MN
88 posts
Aug 29, 2011
11:03 AM
|
Any advice, guys, on a cheap, portable PA system? I'm just looking for something with enough inputs for two mics (one vocal, one for harp), and an acoustic guitar. The goal is to be able to play cafe gigs, so it doesn't have to be off-the-charts loud. Main requirement is that it's very 'portable' as we get to most gigs on the subway/bus/tram, etc.
|
HarpNinja
1614 posts
Aug 29, 2011
11:15 AM
|
Don't know your price range, but the Bose stick thing would work...http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/L1Compact?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&gclid=CKOC4L2M9aoCFYIBQAoddjJfGA
They work pretty well. I think it is only two channels, but you could get a four channel board from Behringer or something for under $100 new all day.
IMO, and I know you said cheap, but you get what you pay for...well, with the Bose, I think it is over priced, but for how easy it is to use/transport, it might be a good deal.
The assumption for a full band is that a full PA system worth a squat new will run $4,000 easily. I have very nice - not tip top of the line - gear and have over a grand in what I'd use for a cafe gig.
Fender has the Pasport, and there are some other similar systems here: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/live-sound-packages
I used one this summer. I hated it. It was ok and would work for what you are doing, but I really disliked was the small speakers. HOWEVER, that was the older model. Above is a newer model with 8" speakers. That would probably be fine for your application, but I promise it would not work for anything more than that.
That would probably be my number one - the new Fender Passport.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
|
MN
89 posts
Aug 31, 2011
5:23 AM
|
Thanks, guys. The Bose stick system is WAY out of my price range. And the Fender Passport, while closer, is not as portable as we need. We get to nearly all of our duo gigs via public transportation. Likewise, the Alto OEX-400 looks great, but it still might be a bit too large.
Again, we just need the ability to play to literally 30-50 people. We need to input two mics (one vocal, one vocal/harp), and an acoustic guitar. Plus I usually bring a harp mic and my Marble Max 1x8 amp.
I'm eyeballing the Behringer Europort EPA150. Anyone try this one yet?
|
LSC
77 posts
Aug 31, 2011
7:44 AM
|
Consider an AER Combo/II. Cost $650-$750 used. One on Ebay now. To get extra channels combine with a little 4 channel mixer from Tapco or even Berhinger for under $100.
Look up the specification. It's a one box mini-PA of superb quality that includes padded bag and shoulder strap. I've used one for several years in just the sort of situations you describe and well beyond. Other than a harp or guitar it is the most useful piece of gear I've ever owned.
Engineered and built in Germany they are bombproof, offer unsurpassed sound quality, and if bought used will not loose value. I paid $625 for mine 6 years ago have done hundreds of gigs without a hint of trouble and could easily get more than I paid if I ever sold it, which I would not willingly do.
BTW, in a pinch I have used this little amp on its own with a full on blues rock band in a pretty large bar. It was amazing. I only ever ran vocals through my Mackie PA. Any venue requiring backline be mic'd there was always a house system, so I sold my Mackie PA and bought a matching AER powered extension cab to go with the Combo/II. I now walk into bar band gigs carrying the entire PA in two small shoulder bags and a mic stand bag. Folks look on with a smirk until I fire it up and then their jaws drop....heh heh heh,
If this is anywhere near your budget I could not recommend one strongly enough. I have two friends who after hearing mine sold other amps and bought one. They both are well pleased with the decision and both have thanked me for turning them on to the little beasties.
----------
LSC
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2011 7:55 AM
|
HawkeyeKane
128 posts
Aug 31, 2011
8:07 AM
|
You might consider a Peavey Escort 3000. I've used one before. All self contained and it has a 5 channel slider mixing board on a stand so you don't have to reach down and turn knobs on a boxy setup. Peavey also makes the Messenger which is smaller, talking briefcase small here.
----------
Hawkeye Kane
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2011 8:07 AM
|
Bart Leczycki
45 posts
Aug 31, 2011
8:09 AM
|
@MN My acoustic Trio - TERRAPLANE use two acoustic amps: Roldan AC-60.
Every amp has two inputs, antifeedback, 3steps EQ (for each channel) and hole for big speaker stand.
It's very portable and inexpensive system (works perfect with clean harmonica, vocal and acoustic guitar).
AER is great but very expensive and too sterile for my taste...
==============================
www.myspace.com/bleczycki
|
MN
91 posts
Aug 31, 2011
9:58 AM
|
I'm intrigued by the idea of arming ourselves with a couple Roland Mobile Cube amps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zhzIRLc9is).
|
eharp
1433 posts
Aug 31, 2011
5:16 PM
|
try the roland street cube.
it aint a pa, but it does have 3 inputs.
|
earlounge
349 posts
Aug 31, 2011
6:33 PM
|
How about the Mackie SRM150 or Behringer B205D?
I posted a thread a few days ago about it... no replies :(
Personal Stage Monitor
----------
|
