Garage rehearsal PA?

[No_Where_Fast]

Sick of paying hundreds of pounds a year on rehearsal studios we're gonna start practicing in my garage, but we're gonna need a PA for vocals. So what would you recommend?

My initial thoughts are:

• Kustom 80w complete PA - £190
• Carvin StageMate S400 - £370
• Fender Passport Deluxe PD-150 - £580

The PA would only be for rehearsals. I doubt we'd use it for gigs, so I guess a portable isn't really necessary, I just considered them because they were complete PA's.

Ideally I'd like to spend as little as possible without compromising sound quality.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[johan1985]

Re: Garage rehearsal PA?

Well, I just baught a small Spirit Notepad mixer with 4 mono channels that we're gonna use it the rehersal room. We're a trio so a larger mixer would only take space. Then we got a Samson power amp 2x275w I think. And some old funky Fender speakers. I don't know how loud you play but for us 80w would be to small. You could do it like we did and buy seperate parts used, mixer/poweramp/speakers. I think you could come by pretty cheap...

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Garage rehearsal PA?

I don't know how loud you can get away with playing in your garage, but in my opinion 80w is too little for vocals even at rehearsals (assuming you have a drummer). I'd go for 150w absolute minimum, preferably 200w or more. How many watts is the Carvin? I'd also buy used - look in your local Free Ads.

 

[Norman_T]

Re: Garage rehearsal PA?

I would suggest that you get active (powered) speakers - 2500W 1x12's get two of these one for each side and a good quality mixer (at least 12 channel or preferably 16 channel). Depending on where you go you should be able to pick these up as a package for around £400-£600 and they may well throw in stands and all the cables that are necessary. Otherwise keep an eye on for anything that is used.

This is an excellent way of starting a PA and will grow with you as you can always add on more active speakers for the mid and top and also buy an active sub-woofer for bass and then use them for gigs or even at bigger rehearsal rooms. Stay away from the Fender Passport stuff as they are nothing but trouble unless you are only playing an acoustic set.

 

[No_Where_Fast]

Re: Garage rehearsal PA?

I don't know how loud you can get away with playing in your garage, but in my opinion 80w is too little for vocals even at rehearsals (assuming you have a drummer).

We're gonna build a plasterboard/AMW room inside the garage so hopefully we can play quite loud, and yeah, we have a drummer - a hard-hitter at that!

How many watts is the Carvin?

Only 100w and it's only one speaker, with the mixer built into the back.

Hmm, I know I should buy 2nd hand but it's hard to know what's good/bad! I guess if I look for a 150w+ powered mixer/amp and when I see one check web reviews.

Cheers for the advice guys!