Small (portable?) PA Systems

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 05:10 PM

Hey Mick

Sounds like people like them or don't. I have a friend who swears by it and another who swears at it. My hearing is so bad that having it behind me or off to my left(good ear) creates too loud a situation for it to be used as a monitor as well as a main. (For me) and it creates sound shadows for a performer between the tower and me, the listener.

For a solo act like Seamus they may be great. But to carry a three piece band like mine we'd need two and the price would be prohibitive for us.

I like the Old Stand By config with a monitor out. Heavier but time tested.

Don

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 01:31 PM

One of the local bands solves the portability problem by having all their sound setup on a single cart so that it can all be rolled in with most of the hookup intact. Once you've got wheels under it, the weight is less of a problem, although it never goes away completely.

In the cases where I've seen the setup, they used "house speakers" that had a convenient plug-in point, and I would presume they had their own, carried separately, for when they were needed, but the speakers aren't usually the heavier lumps that need to be handled.

The cart they were using probably came from a music equipment supplier, but very much resembled a "service cart" of the kind found at restaurant equipment places, and the restaurant carts generally appeared to be sturdier, and had bigger wheels (a real advantage in gravel parking lots?) - and might be cheaper. "Restaurant stuff" also is usually heavily protected against corrosion so durability almost always is excellent.

A discussion with the sound guy (who happens to also be the banjoist) indicated that there was still a bit of difficulty lifting the cart in/out of their vehicle (a 2-person job), but I inferred that the physical size was the problem, rather than weight. I suggested looking at the ramps/lifts offered for transporting handicapped aids/equipment like wheelchairs or scooters; but I haven't seen him since to know whether he did take a look. Most semi-medical stuff is exhorbitantly overpriced, but once you know how they did it you can usually find a cheaper way to get it done.

Of course the sound/electrical stuff is probably best obtained from proper sources, but I'm an advocate for "unintended uses" of things that work better for my task than for the stuff it was "intended for" - as long as it does my job better. (Better almost always includes cheaper, but sometimes you can only get what you can pay for.)

John

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 03:31 PM

Bose were revolutionary when they first came out. Unssurpassed power and sound quality for that size system - though generally reckoned to be a bit missing in the lower end of the sound spectrum.

I think a lot of companies do cheap powerful small systems nowadays. And like all electrical stuff - the price has gone down.

Bose was the choice of very successful professionals in the 1970's/early 1980's in England, as it was very expensive. I think most people will have jumped ship by now, Mick.

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 04:41 PM

The 'Trolley' mou is not new - I used to see a guy doing solo pub gigs with an HH MA100 and a pair of HH 2 X 12 speakers all bolted together on a set of 4" Wheels . NOT the lightest of rigs , but he could get set up in about Five minutes .

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: RamblinStu
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 05:25 PM

Just like to add that I have used Yamaha 300 Stagepass for three years or so and have found it ticks all the right boxes for me.
Small enough to carry, easy to use and gives a good sound. Finally, it doesn't break the bank

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 05:31 PM

Have you noticed Stu, the yamaha trolley for the stagepass doubles the size and doubles the size of carspace you need accommodate it?

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: RamblinStu
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 06:06 PM

Yes the Bag is bigger but with the top hats on the speakers it makes it easier to carry
Still fits in my Toyota Yaris ok

Subject: RE: Small (portable?) PA Systems
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 06:18 PM

Well as long as there's still room for you.....