Suggestions Needed: Portable PA for Small Venues

  • Thread starter Thread starter mrbowes
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mrbowes

mrbowes

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I play in a three piece blues band and we are finally getting some decent gigs at respectable bars. Well, maybe not respectable, but the checks are coming, so I don't care.

Current setup:
Mixer/Amp -Behringer 500watt all in one amp/mixer - has some dsp fx - not in love with them but like the feature

Mains - 2x Madison dual 15s (these are rather bulky, would like to go smaller if possible)

Monitors - 2x CGM floor monitors and 1x home made (we're fine with these monitors for now)

Overall, I'm ok with our current sound, but I think that's just I'm inexperienced and am not aware of many of the alternatives.

The main thing I would like to have is portability. The all-in-one mixer/amps with handles are a god-send for this necessity. We only need like 6-8 mic preamps tops.
1) What do you recommend as far as all-in-one mixer/amps?

As for mains, our Madison's work fine but they are not the easiest to move.
2) What are some of the best values in live 12" portable monitors?

I'd like to keep the cost of the upgrade to under $800-1000 and will be buying used most likely (maybe not for the mains).

Thanks in advance for the advice!
 
I like the Yamaha powered mixers. They make a 500 watt version. They sound pretty good and are reliable. For a good value in speakers and monitors the JBL JRX series are good. These are items I've used and liked.

The Behringer PA stuff gets loud and does the job, but it always seems like there's something funny going on with the sound that I can't quite get a handle on.

I think you would be pleased with the Yamaha and JBL stuff. Also IMHO the JBL JRX12" speakers actually sound better than the 15's.
 
for AIO mixer/amp, I'd go with either mackie or carvin.

for speakers, carvin, or perhaps you could find some used Yamahas to fit your budget - the SM series, not the BR series.
 
I've never really liked JBL speakers for live applications (only EON's for stage monitors), I'm a big fan of the Yamaha's. If you got a bit of cash you can always look into a small HK rig - they're small but pack a punch.
 
While you're on the Carvin site checking out the speakers, check out their powered mixers---full-featured, flexible, quality tough-stuff.

Paj
8^)
 
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