PA Systems

y2stevo

y2stevo

New member
Hey all.

As stated I'd like to ask a few questions about PA systems.I've got a band together and soon we'll want to start gigging,BUT!!,we don't gots a PA system :smack: .

I'd like to ask what would be your opinions of minimum,wattages etc.etc.(i don't really know what else that would be) for say small to relativly large bars,Possibly Clubs(tho it's likley that clubs will have a System ready for use)?

I came across this
http://www.thomann.de/thoiw6_community_mvp_1218s_set_prodinfo.html
Its definitly not a High end system thats for sure but it seems better value than the behringer systems.It comes with a 1400w power amp, 2 150w Loudspeakers & 2 300w Subs. I have a mixer so that would not be needed.I also plan to get 1 or 2 active monitors aswell to run off from the mixer.

Got any opinions?

Thanks alot for your helpies! :)
 
Re: PA Systems

I'd recommed...

Top cabs that can handle at least 300 watts and sub cabs that can handle at least 700 watts. I like the EV sx300 as a top and have also had success with them as monitor cabs. I think EV still makes an active version of that cab. We also use EV bass bins but I can't remember the model. We run 500 watts top and 800 watts bottom. It's more than enough power for small gigs and small outside events. How loud you want to play will determine how much you need. But in my experience more power is always better when it comes to PA systems. You can use amps that exceed the cabs power rating buy 20-30%...you just need to be careful. That way you never run out of clean power and your amps can run cooler.

For large gigs better to first add more speaker cabs. Second, add more power.
 
Re: PA Systems

and dont forget things like compressors, feedback destroyers, good mics, a sturdy snake, etc ...

good luck
t4d
 
Re: PA Systems

we are currently in the upgrading stages of our PA. Right now we're using a 200x2 stereo PA head into a couple of JBL's for small stuff, and I borrow stuff for bigger gigs (rare).

We're about to upgrade to a rack system with my mixer ...gonna run 4 power amps. 2 for highs/mids and 2 for subs (gonna snag a couple of JBL subs), and 2 amps for monitors (4 seperate monitor mixes). It's actually not costing us all that much money so I'm happy with that! I say go powered head. That's typically the best way to do it. The one I used I got lucky and snagged at a pawn shop for about 25% of what it was worth, but look around. PA heads are becoming better and better!
 
Re: PA Systems

Do you have any idea how big a venue that you will be playing in? What kind of music are you playing? That may affect your decision on making your choices.
 
Re: PA Systems

well possibly the biggest venue that isn't a club with a System would be large bars.or some form of auditoriums etc etc. The music would be mainly Acoustic to classic rock to hard rock i suppose.
 
Re: PA Systems

If If you're playing to 200 people or less in small rooms & clubs then you can either skip the subs or get one really good sub. Spend the dough on a solid pair of tops with a 15" and a 1" or 2" horn, and for the love of harshness DON'T get anything with piezo tweeters! Spend as much as you can on them and look around for used stuff that's in good shape. I'm pretty spoiled, most of the time if I’m mixing FOH it’s Meyer, Turbosound, EAW, high-end JBL (Vertec) etc. and the cheap boxes sound just like that…cheap. Go listen to a bunch of ‘em with no EQ and see what you like the tone of. Some of the Yorkville stuff isn’t too bad…maybe Community or Yamaha but it depends on what you find. Try not to buy stuff out of a catalog & get it from a local dealer who'll be there to answer questions and help you "grow" the system plus help out if & when it blows up.

You want something that can run in the 300-500 watt range for tops and about double that for subs. Any less and you’ll be pushing ‘em to the edge which usually doesn’t sound that hot no matter how much or little you spent. Plus, you run the risk of blowing drivers all the time. Don't worry about stereo, run it in mono and use one side of the amp for tops and the other for the sub or monitors.
 
Re: PA Systems

Thanks all!! :beerchug:



J Moose: Thanks, what would you think of the peavey tops and subs for €622 in my second post? would I possibly be better off with those and a pretty good poweramp as opposed to the other packages I linked to?

Thanks alot guys!
 
Re: PA Systems

y2stevo said:
Thanks all!! :beerchug:



J Moose: Thanks, what would you think of the peavey tops and subs for €622 in my second post? would I possibly be better off with those and a pretty good poweramp as opposed to the other packages I linked to?

Thanks alot guys!
Click to expand...
Get the JBL or EAW if you can. I have EAWs with Crown power amps and they work great. I also have some Yamahas and I think they're good starters.
 
Re: PA Systems

Look for used Peavey Gear. Their stuff is tough as nails, the Black Widow and Scorpion series speakers can be re-basketed if needed for very reasonable prices, and it's usually pretty reasonably priced.
 
Re: PA Systems

y2stevo said:
J Moose: Thanks, what would you think of the peavey tops and subs for €622 in my second post? would I possibly be better off with those and a pretty good poweramp as opposed to the other packages I linked to?
Click to expand...

I've never used or heard 'em so I won't pass an opinion on them. FWIW, most of the tours I've worked on have "No Peavey, Mackie or Carvin" on the rider. You'd be better off spending the majority of your money on the tops then a super expensive power amp. The transducers are mega important and you can always upgrade the power amp later and kick the 'starter' amp over to monitor or sub duty when the time comes, but usually you'll have the tops for a LONG time.
 
Re: PA Systems

That's fine if you can afford it. For beginning working musicians, Peavey is durable, reliable, and adequate gear. Sure, I prefer JBL cabs...but I can't afford them. If I was in the market for a PA right now, I'd probably go with Peavey, or the equivalent on the other side of the pond.
 
Re: PA Systems

LesStrat said:
That's fine if you can afford it. For beginning working musicians, Peavey is durable, reliable, and adequate gear. Sure, I prefer JBL cabs...but I can't afford them. If I was in the market for a PA right now, I'd probably go with Peavey, or the equivalent on the other side of the pond.
Click to expand...
Thats what I'm thinking. The beauty of the situation is if I buy the stuff new from one of those online places, then if I eventually sell them to upgrade i'll most likley break ever or make a profit on them selling them Here in Ireland used.

What a crazy economy eh!?
 
Re: PA Systems

I'd still look around for used stuff. Old PV power amps are REALLY bulletproof...that and some used Yorkville Elite tops would be a safe bet & you wouldn't outgrow it real fast.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

DankStar
They’ve forced my hand (direct to PA)
2
Replies
29
Views
1K
Mincer
Mincer
I
Willcox Guitars/Lightwave systems
Replies
0
Views
267
Inflames626
I
I
Advice on practice amps
Replies
8
Views
562
PFDarkside
PFDarkside
dystrust
One Rack to Rule Them All
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
NegativeEase
NegativeEase
B
Dual Concentric Tone Knob?
Replies
5
Views
344
VinceT
VinceT
Back
Top