| Author | Message | ||
| robinc
Intermediate Member Username: robinc Post Number: 147 Registered: 5-2008 |
Greetings all, I'm on the hunt for a PA setup that can accommodate my band. We really only need about 6-10 inputs for mics/micing acoustic instruments, the amplified instruments can go through their own amps and drums are loud as hell anyway so no need to worry about that just yet. Powered mixer or mixer and power amp, it makes no difference to me, so long as it can handle restaurant/bar gigs and small (200-400) outdoor venues. We already have two speaker stands, just need cabs to put on them. There seem to be a lot of different options out there. I've been watching cl for the past few days and I've seen a lot of units that looked like they could work, but in the interest of doing my homework and not ending up with a piece of sh!t I bring my enquiries to the forum. Any advice on gear to jump on or steer clear of would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! | ||
| jerryme
Member Username: jerryme Post Number: 87 Registered: 1-2008 |
www.carvin.com www.musiciansdiscountwarehouse.com | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3762 Registered: 7-2004 |
Robin: A few years ago I got rid of my big rack P.A. and bought a Mackie 808s. One of the best moves I've made. Small and relatively light, it has two 600 watt amps that can either run both mains and monitors or, for larger venues or outdoors, I can run the mains with 600 watts to each side and take a monitor send off the Mackie to a separate power amp. I LOVE this thing. It's more than adequate for every situation where I've had to schlepp the P.A. For bigger situations, there's usually a P.A. already there. Bill, tgo | ||
| terrace
New Username: terrace Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2008 |
Yorkville & Yamaha make great gear that's just about bulletproof.The Yorkville "Powermax" board has 4 internal poweramps and great patching abilities. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1272 Registered: 2-2005 |
You didn't give a budget. Look at the Allen & Heath MixWizard boards. They are very highly thought of in the small format mixer arena. The 12:2 has 8 XLR mike inputs and built in effects. The 14:4:2 has 10 XLR mike inputs and no effects but a 4 channel bus. The 16:2 has 16 XLR mike inputs and built in effects (this is what I use). If you decide to add subs later on you can drive them through Aux 6 (i.e. Aux fed subs) Aux 1-4 are great for monitor mixes. Match this up with some self powered speakers like JBL's PRX or QSC HPR series. This should give you a pretty decent small system that can easily be expanded to subs and monitors later. It would also be a good idea to look at and search the ProSoundWeb forums. They have all types of discussions about PA's and equipment in the LAB Lounge. Keith | ||
| crobbins
Advanced Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 335 Registered: 6-2004 |
This is what I use..  | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3763 Registered: 7-2004 |
Looks a lot like my Mackie.  Bill, tgo | ||
| mike1762
Advanced Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 301 Registered: 1-2008 |
I have a Phonic Helix 24 MKII mixer. It is rack-mountable and has FireWire output; therefore, it's a decent back-up for my studio set-up. If you don't already have digital recording capability, this would kill 2 birds w/1 stone. My speakers are powered Behringer EUROLIVE B415DSPs. They are bi-amped at 600-Watts with a 15" woofer and a 1.75" titanium driver... very loud (but heavy). | ||
| crobbins
Advanced Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 337 Registered: 6-2004 |
Mackie makes good board. I have a 1640 onyx with the firewire card in my home studio... | ||
| crobbins
Advanced Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 338 Registered: 6-2004 |
Double post oops.  (Message edited by CRobbins on April 29, 2009) | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 800 Registered: 11-2004 |
JBL make some good powered speaker units, the last band I was used them, we were steered clear of the Mackie stuff as the grills were 15" but the drivers were 12". The JBL Aon had 15" drivers in them and were plenty powerful for small venues. Having said that it may be different for you USA guys | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2319 Registered: 3-2004 |
The 808s is a great choice. If you need a few more channels for whatever reason, you can slave a cheap mini-mixer to one of the stereo channels. Most gigs, mono with 600 watts for the mains and 600 for the monitors is plenty. Alternately, Mackie makes a larger version called the PPM1012 that looks even better if you want to deal with transport. As for cabs, I like neo speakers for transportability. If you have the budget, JBL gets high grades for the EON line. If not, Peavey has a cab that can be picked up for $200 a piece. If you're thinking about powered cabs, you should consider the weight in throwing them up on the stands. It's why I opted for the powered mixer alternative. As a side note, my bass rig runs through a QSC 24xx power amp. I only need one side, so the other side can back up or augment the PA if more power is needed. | ||
| robinc
Intermediate Member Username: robinc Post Number: 151 Registered: 5-2008 |
This unit http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-PMP2000E1220-PA-Package?sku=630219 is available to me used. He is asking $650. Anyone had any experience with it? Seems to have gotten strong reviews... | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2338 Registered: 2-2006 |
I've had nothing but bad experiences with Behringer PA gear. The boards are noises and not very durable. While their price is very enticing you get what you pay for. OO | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2325 Registered: 3-2004 |
Based upon their past history, I would never buy anything Behringer for a critical application. They're fine for a home practice amp or even something I might use for home recording, but I wouldn't gig any of their stuff without a backup. | ||
| kimberly
Advanced Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 312 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Robin, What Olie says about Behringer. Hate to talk bad, but I tried to 'cheap out' a couple of years ago and went through through three of their powered mixers in about two months, the last which died on a gig. Granted I've seen a few that seem to be bullet proof, but that's the exception based on my experience. Then there's their supposed 'power ratings'. I have no idea how they calculated their watts per channel, but overly optimistic is an understatement. ;) Buyer beware. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1276 Registered: 2-2005 |
I would stay away from Behringer new or used for all of the reasons stated and then some. You are better off spending a little more for true Pro audio. Keep in mind the old adage, "buy once, cry once". Why don't you give us an idea of your budget and maybe folks can be more specific. Keith | ||
| robinc
Intermediate Member Username: robinc Post Number: 152 Registered: 5-2008 |
well! This is precisely why I love this forum. Thanks for the advice, everyone! | ||
| robinc
Intermediate Member Username: robinc Post Number: 153 Registered: 5-2008 |
keith, another one of my favorites is "buy cheap, buy twice". good advice to keep in mind/ | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3780 Registered: 7-2004 |
Behringer: the Yugo of sound equipment. Bill, tgo | ||
| paulman
Advanced Member Username: paulman Post Number: 369 Registered: 2-2005 |
We have a couple Bose PS-1's for our backline. They work kick ass but are not a wallet friendly purchase. No like Behringer, heap bad medicine. Roger (TTK) |
