Stoffeltoo
I have read some threads on venues with "dirty" power meaning spikes, dips etc, which could permanently damage sound equipment.
I have a UPS that serves as a back up for my PC.
Would such a unit be sufficiently safe to use where there is a concern about the power supply?
Thanks
AlanRatcliffe
Not a dof question at all. Power is a serious consideration - I even carry a mains tester in my gig bag and will always test the power at a new venue: no earth, no play.
That's why many of us use power conditioners, which protect against spikes and also filter and smooth the power to reduce noise and interference. They don't help in a brownout though.
Brown power (undervoltage) seems to be the biggest problem locally and can stress the more sensitive equipment (you may have noticed many computer PSUs dying when we had all the power problems a couple of years ago). On the other hand, good old fashioned valve amps are more tolerant (although their tone will change). Unfortunately there's not much you can do about brown power, unless you have a big line interactive UPS with tons of backup batteries for storage, and even those are of limited use if the power is consistently low for long periods.
I have no idea of the suitability of normal computer UPSi for audio. I suppose the additional protection always helps, but they are not designed with noise in the audible frequency ranges in mind. Most will definitely be too small for running things like amps on though.
Stoffeltoo
Thanks Alan
+1 on the circuit tester
The reason for the question is that I played at a venue where the LED lights on the stage were notably oscillating,
I was more concerned over the health of the PA than the amps. All ended well but it was rather uncomfortable trying to play while worrying over gear.
