Speakers for singing

[barricwiley]

Any recomendations for speakers to use for singing?
PA outfits maybe that don't cost bunches of $'s. Or any creative ways/methods other than PA systems that people use with decent results?
Thanks, Richard

[derrico1]

Need more details about the volume you need. Are you gigging with a loud rock band in mid-sized clubs, or with a lightly amplified ukelele player in small coffee houses?

In general, if you can get away with a vocal-only PA you don't need big speakers. Buying tops with 15" speakers gives you a cab that goes lower than you need for voice, costs you more, and gives you more weight and size to carry. For voice only, decent cabs loaded w/ 10" should be fine.

The standard is to run a cab on each side of the stage for dispersion. But if you're really pinched for funds, for low volume gigs you could get away with a monitor and a single FOH cab (instead of a monitor wedge and two front-of-house cabs).

[barricwiley]

Sorry about that.
I just have intentions for in home use. Like ours or friends open basement - I guess garage band type setup. Just didn't think we could do it with harry homeowner speakers made for stereo setups.
We will be doing country and folk stuff.
Hope that helps. Thanks.

Originally Posted by derrico1

Need more details about the volume you need. Are you gigging with a loud rock band in mid-sized clubs, or with a lightly amplified ukelele player in small coffee houses?

In general, if you can get away with a vocal-only PA you don't need big speakers. Buying tops with 15" speakers gives you a cab that goes lower than you need for voice, costs you more, and gives you more weight and size to carry. For voice only, decent cabs loaded w/ 10" should be fine.

The standard is to run a cab on each side of the stage for dispersion. But if you're really pinched for funds, for low volume gigs you could get away with a monitor and a single FOH cab (instead of a monitor wedge and two front-of-house cabs).

[John D]

Originally Posted by barricwiley

Sorry about that.
I just have intentions for in home use. Like ours or friends open basement - I guess garage band type setup. Just didn't think we could do it with harry homeowner speakers made for stereo setups.
We will be doing country and folk stuff.
Hope that helps. Thanks.

Peavey

[Jimbob Jones]

If you just want some extra vocal volume while practicing in your basement, a keyboard amp with a mic input will do the job just fine.

[longfinger]

Fender® Products

or something similar by another company.

A acoustic guitar amp or keyboard amp can do as well, look for one with an XLR input and built in reverb effect.

[barricwiley]

Thanks for the information. I am glad to hear (pun intended) it can be that simple.
I think I have a friendo with a Crate acoustic guitar amp.
Give it a go we will.
Best to you all,
Richard

[tonybassman]

A single powered speaker could work. You can plug an XLR mic directly into this one.

BEHRINGER: B212D

[btp]

Powered speakers are definitely the way to go, and 12" drivers are fine for vocals. But get the best you can afford, and try to get it used (e.g. JBL prx612m or the equivalent from Mackie). They sound a LOT better -- louder and clearer -- and they hold their resale value.

[barricwiley]

Thank you for the help.
I am listening and will check out the items discribed - sounds like my problem will be solved.

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by barricwiley

Sorry about that.
I just have intentions for in home use. Like ours or friends open basement - I guess garage band type setup. Just didn't think we could do it with harry homeowner speakers made for stereo setups.
We will be doing country and folk stuff.
Hope that helps. Thanks.

Absolutely do NOT use home stereo equipment for a PA. It is not designed to handle the dynamic range/transients that are needed for live audio. You will blow it up in no time.

[barricwiley]

Thanks,
I really don't intend to use home stereo - it was kinda tongue in cheek if you will.
I am looking at speaker pairs form Seismic right now and they are looking pretty good.

Originally Posted by ggunn

Absolutely do NOT use home stereo equipment for a PA. It is not designed to handle the dynamic range/transients that are needed for live audio. You will blow it up in no time.

[staindbass]

ive played bass and had a mic thru stereo equipment many times. cheap stuff and super hi end expensive stuff. never had a problem. although its true it has alot more dynamics and potentially is more dangerous, if you dont try to run it past the volume where you would normally play your stereo it wont harm it. any pa stuff is gonna cost some bucks, i would try plugging a mixer in the stereo if its for just around the house use to see if it will work for you. i played thru my parents zenith stereo thru the tape inputs for 2 years.

[gjbassist]

Originally Posted by John D

Peavey

Don't know why your hiding? Peavey stuff lasts forever and takes a beating. My band has been using the same Peavey power amp/mixer and speakers for several years. Lots of used Peavey stuff out there so you should be able to find some at good prices.

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by staindbass

ive played bass and had a mic thru stereo equipment many times.

+1. But trying to get vocals over the typical garage band drummer is probably asking for trouble. Run a mic with that much system gain through a mixer-->home stereo? When the singer's mic gets dropped, your stereo gets popped.

[Adam Bomb]

Originally Posted by tonybassman

A single powered speaker could work. You can plug an XLR mic directly into this one.

BEHRINGER: B212D

+1 to this as I am now doing exactly this myself. Just ordered a second B212D, but we are a loud band.

But really the reason I am posting is the puppy in your avatar. Any more pix of that baby? Specs?

--Bomb