[Harp-L] PA Systems

[Bob McCarton <bluesrev@xxxxxxxxx>]

I own a portable PA set-up that's similar in ways to the system described
by Grant Walters. I put mine together "low budget" but am very pleased with
the results. My situation was all about monies, or the lack of monies.
I had already owned LARGE speakers that a DJ buddy had given to me but they
were really too big, standing over 4 feet on caster wheels. Lots of sound
but heck, I'm the one that has to move this system, plus, I'm the harp
player. I should only have to carry a small amp and my harp case. LOL

Use LARGE diameter speakers. Don't short your self. 12" is fine but 15" is
better. Withthe economy being so poor, there are bargains out there.

What I did was investigate powered 15" speakers and decided to purchase a
pair of TAPCO's. What a deal I got because the store was discontinuing this
line. Inexpensive Mackie speakers but they work fine.

Depending on the venue and the amount of musicians that were going through
the board, determined what mixer I would use.

A friend of mine loaned me four Galaxy 8" powered speakers to be used for
monitors but I didn't like them. Too small. I already had a 100 watt power
amp so I purchased four Kustom 12" monitors. BEAUTIFUL. Not only my band
mates but other "professional" musicians were very satisfied with the
system, especially the monitors.

Presently, the entire system is used in one venue. I am fortunate in that
the places my band plays there are PA systems available for us to use.
I have since added a used Peavey 18" powered sub-woofer to my PA system.
BINGO.

The only thing I will change when I get some "extra cash" is to purchase
15" powered speakers in wood cabinets. They have a warmer sound in my
opinion.

If my band hits the road again and plays in parks and church parking lots
like we used to, I would use a small mixing board and bring the TAPCO's.

In the twenty years that I've been playing out, this systems works good and
the audiences never complained about not being able to understand the
vocals through the system.

Good luck and don't be afraid to experiment.
Rev. Bob McCarton
Breakin' The Bondage Blues Band
www.bfour.org
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