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biff_g Loyal user Canada 240 Posts |
Before I go any further, let me just say that I am anything but an audio tech. Anything that I say should be taken with a grain of salt, and if any of the more knowlegable folks on here notice me saying something that is totally wrong, feel free to correct me. The purpose of this is merely to help eliminate some of the groundwork for anyone that may be in a similar situation that I was in, since a lot of sound system threads pop up in here.
I had decided to upgrade my sound system. The one that I was using had served me well, but it was limited in that it didn't perform well outdoors or for large audiences. I wanted something that was more professional, and I wanted to learn a little bit about sound equipment. My main priorities were that the system had to be fairly portable, it had to sound good, and I wanted something that I wasn't going to outgrow - I wanted the system to be able to handle at least 500 people without any problems. I wasn't sure how much I wanted to spend, but I knew I wanted the best bang for my buck. I figured that the one piece of equipment that I was going to be using during my ENTIRE show was my sound equipment, so if there was something that I should bite the bullet and spend the money on, it should be that. After sifting through all of the threads that I could find here on the Café, and after checking out some of my local music shops, I found the following systems that I wanted to look into some more: Yamaha stagepas 300/500 Passport 250/500 (plus, deluxe) and the following speakers: Behringer B212A/B215A Mackie SRM 450 JBL Eon G2 (10 inch/15 inch) After MUCH deliberation (about 3 months worth) and renting and listening to the various systems/speakers, here's how I managed to narrow things down. The stagepas and the passport systems are fairly similar. They cost about the same ($600-$700ish for the 300watt stagepas and PD 250, and around $1000 ish for the 500watt stagepass and 500watt passport), they both pump out plenty of volume, and they both sound passable. Not great mind you, but passable, with the stagepas sounding a touch better. I tested the passport PD 250 in a room around 5000 sq ft. with about 250 people, and it filled the room nicely. The problem was, it did sound a little bit harsh - like it would give you a headache if you listened to it for a long time. The stagepas also sounded a little bit harsh when it was turned up, but that was just in my home, not "field tested" during a show. I also had the chance to hear another magician's PD 250 during a show, and noticed the exact same problem with it. Based on my experience with those two systems, I would choose the passport, simply because you have the option of upgrading to the battery pack so you don't need a power source. I didn't actually test either of the 500watt models (can't add a battery pack to that one), because according the guys working in the music stores, the sound quality wouldn't have been any better, you can just turn the volume up louder. Problem with that is the louder the volume, the more "grating" the sound. That comparison done, I decided to turn to a larger speaker/mixer setup. I figured that if I was looking for sound quality, this would be more the way to go, but it would come at the expense of portability. I wanted active speakers, because from what I understand it’s easier to avoid certain problems. After looking at the Mackies, I basically decided against them right away. Not only were they quite expensive ($500ish a piece) they were waaaaay to heavy. They're like 50 or 55 lbs each. I couldn't carry two of them very far, and there's no way that my wife would be able to carry even one of them anywhere. The JBL's were almost as bad, at 46 lbs. I could carry two of them at a time, but it would be extremely uncomfortable. It also ruled out the 15 inch Behringers. That left the Behringer B212a's at 36 pounds and the 10 inch JBL's at about 25 lbs. At first, I was very intrigued by the Behringers. It looked like I could get a pretty good system (Behringer UB1832FX / B212A PA Package) for about 600 bucks. They (the speakers, but with a different mixer) sounded quite a bit better than both the passport and stagepas systems, and it was cheaper. Not only that, but I actually found that they were more portable than the passport system. Why you ask? I found that the passport, which weighs about 60 lbs (if memory serves) is quite awkward to carry on one side of your body, as opposed to carrying two 36 pound speakers on either side of your body. That being said, you can get a cart thing to put your passport on. Pretty tough to go up stairs or across a field with that though... Anyhow, that basically ruled out the passport for me. I felt that the amount of difference between how the Behringer and the passport systems sounded was enough for me to pick the Behringer, even though the passport had the option of adding a battery pack. Just an added note, I did listen to the JBL eon 15" and they sounded amazing, which is why I was still kind of considering them, even though they weighed a ton and cost an arm and a leg (like $600 each on ebay, $1000 each in the store) So basically, I had narrowed my choice down to the Behringers or the JBLs, but leaning toward the Behringers since they only cost a quarter of the JBLs, and they sounded good enough to me. I then posted my choice here, seeking advice. It was then that Michael Messing suggested Carvin. In all of the internet research that I'd done, and at all of the music stores that I had gone too, no one had mentioned Carvins. Well, I was wary about purchasing something without listening to them first, but there was a lot about the Carvins that was quite interesting. I looked for reviews, and found that they were all pretty good. I liked that they were North American made, and from what I’d heard, Carvin as a company was generally pretty good. I also liked the fact that the speakers were only 34 pounds each, and they cost less than $700 for two speakers and cables. But the real significant feature? The Carvins have three inputs that allow you to plug a mic and an ipod/CD player/computer etc. or whatever you play your music off of. That means that for smaller shows you could take one speaker, your mic and your ipod and you’d be good to go. I ended up getting a set of speakers and a mixer (C844U) for just over $1000 including shipping. They sound better than the Behringers, but not quite as nice as the JBLs. Overall? These are PERFECT for me. The JBL’s sound a touch nicer, but for the portability and the cost, I’m much happier with my new Carvins. I just used them in a room that was about 7000 sq ft and they sounded terrific. They filled the room really well with plenty of headroom to spare. Another side note, unfortunately, it seems you can’t actually get the Behringer UB1832FX / B212A PA Package anywhere. You can get pairs of B212a’s, but not with that mixer. I also never got a chance to try out the 10” JBL’s, as none of the music shops around here had them. Anyhow, long story short, a huge thank you to Michael Messing for letting me know about this fantastic speaker system, as I couldn’t be happier! |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
You're very welcome! I'm glad it worked out for you. I assume you got the new Carvin LM12A powered speakers, right? I seriously considered selling my JBL Eon G2 10 speakers to get a set but it looks like the market for the 10" Eons isn't as good as I hoped and it would end up costing me money. (If I could sell them and break even, I would do it.) The 10" Eons are remarkably good sounding and quite powerful but, in a large room, they won't have as much coverage as the 12" Carvins.
I hope the Carvins serve you well for years! (By the way, I have the same mixer. It's great to have that much versatility.) Michael |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
For years I have owned lot's of Carvuin gear. When I played in the band we used Carvin speakers and my bass player used a Carvin bass amp. I bought a Carvin PA system about 10 years ago, along with Carvin moniters. I have used Carvin microphones and power amps too. They make good stuff, and I don't know where you can beat their price for gear of equal quality. I'm going to break down and buy the Stagepass system one of these days.
Biff, good luck with your new system! Regan
Mister Mystery
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biff_g Loyal user Canada 240 Posts |
Thanks guys! Yes, I did get the 12" Carvins. I considered the 15", but after talking to some of the guys from the music stores, talking to the Carvin reps, and after seeking some advice here, pretty much everyone figured I wouldn't need 15" speakers. As it turns out, they were right. Larger speakers would have again made them less portable (although not bad at 39 lbs each) and a little more awkward to carry, and I couldn't be happier with my 12's.
Thanks again Michael! |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Now, you're making me envious!
Michael |
davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Biff_g,
Thanks for taking the time and effort to post your experience and conclusions. Especially for those that are seeking that perfect sound system (like me) Great post !! David Paul
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
Well, being in Mississippi, I didn't have much choice (I think it's a law here) but to use Peavey. For my larger system, it's a Peavey MP4 mixer/amp and 2 Peavey 112 (the OLD style, very heavy) speakers on stands. Smaller things, I got a fantastic deal on an Anchor "Explorer-Pro" speaker/mixer/amp. It's rechargable (or AC), with built-in wireless (16 channel) mic. Comparable to that, my Virtual Soundman iCue2 Soundbox PA should be here in a couple weeks. Speakers, amp, wireless mic AND the iCue2 audio management system all built into one small, lightweight package.
Steve |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Steve,
Peavey makes good gear for the money too! I have owned quite a bit of their stuff also. They don't sell direct, but their bang-for-the-buck ratio is very high too. Regan
Mister Mystery
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