pa system

[MWCarr]

I apologize if this topic has already been discussed. I'm looking for a sound system to be used by a group that would consist of guitar, mando and fiddle...some vocals and some use for music for square dances and small shows. I need something portable but dependable. There might be occasions when we would be working to one condenser mic. Cost is a factor, but quality and reliability are the first priorities.

[jim_n_virginia]

Mackie 808M is what i use. 1200 watts very loud. Easy to set up and very portable.

I'm saving up for the Bose Personal Amplification system. It is an awesome sounding system.

[dasspunk]

Oddly, I just went through this. I looked at everything and decided on the following:

Mackie dfx12 mixer (http://www.zzounds.com/item--MACDFX12) - $240
Peavey pr110p powered speakers (http://www.zzounds.com/item--PEVPR110P) - $320ea

I only got one speaker so far (test the waters) but they should be here soon... I'll let you know how they sound if you'd like...

Now, why? Well, I found most of the powered mixers are underpowered and all but the Mackie, do not have separate gain/volume. This is a deal breaker for me. I also found all but the Peavey speakers to be underpowered... and way more expensive. Plus it came down to size... I want everything SMALL!!!

As for power, you have to do the math. Ohms... PA speakers are normally 8ohm. For example, the Mackie 808 pushes 300W to an 8ohm speaker from each side (mono). Two 8ohm speakers create a 4ohm load. Running two speakers off of one side of the 808 would run at 450W. This is very respectable...

Now, my little (cute) Peavey speakers are 270W (bi-amped). Bi-amped speakers are more efficaint and a good idea but IMHO, it's not the end of the world if to go the other way... but my little Peaveys should be just as loud as other speakers hooked to the 808.

Here's another little rule for you... to get 3db more out of your system (noticeably louder), you need to double your power. Eg. the difference between 500W and 600W is not percievable (but more power does help headroom (less feedback)).

Now, I was also looking at the Mackie 808 and the non-powered Peavey pr110 but I opted the other way. I think this would be a fine way to go as well...

Other things to keep in mind:
- Phantom power - if you're gonna be running condenser mics (like me)
- Powered speakers require power! You'll need to run power and lines to them
- Wall warts... I hate 'em. I like internal power supplies

[Steve G]

We use a Yamaha EMX 860, a 1/3 octive EQ loop, two Yamaha SV115 mains, and four 10" Fender monitors. We mic everything with Sure sm57s and 58s. It works real nice for us.

[BluegrassPhilfromFrance]

Hello,
With my trio (guitars,mandolins, octave & banjo + vocals),we've been using the HK Audio Lucas XT and it is the best quality/price PA you can find on the market today,in my opinion. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[BluegrassPhilfromFrance]

Here is a picture of the system http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[mmukav]

We use the Mackie 406-6 channel--500 watts--and for our trio it works great--if we're doing a bigger place we run all 500 watts to the mains and use a seperate power amp for monitors. Very dependable, sounds great. We use JBL Eon-16's for speakers.