• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Building a PA, a journey.

powmetalbassist

powmetalbassist

Supporting Member
Oct 16, 2010
1,206
327
44
Deep River, Ontario, Canada
#1
So I've decided to delve into the whole pa side of music, I come across so many bands/singers without their own gear; I figured if I build a monstrosity I could have a descent practice pa (for mainly vocals), that could also double as a live pa (maybe?). Not sure what I'm doing yet, but this is a project in the making. I'd like to hear from the community and update this from time to time as I build my first PA system.

I'll keep it simple. Each time I update I will list what I have, what I have in the pipeline (semi-agreed to purchase, but not a done deal yet or on the way), and what I am casually looking at online.

Currently I have:

(2x) Yorkville E12 (copy) monitors (passive) 250 watts at 8 ohms

What is in the pipeline:
Crown XLS1000 350watts at 4ohms per side

Looking at:
Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro mixer
 
#2
I am 3/4 the way though building what I call the smallest system with a bang. IMO you need single 18s for subs (I like 15s but the small for cabinets the 18s bring more thump. Tops single 12 and horn. I bridge one 2000 on subs and split another on tops and monitors. I keep all rack gear in one tall case with wheel and slant mixer top. Gate the drums,behringer multigates are good for the money.Duel 31 band eq for mains and monitors and a delay and you should be good.
 
#3
I put together my pa over a couple of years. 2 JBL 15's for mains,2 18" JBL subs. 2 QSC 1602 poweramps,4 JBL 12 monitors.Allen and heath Mixwizard 16,into a DBX crossover. I run both amps stereo,one side of amp 1 is for mains,the other side for subs. One channel of amp 2 is for monitors,and I have one channel free asa backup. It's more than enough for our gigs. Typically 100 to 200 patrons. The monitors are eq'd flat except at 250hz and 2.5k which are cut. No feedback in the monitors so far.
 
#5
Building a technical foundation for IEMs is a good way to go. The band will appreciate the centralized control capability for IEMs, and some members will be able to leave amps/cabs at home (like the bass player!). Quiet stage noise. No need to lug around floor monitors. Also nice if your PA system doubles as an analog-to-digital recording interface with built in preamps etc.
 
#6
I would rethink it if I was you. Look for some powered speakers and forget the amp. I think the Mackie board is overpriced for its features. you might be able to find something suitable used. I bought a used Peavey FX16 mixer a few years ago for $300.00 that is a way better board than the Mackie you are looking at.
 
#7
powmetalbassist said:
I could have a descent practice pa (for mainly vocals), that could also double as a live pa (maybe?).
Click to expand...

I'd start with one powered 10" or 12" speaker. For a vocals-only practice PA, something like a QSC K10 or K12 on a stand lets you run two vocal mics directly to the speaker, w/ a gain control for each.

Some active speakers in this class (I'm thinking Mackie's DLM here) also give you eq, reverb, and feedback control built in. I don't like the Mackie's basic voice as well as the QSC K12 and K10, but if you want to start without a mixing board, the DLM series is attractive b/c of its extra stand-alone features.

If you decide to go with passive speakers, you might think about powering with a Carvin DCM 2004L amp. It's about $550, but it's very light; and it gives you four channels of power, which saves you from buying a second power amp once you move beyond running mains + one monitor. (Your monitoring rig should let you apply eq on each monitor speaker; so if you're using passive monitors, you'll want one power-amp channel per monitor.)
 
#8
just a note on those PR series speakers. We used to use the PR15's as mains and the 1/4 cable would pop out the back. This isn't due to a poor cable or a poor input jack. It seems to have been due to the plastic enclosure flexing when the speaker excursion was high (aka someone pushing the kick drum fader up), and the air pressure pushed it out.

If you use these as mains, chances are good you will eventually fry the tweeter. You can buy replacement drivers at about half the cost of the peavey HF driver. I installed one myself which is not too hard, and the replacement sounded better (definitely louder) than the original.
We still use those PR15's at rehearsal and for that it works fine.

If you are only running vocals/acoustic guitar through your speakers, I bet you'll be happy with those, otherwise probably not.
 
#9
morgansterne said:
just a note on those PR series speakers. We used to use the PR15's as mains and the 1/4 cable would pop out the back. This isn't due to a poor cable or a poor input jack. It seems to have been due to the plastic enclosure flexing when the speaker excursion was high (aka someone pushing the kick drum fader up), and the air pressure pushed it out.
Click to expand...

Wow - I thought we were the only ones who had that problem:D Not my speakers - PR-15's owned by the band leader. We started taping the 1/4" plugs to the speaker.

For my own PA I have Carvin PM-12's. Have only used them once so far but they worked fine.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#10
morgansterne said:
just a note on those PR series speakers. We used to use the PR15's as mains and the 1/4 cable would pop out the back. This isn't due to a poor cable or a poor input jack. It seems to have been due to the plastic enclosure flexing when the speaker excursion was high (aka someone pushing the kick drum fader up), and the air pressure pushed it out.

If you use these as mains, chances are good you will eventually fry the tweeter. You can buy replacement drivers at about half the cost of the peavey HF driver. I installed one myself which is not too hard, and the replacement sounded better (definitely louder) than the original.
We still use those PR15's at rehearsal and for that it works fine.

If you are only running vocals/acoustic guitar through your speakers, I bet you'll be happy with those, otherwise probably not.
Click to expand...

You forgot the third thing to watch out for. They sound like crap even on a good day. If the OP is going to waste his money on cheap passive speakers then he should get some Yamaha clubs and call it a day.
 
#14
I have rebuilt my pa a few times and always wish I just could start from scratch. It is tough to do financially though. Those QSCs are on my if only list.
If you have a decent size vehicle or trailer, you can buy some decent used stuff and go old school. Non powered speakers and amps and outboard stuff. I don't want to be a sound man I want to play bass so I would go with a digital bd if you can.
I have an early yamaha ( they are cheap used) and while it isn't state of the art it eliminated my need for all out bd effects/compressors except a crossover.
good luck
 
#15
modulusman said:
I would rethink it if I was you. Look for some powered speakers and forget the amp. I think the Mackie board is overpriced for its features. you might be able to find something suitable used. I bought a used Peavey FX16 mixer a few years ago for $300.00 that is a way better board than the Mackie you are looking at.
Click to expand...

I'm definately on board with powered speakers. The Preamps in the VlZ Pro series Mackies are actually pretty good. Audio quality wise, the vlz will smoke that Peavey, hands down. Not a fan of the Peavey FX boards...

Then again, I would go digitial and be done with it. A used 16.4.2 guves you everything you will likely everned in a board and all the outboard gear you could want.

In my case size matters. I have to pack PA, lights, rig, basses, wife... In. Subaru Outback... kSub, K10's plus, JBL PRX612m's as monitors. 16.4.2 in a flight case, cable bag and stands. Is about as small as a really good sounding system can get. It is also super easy to setup. I have EQ curves setup for most of the venues I play and scenes setup for the different groups I play with or do sound for.

Small places where I don't meed the sub, I put the 612's up as mains and run the 10's as monitors. The 612's are warm but clear and the bigger box has a more natural low end. The K10's on Ksub setup rocks though. It's good to have options...
 
#20
Decided to go old school. Picked up the Mackie for $120

Update:

Currently I have:

(2x) Yorkville E12 (copy) monitors (passive) 250 watts at 8 ohms
Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro mixer
Crown XLS1000 350watts at 4ohms per side [for monitors]

total spent so far = $550.00

What is in the pipeline:


Looking at:
Crown XLS1000 525 watts at 4ohms per side [for mains]
Another set of Monitors?
Set of Mains?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back