Hi guys. New to the site so my apologies If this thread is in the wrong place.
I run a 7 piece party band who will be looking to turn over into the wedding and corporate market very soon. We have always used the venues PA systems at previous gigs (pubs, clubs) but naturally will now need to invest in the bands own PA.
I am starting this from scratch and am completely new to the live music equipment scene. I will be having to buy EVERYTHING mics, stands, cables, lights ect so budget is DEFINITELY a priority.
My question is... I will only be able to afford tops for now with the plan to run a sub/ subs at a later date IF needed at all. Am I better with 12's or 15's. I've seen the LD systems ICOA 12 & 15'S for a great price and they seem to get really good reviews. Those or the Mackie thump 15 around that kinda Price range (I know the budgets low & I'm asking for a lot so please be gentle lol)
The weddings will usually be the standard kinda 100 - 150 people. Would be awesome if I could find something to allow me 200 but I'm guessing this will mean a big financial investment?
For now I am just after something that's passable for wedding and corporate sound quality.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
I run a 7 piece party band who will be looking to turn over into the wedding and corporate market very soon. We have always used the venues PA systems at previous gigs (pubs, clubs) but naturally will now need to invest in the bands own PA.
I am starting this from scratch and am completely new to the live music equipment scene. I will be having to buy EVERYTHING mics, stands, cables, lights ect so budget is DEFINITELY a priority.
My question is... I will only be able to afford tops for now with the plan to run a sub/ subs at a later date IF needed at all. Am I better with 12's or 15's. I've seen the LD systems ICOA 12 & 15'S for a great price and they seem to get really good reviews. Those or the Mackie thump 15 around that kinda Price range (I know the budgets low & I'm asking for a lot so please be gentle lol)
The weddings will usually be the standard kinda 100 - 150 people. Would be awesome if I could find something to allow me 200 but I'm guessing this will mean a big financial investment?
For now I am just after something that's passable for wedding and corporate sound quality.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
My advice,,, rent speakers until you collect enough $$ to buy appropriate PA speakers, If you don't do this you may end up buying 2 or 3 sets before you finally figure out what is needed to do the job. Mackie Thumps and everything else down at this end of the spectrum are not great live band speakers.. thier biggest failing is very poor vocals reproduction which is a direct result of having a small compression driver and a crossover right in the middle of the vocal range. These boxes alone will not carry everything from a 7 piece band at anything but very modest sound levels, they will struggle just putting vocals on top of stage instruments unless you're all on in-ears.
I have an EV EKX powered rig.. 12's over 18's that does a decent/OK job with wedding/corp bands, the only reason it manages is because the subs turn it into a 3-way PA.. the 12's alone would not be very good. I haven't heard too many complaints with this system but it's still sometimes a struggle to get the vocals out front... depends on what is happening on stage. 2-3 performers with backing tracks and it's a fine system, 6-7 players with a full drum kit, horns, keys and stuff and not so much.
Appropriate speakers for a wedding and corporate band are boxes like the RCF 932a, any time I have a chance to use speakers like this everything comes easier and there are compliments on the sound from the band and guests.
I have an EV EKX powered rig.. 12's over 18's that does a decent/OK job with wedding/corp bands, the only reason it manages is because the subs turn it into a 3-way PA.. the 12's alone would not be very good. I haven't heard too many complaints with this system but it's still sometimes a struggle to get the vocals out front... depends on what is happening on stage. 2-3 performers with backing tracks and it's a fine system, 6-7 players with a full drum kit, horns, keys and stuff and not so much.
Appropriate speakers for a wedding and corporate band are boxes like the RCF 932a, any time I have a chance to use speakers like this everything comes easier and there are compliments on the sound from the band and guests.
Hey Conanski. Thank you for the honest feedback my friend it's greatly appreciated. Would this change if I upped the budget for the speakers???
My band consists of Drums, bass, guitar, keys and 3 vocalist so Def need those vocals coming through! Lol
Dan
My band consists of Drums, bass, guitar, keys and 3 vocalist so Def need those vocals coming through! Lol
Dan
It doesn't change until you get into the price range where those ART 932a boxes live. Those EKX boxes I have are 2 or 3 price brackets up from Thumps but still suffer many of the same problems because they are fundamentally the same 12+1 design... just a little better executed. The compression drivers alone in those RCF boxes retail for about the same $$ as a complete Thump speaker.
Oh wow ok I see! If that's the case perhaps your first idea is right to hire. Those speakers are literally 3 times the price. I may see if I can pick up a used pair for a decent price but if not we may well have to hire and save.
Thank you SO much for your knowledge and insight i honestly really appreciate it
Thank you SO much for your knowledge and insight i honestly really appreciate it