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Upping my rehearsal space PA game

Discussion in 'Live Sound [BG]' started by fourstr00, Jun 4, 2020.

  1. Jun 4, 2020 #1
    fourstr00

    fourstr00

    Mar 21, 2002
    Chicago Area
    One of the "plus" sides to COVID is that I finally got a chance to clear out the rehearsal space. I'm coming to the conclusion that the old PA system (Yamaha powered head, 2 12" 2-way speakers) needs a rethink. It's too large and the odd angles make for poor coverage, plus storing it is unsightly. I don't need anything screaming loud since we have low volume practice, but it'd also be nice to get:

    - Better coverage
    - Smaller footprint and storage
    - Modern I/O
    - The ability to take portions of the practice PA on shows for additional reinforcement

    I'd rather get something nice that's usable and relatively future-proof than get something cheap and compromise. Bands range from ethnic Irish, 70's prog, RnB, and singer-songwriter. Band sizes range from 3 to 8, "normal" rehearsal schedule means the room is in use maybe 2-3 days a week between all the groups. Would like to keep the budget below $1500.

    The current front runner is an X18 Air, with three QSC CP8s in the center of the room (one to the aux players, one to the singers, one to bass/drums). Totally open to other ideas or if I haven't thought of something.
     
  2. Jun 4, 2020 #2
    s0c9

    s0c9 Supporting Member

    Jan 9, 2014
    Ft.Worth/Dallas
    1964 Audio artist, Fractal Audio Beta Tester
    What size is the rehearsal space?
    Do you have acoustic drums?
    The CP8's are loud enough.. 1000w peak.. so you should be OK
     
  3. Jun 4, 2020 #3
    fourstr00

    fourstr00

    Mar 21, 2002
    Chicago Area
    Sorry, should have mentioned.

    Acoustic drums, usually with hot rods and not sticks. The space is approximately 700 square feet.
     
  4. Jun 10, 2020 #4
    musicman7722

    musicman7722

    Feb 12, 2007
    Hampton NH
    ArtechnikA likes this.
  5. Jun 12, 2020 #5
    MakoMan

    MakoMan

    Oct 17, 2011
    Ottawa, Canada
    You'll be more than fine with three CP8s and an x18 air. For the same price I myself might go with an XR18 for the portability factor, or use a less expensive analogue mixer for the rehearsal space, but that's just me. The CP8s also make fantastic stage monitors and are super light so you definitely have the 'ability to take portions of the practice PA on shows for additional reinforcement' covered with those speakers.
     
    fourstr00 likes this.
  6. Jun 12, 2020 #6
    Paulabass

    Paulabass

    Sep 18, 2017
    If you are replacing the mains anyway, try wedges in front of each payer. Room doesn't matter that way. We tend to think of rehearsal p.a. as a small concert, it's not, it's a stage, on stage we use wedges. With the switchover to in ears, sound companies are dumping wedges, and touring duty ones are selling cheaper than new boxes.
     
    todd burns, fourstr00 and ArtechnikA like this.
  7. Jun 12, 2020 #7
    fourstr00

    fourstr00

    Mar 21, 2002
    Chicago Area
    Thanks for the feedback everyone.

    I’m looking hard at the X32 rack as an upgrade, but I’m not sure I can justify the doubled cost for such a slim setup. We’re not using IEM for most of our gigs (trad Irish); I’ve never used more than 12 channels and 3 busses. Would the 18 be sufficiently future-proof or am I going to regret the missing features? I see it’s been debated endlessly.
     
  8. Jun 13, 2020 #8
    fourstr00

    fourstr00

    Mar 21, 2002
    Chicago Area
    Update: pulled the trigger on 3 QSC CP8s. The amp draw is so low that using them for additional monitoring is a no-brainer. Probably going to go with an XR18 for the eventual head, assuming I can find one in stock.

    Donating the PA to a church or school, soon as I can find a taker.
     
    DirtDog likes this.