PA solution

danwoodward100 · #1 02-20-2011, 07:38 AM

Currently have a couple of 15" passive speakers which will do for now, probably upgrade at a later date. But we are struggling on with an ancient old amplifier come mixer that is basically had it and not up to the job anymore.

Need to find a reliable quality solution without spending mega bucks, the first thought was go for a powered mixer. I was considering something like this
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/PMP1680S.aspx
But to be honest not sure how reliable the Behringer PA kit is? in fairness ive had some of their kit before and its been good, but are there any decent alternatives i should look at? Would this be man enough? http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/pro...sc/?mode=model

any suggestions would be great

parsons · #2 02-20-2011, 07:45 AM

I bought a Yamaha powered mixer back in 1999. Its been through hell and back and still works perfectly. Its almost the same as the Yamaha listed above.

I have a set of Kilpsch mains that have 12" speakers in them. I've played shows with that PA to over 350 people and had no issues. I should say, the only thing ran through the PA was vocals, no instruments others than the kick drum and snare were mic'ed.

waleross · #3 02-20-2011, 08:55 AM

+1 on the Yamaha product line for mixers , I'm sure you will find simething that will fill your needs....................

jastacey · #4 02-20-2011, 10:39 AM

If you can ... get the Yamaha 512SC ... had one and the extra power will make a differance

danwoodward100 · #5 02-21-2011, 05:46 AM

What is Mackie gear like? I have been looking at this Mackie PPM 608

How does it compare with behringer an yamaha?

DWBass · #6 02-21-2011, 06:05 AM

Carvin has some decent powered mixers and PA setups.

danwoodward100 · #7 02-21-2011, 06:17 AM

Bit out of my budget I think. Dont want to spend more than about £400 gbp

danwoodward100 · #8 02-22-2011, 04:59 AM

Any ideas please?

happycat · #9 02-22-2011, 06:13 AM

Most of the rehearsal rooms here use powered Mackie mixers similar to the 608. I have never heard of them giving anyone problems.

My band just bought a Mackie desk and Mackie Thump speakers - we are quite comfortable with their reliability

GolfGuy · #10 02-22-2011, 08:01 AM

Buy a used Mackie 808m. They have 600 watts per side. Can run Mains on one side monitors on the other.
Used they go on Ebay for 3-500.00.
They are indestructable!

4Mal · #11 02-22-2011, 08:30 AM

Mackie support from the parent company Loud Technology is not at all well regarded at this point. Sad as Mackie service was considered strong in the past. As one friend of mine put it "I would rather not Beta test for Loud Techs's amp designers..." If it works, you're golden. If it breaks you may be up the creek... Only way I would buy Mackie amps - is used for a heck of a deal ...

I have a set of Mackie C200 speaks that I bought recently. I like 'em but they are passive so not much can go wrong and if they were DOA - the vendor has a 45 day return. As it turned out I have q few gig's on them and they are great little top boxes.

Back to mixers ...
I have an old Yamaha EMX5000/12 which is similar to the current 5014c that I like a lot. it has a few things that I find as real, tangible upgrades over the 'box' style powered mixers

Sweepable Mid per channel
2 Aux sends (2 monitor mixes down the road)
2 on board effects engines and 2 sends per channel
mono out with low pass for driving a sub

Has the same 500 watts per side into 4 ohms. Very flexible i/o options alows you to rent or buy powered speaks down the road, and incorporportate them into your setup as mains or monitors very easily.

The down side to either Yamaha is that you need to add 1 external EQ if you are running both mains and monitors off the thing. Not a huge deal as used rack EQ's abound but there you go ...

If you can find the model I have used, I highly recommend it.

a link to the 5014c

DWBass · #12 02-22-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GolfGuy

Buy a used Mackie 808m. They have 600 watts per side. Can run Mains on one side monitors on the other.
Used they go on Ebay for 3-500.00.
They are indestructable!

+1 My old band had a Mackie 808s that was great. Kinda sad they discontinued it but they have an upgraded model that pushes 800w per side and is lighter.

http://www.mackie.com/products/ppm1008/

Is this for gigs or rehearsals or both? Bottom line is you're going to have spend some money for something even remotely decent.

danwoodward100 · #13 02-22-2011, 01:15 PM

It's for gigs

danwoodward100 · #14 02-23-2011, 09:18 AM

So the question is mackie ppm1008 or yamaha emx512??

DWBass · #15 02-23-2011, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwoodward100

So the question is mackie ppm1008 or yamaha emx512??

After reading some reviews of the newer Mackie......Yamaha. Mackie should have left well enough alone. The older 808's were great units. All they needed was to add more power.

Marko5657 · #16 02-23-2011, 01:15 PM

Another vote for the Yamaha. I have an older 400+400 eight-channel that still gets used for smaller stuff, and two more unpowered MG series, and they’re super-reliable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jastacey

If you can ... get the Yamaha 512SC ... had one and the extra power will make a differance

+1

walterw · #17 02-23-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

they have an upgraded model that pushes 800w per side and is lighter.

http://www.mackie.com/products/ppm1008/

i just looked at the specs for it; what a weaselly load of crap!

per side, it will do 800w peak at 4Ω. "peak" means what it puts out momentarily when the clip light flashes and it's about to blow.

its actual clean wattage in real-world use is more like 300 watts a side at 4Ω.

it may actually have less power than the old versions that "boasted" 600w/side (at 2Ω/side, meaning you didn't get full power unless you plugged eight cabs into it

).

liltommyg · #18 02-24-2011, 10:15 AM

Have you though about a sound craft gigrac (http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/produc...ac-1000st.html) I use the 600 (with a power amp added for large gigs) and there is a good sound with enough volume for small / mid size gigs,

danwoodward100 · #19 02-24-2011, 10:47 AM

I did consider one. Not sure how they compare to the yamaha I mentioned.

DWBass · #20 02-24-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

i just looked at the specs for it; what a weaselly load of crap!

per side, it will do 800w peak at 4Ω. "peak" means what it puts out momentarily when the clip light flashes and it's about to blow.

its actual clean wattage in real-world use is more like 300 watts a side at 4Ω.

it may actually have less power than the old versions that "boasted" 600w/side (at 2Ω/side, meaning you didn't get full power unless you plugged eight cabs into it

).

I hear you. I loved the 808s my old band used. That thing rocked. I did read a few reviews on the new one and responded he should check out the Yamaha instead. All indications are that the Mackie shuts down rather easily! Not good! Should have left well enough alone! As for the 808s running at 2ohms, I thought it was great when using monitors (4 instead of 2). Most of the standalone powered mixers have their limitations. I have a lowly POS Kustom PA and it actually has what a lot of others don't...........monitor outs & a sub out on the rear panel. Too bad it doesn't push much power.