I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

[Aceman]

Looking to possibly get one for doing solo acoustic gigs.

Any and all info appreciated. DO NOT suggest anything by Bose or Fishman. Think Ultra-budget….

How much juice - seriously?

How many Channels - in reality.

Brand, sources to get, aux gear required - like speaker stands, etc…

 

[Oinkus]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

You can get away with a single decent powered speaker 12" or bigger and a mic/stand. I have done acoustic gigs with no PA in a small room that had great acoustics before. Getting the speaker off the floor will help with projection yes. Easily less then $200 , if you want more detailed info I can do some searching , not like I am doing anything else.

 

[Securb]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Ace I just got one of these from GC online used for $50. I have always been down on Behringer but all of the reviews on this thing were dynamite. The built in effects are decent, a bonus for acoustic gigs and jams. I saw them going used for $99 - $150 and this one was sitting at a GC in Fla used for $49.99 with free shipping. I am loving this thing it sounds great with my acoustic. I also plug my iPad into it and jam out with Amplitube.

• Ultra-flexible 45-Watt 3-channel PA system / keyboard amplifier
• Powerful 10'' BUGERA speaker for ultimate sound reproduction
• Integrated digital FX processor with 100 awesome presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects
• Revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection system instantly reveals critical frequencies
• Full 3-channel operation with separate Volume and FX Send per channel
• Additional XLR mic input on Channel 1 for direct connection of dynamic microphones

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Also MusiciansFriend has a sale on Mackie powered 15" speakers. $250 right now

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

 

[jtougas]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/AG100D ?

 

[Mincer]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

I have done many single and duo gigs with a Crate Limo. The golf cart battery lasts for over 6 hours, and it is loud.

 

[Aceman]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

I've got a Crate CA-30 Acoustic amp. Looking for something a little sportier. However - the off the floor/stand thing is key IMO. DEFINITELY need the off the floor factor.

12" powered speaker with line in from CA 30…..THIS might be excellent, fast cheap and easy.


Keep the ideas coming. Talking small to medium bar/patio. Not large restaurant or outdoor venue.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Lots of different ways to go.

I like the Carvin plastic power speakers. I have the 15" 2-ways, and you could do a small solo gig with just that. If you are doing a duo or trio though, I would go with a top box mixer-amp and a pair of speakers on stands. Carvin, Mackie, Peavey, Yamaha all have good systems. I would want at least six channels, but eight is better. On a tight budget a used PV XR-series top box is hard to beat. I have an old XR-600C, and it still works great. And with the mixer amps, you'll get some effects and a graphic for feedback and tone control.

If you go with a top box you'll need non-powered speakers. I like the plastic ones. They don't sound as good, especially at high dB levels, but they save a tremendous amount of weight. I like the Carvin and Peavey offerings. Mackie is very good but more money. Carvin makes a 15" 3-way, and that is a terrific speaker for acoustic instruments.

I would avoid the small systems like the Fender Passports...PV has one too. What you really want is some modularity so you can expand your system over time as your needs change. It may cost a little more to start, but in the end it could save you big bucks.

Good luck.

Bill

 

[Matt42]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

I know you said no Fishman, but the Loudbox Mini is actually quite affordable. One instrument input, one mic input, and a great sound in a small light package.

Other than that, a small mixer and a powered speaker would work great.

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

"Fishstick" (sa220)

I know times are tight for you but it's the best option.

You're suffering. That sucks. But to be brutally honest, the audience doesn't care. Don't cheap out on them. Successful gigs lead to more gigs.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Lots of different ways to go.

I like the Carvin plastic power speakers. I have the 15" 2-ways, and you could do a small solo gig with just that. If you are doing a duo or trio though, I would go with a top box mixer-amp and a pair of speakers on stands. Carvin, Mackie, Peavey, Yamaha all have good systems. I would want at least six channels, but eight is better. On a tight budget a used PV XR-series top box is hard to beat. I have an old XR-600C, and it still works great. And with the mixer amps, you'll get some effects and a graphic for feedback and tone control.

If you go with a top box you'll need non-powered speakers. I like the plastic ones. They don't sound as good, especially at high dB levels, but they save a tremendous amount of weight. I like the Carvin and Peavey offerings. Mackie is very good but more money. Carvin makes a 15" 3-way, and that is a terrific speaker for acoustic instruments.

I would avoid the small systems like the Fender Passports...PV has one too. What you really want is some modularity so you can expand your system over time as your needs change. It may cost a little more to start, but in the end it could save you big bucks.

Good luck.

Bill

The Carvin powered speakers are what I have
And a Peavey .FX16 mixer (Unpowered)

You can run the line outs directly to the powered speaker.
Then daisy chain thru to other powered speakers

Just keep adding speakers till you have enough



*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

 

[Aceman]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Links or pics?????

Didn't think of Powered Speaker. And like you said - just Daisy Chain to expand. I really like that.

Acoustic > Pedal Board > Little mixer > Speaker (s)

Mic > Mixer > Speaker


But Definitely need to get the speaker "off the ground"

 

[Aceman]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Just looked at the CArvin PM12A and 10A -


That would be PERFECT!

Hell - I could just direct right into that with nothing but a guitar and a mic!

Speaker + Stand and Done!!!!

Or Mixer + Two Speakers = Duo. Fantastic.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Just looked at the CArvin PM12A and 10A -


That would be PERFECT!

Hell - I could just direct right into that with nothing but a guitar and a mic!

Speaker + Stand and Done!!!!

Or Mixer + Two Speakers = Duo. Fantastic.

I got mine from a dude selling off his entire rig
Two 15s and two 12s

I have also set my GNX to send drum loop out xlr to one speaker and guitar signal out 1/4 " to another

When I plug in bass I have the entire rhythm section covered

The Carvin powered speakers weigh about 30 lbs
Easily lifted with one hand

Get the cover when you order them

The cover has velcro slots to access controls and handles

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

I have the Peavey FX-16 mixer too. I LOVE IT!

For a smaller single or duo act, you probably won't need 16 channels. PV, Carvin, Behringer and Mackie all make some smaller mixers that can be used for live sound.

Bill

 

[Aceman]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

so I'm seeing Carvin, Harbinger, Rock something, and a few other names. Any preferences? My preference is cheapest functional.

The Rock one seemed cool, except XLR only - no 1/4"

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Ace, I have a Peavey PV10 mixer for sale for $165. PM me if you're interested.

 

[Aceman]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Rockville - that's the name of the company.

 

[Aceman]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Ace, I have a Peavey PV10 mixer for sale for $165. PM me if you're interested.

Way overkill for my needs - but thanks.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: I'd like some cheap Acoustic PA suggestions

Musicians Friend has a sale on Mackie

I have no experience with Mackie

Look a GC used
Carvins usually go for $150 used

Berhinger has a similar product

I have no experience with them either

I think Bill may be related to me tho :O


*(Sent from my durned phone!)*