The "standard" for P A systems

[LiveMusic]

Probably an impossible question to answer. But I'll ask anyway.

 

The Bose PAS has gained a lot of favor for people but for a small band, that would be quite expensive if you had to buy multiple systems for the band.

 

What would you consider to be an outstanding system for a small band? Say, a 4-piece... two guitars, bass and drums.

 

As for price, less than $4,000, preferably less than $3,000. Mixer, two speakers, monitors, whatever you would consider that people generally think is a good system.

[BlueStrat]

 

Originally posted by LiveMusic Probably an impossible question to answer. But I'll ask anyway. The Bose PAS has gained a lot of favor for people but for a small band, that would be quite expensive if you had to buy multiple systems for the band. What would you consider to be an outstanding system for a small band? Say, a 4-piece... two guitars, bass and drums. As for price, less than $4,000, preferably less than $3,000. Mixer, two speakers, monitors, whatever you would consider that people generally think is a good system.

 

 

I got my PA for this much:

 

2 used JBL 18" subs, 300 bucks.

@ new JBL 15/horns from MF, 500 bucks.

1 new QSC 1450 power amp. MF, 400 bucks

1 new QSC 850 power amp. MF, 300 bucks

1 new Mackie CFX-20 board, MF, 900 ( I had a 7 piece band then)

2 used EV monitors, 12/horns, 300 bucks

1 new DBX crossover, 150 bucks

assorted cables 150 bucks.

Used 6 space rack, 50 bucks

 

Grand total, $3,050.00

 

You could buy a decent system with less stuff for about 1.5-2 k.

 

All told,

[SunRaFan]

The live sound forum is probably a better place to post or search.

 

You can do good quality with your budget, but not what I would call outstanding.

 

As Bluestrat's post shows, being on the lookout for good used deals is a big help. I wish I was able to find a used rack case for $50.

[SeeU 22]

It depends on the size gigs you will be doing and what kind of volume levels you expect to get.

 

Do you have mics and stands already?

 

How long term is this project. PA systems are a hefty investment and you really get what you pay for. Often you are best to buy quality gear and add as your budget allows.

 

What type of music are you playing?

 

Bluestrat has a decent little system he put together their, but there are no mics, stands, DI's, etc. on that list either. With out knowing the model numbers I can comment on how many people his system would cover, but it should do for smaller clubs.

 

Neil

[BlueStrat]

 

Originally posted by SeeU 22 It depends on the size gigs you will be doing and what kind of volume levels you expect to get. Do you have mics and stands already? How long term is this project. PA systems are a hefty investment and you really get what you pay for. Often you are best to buy quality gear and add as your budget allows. What type of music are you playing? Bluestrat has a decent little system he put together their, but there are no mics, stands, DI's, etc. on that list either. With out knowing the model numbers I can comment on how many people his system would cover, but it should do for smaller clubs. Neil

 

 

In my band, everyone owns their own mics and stands. And the horn players each owned their own monitor.

 

My pA would (and has) done well in in up to 300 seat venues, any larger than that I wouldn't use it.

[AunShui]

The general math, wattage wise, is about 10 or 15 watts per audience member.

 

Of course, that depends on alot of things, including:

 

1) The type of room. A concert hall, for example, will sound much better and louder with one system than with the same system in an outdoor environment.

 

2) What people will be doing: if you want to play some smooth background jazz, 2 powered speakers for vocals and maybe some drums and a monitor or 2 will do well; a large concert requires much more than that. Basically, are people there to hear the band in their seats, hear the band and come to the dance floor, or hear the band in the background while holding conversation?

 

3) Seperate monitor mix and main mix, or just one mixer feeding everything?

 

4) What type of music? Obviously, you will need some different things for a death metal band than you will for a country group, even if its just a matter of adding another subwoofer or buying a bigger power amp.

 

It is alot to consider, but the good news is that you can start from the bottom and keep adding on. You can do pretty well for a medium club gig for 4 grand, and you can add on or sell off as needed.

[Roy Brooks]

I have a Carvin PA620 200 watt six channel head and a couple cabinets with 12" speakers in each. It gets the job done for small rooms. Most places too big for that PA provide a PA.