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Any pub bands using a Line Array PA?


ben604
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Hello,

Is anyone using a Line Array PA at all? Just having another look at PAs...

We did run through one in the Cavern Pub in Liverpool a few years ago...we were the first band to use it and we'd killed the left channel with just vocals and a bit of guitar before the end of the first 45 minute set...

Ta,
Ben

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[quote name='ben604' timestamp='1421884735' post='2666349']...we'd killed the left channel with just vocals and a bit of guitar before the end of the first 45 minute set...
[/quote]

Surely not simply because it was a line array..? An amp or X-over can go bad in any rig, I'd have thought..?
Can't help for pubs and clubs, or even concert halls; the only ones I've used were suspended for festivals (and were very good, too...).

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I use a Bose L1 Model II with 2x B2 bass bins and ToneMatch mixer. This is for my country trio - but only for the 2 vocal mics. The drums are not mic'ed up, and guitar and bass just use backline amps.

We are generally playing in social clubs or village halls, but we have done a couple of gigs in pubs. I generally position the line array to one side of the stage area, pointing at the diagonally opposite corner of the room. We are then in the same 'sound field' as the audience, so the PA also acts as our foldback - no separate wedge monitors needed. The system works really well, to the point that I now look at the room, set the master volume accordingly, and off we go. I have the ToneMatch on a little tray clamped to my mic stand (not hanging off the line array as shown in the picture).

The whole setup cost about £2,900 four years ago, and weighs only 50kg (less than many conventional PA subs). It has more than paid for itself.

Last year we played a C&W festival where each band brought their own PA (I know!). We were on a flatbed trailer, playing to a field full of people. A friend told me he could clearly hear everything at the far end of the field!

In the past I have owned 'big-box' PAs (or shares in them) - never again!

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[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1421914259' post='2666437']
I have seen a couple of local bands using them and I don't think they offer that much more over traditional set-ups, sound-wise, but the logistical benefits are obvious.
[/quote]

So obvious that I have no idea what they might be!

What's the thinking ... turn up at the pub really early and suspend stacks of small speakers from the ceiling between the dartboard and the door to the toilets?

:lol:

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[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1421922934' post='2666564']
So obvious that I have no idea what they might be!

What's the thinking ... turn up at the pub really early and suspend stacks of small speakers from the ceiling between the dartboard and the door to the toilets?

:lol:
[/quote]

Naooo! Compact Line Array, like this:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep13/articles/hk-elements.htm

or this:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug12/articles/mackie-hda.htm

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Not true line away those systems but work on a similar principle.... You would get no benefit using line array in a pub as the place would be far too small. You need a decent size venue to use correctly. Think Theatre size!

Were currently using a Dynacord VA-array system which works very well.

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[quote name='ben604' timestamp='1421942224' post='2666911']
Naooo! Compact Line Array, like this:

[url="http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep13/articles/hk-elements.htm"]http://www.soundonso...hk-elements.htm[/url]

or this:

[url="http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug12/articles/mackie-hda.htm"]http://www.soundonso.../mackie-hda.htm[/url]
[/quote]

Closest I get to that is http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Fishman-SA220-SoloAmp-Portable-Active-PA---Backline-Speaker/B9Y?origin=product-ads&utm_campaign=PLA+Shop+-+Fishman&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgroup=*Fishman.+All+Products&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=14614d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=42117864553&gclid=CjwKEAiA3IKmBRDFx-P_rLyt6QUSJACqiAN83kxIs2AifcD_SCN_8PYrdgA-K4abu6Z3pPlPNZ0uzxoC_fbw_wcB

Works very well for King Ralph and other semi-acoustic stuff, but that's not really what you're asking about.

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We used the HK Elements with 2 subs and 4 top modules, and it wasn't enough so we
moved on.
We are a loud band and was used to QSCKW12 tops and it couldn't compete with that.

However, we never ran both with the same Mackie mixer and when we started to look at that,
we kind of thought the prorblem was less with the Elements and more with the mixer which
we moved on. It would work well enough but didn't seem to have the seperation between the channels
which is a problem common to those types, IME and feedback was the issue.

I would say we had high hopes of the Elements but wouldn't go back and waste time checking them out
for our uses, but I liked the compactness of them, they were very simple and quick to run up and the sound
decent enough if you were reasonable with your expectations.
I would think they would suit an acoustic set-up with a bit of electrification very well...and be great for that in a small pub.

Pretty expensive way of doing things..I think a 1200 system with 2 subs would be £2400...-ish but for the sheer size,
it could suit some bands.
Not for your pub rocker band tho.

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When i saw "line array" in the title I was immediately thinking of this.

[URL=http://s970.photobucket.com/user/gelfin5959/media/6774_122240341099_737856099_2312812_2653897_n_zpsc3zdvhln.jpg.html][IMG]http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae181/gelfin5959/6774_122240341099_737856099_2312812_2653897_n_zpsc3zdvhln.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

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  • 4 months later...

Yeah strictly speaking the Bose style columns aren't line array speakers but a line source. The thing is that having the speakers behind the mics will give you feedback problems at higher sound levels than having them out of the mics sensitive spots. because they have a better controlled directional response and a more even response than horns they give you a few more dB (or gain before feedback) than conventional speakers but they don't perform magic and the sound levels you can get away with are limited compared with a conventional system. I used them once and it's nice to hear what the audience hear and have no need for separate monitors but once the drums kick in they don't really cut it. Good for acoustic acts.

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  • 1 month later...

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