So, I have been assigned to a small team at my church (smaller church) to help upgrade audio/video equipment. The last install was done back in the early 90's, and amps are way underpowered, the speaker gauge wiring to the main PA's need to be redone, basically all hardware is going to be replaced.

We currently have 8 XLR runs on the left AND right side of the front of the sanctuary routed back to the AV room which is near the back off to one side. Also, I think there is 2 1/4" phono jacks (I think this is not enough), one on each side.

The band is off to the left front side of the space. They are not using all of the XLR ports on the wall, because we have moved to wireless for 2 of the vocal mics, and the guy who plays bass. The 1 and only 1/4" jack on the left side is being used for the two stage monitors.

So, based on what I've told you so far I have a few questions below. Before I get to them, we have already purchased a Mackie DL1608 mixer with iPad dock (pretty cool if you want to read up on it), and 2 Galaxy 7s stage monitors for the band. I have some Crown amps and JBL PA's going to be ordered soon to replace the current main PA's.

One question I have is we are planning on adding a subwoofer(s) to the mix which we have not had in the past. In talking to the JBL Professional Application guys, they are talking to us about passive subs which have Speakon and 1/4" connectors on the back. I've only been familiar with powered or active subs connected with RCA Coax. I have no problem using passive subs, just trying to see if we can use our existing wiring somehow, or if we will need to rerun new cabling.

Since they don't use all of the XLR connections, I see Monoprice has XLR to 1/4" cables, so is there any reason I can't use something like that to hook to the subs up front, and then in the AV room I would have everything connected to a Crown amp and then to the mixer. I guess I'm not sure if there is any issues with using XLR.

I know the guy in our band wants to get more 1/4" Auxilary runs to the stage, but I'm thinking the same thing. If they are going all wireless for the vocal mics, why wouldn't they just use the existing XLR ports, and if they need to go to 1/4" for electric guitar or whatever, or other stage monitors, just get XLR to 1/4" cables, or speakon or whatever. Not sure they make XLR to Speakon, haven't looked.

I'm sure I will have more questions, I am finding out that I may end up being the new sound guy at church, lol. The current "sign up" guys had the old mixer all screwed up.. Once the main gain is set, don't touch it dudes.

Ok, so maybe the title scared some of you off... Really my questions near the bottom are more about passive and active subs, and if I would be ok hooking them up using our existing wiring. It appears some subs have XLR connections, so I guess we would be fine.

So change the title

Way out of my league.

My only time with mixing boards and commercial sound was when I was the canteen guy for our community theater. That also involved filling in for whoever was too sick (aka too drunk) to perform thier duties. I spent a few nights up doing the sound. All I really remember is that if I turn up the channel with the bright red button, it means that the audience could hear everything I say in the booth.

Reminds me of the time in medical school when one of the professors left his wireless mic on when he went to the bathroom during a break in the lecture.

I know you're all dying to know the details. Luckily it just sounded like someone was pouring a beverage. Could've been much worse.

Worst thread derail ever.

Hey, I'm talking to myself! Am I CatBrat?!

and it really isn't a mixer question, more of a subwoofer hookup question, lol

JP just showed up after the title included "swinger".