n00b question about PA's

[officialjlox]

So my passion project band is now at the point where we're going to start to play out, as well as look for a monthly studio where all equipment needs to be provided by us (as opposed to the hourly place we use now that has backlines in all rooms)

My question is about PA power in general. When playing live, what kind of PA specs should I be looking for/would be required for the possible scenarios?

Scenario one: Vocals only
-Vocals through the PA alone, balanced with 1 guitar amp, 1 bass amp and a drum kit

Scenario two: Vocals and Bass
-Vocals run through the PA, as well as running a line out from the bass amp to supplement the live sound

Scenario three: Vocals, bass and guitar
-Vocals, plus a line out from the bass amp as well as the guitar amp to mix the sound to a preferable balance, using the PA speakers as the primary for "what the crowd hears". Bass amp and guitar amp would be for stage sound only.


We're not at the point where we would consider mic'ing the drums yet. Assume in all scenarios that the venues would be small to medium sized, crowds of 50 people to 150-200 ish.

Do we stand to benefit from running the instruments through the board via line out? ie having a more balanced sound that the crowd hears as opposed to having the people on one side hearing bass more than anything and the other side hearing guitar only?

edit: I guess it would help to know the genre of music. Alternate/progressive/experimental a la tool/perfect circle/muse. Dynamic sound with heavy elements as well as soft

[Stumbo]

Here are a few links you may want to check out:
~PA/Lighting
First
1 What size?
2
Configuring
DIY monitors
1 Upgrading
2

1What mixer is your band runnin'?
2
QSC K series PA discussion
Microphones

Low cost lighting

[dpbass613]

I would actually suggest micing the kick drum before DI'ing the bass personally...its a hard deal though because each situation and band, and personal gear is different. I typically don't need to DI my bass, cause my rig is loud enough to keep up with everyone else, but we do put kick through the PA so the crowd can "feel" it a little more.

[MNAirHead]

First step is to draw out a stage plot...

This is way too wide a question to get any credible replies.

=====

I do have a personal rule for pro audio.. if it doesn't go down to 2 ohms.. don't bother... sooner or later you'll need mutliple cabinets.

[walterw]

you mic what's not loud enough.

that will be vocals at first, then as the system gets a little bigger, kick drum.

stick with stage volume for the rest until you get a better grip on the PA thing.