Any experiences with Carvin prepackaged systems?

[bassman1185]

Have any of you had much experience with the Carvin prepackaged PA setups, specifically the SCX SYS2? I've been tasked with a partial revamp of my church's PA setup, and the SCX SYS2 seems to have what we need for a pretty good price. We're a smaller church, with typically low-key acoustic-based music running around 70-85db at the back of the room. Our sanctuary seats about 250 max, with about 180 on a typical sunday service. For reference, we've been getting along OK with an old pair of Yamaha 1x15 mains running off a 350-watt Samson amp, so we're not exactly demanding on our gear.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/SCXSYS2

I have spent about six years as a full-time A/V tech, so I know a decent amount about PA gear, but I have no real experience with Carvin. Does anyone have any thoughts on the package here, or any suggestions for other setups to look for?

[testing1two]

You could probably do just as well with your existing setup but adding a single powered sub and a x-over. I'm not going to say anything good or bad about Carvin PA gear but I do know this: when it comes to church systems I wouldn't attempt to fix what isn't broken, especially if I couldn't audition the system before purchasing. Churches have to live with sound system purchasing mistakes for years and most never truly recover.

[badstonebass]

The Carvin stuff is ok. My experience with it is that it is very durable and performs decently. Not the "best" stuff but by far NOT the worst. I would compare it to Peavey stuff.

However I agree with the previous post about adding to the existing system. I would purchase a better amp for the 1X15 's and add an amp and sub system. If yours is anything like my church that would be WAY more than necessary.

[WayneP]

I’m with the others. Much of the package is merely duplicating what you already have, namely the amp and main speakers. Get yourself a good-quality crossover like the Ashly XR1000 or XR1001 off ebay (typically under $200) and a subwoofer. You probably only need one sub. Depending on the ohm rating of the Yamahas and your amp, you might even be able to run the whole shebang off the Samson amp – mains on one channel, the sub on the other.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt


Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Tobias Club
Big Cabs Club #23
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly

[craig.p]

From a quick scan of that system, my guess is it won't fit your needs. If you were to do a spectrum analysis of your music played live, you'd find it very hot in the mids, which is exactly where that Carvin system appears to be weakest. (Basically the big cones would be standing around doing nothing, waiting for something to be asked of them, while the mini horns would be spitting like crazy from overloading). I would recommend you look at something that better fits your application.