mic" switch setting on the QSCs, or
(2) turn your Nord all the way up, or
(3) use a small mixer in between the two.

With a properly staged input signal, the QSCs are very loud and authoritative.

[Kitchensmith]

Thanks guys setting the input to "line" did the trick.