Dual Purpose PA

[mugsy]

Here's my problem: I have a Mackie 808M head (300w per channel) which I run a pair of Yamaha S115-IV speakers. I use this setup in small rooms, and use it for vocals only. When playing bigger rooms 200+ people, it just doesn't have enough balls. Also I'd like to mike the drums and bass in the larger rooms. I wanted to add a couple of subwoofers (500w per side) but I was told that I'd be better off adding two more full range speakers, such as (2) Mackie SRS 1500a's or (2) EAW FR153Z'S with a Crown UT2020 amp. Any suggestions?

[TexRoadkill]

In general I would recomend JBL or EV for live sound. You should probably check out a live sound bbs for better feedback on good PA speakers. Just know that good ones sure aren't cheap but I guess that applies to most gear.

It's hard to get good PA speakers for less than a grand each if you want to put drums and bass through them.

[dragonworks]

Bi-amp.

[barefoot]

Subs will work, but you need a crossover. You need to limit the amount of low frequency power going to your S115-IV's if you want to crank things up more. Some powered subs have a built in crossover. Besides better power handling, it will just sound better.

barefoot

[mugsy]

I guess I should have asked my question this way. I would like to add 1000 watts of power to my existing PA setup. Would I be better off adding (2) more full range speakers (15 with a horn) or should I add (2) subwoofers? The reason I ask, is because I was told that if I add (2) subwoofers to existing my setup, that I might have a problem with too much bottom end, even wi th a crossover.

[dragonworks]

tri-amp

[barefoot]

Originally posted by mugsy
I was told that if I add (2) subwoofers to existing my setup, that I might have a problem with too much bottom end, even wi th a crossover.

Not if you adjust the levels properly. A crossover will allow you to adjust the relative hi and low levels to get the right balance.

barefoot

[barefoot]

Just looked at the specs. The S115IV's have 99dB efficiency. No problem. Buy some nice subs, amp, and something like a Rane AC-22 crossover with steep slopes, cross over round 100Hz and you'll be shaking the house.

barefoot