Backup (active) speakers

[BrightLights]

Hi,

I carry backup kit for most things, but not usually speakers because my second set (15" Class-Ds, which I'll probably sell soon) is too big to fit in the van along with everything else.

My main speakers are Mackie SRM450s, to which I sometimes add a sub.

I've been thinking about getting a small-ish set of budget backup speakers that would:

a) Fit in the van
b) Be a backup if one or both Mackies failed
c) Be useful as a second PA for speeches, background music, extension speakers to another room, etc

As a backup they're only really for emergencies, and the chances of both Mackies failing on the same night must be pretty slim, so I can accept that I might have to finish a night at reduced volume. Of course I realise budget, small cabs aren't going to be anywhere near the quality or volume of the Mackies - they just need to be good enough to get me through the night if the worst happens.

I reckon for (a) and (c) above, a set of 8" cabs like the W-Audio PSR8A would fit the bill, but for (b) I'm not convinved they'd be man enough the the job.

So I'm looking at both 8" and 10" cabs at the moment. Does anyone have any experience with the Thomann "The Box" PA108A or PA110A, or W-Audio PSR8A. Would they be man enough for the job, or no chance?

I'm only interested in active cabs because that's what my mains ones are, and I'd like the convenience of being able to get them out of the van and set them up quickly if need be - swap two cables and it's done.

Thanks in advance...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=21851

[BrightLights]

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=21851

Yep, found that before I posted but I didn't see much in the way of conclusions about the smaller cabs.

I did notice you said you've got the PSR8s though (see, I was paying attention!) Any good?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yep, found that before I posted but I didn't see much in the way of conclusions about the smaller cabs.

I did notice you said you've got the PSR8s though (see, I was paying attention!) Any good?

Not for a full disco on their own, no.

[Pe7e]

Hi,

As a backup they're only really for emergencies, and the chances of both Mackies failing on the same night must be pretty slim, so I can accept that I might have to finish a night at reduced volume. Of course I realise budget, small cabs aren't going to be anywhere near the quality or volume of the Mackies - they just need to be good enough to get me through the night if the worst happens.


I'm only interested in active cabs because that's what my mains ones are, and I'd like the convenience of being able to get them out of the van and set them up quickly if need be - swap two cables and it's done.

Thanks in advance...

I think you've answered your own question here, why not just get a single Mackie speaker, the odds of two failing on the same gig are remote

[BrightLights]

Not for a full disco on their own, no.

How about if only one Mackie failed so there'd be one Mackie and one PSR8A? They'd look pretty silly, mind you :)

Or how about if they were teamed with a sub (which is usually in the van in case I decide to use it)?

I'm pretty sure 8" cabs just won't be up to it at all, but thought I'd ask anyway...

[Adam_F]

b) Be a backup if one or both Mackies failed




As a backup they're only really for emergencies, and the chances of both Mackies failing on the same night must be pretty slim, so I can accept that I might have to finish a night at reduced volume.




I think you've answered your own question here, why not just get a single Mackie speaker, the odds of two failing on the same gig are remote


As mentioned, why not get a third SRM 450?

As you said, the chances of both speakers dying on you is slim (power surges that'd knock out all your kit might, but then, everything else would go bang too, so two speakers would be the least of your worries).

It can still be used in seperate rooms for background or speeches, as the dispersion is great on them.

[BrightLights]

I think you've answered your own question here, why not just get a single Mackie speaker, the odds of two failing on the same gig are remote

Yeah I thought about that, and it's probably the best answer for pure backup purposes but if possible it'd be nice to have a pair so they could also be used for the other stuff like speeches, second PA, etc.

I should probably add that the Mackies have never let me down. Maybe I'm just being paranoid :)

[Larry B Entertainment]

The Tapco 15" Thumps are good, they are light and compact and produce a quality sound. We have owned a pair at work for over a year now and they have stood up to the abuse they get from students. They are ideal as backups to the SRM's

[WWDJ]

I have a 3rd SRM450 for backup. This might be for sale as I am considering buying a set of W-Audio PSR15A to use stand-alone for some gigs

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have a 3rd SRM450 for backup. This might be for sale

How much for?

[WWDJ]

It has a padded bag and is not gigged. I would be looking for about 300 ono.

[WWDJ]

After checking ebay completed items £275 with the padded bag would be more realistic. I am open to sensible offers via PM.

Once I receive my new speakers I will drop this on a seperate thread. This speaker wil lbe available from about 16th September as I am away. Collection only I would imagine.

[DJMaxG]

As mentioned, why not get a third SRM 450?

Bang on Track - That is exactly My thought for general backup circumstanes. Carrying 3 X Active Speakers is easier than carrying a whole seperate system.

In the Unlikely event that both speakers went, you could always get in touch with a local DJ or a friend etc to bring a replacement system over.

But at least you'd have sound whilst they were arriving.



For an extra system for ceremonys or an extra room etc, it depends how you want the music to be. If it has a dancefloor, then you'd want 12s, but if it's just so they can hear announcements etc - then 8" would do fine.

The Yamaha Stagepass system is common for such applications.

[Larry B Entertainment]

For an extra system for ceremonys or an extra room etc, it depends how you want the music to be. If it has a dancefloor, then you'd want 12s, but if it's just so they can hear announcements etc - then 8" would do fine.



I have a Fender Passport that I use for voice work in separate rooms or locations. Its nice that a complete system can be carried with one hand.

[spin mobile disco]

the 10 inch Db opera speakers are very ligth and compact for a 10" they are pretty well priced. But in general a spare mackie is probably the obvious backup but haveing a whole pair mnean you could have pa in muliple rooms or ouside in the summer.

[DJ Jules]

I did notice you said you've got the PSR8s though (see, I was paying attention!) Any good?

I've got a set of these and while the size/weight is attractive, they're Ok for very small PA/Quiz work, for monitors, or for use at home, but nothing else. The 150w RMS rated power is deceiving - you might get this out of the amp, but the sound will distort completely long before you see a clip light.

I demo'd a pair of Cerwin Vega CVA28's on Tuesday and they're twin 8" drivers with a true 400w RMS rated output and a very nice sound too. Unfortunately the guy in the shop refused (point blank) to run them full range without the 15", 700w sub so I have no idea how they'd sound by themselves. They're £760 a pair, but you could easily run them by themselves (as Adam does I believe?)

Julian

[Excalibur]

I have a 3rd SRM450 for backup. This might be for sale as I am considering buying a set of W-Audio PSR15A to use stand-alone for some gigs


How much for?

Never mind the Mackie, if Steve says his Class D's are too big, then I know which model they are, and I'll give him £20 for them. ;) :D

[BrightLights]

Never mind the Mackie, if Steve says his Class D's are too big, then I know which model they are, and I'll give him £20 for them. ;) :D

I'll take a £20 deposit on them, sure ;)

[BrightLights]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I haven't really decided what to do but it does sound like an extra Mackie would be the most sensible choice for backup purposes. I'd still like a relatively small second PA for background music, speeches, etc but maybe I need to deal with that separately.

Cheers,
Steve

[djsteve10]

What about a pair of Mackie SRM350's?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Defo Mackie as backup IMO,

and what about one of them Carlsbro Traveller or Alto set-ups for dedicated speech or vocal work. Nice and compact.