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PA system/mixer bored/speakers

descendent22

descendent22

Jul 29, 2015
1,543
924
39
Connecticut
#1
Situation:
So I'm in a band and our PA system is owned by our guitarist. Long story short and little does he know it, the drummer, vocalist and myself ( bassist ) are looking for a new guitarist do to a terrible attitude, control issues, always passing the buck everything in that nature. It's just terrible to deal with a band member like that. Anyway where I'm goin with this is the PA system we use happens to be his, and if we replace him we're obviously gunna have to replace a few things besides just the guitarist. I've learned in life and live my life basically never taking things for granted, never count your chickens before they hatch and I only have myself to depend on when it comes down to it. With all that said, to avoid issues and so we can just replace the guitarist I'm looking into buying my own PA system.

On Point:
I need to know what I need to get. Something that is affordable, quality equipment not cheap, something that can handle and produce the " abuse " it's gunna take. I need to know everything about it so if you can leave me some info I'd be very appreciative.
 
#5
descendent22 said:
Lol I don't scare that easy and I know that isn't true
Click to expand...
While he's exaggerating slightly, he's not far off to be honest, if you factor in mics, etc...

You NEED to answer some basic questions first.
  • How often to you gig?
  • What type of music?
  • Do you need stage monitors?
  • Do you want to go with active or passive speakers?
  • What's your budget?

Don't know budget? You could look at what the guitar player brings and go price it new.. that should give you an idea of what it will cost..
 
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#6
If you are a basic bar band playing small places, think like a young bassist. Lots of people are getting lighter powered speakers. As a result, there are lots of older systems out there going cheap. You can get a decent powered mixer, a pair of passive mains with 15s (or good 12s), and a pair of passive monitors pretty cheaply.

That will be enough for vocals, and if necessary a little drums, guitar and even a lirrle bass if necessary.
 
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#7
Tell us what he has now and if that gets the job done.

Will you be getting two speakers on a stick and a powered mixer or two full stacks with subs?

Do you need new microphones, cables, mic stands, snake and all? If so, the extra thousand dollars estimate from above may even be a bit low.

One thing you can do is check out the Carvin Web site. They have all kinds of packages that include a lot of stuff that you will need. I'm not saying you should buy Carvin, but those package deals will give you a good ballpark estimate of how much money you are going to need.

The most important question is this. Do any of you know how to set up or run a PA? You can have the best gear put there, but if you are all "winging it" when it comes to set up and mixing you are in for some long nights.

Short version. We need a lot more details before we can help.

If it were me, I would be looking for a digital console and powered speakers. That kind of system will be much lighter and take up much less space. It will also allow you to save mixes as a starting point for the next time you play that venue. Some even allow the use of iPad or iPhone to mix wirelessly and even allow each member to set his/her own monitor mix.
 
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#9
descendent22 said:
Situation:
So I'm in a band and our PA system is owned by our guitarist. Long story short and little does he know it, the drummer, vocalist and myself ( bassist ) are looking for a new guitarist do to a terrible attitude, control issues, always passing the buck everything in that nature. It's just terrible to deal with a band member like that. Anyway where I'm goin with this is the PA system we use happens to be his, and if we replace him we're obviously gunna have to replace a few things besides just the guitarist. I've learned in life and live my life basically never taking things for granted, never count your chickens before they hatch and I only have myself to depend on when it comes down to it. With all that said, to avoid issues and so we can just replace the guitarist I'm looking into buying my own PA system.

On Point:
I need to know what I need to get. Something that is affordable, quality equipment not cheap, something that can handle and produce the " abuse " it's gunna take. I need to know everything about it so if you can leave me some info I'd be very appreciative.
Click to expand...

What's your budget? What components will you be replacing (do a quick inventory of the guitarist's PA gear)?

If you want to save some dough, buy used & locally and don't be afraid to go with the older technology when available...stuff goes dirt-cheap down here because everybody wants the latest & greatest. Right off the bat, I'll guess you need a mixer, power amp, and (2) mains.

Where you located in CT? CraigsList is a great place to start.

Riis
 
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#10
I was dependent upon a drummer who was in like 11 other bands. So he was always looking for the better deal. We rehearsed at his house. One day we were told we couldn't rehearse there during the sports season. I'd been wanting a PA so I could be free of others thumbs. Had to scramble, got busy searching for deals. Found some JBL 15" mains, a Behrimumble powered mixer. They are right about cables, Mics, stands and whatnot. It's an on going thing. But I'm my own man now, not subject to anyone's whims. And it feels good
 
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#11
Alright this is kind of a new subject for me as I've never been in the situation of needing a PA. So bare with me a little as I'll list as much helpful info as I can.

We're a cover band and are starting to wright originals that Gigs at a minimum 2 times a month. We play bars, or private parties, stuff like that. Nothing crazy, as we play anything from the 70's Rock like Aerosmith and many more, to some 80's stuff like ozzy or dio, to 90's alternative like stp Aic or collective soul to mention a few bands we cover. We have a lead vocalist and the guitarist and myself are on backing vocals. How many watts would I need? I would like to have 2 floor monitor speakers, and 2 speakers on a mount. And a bored that can handle what we're doing. As of now we're using it only for vocals. The bored we're using is some old school one that my guitarist has.I'm not looking for something special but something that is basic that is going to handle the job without any issues or questions. My budget isn't crazy as I'm looking to shop around and I don't mind if it's used as long as it isn't abused. I would think of a budget in the $500-700 range. As far as mic stands, cables, and mics we already have that stuff and it wasn't that expensive if you know how to shop.
 
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#13
descendent22 said:
Alright this is kind of a new subject for me as I've never been in the situation of needing a PA. So bare with me a little as I'll list as much helpful info as I can.

We're a cover band and are starting to wright originals that Gigs at a minimum 2 times a month. We play bars, or private parties, stuff like that. Nothing crazy, as we play anything from the 70's Rock like Aerosmith and many more, to some 80's stuff like ozzy or dio, to 90's alternative like stp Aic or collective soul to mention a few bands we cover. We have a lead vocalist and the guitarist and myself are on backing vocals. How many watts would I need? I would like to have 2 floor monitor speakers, and 2 speakers on a mount. And a bored that can handle what we're doing. As of now we're using it only for vocals. The bored we're using is some old school one that my guitarist has.I'm not looking for something special but something that is basic that is going to handle the job without any issues or questions. My budget isn't crazy as I'm looking to shop around and I don't mind if it's used as long as it isn't abused. I would think of a budget in the $500-700 range. As far as mic stands, cables, and mics we already have that stuff and it wasn't that expensive if you know how to shop.
Click to expand...
It is spelled board. $500.00 to 700.00 is not going to get anything worth owning if you need 4 speakers and a mixer. Watts doesn't mean squat. You might be able to find a powered mixer and 2mains and 2 monitors for about a grand.
 
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#16
I believe our sound man said expect to spend 30% on cables and stands etc. Lots of different ways to go. The trend is powered speakers and digital boards but as someone mentioned there is loads of used stuff out there being sold by guys like me who have moved into the digital realm. Sounds like you understand your basic needs. Perhaps by looking at what other bands are using in similar rooms may help.
 
#17
descendent22 said:
Can u go back and correct all my spelling for me? Cause no one else really cares.
Click to expand...

It DOES matter and people DO care. It's our language and a special part of our culture and identity as people. Its form should be honored.

You might be able to find a steal on a powered mixer with mains and monitors for your budget.
 
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#20
I just bought 2 Altec TX10's (powered speakers) , refurbished off Ebay. Then a used Yamaha MG10c mixer from Amazon, few appropriate cables. Easy-Peasy to transport and set up.About $350 total. Works well for my application. Small, light and bang for the buck is the way to go. I simply do not want a behemoth PA. Consider something similar.
 

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