Live music monitors

[Mr Blues]

What is the best to go for in playing at small venues ,active or passive speakers.

I have always used passive speakers with a Phonic powerpod 620 (which is one of phonic's entry level powered mixers)

I have a mackie C003z which is ok but i hear glowing reports about the mackie SRM 350 although only 10" its meant to cary some quality sound.

At present i do have a mackie DFX 6 which is a 6 channel compact mixer , I was thinking this could go well with the SRM 350.

Is anyone hear familer with the mackie SRM 350 or 450 active speakers?

Would you say this would be a good way to go?

dave

 

[neal79]

I don't post much mostly read but this is up my alley. I do more live sound (combat audio) than anything else and have used all the Mackie, JBL and QSC powered stuff. I would not use the Mackie's for monitors if you need a lot of volume, they tend to overheat and go into protect mode way too easily if pushed hard. I really like the QSC HPR stuff. The subs smoke everything else in the price range. Its a little heavy and costs a little more but it is worth it to me. The JBL Eons are loud and light and fall inbetween somewhere. I really like them as a drummer monitor assuming the band isn't insanely loud.

As far as passive vs active it really doesn't matter. Passive means you have a amp rack to carry but all your AC is in one place. Active means you need to run AC and XLR's to anywhere you want a speaker. If you have a whole PA you normally end up needing a tub of power cables and power strips just to make sure. Either way is about the same work to me. Personally if I were in there budget you seem to be I'd would aim for the 12" QSC they can be had for about $700-750. Another thing to consider, I hear Mackie is updating the SRM450 and we should hear about that soon. Might be worth waiting, its a nice speaker just has the protect mode issue.