hi i'm in a band, thats starting out and we need a pa for practice and small performances. we wil mainly be micing vocals to begin with but want something we can build upon. It sounds like powered speakers are the way to go. I was thinking of starting with 2 behringer b215's or something along that line along with a mixer of some sort. is this a good way to start out? thanks.
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PA for practice & small performances.
- Thread starter manveru
- Start date
Pick a mixer with enough mic channels, and preferably at least a couple of aux outs. Behringers are just fine, I have only positive experience with them actually. I'd also recommend powered speakers, and you can use a budget brand here as well. I have a Behringer Eurolive B212A that I use as a monitor, and it sounds at least half decent. It is a bit bass heavy, but there's luckily an eq on the back. You can't compare the sound these produce with the higher end stuff, but will get you started. You can buy higher end active speakers later and start using the Behringers as monitors instead.
Speaking of monitors, I'd recommend having at least one of them. You can manage without them but then you must place the main speakers behind you on the sides of the stage so you can hear yourself through them. That is however not really possible in all venues.
You could manage without a subwoofer, but that's only if your amp is powerful enough (at least a few hundred watts) and you don't feel a need to mic the kick drum. Otherwise I'd recommend getting one or two of them as well.
Speaking of monitors, I'd recommend having at least one of them. You can manage without them but then you must place the main speakers behind you on the sides of the stage so you can hear yourself through them. That is however not really possible in all venues.
You could manage without a subwoofer, but that's only if your amp is powerful enough (at least a few hundred watts) and you don't feel a need to mic the kick drum. Otherwise I'd recommend getting one or two of them as well.
I don't think it's a good idea to start with IEM's, you're better off with a monitor or two. I've never used IEM's though. Perhaps someone else can comment on them, what you need to use them effectively. I just imagine you need to run everything through the PA (and into the ear monitors through separate monitor mixes) and perhaps avoid using amps on the stage. You'd need a bigger mixer in that case too, and I have the feeling that a powered monitor or two will be a cheaper solution...
What's your budget? When my band was in a similar situation, I tossed some bonus money I had at this exact package at Guitar Center:
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I've been really happy with it so far, it does exactly what we need it to do--be a solid PA for practice with the capability to do small to medium gigs where the venue doesn't have PA support. I didn't need 4 crappy mics, so I got the GC guys to keep their 4 crappy mics and cables and give me two SM-57's and better cables for the same price, so I could mic up guitar amps.
I'd say look for a similar package within your price range.
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I've been really happy with it so far, it does exactly what we need it to do--be a solid PA for practice with the capability to do small to medium gigs where the venue doesn't have PA support. I didn't need 4 crappy mics, so I got the GC guys to keep their 4 crappy mics and cables and give me two SM-57's and better cables for the same price, so I could mic up guitar amps.
I'd say look for a similar package within your price range.
