Apologies for a potentially NOOB question, I'm not in the field and am nowhere near an expert!
I'm part of a charitable group who do small scale outdoor events around the country to up to 500 visitors within venues no larger than 1000 SqM.
We have an up to date mixer and 200W RMS amp, but our 4 speakers are nearly 20 years old, over 2ft tall, 18" wide, 12" deep, and weigh a ton! They provide adequate coverage, but we would like to modernise and hopefully reduce the size/weight without reducing performance.
Can anyone point us in the right direction/recommend a speaker setup?
Thanks in advance.
I'm part of a charitable group who do small scale outdoor events around the country to up to 500 visitors within venues no larger than 1000 SqM.
We have an up to date mixer and 200W RMS amp, but our 4 speakers are nearly 20 years old, over 2ft tall, 18" wide, 12" deep, and weigh a ton! They provide adequate coverage, but we would like to modernise and hopefully reduce the size/weight without reducing performance.
Can anyone point us in the right direction/recommend a speaker setup?
Thanks in advance.
It sounds like you are asking for the same thing as http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pa-systems/322871-speaker-sound-system-please-help-2.html#post5447568 although you wouldn't know it from the title ;-).
Look at concerts and what they use for a good hint. (they use line arrays)
TLAH and look at the PRO version for an example.
Good luck with the direction you choose.
Grant.
Look at concerts and what they use for a good hint. (they use line arrays)
TLAH and look at the PRO version for an example.
Good luck with the direction you choose.
Grant.
Hi Hawkwood
Please expand in the requirements that you might expect from you speakers and the application.
Is this purely for speech, Or vocal singing with a band, or full range music?
Most modern speakers would normally be used with a bigger amplifier than 200W RMS
I suggest that you go for active speakers for ease of use.
An expected budget would be useful, as well as your location on the globe.
Please expand in the requirements that you might expect from you speakers and the application.
Is this purely for speech, Or vocal singing with a band, or full range music?
Most modern speakers would normally be used with a bigger amplifier than 200W RMS
I suggest that you go for active speakers for ease of use.
An expected budget would be useful, as well as your location on the globe.
Hi there, the system is used for both speech and recorded music.
We are based in the UK. Budget wise, we are not looking to spend a fortune, but want/need to modernise (and miniaturise!) them.
Just looking for a steer towards smaller (size and weight wise) with comparable power.
We are based in the UK. Budget wise, we are not looking to spend a fortune, but want/need to modernise (and miniaturise!) them.
Just looking for a steer towards smaller (size and weight wise) with comparable power.
Could you put a number on the budget?
And a make/model on the current speakers so we have some idea where you are starting from, no sense recommending a $1000 speaker if your total budget is half that.
And a make/model on the current speakers so we have some idea where you are starting from, no sense recommending a $1000 speaker if your total budget is half that.
Where abouts in the UK are you?
If you're anywhere near Sheffield, feel free to get in touch. You might find that hiring an adequate system is much cheaper than trying to buy/store/maintain your own. 🙂
IMO, 200w RMS is never going to cover 500 people outdoors, unless you go for very large horn-loaded systems which get the efficiency up.
To give you an idea, I run a fairly compact PA system using modern high power drivers, and my tweeters get 300w each. Each 10" mid (2 per side) gets 1000w, and the subs get whatever a Crown MA12000i will dish out.
It'd do well for the sort of size area you're talking about, and would be loud and clear at the back.
Anything smaller would probably struggle IME.
Chris
If you're anywhere near Sheffield, feel free to get in touch. You might find that hiring an adequate system is much cheaper than trying to buy/store/maintain your own. 🙂
IMO, 200w RMS is never going to cover 500 people outdoors, unless you go for very large horn-loaded systems which get the efficiency up.
To give you an idea, I run a fairly compact PA system using modern high power drivers, and my tweeters get 300w each. Each 10" mid (2 per side) gets 1000w, and the subs get whatever a Crown MA12000i will dish out.
It'd do well for the sort of size area you're talking about, and would be loud and clear at the back.
Anything smaller would probably struggle IME.
Chris
As a charitable group, I can understand that you wish to minimise costs by upgrading the speakers only while holding on to your existing mixer and amplifier.
I suggest you search for passive loudspeakers whose drivers have neodymium magnets and which are housed in polycarbonate (plastic) cabinets. Both factors will ensure the lightness you desire without sacrificing performance.
Both power rating and impedance should match that of your existing speakers which have given you proven good service.
I suggest you search for passive loudspeakers whose drivers have neodymium magnets and which are housed in polycarbonate (plastic) cabinets. Both factors will ensure the lightness you desire without sacrificing performance.
Both power rating and impedance should match that of your existing speakers which have given you proven good service.
... Except do not buy Mackie Thumps.
I'm not kidding when I say the 15A versions made Guns 'N' Roses sound like they didn't have any guitars. Vocals, bass, drums, but a big hole in the midrange where the guitars should've been.
Chris
- Status
- Not open for further replies.