Re: [Harp-L] PA systems

[Grant Walters <grant@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Having been involved with booking and providing small PA's for small clubs for many years...
I have made a few observations:

1) The Mackie PA 808S is very common, reliable and easy to sell, loan, understand...

( I wish I would have purchased the Stereo version 808S  (not 808M) because often ...Recorded music is played ..DJ..etc..  I think it may make a difference...)

Instead of making each band hump their own PA ..night after night...I've been encouraging ( with mixed results) having the clubs I work with provide this PA and two speakers. ( Two monitors are nice too)

The clubs that do this can pay slightly less for the band and the bands will book more willingly  if they know this is available...Professionals like this set up even, if they have their own PA.


2)  Small Speakers ...not great for vocals.

 After observing over 100 bands (with their various set ups)  over the past few years....One thing becomes crystal clear.

The requirements of providing speakers for small venues while on the road has caused most bands to use monitor size PA speakers on stands...as mains...

Most of these setups make even the most accomplished vocalist sound nasal...and the harmonies and nuances of acoustic instruments are lost....

The best sounding Bands, have decent size mains...
I worked with a truly great vocalist  for a time and he made us hump huge JBL's into the smallest clubs...I hated it...
Over time, we got addicted to the full sound, harmonies and nuances of the strings, flutes...acoustic harmonica...
We even used them in coffee shops...
small volume does not necessarily mean you need to sacrifice full range...

Of course, I agree with Tom Ball..
as the small set up  he uses will fit in your car.... and not break your back..
isn't that the first concern...

Just for kicks..., before you buy...try out the speakers...for Vocals...it makes a big difference...
PS:  I am thinking of giving my big speakers to the club I most often Play at...so l won't have to move and store them anymore.

Grant Walters..







On Jan 26, 2012, at 7:19 AM, Rick Davis wrote:

> I'm with Tom Ball on this.  I use an all-Mackie PA:  808M powered
> mixer, C300 mains, and C200 monitors.  It is compact, loud, and sounds
> beautiful.  For typical bar band gigs, this PA will fill any room.
> (Vocals, line out from harp amp, and kick drum)
> 
> I've tried Behringer and was disappointed. The Mackie system has
> lasted for years under heavy use with never a single issue.
> 
> -- 
> -Rick Davis
> The Blues Harp Amps Blog
> http://www.bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 8:04 AM, Timothy Kane <hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> I have mixed feelings on Behringer live sound products....my band used a 16 channel Behringer Harbinger mixer (having trouble remembering which exact model), and lemme suffice it to say, we no longer use Behringer products. That board was nothing but trouble. Channels continually went bad on it, the outputs also crapped out occaisionally, and the only way to get it fixed with the warranty stipulations was to ship it to a workshop in St. Louis, and that workshop usually had about a two-week turnaround. Our band not only plays at least two gigs every weekend, but our band leader also hosts two to three open jams with that equipment every week. I'd say if a Behringer unit is only gonna be used three or four times a month, then it might be okay. But in terms of durability and life in use, they're not all that great. Just my 2 cents....
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>                           Hawkeye Kane
>>                                                                                                  hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx
>>                                                                                                      Cell: (217)-741-7183
>>                                                                                                     www.hawkeyekane.com
>> 
>> 
> 
>