• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

PA system/mixer bored/speakers

#63
Given your budget, and it's already been suggested, but here is the break down assuming you are good with cables, stands and mics...

Assuming you are wanting NEW equipment and not used, and assuming you need a pair of mains, and a pair of monitors, the least expensive solution I can come up with. and mind you, this thread was honestly TL:DR;

And before I name any gear, we are going to safely assume that not a single component I will mention is going to meet with Modulusman's approval.

Behringer XENYX 1202 (unless I read that wrong, you only need 3 -4 XLR inputs, this will cover that easily). $89.99
Harbinger Vari V2112 600W 12" powered loudspeakers. $129.99 each. ($259.98)
Harbinger Vari V2115 600W 15" powered loudspeakers. $149.99 each ($299.98)

Grand total $649.95

FWIW, spend the extra $10.00 and get the Q1202USB, the USB connectivity will allow you to pipe in / out sound from your laptop. Well worth it for buffer music, backing tracks, effects etc...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Remyd
#64
Some good choices there but there's not that much point running monitors if the desk doesn't have a monitor feed. Sure, you could just slave the smaller bins from the FOH but unless they're dedicated monitors or are switchable for floor use they are going to sound really bad simply taking a feed from the FOH mix.
 
  • Like
Reactions: s0c9
#65
BAG said:
Some good choices there but there's not that much point running monitors if the desk doesn't have a monitor feed. Sure, you could just slave the smaller bins from the FOH but unless they're dedicated monitors or are switchable for floor use they are going to sound really bad simply taking a feed from the FOH mix.
Click to expand...

Even then, if the monitors are tracking to the FOH levels, it's just inviting feedback problems. There's a very good reason most monitor Auxes are pre-fader!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BAG
#66
BAG said:
Some good choices there but there's not that much point running monitors if the desk doesn't have a monitor feed. Sure, you could just slave the smaller bins from the FOH but unless they're dedicated monitors or are switchable for floor use they are going to sound really bad simply taking a feed from the FOH mix.
Click to expand...

Main out (1/4") for the mains, CTRL ROOM OUT (1/4") for the monitors. That's how we use our XENYX 1202FX.

The XLR out for the mains and monitors on the XENYX X2442USB that we have sure is nicer, but also a bunch more money then they have...

Q1202USB_P0ALQ_Top_L.png
 
#69
Whatever you get, there is one thing not to do.
Never ever under any circumstances or for any reason enter into a shared equipment agreement with your band mates. They always end badly and most of the people involved get burned. I've seen several posts from people who were burned and wanted to know how they could get their money back. That never happens.
If one of you can afford to buy the gear, then the other members should pay a per gig fee to get to use it. If one of you can't, then each of you buy specific pieces so when the band splits, you will know what belongs to whom. For example, in my band, the guitar player owns the mains and the boards. I own the main stands, a keyboard stand we use to put the board on, the monitors, and all the cables. We each own our own mics and stands. The drummer doesn't sing, so he doesn't contribute anything.
As to budget, $700 is not even a good start. To get it all done, budget about $2000 for a minimal vocals only system.
You might do a bit better if you look for used older stuff. As another poster said, there is a lot available cheap because those who can afford it are getting rid of it and buying the newer lightweight powered gear.
Good luck to you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kittywithabanjo and Big Hoss
#71
BAG said:
Very clever. If you use wedges with three band eq you'd be able to get a pretty decent stage mix.
Click to expand...

We have the non USB but with FX version of that mixer that we used to use as our only mixer, now it is our backup. Yeah, it works okay. Right now we are using just a pair of 12s as mains, no monitors... Tight budgets suck.
 
#72
Okay meeting with others approval or not, here's the breakdown of what my vocals only PA rig ran me. This is NOT counting the big mixer, or snake. I replace equivalent items for less expensive versions if they are same or better quality...

Behringer XENYX 1202FX. $99.99
Harbinger Vari V2112 600W 12" powered loudspeakers. $129.99 each. ($259.98)
Nady SP-5 Dynamic vocal mics x3 $12.95 each. ($38.85)
AmazonBasics Tripod Boom Microphone Stand $14.52 x3 ($43.56)
MusiciansGear 20' red tweed XLR cables. 6 @ $13.99 (83.94)
MusiciansGear Speaker Stand Kit with 25' cables $99.99

Grand total $626.31

It's not going to impress the gear heads and that's fine. It works, it keeps the audience happy, but it has just about zero ability to expand.

That I would consider pretty much a bare minimum vocals only PA.

I seriously doubt if any of the gear afficianados here would approve, but it is effective for vocals only in the situations where we play. Just make absolutely certain your bass amp, and your guitarists amps can carry their own.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DirtDog
#74
JohnMCA72 said:
Still, though, the Control Room out is going to follow the Main Mix out. It's got it's own level behind that, but you've got to run it opposite to the mains to keep the monitors' level constant.
Click to expand...

That's right. And you'd still have the monitors post fader so any adjustment to any channel is reflected in the wedges. But at least you can set them to a different level than the FOH. You do what you can with what you've got.
If it were me though I'd save up for a cheap desk with a separate monitor bus.

For an extra $50 you can get the Xenyx 1204 which gives you a foldback send or the Yamaha MG10
 
#75
BAG said:
That's right. And you'd still have the monitors post fader so any adjustment to any channel is reflected in the wedges. But at least you can set them to a different level than the FOH. You do what you can with what you've got.
If it were me though I'd save up for a cheap desk with a separate monitor bus.

For an extra $50 you can get the Xenyx 1204 which gives you a foldback send or the Yamaha MG10
Click to expand...

Not to pick nits, but the Yamaha MG10 seems to average $199.99, the XENYX Q1202USB is $99.99, that puts the Yamaha at just over twice the price of the Behringer. Admittedly the XENYX 1204 is a nicer mixer than the Q1202USB though, however the OP did have a severely tight budget so that difference might just be a deal breaker, and honestly, with most powered speakers these days, you can daisy chain your monitors off of your mains if you are so inclined... It's really a non issue.
 
#77
Behringer XR18 or XR16 digital mixer (you'll need an iPad or tablet) and a pair of Alto TS212 powered speakers for mains. That'll run you under $1,000 ... if you call Musician's Friend, they will typically offer a 15% discount just for asking. Sign up for their Backstage Pass rewards program and get an additional 8% back on future MF purchases.

For monitors, mics, cables, stands, etc. -- it's every man for himself. Seriously, anyone who wants to play in a band should really own a decent mic and monitor. For monitors, Alto TS210 can be found new for around $200. A Shure SM58 or equivalent $99 mic from EV, Sennheiser, Audix, Blue, etc., will sound good and last a lifetime if you take care of it.

As others have said, don't buy PA gear with shared band funds. It'll be a nightmare if anyone leaves the band.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back