Can you use active monitors as PA monitors?

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xept

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My dad wants to buy a small compact PA-system. And i want to buy a mixer and active monitors, but my
dad says active monitors cant handle having raw instruments played through them and something about:
"they only can handle leveled signal."

we need a sound system for one mic and one electronic drumset which only will be played at a plesant volume, not
loud at or for live use just for some jamming in the basement. and im also going do some home recording.

What i want: Alesis Multimix 8 USB FX with M-audio bx8 deluxe 2 (x2)

What my dad wants: SLX audio - System 4150

Any replies are much appriciated! :)
 
Ultimately it depends on what a 'pleasant volume' is.
Studio monitors are designed to be used at a certain level and PA speakers are designed to be used a a different level.

It's as simple as that.


If you're thinking you want studio monitors and something to serve as a mini home PA system and you're trying to save a bit of cash then yes, maudio bx8s would be fine, but as long as you really aren't pushing them too hard.

If you're gonna use them at a level you couldn't talk over, I'd just buy small PA speakers like yer da says.


With regard to signal levels etc.
Active speakers look for a line level input which is what a mixer (usually) gives out. Your plan is correct.

The only thing I'm not sure about is how USB mixers work.
Someone else might know, but I'm not certain that USB mixers can be used for standalone applications.
IE, i'm not sure that what goes in comes out.
 
Steenamaroo said:
The only thing I'm not sure about is how USB mixers work.
Someone else might know, but I'm not certain that USB mixers can be used for standalone applications.
IE, i'm not sure that what goes in comes out.
Click to expand...

the USB mixer has a build in soundcard and the usb is just to connect the sound to your pc, instead of for example using jack.
 
Aye, i get that, but what i mean is it's different to a standard mixer in that the audio has to go through your computer/software I think.

What I don't know for sure is do they have a direct monitoring option?
If they do you're sweet, and if not you'll have some degree of latency.

It may be manageable but that depends on your computer, the drivers, etc etc

Anyway, I'm out :) Someone who's used them will chime in soon I'm sure.
 
Thanks alot for you help! :)

And too you other people, im also open to other solutions if you any. the thing is i really need that mixer for my recording but it doesnt have an inbuild amp!
suggestions such as other mixer with same options and in generalt smart idea's also help alot!
 
I'd recommend separating the two affairs.

For live use you want a mixer with stereo output and for recording you (usually) want several inputs.

One solution is a mixer that has direct outs and an interface that has line ins.

That way you can do rehearsals and recordings.

Bare in mind though, I could be wrong about those USB mixers.

Good luck :)
 
not loud at or for live use just for some jamming in the basement
Click to expand...
It's possible that in a given range pa gear is designed to be a bit tougher than hifi' so there is something to that. But I'd say there's reason for caution with either systems. Maybe more so with the 8" + tweeter monitors, and can't tell for sure but the pa rig looks pretty light as well.
The kick drum right off is where 8's 10's even 12's can be marginal. Keep the low end rolled off (buzzKill :), keep an eye on the cone for too much excursion and watch out for fun factor creeping in, maybe a 10 or 12" two way?
 
mixsit said:
It's possible that in a given range pa gear is designed to be a bit tougher than hifi' so there is something to that. But I'd say there's reason for caution with either systems. Maybe more so with the 8" + tweeter monitors, and can't tell for sure but the pa rig looks pretty light as well.
The kick drum right off is where 8's 10's even 12's can be marginal. Keep the low end rolled off (buzzKill :), keep an eye on the cone for too much excursion and watch out for fun factor creeping in, maybe a 10 or 12" two way?
Click to expand...

My budget doesnt think 10"+ is a good idea unfortunately :| thanks alot anyway!

guys, keep in mind the max volume is going to be around a normal jam session and i only need it for an electronic drum set and a keyboard or (mic) :)
 
A basic, 4-input, 100-watt PA with 10's and horns is only about $350- as low as about $150 used- that would meet your rehesarsal PA needs. BUT, a better set up would probably be a mixer with direct outs (maybe 8 directs outs, like a Mackie 1604VLZ-PRO,) and a separate 100-watt power amp. Add to that a pair of 10 or 12 +horn passive PA speakers (preferably ones that can be bi-amped,) AND a pair of passive monitors.

Advantages:
Power amp serves double duty- powers PA when that's what you need, monitors when that's best.
Separates means if one part goes out, you need only repair/replace it.
Expandability. If you find you need more power later, get a second power amp of perhaps 400-600 watts, and an active cross over- drive the 12's with the big amp, the horns with the 100-watter.
 
The M Audios are just not going to cut it for a 'normal jam session'. Assume you will have a guitarist and a bass player playing through their amps, they are going to be much louder than you will comfortably be able to crank the M Audios up to.
The USB mixer will allow you to record stereo (2) tracks separately at one time. If you want to record each one of your electronic drums onto a different track, you'll need full MIDI capability or a lot more inputs on your interface.
However, the USB mixer would be a good starting point, but get a couple of 12" active PA speakers to go with it. These can also be used as keyboard amps in the future, or sold used fairly easily. Look at Mackie Thumps, Behringers, etc, you can find used deals.
 
mjbphotos said:
The M Audios are just not going to cut it for a 'normal jam session'. Assume you will have a guitarist and a bass player playing through their amps, they are going to be much louder than you will comfortably be able to crank the M Audios up to.
The USB mixer will allow you to record stereo (2) tracks separately at one time. If you want to record each one of your electronic drums onto a different track, you'll need full MIDI capability or a lot more inputs on your interface.
However, the USB mixer would be a good starting point, but get a couple of 12" active PA speakers to go with it. These can also be used as keyboard amps in the future, or sold used fairly easily. Look at Mackie Thumps, Behringers, etc, you can find used deals.
Click to expand...

Would a pair of these with the Alesis mixer do? Gemsound PXA-250 200W 15".
 
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