Some PA Advice needed - which system

[fastboy]

Hi Guys,

 

Looking to buy a PA for the band and it's been narrowed down to 2 (alternate suggestions appreciated). As a relative PA numpty, some advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

My thought process was either on the Mackie SRM's let them do all the FOH work without a powered mixer. The only reservations on this setup are that I've read a fair few reviews on them not being that great front of house and overheating and cutting out:

 

http://www.andertons.co.uk/ActivePAS...ands38Cabl.asp

 

Thought two on this Peavey system was it allows us to "grow" into it and that for larger venues, we can take the subs and for smaller venues leave the subs at home and just use the two 15's. I also like the fact it has things like built in feedback detection and lots of watts.

 

http://www.giggear.co.uk/p/Peavey-XR...ub-PA-Package/

 

Intended use is predominantly vocals for small to medium size venues (up to about 200 people) in pubs and clubs. On occassion, we do mic up the bass drum.

 

Thoughts / comments. Budget up to about

[GCDEF]

Neither of your links work.

 

The Mackie overheating problems are when they're on the floor. For mains, they work well. As far as I know, it's only the version 1s that overheat at all.

[fastboy]

Try again then:

 

http://www.andertons.co.uk/ActivePASpeakers/pid14420/cid627/2xMackieSRM450v2plusSoundcraftEFX8MixerwithStands38Cabl.asp

 

and

 

http://www.giggear.co.uk/p/Peavey-XR8600-Pro-15-Pro-Sub-PA-Package/

[Shaster]

I think I would ask myself how the Peavey system can provide an additional two subs for about the same price as the Mackie system.

 

I'm not a fan of powered mixers unless you never want to upgrade. Of course if you need more channels you would have to dump the unpowered mixer as well.

 

Anyway, I have no proof but I suspect the Mackie system will sound better (at least in the vocal range), and I'm not really a big Mackie fan. Do be aware that Mackie (Loud technologies) is experiencing some difficulties at the moment, this may or may not be a factor in your decision making.

 

Let's see what others say.

 

BTW any other options you've stumbled across?

[sickman]

If I was you I wouldn't buy either of those options. My knowledge is limited compared to just about everyone else on here, but there's no way that powered mixer is enough to power those speakers and subs. I think you could be very happy with the Mackie's, but you'll need atleast 12-16 channels. I'm not sure the exchange rate, but I think you could find a decent used mixer for $300.

 

I would consider picking up the Mackie's, looking for a decent deal on a 16 channel unpowered mixer, and picking up subs down the road. I'm in nearly the same boat as you and that's pretty much my plan. Although it will take more time to put together a complete system I won't ever *need* to upgrade what I am buying. Now, I may *want* to, but that's another story.

[dedmeet]

Honestly, I would concur and say "none of the above."

 

I do not see how the Peavey system could safely operate as all the cabs are 4ohms. Even if you ran Top+sub on each amp channel, you are below the safe impedance rating for the amps in the head IIRC.

 

Perhaps two of these:

 

http://www.giggear.co.uk/p/Peavey-PR12P-Powered-Speaker/

 

And one of these:

 

http://www.giggear.co.uk/p/Peavey-PV14-Mixer/

 

Maybe add a powered sub of your choice.

 

You can add two more PR12Ps later for monitors. Scrounge up a snake, some used EQs, mics, and stands and you will have decent setup for most indoor 50-75 people gigs unless you need stupid loud volumes.

 

Just my $0.02.