Mixing Desk and Speakers

[jimuc]

Hi All,

I am considering going over to a mixing desk and powered speakers instead of an amp.

Running lead, rhythm and bass through the mixer and at other times backing tracks if playing solo.

Would be interested to hear members comments and suggestions as to equipment.............pros and cons please.

Many thanks,
Jim

[Garystrat]

Hi Jim

We use a Yamaha Stage-Pas 500 at SWSC, this is an all in one solution that may worth auditioning given your requirements. The quality of sound is excellent, we use it for backing tracks, live band vocals and keyboards.

The kit comprises of two speakers with a small mixer/amp that resides in the back of one of the speakers for transport, there is a separately available suitcase sized case for transportation. If this proves to be too heavy it is possible to pack and remove a speaker at time to take them in and out of venues or loading at home.

A few meetings ago one of our members put an iPad with amp emulation app through it and it was pretty impressive (VOX AC30), if we had one of our AC 30's go down this would certainly be a viable backup.

They also do a 300 watt version for small venues, one of the reviewers states on this thread that it cuts out at all his parties for an hour. We did get that at one of our Christmas functions, but this was once in over a two year period, it was very loud indeed and re-set under ten minutes. The protection cuts in when it exceeds limits that are likely to cause damage.

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/live_sou ... gepas_500/

Hope this helps

Regards

Gary

[Jay Bass]

With ref to the yamaha stagepas systems
our keyboard player tried the 300watt version
and found it underpowered.probably due to the speaker size 300 only has 8" speakers
The 500 has 10" speakers , neither would be able to handle live bass guitar or kick drum very well at gig level.
instead he went for a yamaha 300watt powered mixer and mackie 12" passive cabs
a far better set up all round, power and clarity.

regards
Jay

[dave robinson]

These budget systems are good to a point, but you get what you pay for.
I went for the Dynacord desk and Logic 1000watt powered speakers - 15" and horn. I did buy the powered sub 15" 1000 watt to compliment the system and it fills a 500 seater theatre no problem. Not cheap though.

Dynacord do a small 600watt PowerMate, same quality and the best on the market sound-wise, again up-market but means never having to say 'sorry'. My motto is 'if you buy cheap, you buy twice', but they do crop up on Ebay.

[jimuc]

Hi Gary, Jay and Dave.

Thanks for your replies, you have certainly given me plenty of options and food for thought.

Regards,
Jim