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PA Suggestions

Mike151

Mike151

Dec 22, 2008
547
16
Sherman Texas
www.myspace.com
#1
I recently started a new project and have decided to buy the PA head for the group. Looking for suggestions.
We have Yamaha Mains and Subs and wedges.
I'm wanting something that is easy to carry, has power, and can run the mains, subs, and monitors separately.
Cost is kind of an issue so I'm not looking to spend to much or I might end up with a divorce which is more expensive than any PA that I know of. LOL Anyway, I would greatly appreciate any input on the PA subject. :bassist:
 
#4
here's a suggestion,,
get a non powered mixer that has a SUB out with variable crossover

use the AUX sends for your foldback monitor mix

get a three channel power amp(AB International), one channel for a mono house mix, one channel for one monitor mix and the third channel for the sub
 
#7
Mike151 said:
Wow, that looks great for the price! Pretty much what I'm looking for. If the drummer decides he wants mics in his drums, he can get himself a small mixer. LOL
Click to expand...
This is a better value.

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We used one in a band I was in ... worked great. I have the unpowered version and use powered speakers, and it's great. Main out, two monitor outs, and a dedicated sub out (with a selectable low pass filter). Four amps (L/R mains, and each monitor), four graphic EQ's. 16 mic pre's. VERY flexible. Not very much more $$$ than the other one, too.
 
#8
RustyAxe said:
This is a better value.

Invalid Link Removed

We used one in a band I was in ... worked great. I have the unpowered version and use powered speakers, and it's great. Main out, two monitor outs, and a dedicated sub out (with a selectable low pass filter). Four amps (L/R mains, and each monitor), four graphic EQ's. 16 mic pre's. VERY flexible. Not very much more $$$ than the other one, too.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was kind of looking at that one. :)
 
#9
For the flexibility you need, I think that the powered mixers will leave you wanting for...well...power. Your sub requirements, especially.

You may find that you can get a decent non-powered mixer with the outs you need, and a couple of power amps (run the mains stereo from one, the subs from channel 1 and mons from channel 2 from the other). Put all of it in a rolling gig-rack, and you're good to go.

The other option is to get a powered mixer for the mains and monitors, and a separate power amp for the subs. Many power amps have low-pass switches so you won't need a crossover.
 
#14
modulusman said:
Hope it works for you. I think you will be wishing you had more power. The built in amps are not enough wattage for subwoofers IMO. What are you using for mains, monitors and subs?
Click to expand...

+1 on the lack of power issue, especially for the subs.
200 watts @ 8 ohms for left & right mains is about the bare minimum if you're doing a full band w/drummer. 300 watts @ 4 ohms means each sub will only get 150 watts - that's less than the mains
Plus you can't assign 1 of the amp channels to the subwoofer output - you'll have to use a patch cord from the sub out on the front to 1 of the amp patch inputs on the back (I'd use amp #4) and it looks like you'll have very limited control. There's no separate level control on the sub out, it's connected to the main L/R output. There's also no level control on the amp outputs other than from their assigned sources.
Don't get me wrong, I like Carvin gear. But you should plan on adding at least a DCM1540L for the subs. You can aways turn something down that's too loud but you can't turn it up past full.
 
#16
I decided to cancel my order till I discussed it more with the manufacturer.
Thanks for pointing out the sub out issue. I called Carvin and they stated that the sub out is intended to go out to a power amp and then to the subs. Alone, it will not push subs. I am just a slight bit more educated on this now and will try to plan accordingly.
I may go back with the same thing but add a power amp for the subs. Any comments on that? :)
 
#18
Mike151 said:
I decided to cancel my order till I discussed it more with the manufacturer.
Thanks for pointing out the sub out issue. I called Carvin and they stated that the sub out is intended to go out to a power amp and then to the subs. Alone, it will not push subs. I am just a slight bit more educated on this now and will try to plan accordingly.
I may go back with the same thing but add a power amp for the subs. Any comments on that? :)
Click to expand...

That would be a better idea. :) If you like the idea of a powered mixer. For rehearsal or small gigs you could just use the powered head with your monitor and mains and then use your seperate power amp and subs when you need them.
 
#19
modulusman said:
That would be a better idea. :) If you like the idea of a powered mixer. For rehearsal or small gigs you could just use the powered head with your monitor and mains and then use your seperate power amp and subs when you need them.
Click to expand...

Yeah, you were right with your first post. Guess I let my excitement get the best of me without listening to reason. GAS can be a serious disorder. :rollno:
 

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