Double Bass Small Versatile PA Advice

[dylanjohnson]

I have a similar setup that I use regularly for jazz gigs. QSC K10’s, which are similar. I actually use a Behringer Flow8 which is a pretty cool mix between a digital board(with phone/tablet connectivity) and a nice analog-style surface. The can fit in my bass bag. Pretty cool. This probably doesn’t have the amount of inputs you are looking for, however, I thought I’d mention it. Have fun finding a set up that works for you!

I have a Flow 8 and it's amazing but I often feel that I'd prefer to not have to deal with the app and the mini menu. Knobs are so much easier. The multiple out mixes are amazing for a unit so small though. 2 monitor mixes, 1 main mix, and I think maybe you could rig the phone mix out as another mix? 3 monitor or IEM mixes is pretty stunning. Maybe I just need to learn it better but I'd rather play bass.

 

[dylanjohnson]

@Jason Hollar I'm getting more and more interested in the idea of using IEMS when I'm in a situation where the band can't play dynamically, or when the band is set up far away from each other on a large stage. It seems IEMS would be frowned upon in jazz, but you are playing even more acoustically sensitive music. How has that been for you?

 

[Michael Drost]

I need eight xlr inputs

The Behringer X16 Air is pretty cool, if you don't mind ipad or computer control surfaces.

 

[dylanjohnson]

And routers.

 

[Danny O Danny]

For my trio (acoustic guitar, digital piano, bass, foot percussion + 3 vocal mics) we went with the Bose L1 Pro16 and a Bose T8S 8 channel mixer. We've been very happy with this setup. It is considerably more expensive than the system you've spec'd out however.

If we work our way up to larger rooms we'll just get a second L1 Pro16 and then we'll be able to run stereo.

Prior to this we had a Behringer XR18 mixer, which is a very popular choice but we didn't like the complexity of it, or the reliance on an iPad (one more piece of equipment to make sure was charged and functional) or the intermittent connectivity issues between the iPad and the mixer. For us, the T8S + L1 Pro16 is compact, quick and easy to setup, and sounds great.

 

[Michael Drost]

And routers.

The x16 is router-free. Same goes for the Soundcraft ui16. If you like to save presets for rooms, and ensembles it comes in handy. However, I totally understand the need for more of an analog/tactile setup.

 

[jthisdell]

I play in two bands, both use Yamaha DBR powered speakers, one uses a Soundcraft digital mixer, the other a Soundcraft analog mixer. The analog is , at least to me, easier and less stressful to use, easier to make adjustments while playing

 

[dylanjohnson]

The x16 is router-free. Same goes for the Soundcraft ui16. If you like to save presets for rooms, and ensembles it comes in handy. However, I totally understand the need for more of an analog/tactile setup.

I'm familiar with the X16/18 and it seems everyone I know has to buy an external router because the internal wifi unit is so weak. I think they are truly amazing, though. If I was doing sound for a band I'd have one. I was talking to an engineer last night who was telling me that the Soundcraft stuff was a pain- doesn't work with docking station and has a bad app. Is that true?

 

[Ryan in PDX]

@Jason Sypher - I don't see any monitors, speaker stands, mic stands, XLR cables, mics, DIs, extension cables, power strips, cases, carry bags, dollies, etc. on your shopping list. These things add up fast (and not just monetarily). To rely on band mates to bring these things is to invite frustration, in my experience. Japanese culture and/or the level of musicians you get calls from might negate some of that risk.

It sounds like your goal is to mix ≥8 inputs, on an analog board, from the stage, while playing your DB. It's doable, but I don't enjoy or recommend it! I was doing 6-9 inputs for my folk trio's coffeehouse type gigs... using my phone with saved presets on a wireless digital rack mixer. It was light years better than analog, but still not ideal.

If you're just looking to add a little tiny bit of volume to supplement everyone's acoustic sound in a coffee shop, I would argue that the specifics of the mixer (e.g. "A&H has 'warmer preamps' than yamaha") are not going to matter, and agree that you can probably go ahead without worrying about surgical eq and whatnot.

For what it's worth, I did most of those folk trio gigs with a pair of QSC K10s, or else ran my mixer into the house system. Love the qsc stuff, but i'm only familiar with the K/KS/KLA lines. I haven't used their little sub either, but I believe the 212 can do cardioid with one box, which I would strongly recommend - if (and only if) you absolutely must have a sub.

I'm familiar with the X16/18 and it seems everyone I know has to buy an external router because the internal wifi unit is so weak. I think they are truly amazing, though. If I was doing sound for a band I'd have one. I was talking to an engineer last night who was telling me that the Soundcraft stuff was a pain- doesn't work with docking station and has a bad app. Is that true?

I have the soundcraft ui24r, which has been great for me for several years. The selling points (over the behringer/Midas minis) were multiply-redundant recording options and better hardware specs. Note that the ui12/16 are, in fact, complete garbage - the 24 was a new design with different hardware.

The included software is an html webpage, so it can be used by nearly any device with a browser. I like the software, but I now strongly prefer the "Mixing Station" app, which is incredible and works exactly the same across all the boards I regularly use (ui24r, A&H qu16, M32). I strongly recommend it for any board you go with.

The wireless hardware in a mixer is limited by the FCC. It works, but any external router will work better.

 

[Michael Drost]

I'm familiar with the X16/18 and it seems everyone I know has to buy an external router because the internal wifi unit is so weak. I think they are truly amazing, though. If I was doing sound for a band I'd have one. I was talking to an engineer last night who was telling me that the Soundcraft stuff was a pain- doesn't work with docking station and has a bad app. Is that true?

Makes sense! Just throwing out inexpensive options for Jason. I purchased a ui16 for our church and it has work flawlessly for two years. However, I have a sense the wireless connectivity and the browser based control might be finicky out in a real gigging situation. I bet your sound guy is on target with that assessment.

 

[Sam Reese]

I use QSC CP8s and an Allen & Heath CQ-20B. This is a pretty stealth rig. Small size/clean sound.