Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Dazza1004 on July 20, 2007, 11:18:10 AM

Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: Dazza1004 on July 20, 2007, 11:18:10 AM
The band I play in are looking for a PA for pub gigs, I have a basic requirement for what it needs to do.

2 Vocal inputs (main and backing vocals)
Mic’ing for 2 guitars and bass

That’s pretty much it, it would be nice if it has some effects for the vocal like delay, reverb. I would like to spend in the region of £600 (not including mics) but I could probably go to £1000 if necessary.

I know absolutely nothing about this sort of stuff (I don’t even know what power rating we should be looking at for these size gigs)

Can someone recommend me a complete system, I am happy to buy 2nd hand if necessary?

Thanks in advance
Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: HTH AMPS on July 20, 2007, 11:39:20 AM
I've seen loads of bands with those active Mackie PAs... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MACKIE-SRM450-SRM-450-Active-PA-Speaker-400-W-Pair-NEW_W0QQitemZ330146821849QQihZ014QQcategoryZ23794QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Watch out for used ones for a better deal.  My old band used to have the big daddy versions of these and they were phenominal... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mackie-SA1232Z-active-PA-speaker-each-ex-display_W0QQitemZ250078118962QQihZ015QQcategoryZ47094QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

for a mixer, try a used Mackie desk like this... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mackie-DFX-12-Superb-Quality-Live-Sound-Mixer_W0QQitemZ300130444641QQihZ020QQcategoryZ23785QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I used to run a Mackie 1604 desk and it was great - reliable, punchy and lots of routing options.  If I bought another one I'd go with the one listed about as it's got some effects and is geared towards live sound.

 :twisted:
Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: Dazza1004 on July 20, 2007, 11:42:24 AM
excellent, thanks very much for the info.

Can those SRM450's handle having the bass put through them as well ?
Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: jt on July 20, 2007, 01:17:47 PM
:D You  might want to look at getting a combined mixer/power amp. There are plenty around, most are digital & all come with inbuilt FX units providing Reverb, Delay etc. They also have FX send & returns available so you can patch in additional FX. They will be able to cope with all manner of instruments, including Bass.

Your going to need good mics & dont forget stands as well. The Industry standard is Shure SM 57 for instrument Mic`ing & Shure SM 58 for vocals. There are other makes out there but make sure they are at least as good as the 2 i`ve mentioned.

When using the P.A with my lot we`ve found mic`ing the Bass Drum & vocals to be best with everything else unmic`d. Guitar & Bass amps are plenty load enough on there own you dont really need to mic`em espiecially in small venues [ 100 - 200 people] although i do run my PodXt through the P.A system.

Remeber you`ll need to get speaker leads as well [ dont skimp on money when it comes to leads] & a good compresser/limiter unit would help you out also.

 :D  8)
Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: 38thBeatle on July 20, 2007, 07:12:06 PM
In addition to the advice above, also consider getting some monitors so that you ca hear what is being sung-the general rule being to keep the speakers in front of the mic's to avoid feedback. You could have passive and/or active monitors and there is generally an output for the monitors and the signal level for each channel can be adjusted to suit.
Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: _tom_ on July 20, 2007, 11:46:05 PM
Well we use a Behringer mixer/power amp, 2 big JBL speaker cabinets and 2 carlsbro powered monitors. I didnt pay for any of it, but apparently it all cost around a grand if I remember right.. Fairly cheap for a PA I suppose, but it works really well and sounds fine to me.
Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: PhilKing on July 22, 2007, 04:15:16 PM
Look at Ohm speakers (from just outside Manchester).  They do a full range 2X15 with horn and a pair will cover most gigs.  Get a powered mixer with effects and you will be away.  The only other thing that you might want is a feedback suppressor, they work very well, especially if you don't have someone mixing.
Title: PA recommendations need
Post by: lifted on July 22, 2007, 07:32:34 PM
Check out www.carvin.com  they have quality stuff for pa