Off Topic PA too Dang Heavy

[Freddels]

A friend of mine just joined a corporate type band. They only use QSC K12's and the subs. All the monitors are also powered QSC's. There are no amps on stage (guitar and bass use pedals and DI), keyboards also go direct. The drums are electronic so the volume is totally controllable. No matter where you stand, the band sounds incredible. I could walk around the side and back of the band and it still sounded great. I would highly recommend them if you've got the cash.

 

[T-bone]

Smokey - you've got a lot of great suggestions. I like the cart idea, however, that just adds to the overall amount of gear we're hauling. Plus, it seems like where ever we go, there's stairs to contend with. I haven't listened to those particular EV's, but I will soon. Powered 15's weighing in at 55 lbs doesn't seem too bad.

I have listened to the QSCs and while I thought they sounded pretty good, they were considerably better with a sub. And again, I'm trying to reduce the amount of weight. Not add to it.

Thanks for all the responses. I've enjoyed reading the pay differences between the US and other countries. Now I know why so many of my "blues buddies" tour Europe.

tbone

 

[keko]

Hey, T-bone, ...I just received an e-mail from one domestic PA gear endorser, but it's not in English, ...however, ...it's about new FBT lightweight PA systems very similar to Bose L1, but more powerful and more PA looking like (2200W & 4400W systems, all active subs & satellite boxes)!

Check at FBT web page, ...it's named FBT Vertus Line array professional series!

 

[adouglas]

Interesting... I'd like to hear that. The thing that makes the Bose work well isn't internal voodoo.. it's the fact that it's a line array, just like this thing. The Bose EQ does have some nifty aspects, but nothing you can't accomplish with a regular EQ if you know what you're doing (of course, then you're right back in the same pile-o-gear boat... mixers, EQs, etc. etc.).

One thing I notice is that this system appears to be pretty short. The L1 is seven feet tall for a reason... if you stand right in front of it the mids and highs get blocked, just like any speaker. Since it's designed to sit behind you and eliminate the need for monitors, the height allows it to project over your head. Same concept as hoisting regular speakers up on poles.

(edit... I hit the website and it shows that the line array can be pole-mounted. Cool. The price? In the same ballpark as the L1. A pair will set you back $4400 US.)

A note on power... that's a very misleading number. It's about efficiency... dB per watt. A 20-watt fluorescent light bulb is brighter than a 60-watt incandescent. Run a 2000 watt amp through an inefficient cabinet and it won't be as loud as a 1000 watt amp run through a highly efficient cabinet.

The important question is not "how much power?", even though everyone wants to know that number. The pertinent thing to ask is "does it get loud enough for your needs?"

 

[keko]

adouglas,

they (FBT) say 125 dB per channel, ...so I believe it's pretty loud!

 

[T-bone]

Thanks Keko! One thing about italian products is they're as beautiful as they are functional. With the possible exception of Fiat.

A note on power... that's a very misleading number. It's about efficiency... dB per watt. A 20-watt fluorescent light bulb is brighter than a 60-watt incandescent. Run a 2000 watt amp through an inefficient cabinet and it won't be as loud as a 1000 watt amp run through a highly efficient cabinet.

This really makes sense to me, Anthony. Funny, I never thought of it this way.

The important question is not "how much power?", even though everyone wants to know that number. The pertinent thing to ask is "does it get loud enough for your needs?"

At my (our) age, "loud enough" doesn't play into the equation. Clarity of sound does. In particular, we play a number of these old dance halls where the sound is atrocious. Muddy, boomy, you name it, we seem to play it. So, finding something that can easily dial in a large square box to a small trapezoid is important.

Thanks again.........tbone

 

[keko]

Thanks Keko! One thing about italian products is they're as beautiful as they are functional. With the possible exception of Fiat.

tbone

I agree with that!

Check FBT USA web site, ...they got special web site for US customers, ...maybe You can get some other options than over here in Europe?

Here's the link: FBT USA. net, FBT USA, FBTUSA.com

 

[AnthonyD]

My Band moved to JBL MXR series PA speakers a few years ago and have been very happy. We were so impressed with the large mains (our initial MXR purchase) we quickly dumped our Yamaha small mains for a set of small main JBL MXRs as well. This year we swapped-out our subs.

The MXRs are "heavy-duty / light-weight" and even the large mains (2x15" and horn) are manageable by one person. It's a great system that won't crush your back - or your budget.