PA Advice

[wildman]

Can I please tap the collective experience of you guys regarding PA systems. My band is starting to take off and we are looking for a PA system for small pub/marquee type gigs with 100-200 people max. The backline isnt enough for this kind of venue and we know its going to be a real struggle to get the vocals heard over the guitars.

Are there any ground rules/pitfalls we should be aware of and as a rough guide, how much power do people have, bearing in mind that we would probably hire in for the larger venues as they are more one-offs.

Best John

[BOD2]

Ok, you've specified the venue size you're aiming for - that's good. What you also need to think about is -

1. Do you want the whole band through the PA - if not, then which instruments ?
2. In connection with (1) above - how many inputs do you need ?
3. Will you need monitoring ?
4. How are you going to move the PA from gig to gig (this impacts on size) ?
5. What budget do you have ?

These things are more boring than talking about gear but it's worth planning them out first - plus it'll help people here give more accurate recommendations.

[wildman]

[quote name='BOD2' post='139401' date='Feb 13 2008, 11:50 AM']Ok, you've specified the venue size you're aiming for - that's good. What you also need to think about is -

1. Do you want the whole band through the PA - if not, then which instruments ?
2. In connection with (1) above - how many inputs do you need ?
3. Will you need monitoring ?
4. How are you going to move the PA from gig to gig (this impacts on size) ?
5. What budget do you have ?

These things are more boring than talking about gear but it's worth planning them out first - plus it'll help people here give more accurate recommendations.[/quote]

Fair points.

1. Do you want the whole band through the PA - if not, then which instruments ?
Vocals, Keys (possibly) and Acoustic guitar(s), backline for the rest.
2. In connection with (1) above - how many inputs do you need ?
8 at a guess.
3. Will you need monitoring ?
Not sure, thought the backline would suffice, but come to think of it, the vocals will need to be folded back.
4. How are you going to move the PA from gig to gig (this impacts on size) ?
Family car(s).
5. What budget do you have ?
Not much idea of what money buys in this space yet, say £500-£1000

[warwickhunt]

Consider this;

Get 2 more inputs than you think you'll ever need... I guarantee you'll not have enough.

Get double the power than you think is enough... headroom is the be all and end all.

Get a desk with phantom power... it does no harm if you don't need it but it's a pain in the backside if you get condenser mics for the kit and you don't have it.

As a guide our 4 piece (drums, bass, guitar, singer) band play similar venues and we have a 1200 watt power amp, 12 channel desk (we only ever have 1 channel spare), 1x15 full range speakers (to be replaced) on stands (+effects, monitor etc). We manage fine but probably wouldn't want to go out with much less.

[BOD2]

Ok - that information is helping to build up a picture.

You have three basic choices -

1. active speakers and a mixing desk
2. passive speakers and a powered mixing desk
3. passive speakers, a power amp and a mixing desk

Choices 1 and 3 are probably the easiest and quickest to setup (less wiring up to do) but all are capable of the same sound.

You're probably looking at a MINIMUM of 300 Watts RMS per side (600W total) but you'd be better aiming for 500-600 Watts per side (1000W to 1200W total).

8 inputs -> probably best to look at a 10 or 12 channel mixer (i.e. one that actually has 10/12 channel faders). Most of these will come with some form of AUX output which would allow for controlling monitors.

You'll probably want reverb on the vocals so look for a mixer with built-in FX, otherwise you'll need a separate FX unit.

With the inputs you describe you probably don't need sub-woofers (although you need to watch out for the keyboards).

A pair of good 12 inch or 15 inch full-range speakers should do the job.

Mackie SRM450s plus a 12-channel mixer would be ideal, but might blow your budget unless you get a good s/h deal.

Maybe try a little research on the above points to get familiar with what's out there, then monitor this thread to see what other feedback you get.

[King Tut]

I must recommend Wharfedale Titan 12's if you're going for passive speakers. These are amazingly light and sound very pokey. We use them ( Rock covers trio) regularly for small venues - or medium venues if they don't want it too loud. We even put kick drum through them - OK you'll not get earth shattering bass but it's OK. Got mine in Sound Control Milton keynes for around £220 for the pair.

Been gigging them for at least a year with no probs (touch wood) - driven by a yamaha powered mixer.