Logic check for a "live sound" rig for a small gigging situation.

[nutdog]

Well if some loser can't pony up a $100.00 for a vocal mic he wouldn't be playing in any band I'm in. Unless he was a drummer. Wouldn't want to cut into their alcohol,drugs and cigarette money.

Yeah, I shouldn't have said that. The vocal group I back actually own their own PA complete with 58's and 57's. Sometimes I borrow their stuff.

 

[modulusman]

I'm a huge proponent for the use of a powered mixer+2 mains+2 monitors or a small mixer and powered speakers but remember with all those powered speakers, you'll need outlets for them all. They'll be extension cords all over and it is not my first choice. Good powered speakers can also be expensive. For low volume gigs in small venues or during my annual backyard BBQ, I use my Kustom 8 ch, 2x200w powered mixer with 2 15" mains on stands and 2 10" monitors. I am searching for an affordable, small, medium powered sub to connect to the dedicated sub out on the mixer.

They also can sound good. It is amazing how that works. As far as the extension cord thing the OP is talking about 2 powered speakers. Not exactly extension cords all over the place.

 

[modulusman]

Yeah, I shouldn't have said that. The vocal group I back actually own their own PA complete with 58's and 57's. Sometimes I borrow their stuff.

Well actually in the one band I play in the BL supplies all the mics. He has a beta 58 for me which is what I use in my main band so I just use his. One drummer actually has his own kick mic. In my main band the drummer just recently started singing so he uses an extra beta 58 owned by one guitar player. I let him use an IEM system I have and I own an Audix D6 that we use on his kick. He does own his own drum mics but the D6 sounds better. We do use his mics on the rest of the drums.

 

[nutdog]

I was about to shell out for a big system when our drummer told me he got 2 k12's and a kw181. Then he got a third k12 for his own monitor. Between his stuff and mine we've got a pretty decent system.

I don't have a lot of video/audio but I put together this montage from the local country club pool party gig. No bass rig. Carefully edited to not include major bloopers.



FWIW I think cheap cheezy lights bring a lot of energy to the table. I've got vid of gigs without the lights and it just seems dead.

The fog machine, OTOH, could get you into trouble. Depending on the fog mix it could leave a slick film which would make your host unhappy.

 

[Big Hoss]

Well if some loser can't pony up a $100.00 for a vocal mic he wouldn't be playing in any band I'm in. Unless he was a drummer. Wouldn't want to cut into their alcohol,drugs and cigarette money.

Nah, they are spending too much on caviar and truffles...

 

[DWBass]

They also can sound good. It is amazing how that works. As far as the extension cord thing the OP is talking about 2 powered speakers. Not exactly extension cords all over the place.

Not disputing that at all. We get into this all the time. You push for expensive solutions. I give an alternative viewpoint. As for the extension cord thing, I was referring to a full PA setup where every speaker is powered.

 

[modulusman]

Not disputing that at all. We get into this all the time. You push for expensive solutions. I give an alternative viewpoint. As for the extension cord thing, I was referring to a full PA setup where every speaker is powered.

I'm just trying to keep the OP focusing on the long game. Too many people buy something to just get by when a year later it no longer serves their purpose and they have to start over. Your Kustom PA is only good for a backyard party where the band is just background noise IMO. It will not get loud enough for bigger gigs or in a noisy bar.

 

[DWBass]

. Your Kustom PA is only good for a backyard party where the band is just background noise IMO. It will not get loud enough for bigger gigs or in a noisy bar.

And I wouldn't use it for bigger gigs or a noisy bar although it CAN get pretty loud despite it's low power rating and its acknowledged 'cheapness'! Background noise? That's a cheap shot and your opinion is wrong! Can you, for once, post without being condescending to other TB members? Focus on the OP please!

 

[modulusman]

And I wouldn't use it for bigger gigs or a noisy bar although it CAN get pretty loud despite it's low power rating and its acknowledged 'cheapness'! Background noise? That's a cheap shot and your opinion is wrong! Can you, for once, post without being condescending to other TB members? Focus on the OP please!

So then why own it unless you never plan on doing anything besides back yard parties? The speaker I recommended to the OP will get twice as loud as a pair of your Kustoms. I'm giving the OP solid advice. IIRC you played how many gigs last year?

 

[moody]

At the scale you're talking about you won't want monitors, you want the drummer to struggle to hear so he shushes the hell up.

I once gave a drummer who was already too loud a good monitor mix for I think the first time ever. It increased his volume dramatically and we never played there again.

For really small shows as mentioned two speakers total is enough, either both above and behind if it doesn't cause feedback issues or a single speaker facing forward and another as a monitor. Single point source has significant advantages over two speakers a stage width apart both with the same output. If necessary angle slightly inward so that immediately in front of the stage gets a good mix.

 

[4Mal]

As for the extension cord thing, I was referring to a full PA setup where every speaker is powered.

I totally agree- If you put no thought into how you cable...

I power up the backline, 2 subs, 2 tops, 3 monitors. All powered, plus 2 or 4 4-bar light fixtures. 2 circuits, 2 extension cords. Home Depot, inline outlets a 50' 12/3 for the FOH and monitors, 25 foot for the backline. When necessary I can also lay down 100 foot 10/3 plus a group of 25's that link. Helpful for Gennie gigs, parties in the middle of vineyards, etc...

A point that seems to get lost is that we are buying tools. If you want to do a pro job, you pretty much need the tools to do it. In my world, sound quality, reliability and efficiency are simply paramount. The low end consumer stuff, is a bad investment IMO, particularly when taking the long view.