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PA upgrade for lighter stuff, help me narrow selection?

#41
rojo412 said:
I appreciate that... but they are asking almost as much as a new set, so I'd be inclined to see what kind of coupons will pop up for MF in the near future. The usual 15% discount coupon puts a brand new set at $1,020.
As for the custom quilted covers for the used ones, I can probably survive without them.
Click to expand...

To tell the truth, I didn't even look at the price just the entry. You can buy quilted moving covers for $10 bucks a pop on the 'bay. Slightly over-sized in many cases but throw a bungee cord around 'em and you're good to go.

Riis
 
#42
FWIW I have not heard the Yamahas I mentioned earlier. I have did a few jobs where the soundman had the EVs and they sounded pretty good to me. A friend of mine has some that he uses with the 18 inch subs and he likes them a lot. The only negative I have heard is they scratch easily. EV must have took notice about the complaints and now include covers.
 
#43
I have been using QSC K12's which are really good. However, EV has come out with the ZLX series which is comparable at half the price. Definitely check out the EV's if you are considering the QSC K series.
 
#46
I just ordered the Carvin PM15's to replace the JBL's for the constantly on the go setup - to reduce weight, and am leaving the JBL's in the house setup I work, for Jams and small (<200 seat) venue we do blues shows at. I have two subs, one stays there unless I need it for a show, both are summed, when we have some for the bigger names there, to increase the ooomph.

using the insert of the Carvin Powered mixer (RX1200L) and crossing over makes the system A LOT more efficient and still keeps it simple so a moron like me can work it.

now I have two separate speaker setups and I can augment them as needed for larger shows, or more needs. For bigger rooms, I added a GX5 for monitors, to increase headroom for 4 of the Carvin PM 12s, a Crest CPX1500 for the Mains and use the internal amp for drum monitors with one of the 15" JBLs so they can get some kick. I kept the amps racked separately to make it easier to move/place them and this has worked out well. no single piece weighs more than 61# (the subs) except that JBL and most are 30-40 +/-.

its all med grade utility level eqpt - not super duper high end etc...... Adding the Carvin PM15s is new. If they perform like the 12's I will be happy. I never intended to make it a all or mostly all carvin setup - it just happened that way - and I have been pleased. YMMV, objects in the mirror, etc.....
 
#47
$2k can get you a really nice set of mains. Don't think I would have went for the Carvin PM's. I have a set of Carvin LSx cabs that are really nice and a step up from the PM series. They are light and sound good.

On another note, I was in a band that used that Mackie 808s powered mixer. It's actually a really nice board and went down to 2ohms which allowed for extra monitors. Heavy though.
 
#48
For best pricing try FPL Logistics or Pro Audio Star....that's where the dj's shop.

I'd look at QSC K12, EV ELX 12P, and perhaps EV ZLX 12P which is the cheapest ($650 for a pair, new and not bstock). The Z's I'd use for monitors, but not mains just because they have had some quality control issues. EV rep told me that they do not have the same drives as the ELX line, despite what you may hear. Still amazing for the price.

The K12's have a wooden upgrade in the KW122 which do sound a sconch better to me, but not sure the $200 more is worth it. K12's are very well regarded by the folks pounding them to peak every night (dj's). Ksub's aren't greatly regarded.

Right now you can get an A&H Zed22FX board and 2 QSC KW122's for $2299 from FPL. That is a SCREAMING deal.

Good luck. I got a presonus 16.0.2 and two K12's for $2K. All new, just took some negotiating.
 
#49
DWBass said:
$2k can get you a really nice set of mains. Don't think I would have went for the Carvin PM's. I have a set of Carvin LSx cabs that are really nice and a step up from the PM series. They are light and sound good.

On another note, I was in a band that used that Mackie 808s powered mixer. It's actually a really nice board and went down to 2ohms which allowed for extra monitors. Heavy though.
Click to expand...

I agree........I apologize that I hijacked a piece of it - was just interjecting lightweight successful purchases in my quest to lighten the load - but not the sound.

I think if I was starting from scratch - QSC K12s would be the foundation I would build from. KSub(s) and appropriate control devices (mixers etc.)

Based on having something and building from there - I believe I could have gone far worse than what I mentioned.

>:^{I)>
 
#53
Biggbass said:
Best scenario is to stop hauling all that junk and hire a local small time sound guy
who provides his own system and pay him an equal share.
Click to expand...

Not if you declare your musical income... Buy the gear, take the write off and if you must, pay someone a small cut to run it for you...

FWIW - I heard the EV ZLX next to K10's and the EV's are not even close. The EV Live X stuff gives the K series a run for it's money, the ZLX stuff was not very impressive. The 'local' GC has a nice display of the mid range stuff. Makes for a nice comparison spot. An hour+ drive for me though so I don't drop in that often. Probably good for my wallet that I don't...
 
#54
4Mal said:
Not if you declare your musical income... Buy the gear, take the write off and if you must, pay someone a small cut to run it for you...
Click to expand...

;) Thats the ticket for me. If we HAVE to use more system - we hire someone outright, or it is provided.

I have never had more than $500-600 at a time to purchase anything. Everyone's situation is different.

Having SOMETHING to start with either dictates SOME of how you go, or you start from scratch I guess...

The only way I was able to afford to build my system AND pay bills was that a couple of people didn't have sound systems and I had a basic one. I did sound for them, they paid me - I upgraded it from that money - they paid me more for better gigs, I was able to give them better sound, I got paid more.......

Its still not a very high end or huge system, but it works well and sounds great - and is simple - and for some dumb reason - I keep getting calls from 3-4 bands, do sound for our local blues society (*weekly blues jams which is a no brainer - but also some pretty cool shows with for national acts) and have done pretty well. Sometimes - good enough is good enough and it would great to have more but........do you ALWAYS need it?

That said......I still like the K12s......and maybe someday......
 
#55
Letting you know that I listed these here on Talkbass in case anyone is interested. They have outstanding clarity, and put out a lot of volume and bass. And only 24lbs each. Many on talkbass know about Phil Jones' bass gear but he also has an outstanding reputation in his hifi/stereo speakers and his PA speakers.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f139/...d-w-10-compact-pa-speakers-24-lbs-ea-1067120/

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