Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system

10 Apr 14 - 06:36 PM (#3617380)
Subject: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: Cool Beans

I'm starting to get gigs that require me to have my own sound system. The first one's not until the summer, so there's time. My problem: I need something that can accommodate two microphones--one for voice, the other for my 1962 Martin D-28 that has no pickup. I'm looking for advice and recommendations. The ones that cost $1,000 (US) are a bit out of my price range.
Thanks in advance.

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10 Apr 14 - 07:32 PM (#3617394)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: GUEST,twerp

Fender Passport will be worth a look. The 150 is $600 in the UK. Probably cheaper in the US

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11 Apr 14 - 12:11 AM (#3617436)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: Mark Ross

JBL Eon 12 powered speaker,
Behringer Xenyx 802 mixer
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-802-Premium-8-Input-Preamps/dp/B000J5XS3C

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11 Apr 14 - 06:56 AM (#3617522)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: GUEST,twerp

Do NOT buy Behringer it's rubbish

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11 Apr 14 - 08:01 AM (#3617541)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: BrendanB

Yamaha stage pas 300 or 500. I would suggest the 500 as it allows for more flexibility which you may want in the future.

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11 Apr 14 - 11:05 AM (#3617605)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: BrendanB

You should also get some professional advice regarding microphones, particularly for the guitar. The wrong mike will knacker your guitar sound comprehensively.

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11 Apr 14 - 11:17 AM (#3617609)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: GUEST

May give you some ideas.


http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/kb/reader.aspx/2007013311

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11 Apr 14 - 12:38 PM (#3617633)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: GUEST,highlandman at work

Spend half the budget on the speakers, half of what's left on the mics. The rest just has to function and you can upgrade it later.
Stay away from Kustom, Behringer (although oddly enough I have 2 of their low-end dynamic mics that are not at all bad) and Nady. Peavey speakers have a mixed reputation but I am very pleased with my PR12 set.
The Passports are a nice bit of gear for the money but IMO the speaker is too directional -- hard to get even coverage if the room is wide.
-Glenn

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11 Apr 14 - 12:44 PM (#3617637)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: GUEST,highlandman at work

Garg, I used to play a tragedy of an old electronic organ in a downtown church. Whenever the local police stopped at the intersection outside, we got to hear whatever was on their mind... donuts, the next NASCAR race, you name it.
-Glenn

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11 Apr 14 - 06:03 PM (#3617719)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: Richard Bridge

Get cheap pluggable guitar. Maybe a Takamine - they always plug well. Or a midrange Seagull.   Keep the Martin safe at home.

Now you only need one mic and you can enhance your stage presence.

Fender horrid. Try medium sized Peavey Escort. Or Yamaha. The Phonic box amps are surprisingly good but you will need speakers and poles. I build my own speakers (usually with Eminence drivers) but they tend to be heavier than modern plastic microshit.

SM58 is still bulletproof and usable mic. I prefer AKG but some of the current Sennheisers are not half bad.

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11 Apr 14 - 06:59 PM (#3617741)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: michaelr

My fiddler has the PowerWerks 100T. It's higly portable (about 2' tall), has 2 channels that can take line or XLR (mic), and sounds great. Might be just what you need. New on eBay for 200 bucks.

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12 Apr 14 - 04:49 AM (#3617832)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: Leadfingers

Only seen thrm 'in store' , but Yamaha do a very neat portable amp set up , all clips into one unit and is four channel , which may be useful if you ever add an instrument , or become a duo

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12 Apr 14 - 08:24 AM (#3617852)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: Big Al Whittle

the best thing is to look at what everybody else is using - doing your sort of thing. then bite the bullet flash the plastic, buy what works and what you need. no prizes for dying on your arse in this game.

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12 Apr 14 - 10:11 AM (#3617879)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: bruceCMR

Do not listen to people who say

"Do NOT buy Behringer it's rubbish"

They're usually basing their opinions on the products of 20 or more years ago - a bit like Skoda cars, which 20 years ago were a bit of a joke, but today are part of the Volkswagen group, and rather good vehicles.

Like all manufacturers, Behringer make some excellent products, some turkeys, and some stuff in the middle. The turkeys are becoming more and more scarce - the only really bad one these days is one of their DIs, which hisses like a bag of snakes.

Behringer these days is an arm of Music Group, who also own Midas, Klark Technik and Turbosound - kit that is not out of place at the biggest pro gigs. A lot of the R&D is shared between the higher range products and the budget lines.

Their new digital mixers are stunningly good. Their audio processing rack gear has always been pretty good. Power amps are reliable workhorses. Speakers OK. Mics Useable.

And a 3 year warranty on all products.

They're just dragged down by some people's bigotry towards the name.

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12 Apr 14 - 12:17 PM (#3617916)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: GUEST,FloraG

PA can be a bit like a black hole in the finances and using it is a steep learning curve

Ask around and see if you can borrow for the first few bookings. Better still - ask the person you borrow from to help you set it up. Getting the balance right is not automatic when you are behind the mike.

Are you a mobile performer - always moving around or do you stand fairly statically? If you are one of the former then a head mike might be best.
FloraG

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12 Apr 14 - 12:29 PM (#3617919)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: Bonzo3legs

Behringer are very good indeed, people who rubbish them are twerps.

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09 Jul 14 - 06:42 PM (#3640769)
Subject: RE: Tech: Advice re: a two-mic p.a. system
From: Cool Beans

For what it's worth, I bought the Powerwerks 100, a couple of good microphones, stands, booms, cables and a stand to mount the speaker on. All from a store that's been in my neighborhood for 30 years. Sounds great. Thanks, all, for your guidance.

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