where to go to learn about pa systems?

[stefean]

Can anyone tell me where to go to learn more about pa systems?

[zac2944]

Originally Posted by stefean

Can anyone tell me where to go to learn more about pa systems?

How about TB? What specifically do you want to know?

[stefean]

Originally Posted by zac2944

How about TB? What specifically do you want to know?

well I've never dealt with PA systems personally before. I"m looking into a Peavey xr8600 for a mixer, but I have no basis to judge what kind of speakers/monitors to get, how much wattage is needed, etc. It seems to be a whole different world.

[zac2944]

Originally Posted by stefean

well I've never dealt with PA systems personally before. I"m looking into a Peavey xr8600 for a mixer, but I have no basis to judge what kind of speakers/monitors to get, how much wattage is needed, etc. It seems to be a whole different world.

I have an older version on the 8600. It is a nice unit. Running a PA of this size is very easy. It is not much harder than running a bass amp. You plug in, and away you go. Just let us know specifically what you're trying to do,how much you're looking to spend, and I'm sure you will get some good recommendations from folk who have much first hand experience. The more details you can provide, the better an answer you'll receive.

[stefean]

Originally Posted by zac2944

I have an older version on the 8600. It is a nice unit. Running a PA of this size is very easy. It is not much harder than running a bass amp. You plug in, and away you go. Just let us know specifically what you're trying to do,how much you're looking to spend, and I'm sure you will get some good recommendations from folk who have much first hand experience. The more details you can provide, the better an answer you'll receive.

well I was looking to spend under $2000. Here's what I'm looking at:
Mixer: XR8600
speakers: Peavey PV 215 (2 sets)
Poweramp: Peavey PV 3800

I don't know whether I actually need to have a Crossover, Equalizer or Processor, as well as Compressors, Expanders and Limiters.

the music style will be mostly jazz and rock. Hard rock and metal possibly on occasion.

[driver800]

For the complete (or incomplete) novice, start here: Scott's PA System Tutorial


Then here: http://srforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/f/5/0/

It's ProSoundWeb.com's Lab Lounge - for weekend warrior sound guys. There are some real pro's monitoring and answering questions. Search & Read before posting - they can be very helpful if you have your **** together.


edit: just to contribute a little more..... you should definitely spend considerable time researching PA equipment. Go see other bands and ask them what they're doing - find someone local who seems to know what they're doing and learn from them.

The biggest thing is to consider what you want it to do and how much you want to be "into it". Are you trying to build a good quality PA system? That equals lots of time and lots of money, but can really differentiate your band (hint: good sound). Or do you just want "something" your band can use? $2000 won't buy much of a PA system, but it will buy a small "turn-key" system that might be appropriate, depending on your needs.

Other important questions; What size venues? Number of channels needed? What instrumentation will it be driving? Just FOH or Monitors also? For what kind of music is it to be used? Jazz to Hard Rock to Metal doesn't describe what the PA system needs to do. The PA required for playing Metalica would be drastically different than that required for playing Charlie Parker's music.

[Johnny Crab]

These first four should keep you busy & learning.

http://www.prosoundweb.com/studyhall/

http://srforums.prosoundweb.com/

http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/forum.php?frm=7

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...splay.php?f=33


For additional reading:
http://mixonline.com/

http://svconline.com/

http://www.equitech.com/articles/enigma.html

http://www.clair-audio.com/

http://www.prosoundweb.com/studyhall...technique2.php

Finally, visit your local library and get it for free(minus gas, time, and maybe library card fee).....

[zac2944]

Originally Posted by stefean

well I was looking to spend under $2000. Here's what I'm looking at:
Mixer: XR8600
speakers: Peavey PV 215 (2 sets)
Poweramp: Peavey PV 3800

Well, that gear will cost you at least $2500 new. So there goes your budget.

Originally Posted by stefean

I don't know whether I actually need to have a Crossover, Equalizer or Processor, as well as Compressors, Expanders and Limiters.

It depends on the what you'll be using the system for. Will it be the house system for a bar or club? Your personal system for your band? Will you be micing vocals? Etc. You haven't really provided enought info here for any good recommendation.

Good questions get good answers.

+1 on some of the recommended reading.

[najman]

Hey man,

My best guess would be to point you in a google search.
Other than that, real world experience plus lots of musically inclined friends kind of got me on the track of what a good PA system is.

Its hard for me to generalize, because there are so many variables for what one would look for in a PA system, BUT if I HAD to generalize, I would go for something that had a powered mixer and two speakers. Somewhere in the 200-300 watt range is good enough for most of the gigs we play. Its usually just vocals and the occasional keyboard for fooling around in the garage.

EQ's are a must for each channel, effects are just icing on the cake, but most good setups come with at least some sort of reverb nowadays. Peavey usually has good stuff, but I think the one we are getting is called the Profile System Two by Kustom.

Good luck!

[Monomer]

http://www.audiosentials.com/

little site that a few dj's and myself started.





It's still under constant construction.