Need recommendation for best bang for the buck active mains

[8_finger]

Situation that the mains would need to cover:
Classic rock cover band
4 vocals
Keyes
2 guitars
Small bar gigs
We have subs already covered
Need to be active

Thx!

 

[Radio]

Sub'd

 

[Remyd]

Me too... I think an active main or two might be just the trick

 

[JohnMCA72]

I'm a fan of the Electro-Voice ZLX series, which I consider to be a pretty good bang-for-buck for the size space you've described. The "P" suffix on the model numbers tell you which are powered.

 

[DirtDog]

I've got a set of ZLX 15Ps that I really like for pretty much the same application as you describe. Go with 12s if you've got subs already. I'm also running Mackie TH12s for monitors. Do NOT recommend these for mains (kinda thumpy and boxy to my ears), although they are inexpensive.

Yamaha DBR and DXR series of powered speakers are getting good reviews. People seem to prefer these as a more economical alternative to the QSC K12s.

Finally, there seems to be a groundswell of people (bands, SR pros) liking the Alto Truesonic series powered speakers. Really good bang for the buck but reliability has not yet been proven.

 

[filmtex]

I'm a big fan of Mackies. I have four SRM 350's that have been around for 6 or 8 years. And bought a pair of SRM 650's last year. I like em. The Thump 12's and 15's are the latest (made in China) lower end version of the SRM's and I've been using one of them for a monitor for a couple years. No complaints. I'll probably grab a couple more for a small PA. YMMV

 

[Bufalo]

I use Yamaha DBR12's for mains in a four-man small bar band and they work rather well. I use the 2nd generation Alto Truesonic 12's as monitors, and I'd use them as mains if needed - they sound good.

 

[Cazman]

AB'd a bunch....QSC, Mackie, JBL, Alto, etc. everyone hears sound differently, but the warm definition and sound balance we get from our Yamaha DXR 12's blows me way every time I step out front. Absolutely love em.

 

[Toddbass65]

QSC K12 or K10 are great, or the yamahas from my experience. Cannot beat them for quality and durability. My K12s used constantly and never let me down.

 

[Daedraziel]

Id love to recommend a mid range to expensive speaker, but this post is asking bang for buck specifically right?

My vote goes to the EV ZLX series (12's if you have subs)... They will bring great power/reliability/clarity/volume for the lowest price point on the market. Onboard DSP and a solid RMS of 250 watts (1000 peak or something). Id say they will get you 75% of the way to professional sounding capability for the average bar/cover band. You need to move to QSC K series, Yamaha DXR or JBL PRX's to get another 10-15% capability, then up from there to really iron out front of house ability as long as your mixer/mics/etc are up to par.

Ill refrain from bashing certain competitors in the EV ZLX price range even though I have used many of them. Lately I have done many side by side comparisons (tried splaying and stacking as well) and the EV's sound and perform better than their similar priced peers.

 

[tgriley62]

I use Yamaha DBR12's for mains in a four-man small bar band and they work rather well. I use the 2nd generation Alto Truesonic 12's as monitors, and I'd use them as mains if needed - they sound good.

How are the BR12's? Looking to pick up a pair to use with a Carvin XP1000L.

 

[jthisdell]

We use a pair of the Yamaha DBR12's and for the money are very good. Considerably less than QSC's but good quality w good controls.

 

[Bullitt5135]

Cheap & gigable:
Alto TS212 from MF or GC
$299/ea. (new)
Max SPL: 127 dB
28.4 lbs.
Decent sound for the money; do not feel as rugged compared to other brands. I own the TS210's for floor wedges.

What I own:
RCF ART312A
$599/ea. (new)
Max SPL: 128 dB
42 lbs
Smooth, powerful sound; durable ABS plastic.

I would also consider:
Yamaha DXR12
$699/ea. (new)
Max SPL:132 dB
42.5 lbs.
Excellent sound; loud; 7-Year Warranty.

My band uses Yamaha DSR12's ($899/ea.) over JBL PRX18 Subs, and the sound is freakin' righteous. I've had good success buying used, restock, and B-stock gear. If you are buying new, always call around and ask for their best price -- I prefer MF, and they never fail to give me 15% off published prices. I also joined the MF Backstage Pass rewards program, and get an add'l 8% credit on my purchases.

 

[8_finger]

Thank you all for the suggestions

Also, does anyone have experience with Carvin powered speakers?

 

[Pat C.]

Yamaha DSR112's get very good reviews from the pro's over at Prosoundweb.com for clarity, volume and holding their tone at high volumes. They are at the top of my list for potential future purchase.

I'm also very curious to hear the new Peavey ribbon based cabs, like the RBN112. Early reports are that it sounds fantastic. Not sure about output or reliability.

I own PRX710 and 712s and have had issues with vibrations from the cabinet or built in amp. Others have experienced this as well. Not recommended. I'm not sure if this issues has been fixed in the current generation of JBL cabs.

 

[jcerio]

Plus 1 on the QSC K-12s. Sound great in any room and are loud and clear!

 

[8_finger]

QSC k-12 are not really your bang for the buck territory; )

 

[MakoMan]

QSC k-12 are not really your bang for the buck territory; )

Although you are technically correct, I still have to disagree with this comment .
While the initial buck outlay is high for a set of K12s, you really do get the bang, along with amazing dependability. Dollar for dollar and long term the K12s are as good a value as anything. The bang for buck value is there, but bang for limited budget is not.
In 2015 my band's rhythm guitarist bought a well worn used set of K12s from a local sound company for $650 each (Canadian) while I got a brand new set of EV ZLX12s on sale for $399 each. I'm not sure to this day who got the better deal, but I will say that in the many shows we've played since then my still almost pristine EVs are always the monitors and his beat up K12s are always the mains. These things did literally hundreds of shows before we got them and they sound as good as the day they came out of the factory.

 

[AndyLES]

QSC K12s

 

[Frankjohnson]

QSC k-12 are not really your bang for the buck territory; )

Maybe - in the initial purchase scheme of things.....
but then, if you can...... and buy better now, you don't have to deal with less adequate eqpt, AND have to sell at a loss, and then upgrade.....

Although you are technically correct, I still have to disagree with this comment .
While the initial buck outlay is high for a set of K12s, you really do get the bang, along with amazing dependability. Dollar for dollar and long term the K12s are as good a value as anything. The bang for buck value is there, but bang for limited budget is not.
In 2015 my band's rhythm guitarist bought a well worn used set of K12s from a local sound company for $650 each (Canadian) while I got a brand new set of EV ZLX12s on sale for $399 each. I'm not sure to this day who got the better deal, but I will say that in the many shows we've played since then my still almost pristine EVs are always the monitors and his beat up K12s are always the mains. These things did literally hundreds of shows before we got them and they sound as good as the day they came out of the factory.

Funny - I had started to write a similar response, and had to leave, discarded what I had written......
When I started reading this response, I thought it was a response to what I had written (first couple of lines) - it was so similar......
add in the whole having to sell what you settled for - and THEN get the upgrade later......yeah - if you can pull it off initially - do it - if not - I get it - been there done that etc......doing that for that matter!