• 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.

practice space PA

#2
I've always had good luck with finding used Peavey or Carvin PA stuff on craigslist. If it's just for vocals a small powered mixer with some 12 inch monitors should work OK. Unless your crazy loud then more power & bigger speakers.
Good luck
 
#7
Well, here I go again, about to be accused of oversizing. Eh, what the hell... I can take it.

I'd specify at least 200, and by that I mean true RMS, not some inflated power spec a marketing guy pulled out of his... well... That's if it's solely for vocals. Preferably 300. Also, for speakers, assuming they're going to be compact (stand-mountable), don't make the very common mistake of getting a two-way, and by that I mean something something with only a fifteen and a horn with mouth dimensions roughly those of a slice of Wonder Bread. No -- instead, get a three-way with a dedicated midrange cone, something along the lines of a Invalid Link Removed.
 
#9
For my three piece, the PA in my basement is an Alesis 2x100 power amp (bought used for $100), a Peavey 8-channel mixer ($79 new) and two 10" custom PA speakers ($80 each). It is more than enough for our practice volumes (drummer, bass/vocalist, guitar).
 
#10
I jus bought a roland kc 300 keyboard amp off my bud for 150$
It has 3 mic inputs and can be used as a pa. Perfect for rehearsing, theres no need to play really loud all of the time, plus it wil ruin yours ears faster.
 
#12
Most suggestions are pretty decent, but in my experience, get a versatile kit. Most compact powered mixers are NOT versatile, and are designed to be easy to transport for conference purpose. You are not doing a conference, and you are not going to transport this kit every day. I recommend a good used poweramp. I my experience, pro amplifiers last forever, and take a lot of abuse. You can find a high power pro QSC or Crown on classifieds for 200$-300$ easy. Even brand new decent DJ amps from QSC & Crown are available at these prices. Then, the speakers. Yorkville & Peavey come right up to mind, as do many other good bang for the buck speakers. 12's are pretty good for vocals. I would get speakers that are pole mountable and wedge (monitors) at the same time. You never know. For the mixer, any with built in DSP (reverb & effects). From 150$ for 4 inputs, to 400$ for 16x4, and these are pro boards from Soundcraft, Mackie, Yamaha, Allen & Heath, Peavey, etc.....

With this kit, it is Veratile, witch means a great PA for your rehearsal space, but also ok for small gigs. On bigger gigs, you might use your kit for monitors. If **** happens and you blow your amp, you can use the poweramp to power your bass rig, etc.....
 
#14
I suggest purchasing sound board and setting it up around the drums. We used one 4x8" sheet. Cut it in half, wired the ends and set it up in front of the drums. Cut the volume dramatically. Be sure it's tall enough to go above the symbols. Might want to cut a hole for the kick drum.

If you can set up the drums in the corner, also mount some additional sound board on the wall. If not, put another cut sheet behind the drummer.

Be sure your amps are at ear level.

That way you'll be able to do fine with a couple hundred watts of PA power.

+1 on buying a decent PA that can be used at smaller gigs, if necessary.
 
#16
Get a used Allen & Heath MixWiz and headphones or earbuds (along with these: Link Removed ). Better sound, less racket, and you can use them on stage.

No isolation, best fidelity: Grado (any model, but preferably the 125 or better).

Good isolation, very good fidelity: M-Audio IE10 buds.

Best isolation, good fidelity: ExtremeHeadphones EX29 (the latest version only). (Some headphone amps are a bit puny for these if you like to listen too loudly.)

Good isolation, decent fidelity: Sennheiser 280.

Lousy isolation, mediocre fidelity: Sony 7506.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back