PA For Practice

[vtice68]

I get to be the first to post on this subject.

I finally have a group of people commited to play as a band. We do not have a PA but need something for practice in bassist's basement. I heard it best to rent for the shows which mostly would be small venues (at least until it worth doing it or I know these guys are truly commited).

Any suggestions?

[Huntermb]

Peavey and Fender both make portable little PA systems that work surprisingly well. I've used the peavy one once or twice at some celtic gigs and they were great. I've thought about picking up one for myself as well.

[bfloyd6969]

Don't overlook Behringer as well. Sure, they get a bad name but I've had nothing but good results from their gear. If you are planning to rent for shows, it sounds like you may only need something for vocals for rehersals?. There are some all in one units - powered speaker with small built in mixer, that will work for vocals if that is all you need it for. Heck, alot of keyboard amps would work for this as many have 3 to 4 channels with independant volume and eq controls...

[Huntermb]

I didn't know Behringer has a little system, I'll have to check it out. I've had really good luck with anything of theirs I've fiddled around with. Their Hellbabe wah pedal is actually pretty damn good for the money (and I'm a wah guy I own 8). Thanks for the tip on that one.

[bfloyd6969]

Sure thing. Pretty much, as I'm sure you know, Behringer makes a copy of just about everything thing. Their little PA systems are modeled after the Fender Passport systems, and of course cost a bit less. They have a few different sizes/power ratings.

I haven't tried the Hellbabe wah yet but I see it hanging on the wall everytime I go to my local music shop. I've been curious about that one as just the name itself is pretty cool Still, my fav. piece of Behringer gear to date has to be the V-Amp Pro rack mount unit. Yes, modeled after the Line 6 Pod Pro rack mount but at about 1/8 of the price. I recorded two CD's with it and it really sounds great. I used it live a couple of times, but prefer it more for recording.

[vtice68]

Finally someone is posting!

I am looking for technical information. Power, powered speakers or not, powered amps or not.

I have heard everything from 300watts per channel to 600.

PLaying in the basement, small bars coffee shops (800-1000 sqr ft). 3 vocals, accoustic, keyboard, bass.

[vtice68]

Well after a ton of research, listening and getting advice from many stores, it seems like the best option is a couple of powered speakers and a mixer. I was looking at the QSC 12" or JBL IOns and buy one for now or go with a lesser expensive Behringer (get two) and then use those for monitors if I upgrade later and this band thing takes off.

Any experience with Mixers? I was not looking to get fancy. Store people keep pointing to the 200-300 versions which seem a bit overkill for me. I saw a Behringer one oith some effects and 8 inputs for about 175.

[bfloyd6969]

Well after a ton of research, listening and getting advice from many stores, it seems like the best option is a couple of powered speakers and a mixer. I was looking at the QSC 12" or JBL IOns and buy one for now or go with a lesser expensive Behringer (get two) and then use those for monitors if I upgrade later and this band thing takes off.

Any experience with Mixers? I was not looking to get fancy. Store people keep pointing to the 200-300 versions which seem a bit overkill for me. I saw a Behringer one oith some effects and 8 inputs for about 175.

Nothing at all wrong with Behringer mixers. I've used a few of their smaller mixers for recording and live use and didn't have any problems. Also, Yamaha makes nice mixers as well. How many channels do you need?

[vtice68]

I am thinking 8 should suffice.

Two or three microphones, accoustic guitar, mic the bass. A few extra if I need to because you never know.

[bfloyd6969]

Yeah, check out both Behringer and Yamaha...

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630138