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#1783356 - 07/17/07 11:35 PM PA Systems
OncomingLights
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Registered: 07/17/07
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Hey all, I'm looking into buying a PA system to sing out of. I just need 2 vocal lines in and out. Im thinking of going with powered speakers, however, I dont know how much wattage I need. Currently my band doesnt mic our amps or drums becaues we will only be playing small venues (were still new). So anyways I just need something basically to compete with drums for loudness.

Also, what type of mixer should I get into?
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#1783495 - 07/18/07 10:13 AM Re: PA Systems [Re: OncomingLights]
NUTT
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Registered: 11/13/03
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Loc: Houston

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What kind of budget do you have?

My small PA system used for band practice and small gigs is a mixer, poweramp and monitors. The mixer will also allow me to hook up multiple poweramps if I want to exand to a larger setup.

I paid roughly the following:

Yamaha MG 12/4 Mixer ~ $150
Peavey PV1500 power amp ~ $400
Soundtech 15" monitors ~ $200 used
Assorted cabling ~ $100

So basically, I spent about $650 on my small PA setup and it is expandable.

You can get a smaller mixer for less money (avoid Behringer like the plague). I decided on getting more inputs than I currently need which will allow me to add more vocals & instruments in the future. I'd say make sure you have 4 XLR inputs (the Peavey PV8 might work well).

For a poweramp definitely buy used (I didn't and should have). 1,000 watts is enough. Stick to known brands like Peavey, Crown, Carvin & QSC. You should be able to find a suitable amp for $200 or so.

Speakers are an entirely different thing. The one's I have basically fell into my lap. I liked them and bought them for a great price.

A powered speaker setup is not likely to meet your needs if you have drums, bass, guitars, etc unless you are willing to spend a lot of cash.
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#1784124 - 07/19/07 02:40 PM Re: PA Systems [Re: NUTT]
OncomingLights
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Registered: 07/17/07
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thanx \:\)
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#1784771 - 07/20/07 08:32 PM Re: PA Systems [Re: NUTT]
paully
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Registered: 05/25/04
Posts: 1028
Loc: Northern New Jersey

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 Originally Posted By: NUTT
A powered speaker setup is not likely to meet your needs if you have drums, bass, guitars, etc unless you are willing to spend a lot of cash.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Agreed. Two other problems.

Speakers and amps are 2 different animals. With a powered speaker setup, if one part blows up, you loose the use of the other. With discreet components, it's much easier (and cheaper) to substitute components in an emergency.

Also, an unpowered speaker is a LOT lighter, and easier to maneuver.

Paul
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#1800827 - 08/26/07 09:08 PM Re: PA Systems [Re: paully]
Dr. Ellwood
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Registered: 06/07/02
Posts: 15674
Loc: MoTown

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 Originally Posted By: paully
 Originally Posted By: NUTT
A powered speaker setup is not likely to meet your needs if you have drums, bass, guitars, etc unless you are willing to spend a lot of cash.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Agreed. Two other problems.

Speakers and amps are 2 different animals. With a powered speaker setup, if one part blows up, you loose the use of the other. With discreet components, it's much easier (and cheaper) to substitute components in an emergency.

Also, an unpowered speaker is a LOT lighter, and easier to maneuver.

Paul


+1
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#1830100 - 10/25/07 10:49 AM Re: PA Systems [Re: Dr. Ellwood]
audiorulez
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Registered: 06/20/07
Posts: 493

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If you manage your stage volume properly, and don't bring the marshall stack to the 100 seat club, a pair of powered speakers such as the Mackie 450's or JBL Eons will do you just fine.

AFA the separate components vs powered speakers, if your mixing board goes, then you're screwed, if your power amp blows, you're screwed, the only savings is if one speaker blows you still have one speaker.

Powered speakers are very reliable, as much as separate components, and far easier to transport and set up.

If you want to deafen the audience then you'll need more, but if you want to deliver quality sound with good dynamics then a pair of powered speakers and a small mixer will do fine for smaller venues.
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