More PA Speaker Questions

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drummerdoug86

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Ok, so I am about ready to buy some PA speakers and monitors. I will be getting passive speakers because my friend already has a power amp, and they are cheaper. So here are some questions:

1. What are "two way" speakers?

2. What are "full range" speakers?

3. Which is the better of the two?
 
Two-way PA speakers (depending on size) usually have an HF horn and a woofer for LF. THe system uses a crossover to separate the HF from the LF and send the signal to the correct speaker.

A full-range speaker is just that. It carries all of the frequencies by itself.

Two-way is better, three way is better than that. The quality will depend upon many factors including cabinet construction and size as it relates to the speakers used. Also the crossover network that is used and the quality of the amp.

I haven't been in live sound for a long time. I can't make any specific recommendations. Someone here can though.
 
Ok. Thanks a lot. Now can anyone recommend some good passive PA speakers? Nothin too fancy, maybe around 200 watts. Thanks.
 
There are a few zillion to choose from. What's your price range?
 
I'm kinda straped for cash right now. Maybe around $150 max?
 
Look into the Yamaha Club Series. You won't get them for $150, but I have a 20 year old pair of 2-way 15" Yamaha cabinets, and they still kick butt. The newer ones handle a lot more power, too.

Bob
 
drummerdoug86 said:
I'm kinda straped for cash right now. Maybe around $150 max?
Click to expand...

Dude you can't even get good home speakers for $150. Look for used gear and you might find something usefull.

We'll cut you some slack since you're a drummer but don't we have this same conversation with you every few weeks :confused:
 
There are actually some cheap speakers on musciansfriend, but I'm sure they're very low in quality. TexRoadkill, that comment about being a drummer, that hurts man...lol.
 
drummerdoug86 said:
There are actually some cheap speakers on musciansfriend, but I'm sure they're very low in quality. TexRoadkill, that comment about being a drummer, that hurts man...lol.
Click to expand...

Of corse they are low in QA, they are $150!!! and 200 watts , man you ask for a lot!
lol
Carvin makes the 805- 10" 200watts they are around $150. or the 822- 12" 300watts $200.
Check out some soundtechs, or check out some used prices.
 
TexRoadkill said:


Dude you can't even get good home speakers for $150. Look for used gear and you might find something usefull.

We'll cut you some slack since you're a drummer but don't we have this same conversation with you every few weeks
Click to expand...

Has anyone else heard the Electar "stage/studio monitor speakers"? I think those are pretty good for home speakers at $70 a pair. I use mine also as monitors and they do a decent job because they're so small.
 
I did a look for Electar and I found some good stuff on musicyo.com. I found these little PA speakers for $70 a pair. Here is the link http://www.musicyo.com/product_specs.asp?pf_id=187
The only concern I have is that they are only 160 watts max? What size of gig would this be enough sound for, assuming I pick up 4 or 5, and use 2 for monitors?
 
i find them great for extra sound renforcement, Just so you know though that with these they only have the bare speaker wire, (push spring terminal thing) connections so you will need something that accepts those.

4 or 5 pairs? thats atleast 1300watts, if you could connect that many i think they would do a good job at powering a medium sized gig, btw, if you do choose to try this, you could always daisy chain a bunch of stereo recievers and power them through that :):)


time to see what the others say now.
 
The specs on those speakers:

Technical Specifications: Speaker Unit: PowerMax™ Woofer: 5” Cone
PowerMax™ Tweeter: 1” Horn
Enclosure Type: Bass Reflex
Mounting: Threaded Inserts on both the top and sides of speaker cabinets allows for easy installation of 360° Universal Speaker Mounts (included).
Frequency Range: 65Hz - 40kHz
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms (Can be used with 4 or 8 ohm systems.)
Sensitivity: 88dB SPL (1 watt, 1 m)
Power Capacity: 160 watts (Maximum)
80 watts (RMS)
Crossover Frequency: 3.5kHz
Protection Circuit: Auto-Return Type
Connectors: Push Terminal
Dimensions: 241W x 170H x 145D (in mm)
Weight: 2.8 kg each


I would be very suspect of specs like these. 80 watts RMS with a 5" woofer? That's more like a "wiffer"! They claim the go to 65Hz, which I also doubt. Your best bet is buying used - a name brand. Bands are breaking up all the time and selling off.
Buying 4 or 5 of these is not going to make them sound any better, or bigger.

Bob
 
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