Need FRFR/PA speaker recommendation

[RedHotFuzz]

First off, what exactly is the difference between a FRFR speaker and a PA speaker???

I need something reasonably-inexpensive ($500-ish or under) that would work for me (bass) to jam with a neighbor/friend (electronic drum kit). I’d be plugging my bass pedalboard with a pre-amp/DI directly into the speaker. We’d also be plugging the e-drums directly into the speaker. So it needs at least 2 inputs. I also want Bluetooth streaming to play song stems from Logic Pro via my iPad.

Any suggestions appreciated. If this eventually evolves into a neighborhood dad jam band with occasional public performances I’ll look seriously at a column PA system like an Electro-Voice Evolve. In the meantime, I just need a good “in room” practice speaker for bass and e-drums with enough oomph to provide accurate bass guitar sound and overcome the whacking sounds of e-drum pads. Thanks.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

I’m currently looking at the Alto TS series. Has a 3-channel onboard mixer and Bluetooth, and the price is right. Not sure if I’d want the 12” or 15” model (TS412 or TS415). The price difference between the two is negligible. I’m sure the “2,500 watt” claim is complete BS.

 

[Wasnex]

First off, what exactly is the difference between a FRFR speaker and a PA speaker???

FRFR is sort of a marketing term, it's not really accurate for bass. The fundamental of the E string is down 41hz and the fundamental of the B string is down around 31hz. In order to have usable response to 30hz or flat response to 40hz, you need a big and powerful subwoofer. So you will not find any true FRFR options for bass without spend significant cash.

FRFR is intended specifically for musicial instrument use. A high end active PA cab is likely to have only line level XLR inputs. An FRFR needs a 1/4" input that is instrument level.

Quite a few of the lower tier PA cabs have range of inputs to include mic, line, and instrument options. They may also have mixer features.

The same company makes Alto and Headrush cabs. The Headrush FRFR were almost identical to an Alto TS series PA cab. There was some minor differences in voicing and I/O.

I need something reasonably-inexpensive ($500-ish or under) that would work for me (bass) to jam with a neighbor/friend (electronic drum kit). I’d be plugging my bass pedalboard with a pre-amp/DI directly into the speaker. We’d also be plugging the e-drums directly into the speaker. So it needs at least 2 inputs.

A $500 speaker may work at low volume. I wouldn't expect a lot of headroom. Everything else equal, a bigger woofer is usually a better choice for bass. So if you are considering a series of speakers that offer 8", 10", and 12", your probably best choosing the 12. However a really good 8" or 10" may out perform a crappy 12".

 

[Wasnex]

I’m currently looking at the Alto TS series. Has a 3-channel onboard mixer and Bluetooth, and the price is right. Not sure if I’d want the 12” or 15” model (TS412 or TS415). The price difference between the two is negligible. I’m sure the “2,500 watt” claim is complete BS.

The specs for Alto gear is somewhat optimistic IMHO. The following is from the respective product pages.


TS 412

TS415

The TS415 claims to play significantly lower and a bit louder.

Ideally you would demo both to assess how they sound. Without the opportunity to compare, I would choose the extra performance of the TS415, unless weight and size is somehow a show stopper.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

The specs for Alto gear is somewhat optimistic IMHO.

Growing up in the era of $300 “1,000 WATTS + BASS BOOST!!!” stereo receivers, I don’t believe any specs from any audio equipment manufacturers anymore. I don’t know why they’re allowed to get away with such nonsense. Toyota certainly wouldn’t be allowed by the FTC to advertise a 1,000 HP Corolla.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

Electro-Voice ZLX 2 series also looks intriguing. Maybe the 15” version ($650)?

 

[Pep]

There are quite a few guys on TB using the QSC CP12 @ $649. QSC is usually very high quality. This is what would consider their mid-line. Their best is the K12.2 @ $899.99. It goes lower and has twice the power. Neither have Bluetooth.

If I were doing what you’re doing I’d probably give the “EV ZLX 15P G2” a try. The ZLX is a really nice unit that’s priced right. It might be enough.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

There are quite a few guys on TB using the QSC CP12 @ $649. QSC is usually very high quality. This is what would consider their mid-line. Their best is the K12.2 @ $899.99. It goes lower and has twice the power. Neither have Bluetooth.

If I were doing what you’re doing I’d probably give the “EV ZLX 15P G2” a try. The ZLX is a really nice unit that’s priced right. It might be enough.

I’m thinking the ZLX would be worthy enough to build upon with a matching speaker and a subwoofer if we get to a point of needing something for an actual audience rather than an expensive Evolve 70 setup.

 

[Pep]

I’m thinking the ZLX would be worthy enough to build upon with a matching speaker and a subwoofer if we get to a point of needing something for an actual audience rather than an expensive Evolve 70 setup.

I’ve been reading up on the reviews for the Alto TS415. Only one bad one. If you are buying from a dealer, most have at least a 30 return policy, some are 45 days.
I think I would try one of these Altos first since they’re only $399. If it doesn’t get the job done to your satisfaction, return it and order the ZLX 25P.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

I’ve been reading up on the reviews for the Alto TS415. Only one bad one. If you are buying from a dealer, most have at least a 30 return policy, some are 45 days.
I think I would try one of these Altos first since they’re only $399. If it doesn’t get the job done to your satisfaction, return it and order the ZLX 25P.

I hate to return items if I can do enough research ahead of time to avoid it. It costs the retailers money.

 

[Pep]

I hate to return items if I can do enough research ahead of time to avoid it. It costs the retailers money.

Hands-on is the only way to really know. Besides that retailers have that return-shipping built into their budgets. They want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase because it will possibly translate into future sales.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

Hands-on is the only way to really know. Besides that retailers have that return-shipping built into their budgets. They want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase because it will possibly translate into future sales.

Yeah, I get that. Still feel guilty about it when I have to do it though. ☹

 

[Pep]

Yeah, I get that. Still feel guilty about it when I have to do it though. ☹

I know but you need to just be “up front” with them when you order it. Whenever I was on between two similar speakers/amps/basses I ordered both and let them know that I was going to return one. Since there’s no way to walk-in and tryout anything, that’s what online dealers do to compete with local stores.

 

[mikecd1]

I've used the JBL IRX108BL and the IRX112BL for some small gigs playing thru a direct box into the input and was pretty happy with the tone and don't believe the 1000 watts or whatever they say it is. I still use them for monitors as well and the sound, tone and power are all adequate. I know others have tried the Harbingers at GC and get plenty of volume from those as well. My fave is the IRX108 as its only about 20 lbs.

 

[jthisdell]

The Yamaha DBR line have worked well for me, great sound at a more budget friendly price, they don’t have blue tooth but do have rca inputs so with a lightning adapter I can play a phone, iPad, etc.

 

[Lowfader]

I just bought a Headrush FRFR 112 MKii. I’m using it with my HX Stomp for some of the smaller restaurant/bars that we play in. I tried a QSC K12.2 but it was too vanilla sounding for me if that makes sense. I set it in front of my mic stand and use it as a floor monitor. Bass only. You can set it upright or on a speaker pole. It also has Bluetooth.

 

[Pep]

I just bought a Headrush FRFR 112 MKii. I’m using it with my HX Stomp for some of the smaller restaurant/bars that we play in. I tried a QSC K12.2 but it was too vanilla sounding for me if that makes sense. I set it in front of my mic stand and use it as a floor monitor. Bass only. You can set it upright or on a speaker pole. It also has Bluetooth.

How’s the power? If you push it hard does it keep up or break up? I’ve been considering the K12.2 because i believe it will handle higher volume levels.

 

[dslassiter]

The Yamaha DBR line have worked well for me, great sound at a more budget friendly price, they don’t have blue tooth but do have rca inputs so with a lightning adapter I can play a phone, iPad, etc.

Similarly, I found a used Yamaha DXR15 at GC a while back that has been great. Price was about on par with a new, lower model.

 

[Lowfader]

How’s the power? If you push it hard does it keep up or break up? I’ve been considering the K12.2 because i believe it will handle higher volume levels.

I run the volume at 3 o’clock. I never had it break up with the HX Stomp.

 

[bassbrad]

@RedHotFuzz I have had really good luck with my 2 Alto powered speakers in different sizes. To my knowledge Alto is the maker for the Headrush FRFR line. Alto gives peak power in their spec, not dubious but still it helps to know. Because they are a lesser known brand they have long been an industry secret that many of us use and save a few bucks. IMHO they compare favorably to higher priced brands like JBL, EV, Yamaha, QSC and Mackie.

Alto TSL215 a much older model with light panels. I have used this speaker a lot in many purposes from being a bass rig in a rock band, stage monitor to the full PA for my jazz group. Plenty of power/volume with accurate sound. Works well with my pedalboard and mixer when needed.

Alto TX310 I bought this for smaller more acoustic gigs on my EUB , rehearsals and use it on my studio to monitor bass. This ight be a bit small for your needs and a speaker with a 12 or 15 will have a fuller sound for the drums and bass situation you're in.