small PA system

[MichiBass]

Hello,

I'm looking for a small PA system, and as I don't know much about PA systems, I thought I'll ask you more. So, the facts I'm looking for:

- indoor only
- up to 300 people, but in most cases about 100 people
- I'm looking for active speakers, as I might get a Yamaha mixer (CX series)
- I'm looking for two fullrange speakers, not sattelites + subwoofer
- I don't wanna buy high end stuff, but I don't wanna buy Behringer too. So a decent brand should be fine.
- I'm willing to spend maximum 1000 Euros for speakers + mixer. Mixer would be around 250 - 300 Euros

My questions would be:

1. For how many watts should I look for? I'm not going to use it for rock bands: mainly acoustic jazz and electronic music.
2. Better buy a powered mixer and passive speakers?
3. Better buy a subwoofer and two smaller sattelites?
4. Is there any way to "protect" the speakers? (As I may be renting the PA and I don't want people to overpower it). Are they speakers with this kind of protection?
5. Is 1x15" + tweeter a good choice? Is 1x12" unsuffiecient?

Thanks a lot! Any recommendations are welcome!

Michi

[4Mal]

It seems to me that your budget is pretty tight for 300 people. If you are going to rent, I would configure it as powered board, something like the Yamaha EMX boards and passive speakers. The Yamaha club series with 12's is pretty good. 112SV ? I think. Their BR series is not real good.

If rental was not in the picture and you had what I consider the appropriate buget (about 2 grand USD). Then QSC K8's are wonderful at $650 per side. Add a board from Yamaha, Allen&Heath, Soundcraft and you have a small, loud great sounding set of mains. Just be sure the board has an on board graphic eq and reverb.

K8's use an 8" speaker and they reach down into the mid 60's which is low enough for what you're doing. Adding a sub would be best yet but not in that budget.

[JACink]

I agree with 4Mal pretty much, the budget is not great, but things can be done!!

QSC make great stuff, but there are also cheaper options that sound pretty good (even some of the Behringer stuff sounds OK!).

I would reccomend two things though, don´t get a Sub on that kind of budget, as it will cause you more problems than it will solve, and my other advice would be, don´t rent it out!!

However, if you should decide to rento out the equipment, I personally would go for powered speakers, that way there is no possibility of them being overdriven (well, not by any semi-normal person!! hehe).

One question, would you also be using instrument amps, or just the PA?

[MNAirHead]

can you get EV liveX there? It's kind of the entry point into new pro gear.

[Nagrom]

I would suggest that all your rentals include an operator (that's you) and set-up crew (also you) to ensure your gear is treated like the owner would (again you). Any 'clients' who balk at your terms, well, let them go trash someone else's stuff.

For specific gear choice, buy the best quality you can afford. As a rental house, you must establish a reputation for supplying reliable professional product that sounds great.

Also make sure you allow for decent cords and cables to suit, and a means of packing them.

[Warfender]

I was just looking up some PA stuff and found rave reviews of the powered mixer by Peavey (Model 8600D). People are blown away with this. I'm debating about it and gettting some good passive 15 speackers.

[gotmule?]

Originally Posted by Warfender

I was just looking up some PA stuff and found rave reviews of the powered mixer by Peavey (Model 8600D). People are blown away with this. I'm debating about it and gettting some good passive 15 speackers.

If you are going to be doing just vocals, then you are better off trying to find 12" speakers as they will push the vocals better than 15" speakers. If however you plan on running instruments into the PA without a sub, then the 15" speakers might be the better option.

If you can though, I would recommend powered speakers as they are much easier to use and you don't have to worry about matching a power amp to them since they already have the power included. I believe most also have built-in limiters, which will help prevent any damage to your speakers (unless someone really screws with your speakers).

I am currently using the RCF ART 312As and I love them. While they are probably not loud enough for what you need, the RCF ART 722As should be enough to cover your needs. I have also heard great things about the EV ELX112Ps along with the QSC K series and the JBL PRXs. Good luck!

P.S. I just bought 1 of the Yamaha mixers you mentioned and will be using it for the 1st time tomorrow night, so ill let you know how it goes.

[MichiBass]

Originally Posted by JACink

One question, would you also be using instrument amps, or just the PA?

Yeah, normal backline (drums, amps), but we have that.

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

can you get EV liveX there? It's kind of the entry point into new pro gear.

Yes, I can, thanks, I'm gonna look for it.

Originally Posted by gotmule?

P.S. I just bought 1 of the Yamaha mixers you mentioned and will be using it for the 1st time tomorrow night, so ill let you know how it goes.

Let me know how they do the job!

[DONZI97]

+1 on the RCF's, I have a pair 312's also, and they're great.

[gotmule?]

Originally Posted by MichiBass

Let me know how they do the job!

Hey man, just wanted to update you and let you know that the mixer sounded amazing! I still have to get familiar with the effects and eq, but at practice today, the mix was incredible! I'm doing sound for a gig tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes, but as of now, I would definitely recommend it.

[TimmyP]

IMO, you won't find a "full range" speaker that will sound (and feel) as good as a 12" (or 10") top with a nice sub (PRX618s-XLF). And remember that no law says that you must use two subs.

[drummer5359]

Originally Posted by Warfender

I was just looking up some PA stuff and found rave reviews of the powered mixer by Peavey (Model 8600D). People are blown away with this. I'm debating about it and gettting some good passive 15 speackers.

I have a Peavey XR8600D and have had great success with it. We run it through two Peavey SP2Gs for the mains and a couple of SP15M monitors.

[gotmule?]

So just another update for ya......the mixer was awesome throughout the gig and I had plenty of headroom. The band said it was the best sound they had ever had. I definitely recommend it, you won't be sorry!