Would all this sound good through the PA?

[Ottsworth]

Hi,

Just a theoretical situation here! I'm in a group ATM, just me and another bassist with a drum machine and my vocals. We are both classically trained on other instruments (all woodwind for me) and are well experienced with classical gigging. However I've never done a gig in "contemporary" music before.

Anyway, I have a 350 watt Hartke 210 bass combo for my bass, but the drum machine + vocals would need to be through the PA (or any alternatives you guys can offer), plus the other bassist's amp which is only a practice amp (don't know how many watts).

What specifications would the PA therefore need to have to pull this off smoothly? We haven't got any gigs yet but we are currently home recording a demo and are working to get equipment before hand for gigging. Also would it be better to run the Drum machine through a keyboard amp? Would the average small venue have a PA suitable if it even had one?

BTW I'm 14 years old and have blown all my recent money on a new 6 string bass, that amp I listed and a copy of "The Residents" new album + T-Shirt.
Yeah, I'm clever... Oh well

Thanks in advance!
Otto

EDIT: Also we play akinda "Alternative Metal/Funk/Experimental" mix...
I know it's stupid to say, but I find the music hard to categorise. Hopefully other people can do that job for me!!! One moment it sounds like Groove Metal the next like Alternative Hip-Hop...

[KeithAlanK]

Kinda difficult to make recommendations without more info like room sizes, which you can't provide yet, but here's some random thoughts.

The other guy needs a bigger amp--preferably something that compares to yours in terms of watts and speaker area. This way, you won't need to mic his to keep up, and stage volumes will be much easier to balance without monitors. Make sure both amps have XLR direct outputs.

The simplest system will be a pair of powered speakers on poles, minimum 12" + horn although a 15" + horn would be better (but more expensive).
You can even start with just one, and also add a subwoofer later.
Add a small mixer for the drum machine and vocals and you're almost there.

You're going to need at least one monitor so you both can hear the drums and vocals onstage, although if you get two powered speakers, one can be turned towards you at a lower volume level. (Powered spkrs have their own volume knobs on the back).
You'll be able to hear a close approximation of what the audience hears as far as drum/vocal mix, but because of the way bass amps are good at filling rooms all the way to the back with sound, you must be careful to get the vocals and drums loud enough out front to cut through.

Also, don't go cheap on the vocal mic.
If you have a manly voice, look at Shure's Beta 58.
I find that higher/thinner voices benefit from Sennheisers.
Spend at least $100 on deep sale ($200-300 MSRP) on a good mic that everyone uses.
Cheap vocal mics are nothing but trouble, with feedback and bad sound.

Hope this helps.
I'll try to add more or even re-think this in the future.

[Ottsworth]

Ok, thanks! I know some people who have played a few venues with a nice-ish PA... They're playing there tonight, and I'll probably try to jump on the band wagon with them (it is a multi-band event)

Oh, the buying never ends...

Oh btw my style ranges from light whispering to full on death growls ... So I'll look around for micas that give me versatility, or maybe just a used SM58 and change the guard to save money?

[MuzikMan]

There's nothing wrong with a used SM 58 as long as it wasn't beat on too much, and that will be obvious with some decent pics. Just remove and wash the screen in front and you're good to go. BTW you're right, the buying never ends.............................

[KeithAlanK]

A 58 will serve for now.
But if you whisper and then growl or scream, don't expect ANY mic to give you good results without more help.
You're also going to need a quality stereo compressor with the 2nd channel daisy-chained and set as a limiter.
And a soundman.

[Ottsworth]

Originally Posted by KeithAlanK

A 58 will serve for now.
But if you whisper and then growl or scream, don't expect ANY mic to give you good results without more help.
You're also going to need a quality stereo compressor with the 2nd channel daisy-chained and set as a limiter.
And a soundman.

Don't worry, I'm not expecting anything to sound good on the teen budget. I mainly sing melodically so the occasions I scream or whatever will have to sound a little shite for now.

I would get a job or something, but I get LOADS of homework, I go to saturday music school from 9 till 4:30, and I spend all Sundays doing homework. So money can be a problem to me.

However, if I take small steps buying equipment and go the used route hopefully I'll be able to get all the stuff I'll need ... for now.

Sorry for asking such nooby questions btw,
Many Thanks,
Otto