Need help picking out the right PA system...

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lmaj8727

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Joined 2014
#1
Hello,

My Name is Luke, First off just like to say hi to everyone on here! I'm looking for my first PA system. I'm not a DJ or in a band or anything like that and don't plan on being. I'm looking for a PA system strictly for having music that sounds good at my parties and that everyone can hear. Haven't had any parties like you see on the movie Project X by any means YET, but just for having some friends over (usually no more than 100 people) for kegger's, bonfire's, house parties etc etc you get the idea. I'm not looking for top of the line but I believe you get what you pay for. I'm just wanting a system that sounds good and will keep all my friends on their feet and neighbors awake throughout the night! Would like to keep it under $1000

Thanks in advance,
Luke
 
#2
There are heaps of self powered 2 way 12'' and 15'' plastic cabinet PA speakers available nowadays.
The big names (in PA) are generally very good, and many of the 'cheaper' brands are very good also.
You need to visit a few music shops....take a good look on eBay also.

Dan.
 
#4
Think I'd just get a pair of QSC K12s and have done with it.

You'll never kill them, and the DEEP switch actually works, giving ~ another octave of low end. Those and a pair of speaker stands should do fine. Add a powered sub if you really want, possibly at a later date when money allows.

Chris
 
#5
chris661 said:
Think I'd just get a pair of QSC K12s and have done with it.

You'll never kill them, and the DEEP switch actually works, giving ~ another octave of low end. Those and a pair of speaker stands should do fine. Add a powered sub if you really want, possibly at a later date when money allows.

Chris
Click to expand...

About $500 over budget unless you find a deal on them.
The $1000/pair EV ZLX15p will have more bass output if you don't want subs.
If it is just for backyard parties the cheaper Alto powered boxes may be enough rig for your gigs.
 
#6
Bare with me here for a bit guys cause I'm new to all this stuff. As far as music before we'd just open our truck doors and play music, or play music on the surround sounds in the houses. Anyways if I go the route you guys are suggesting like the matrix set up will I still need a mixer or can I just plug into an ipod and go?

Thanks,
Luke
 
#7
mr. doom said:
......If it is just for backyard parties the cheaper Alto powered boxes may be enough rig for your gigs.
Click to expand...
Agreed...those or Behringer, or take a good look on eBay and come back to us with Makes, Models etc.
What you need is a small cheap standard mixer (Alto/Behringer etc), run line level cables to the powered speakers and you are good to go.

An alternative, and probably better for your application is to run a USB DJ Controller.
These are effectively a MP3/Wav player interface/mixer USB connected to a laptop or netbook.

The software allows you to run two playlists and mix/crossfade between them, adding eq and effects on the fly, just like a club DJ.
They also have line inputs so you can playback from an iPod or Smartphone headphone output.

There is much to learn.....Google "USB DJ Controller", and get back to us.

Dan.
 
#11
So would I be better off buying something like that or should I go with two powered speakers like the EV's and a cheaper mixer? Like I was saying were not a bunch of college guys throwing huge house parties every weekend. We mainly just party in the summer with the occasional house party during the winter (new years and birthday's). I also got to thinking bout it and I don't think I've really ever invited 100 people to a one of my parties. We only reach numbers like that at certain events that only come around 2-3 times a year. My house parties are probably more in the 60-70 and lower range.

Thanks,
Luke
 
#12
If you buy EV ZLX speakers you won't need a mixer because an Ipod or laptop will plug right in, but you could still buy a mixer of course and a small 4 input version won't cost more than $100. The BIG issue with really cheap PA speakers is reliability, I do rentals and these new EVs have proven to be very reliable so I'm gradually switching everything over from the various other brands that have not proven to be very reliable. Many brands now offer 3yr warranties but it sucks if your party gets shut down when a speaker dies.. even if it can be fixed afterwords at no cost to you.
 
#17
If I go with two of the EV ZLX what do I need to have power to them? When were not at house parties were usually out in the boonies so we cant just plug into an outlet and party, we would have to run power off a generator. Can these speakers be ran of a generator if so how many watts would they pull?

Thanks,
Luke
 
#19
Aight, so I just bought two EV ZLX loudspeakers! As far as XLR cables do I want the 3 pin male to female plug-ins or the 3 pin male to 1/4" plug-ins to connect my two speakers? Or some other combination of female to 1/4" plug-ins. It looks like the male to female is for mics and the male to 1/4" would be for speakers?

Thanks,
Luke
 
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