1 sub, 2 Mids and 2 monitors?

[John Webb]

We recently lost our drummer PA owner.
His gear sounded great but so heavy.
He has 2 18" subs 2 EV boxes withhorns and 2 monitors powered with about 3 kW through a Mackie board EQ and crossover.

I wonder if we should switch to powered speakers through a decent mixing board.
Shouldn't one 18" sub be enough for the kick and the Bass DI as long as it has enuf power?
Also 2 powered boxes for the FOH along with 2 powered monitors. We could really reduce our foot print with this kind of scheme.

We sometimes play out doors but mostly indoor small restaurant/bar type places.
Any advice about this type of setup and brands?
I am new to this PA stuff and need help.

[GregShadoan]

Whats your budget? How many players? Have you considered IEM for monitors?

[testing1two]

I tend to favor two subs. Not only does it move a greater volume of air regardless of how loud you play but it eliminates the need for speaker stands.

If you're going self powered, look at the QSC K12's and the K212 sub. Small, powerful, and super clean stuff. Just remember the downside of self-powered rig: lots of power cords.

[derrico1]

Depends what you mean by *small* restaurant/bars.

Dinner sets you won't need a sub at small restaurants, unless you're running just a whisper.

Small (say average crowd topping out at 75-100), one good sub can be plenty for most mainstream rock. True, a second sub will give visual symmetry to your stage. However, a sub is a very heavy and bulky way to replace a speaker stand. Additionally, running a sub on each corner of the stage isn't the recommended geometry.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by derrico1

Depends what you mean by *small* restaurant/bars.

Dinner sets you won't need a sub at small restaurants, unless you're running just a whisper.

Small (say average crowd topping out at 75-100), one good sub can be plenty for most mainstream rock. True, a second sub will give visual symmetry to your stage. However, a sub is a very heavy and bulky way to replace a speaker stand. Additionally, running a sub on each corner of the stage isn't the recommended geometry.

Yep, keep your subs clustered center-stage or to one side. Separating subs L & R may cause all sorts of sonic nastiness and suck you into a parallel dimension. I hate it when that happens. We own two but can function with one in smaller venues.

I'm a big fan of powered speakers but also a cheapskate so I rely on passive enclosures and a bank of second-hand QSC power amps. So much depends on your budget.

Riis

[TimmyP]

Just hire out if you can. Better system, less money and/or hassle in the long run.