Double Bass PA systems

[Norre]

I want to buy a PA system for my acoustic trio that we can use for gigs in small bars where there is no PA available. It needs at least 4 channels (bass pickup, bass mic, vocals, acoustic guitar) but a little more channels would be better, just in case It would be great if the mixer had some piezo inputs, 48V phantom power, a HPF and a notch filter so I don't need my pre-amp(s) anymore. Since I have no experience at all with PA systems I was hoping if someone here on TB could give me some advice. I was thinking about getting 1 or 2 powered speakers (QSC K series?) as FOH-speakers and a good mixer. Our singer has a powered speaker that she can use as a monitor in our new system. Is there anything else I need? Are there any specific brands that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Norre

 

[Pat Harris]

I have two QSC K10s and a Soundcraft MFXi8 mixer for these exact playing situations. I love this combo, and for the money, I don't think you can beat it. If you're doing to need some serious volume for outdoor gigs, you may want to go with the K12s, but I've yet to run into an instance where the K10s weren't ample, and I haven't felt the need for an external sub.

I don't know that any mixers exist that can properly load a piezo, but if you've got a small preamp, the problem is solved.

Pat

 

[moles]

...I don't know that any mixers exist that can properly load a piezo, but if you've got a small preamp, the problem is solved...

I was about to post the same thing, but I just remembered that the jam-space for one of the roots artists I work with has an old Soundcraft (or something) board that sounds really good when I plug my Realist straight in. Plan on getting an outboard pre, but depending on what sort of pickup you're using you might not need it.