Tech: Need Recommendations for Sound System

Subject: Tech: Need Recommendations for Sound System
From: GUEST,Dr Sky
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 10:36 AM

Our folk group of 4 wants to buy a sound system and we don't know much about it. We're planning on getting an 8 channel powered mixer and speakers that will work in a 75x75 room. What features and products should we look for? We play acoustic guitar, mandolin, and harmonica. Any knowledge or experience will be appreciated!

Subject: RE: Tech: Need Recommendations for Sound System
From: mandotim
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 11:05 AM

My recommendation would be for a HK Audio LUCAS system; One bass bin with built in amplifiers, plus two small satellite speakers. All on wheels, and easy to transport. You can get various sizes from 350 to 2000 watts output; mine is 600 watts, and plenty for that size of room. Add a simple unpowered mixer (Behringer or similar)and away you go. German made, very robust and sounds fantastic when amplifying acoustic instruments. The powered mixer and speakers route is ok; I used to have this setup before I bought the HK. I wouldn't go back. HK are not cheap (you pay for the classy engineering, not the name)but they do come up used on ebay fairly regularly.
Tim from Bit on the Side

Subject: RE: Tech: Need Recommendations for Sound System
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 11:19 AM

Get the best Microphones you can afford ! SM58's work well for us , good sound , robust and minimum feedback , And Stands for speakers - You can 'fill' a room with sound without using a lot of volume if the speakers are over peoples heads ! I am currently using a Soundmaster with FOUR speakers - Ideal for getting sound all round a large room .
Bear in mind that you gets awhat you pays for - Cut Price gear gives Cut Price sound !

Subject: RE: Tech: Need Recommendations for Sound System
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 08:59 PM

I am not an HK fan.

Bangs per buck (or other unit of currency) try Phonics of Behringer but there are I think soic compromises there. Avoid the Mackie powered speakers like the plague - really harsh and scratchy and well overpriced.

Have a rummage on the Thomann website (www.thomann.de)

FOr a room that small you might get away with a Yamaha EMX 5000 powered desk and if so you could build your own speakers - eminence drivers and the top rated Motorola horns. If you want "thud" visit the diy subwoofer pages for designs.

Mics I rate AKG well above Shure.