Active Backups

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Right now I've moved from passive :Censored: poor peaveys and gone active with the mackies I need to find a pair of active speakers to use as backup.

Money is abit tight and ideally something that could get me through an evening but not too big either.

Think I remember Daz mentioning an LEM system? cant find it though...

[Charlie Brown]

I don't take any backup.

If one Mackie dies, the other one will last for the remainder of the night.

[yourdj]

I don't take any backup.

If one Mackie dies, the other one will last for the remainder of the night.

Ooohhh, do not be sure of that.

I know several people who have said that and they have both over heated and died leaving them with no sound :( .
If you run subs a small rubbish top is better than nothing for high end and useful for sound in another area etc.

I used my Tapco tonight in a funny venue as we moved the dance floor area last min.
I could not get the main speaker as it was above a table of people eating (not hovering - on a raised area).

Depends on the speaker and gig though :). Digital amps would be the best bet.



I would go mackie thump for budget back up. Love them. :)

[jamesh]

Have a look at the W-audio PSR8a's neil...

Not a massive sound system (think they are only 150w each) but they are small enough to leave on the van and any problems some sound is better than none...

For quite a while i ran 2 psr8a's with a single powered sub and it did most functions fine.

Price wise you looking under £300 for a pair inc cases - i think i remember seeing cpc had them at around £270 inc vat

[DeckstarDeluxe]

that sounds ideal cheers James.

[pagan_flame]

Tapco Thump (http://www.mackie.com/products/th-15a/).

If the sub goes - put them on the floor and turn the treble down on the EQ.

If the tops go - put them on stands and use them as replacements.

I have two pairs...

[CRAZY K]

Right now I've moved from passive :Censored: poor peaveys and gone active with the mackies I need to find a pair of active speakers to use as backup.

Money is abit tight and ideally something that could get me through an evening but not too big either.

Think I remember Daz mentioning an LEM system? cant find it though...

Neil, couldnt you take a small cheap lightish passive back up like a pair of Peavey Pro 15s and a 1k amp---just so happens Martin Vectis has sold me this very set up;)

Should be loud enough to get you out of trouble.

Although with your sub and one Mackie that would be pretty good wouldnt it?

I carry a spare amp but no speakers.

For each gig I take the size of speakers that could survive on one side working only--thats why I have 3 different sets of speakers.

To prove the point I did a Wedding where due to a hurried set up I only had one side (Pro 15 and Pro Sub) working and yet it was sufficiently loud for the Venue to tell me to turn it down--It was then pointed out by someone that one side wasnt working --I hadnt noticed the panning was all left side:eek:

[Vectis]

Neil

As per a recent car park conversation I think you can take the 'multiple simultaneous Mackie dying' reports with a big pinch of salt. I'm sure it's happened to someone at some point, but no-one to my knowledge has had this happen personally to them... ;)

Anyway, that's why you have a set of clip-on fans. If you're going to run them hard and subless or in a particularly hot venue, fan them.

But, yes, things can occasionally go wrong and you might be without a speaker for a short while, so my suggestions would be:

1. Buy a single SRM450 as spare and slot in place of a dead one
2. Buy a single Mackie C300 (passive version of SRM450) which would be aesthetically a reasonable match, and if you don't have a spare from your old passive set, a suitable amp to run it. You could run a smallish amp capable of being bridged. I think I might have a no-brand cheapo that could do the trick.
3. Buy a pair of Thumps - I do believe there's a set for sale here: http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=29027

The added advantage to #3 is they could be used for the smallest venues on their own.

[yourdj]

w.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=29027[/url]

The added advantage to #3 is they could be used for the smallest venues on their own.

And weigh next to nothing so do not add too much to transport weight/costs.
also easy to sling up in a hurry.

agree with the bass thing the eq is useful.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Isn't someone selling a pair of Mackie Thumps on here fairly cheaply?

[Vectis]

Isn't someone selling a pair of Mackie Thumps on here fairly cheaply?

That'll be...



3. Buy a pair of Thumps - I do believe there's a set for sale here: http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=29027


... those :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry, not concentrating!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

As I said in my OP moving away from Passive.

If Mackies are really that reliable then? (Please only owners of mackies answer that one please).

If thats the case then it'll allow me to save up and buy a third in due course which sounds better to me at the moment however...... I dont have a small pa incase someone needs it say a wedding breakfast etc...

[CRAZY K]

As I said in my OP moving away from Passive.

If Mackies are really that reliable then? (Please only owners of mackies answer that one please).

If thats the case then it'll allow me to save up and buy a third in due course which sounds better to me at the moment however...... I dont have a small pa incase someone needs it say a wedding breakfast etc...

If you bought Matts remaining pair of Actives problem solved for £350.

Doubling as pa for Weddings and main back up.;)

[simonp]

I bought Matts (Spin Spin) 2nd pair of Mackie Thumps as back up - just got them home and had a play - They are great, really nice sound - very happy with them.

What's more they are in absolute immaculate condition, better than he described TBH, I think he undersold them :lol: - they look brand spankers, not even a scuff mark on the feet or anything - Cheers Matt :beer1:

[ppentertainments]

Have a look at the W-audio PSR8a's neil...

Not a massive sound system (think they are only 150w each) but they are small enough to leave on the van and any problems some sound is better than none...

For quite a while i ran 2 psr8a's with a single powered sub and it did most functions fine.

Price wise you looking under £300 for a pair inc cases - i think i remember seeing cpc had them at around £270 inc vat
I have been using 2 of these lately with a couple of subs. They handled a wedding last weekend for 300 ok. Just using whilst my 12" actives are getting changed, but may use the psr8a for smaller weddings.

Back to backup - I never go out without the psr8's now. They are so small and ample for most gigs - provided used with subs.

[DAVESOUNDS SERVICES]

If its any use to anyone
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/DAVESOUNDS/srm1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/DAVESOUNDS/srm2.jpg
Cheap and in Wakefield!!!
Cheers

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Is that a 350?

[spin mobile disco]

Lol no problem I told you they were like new no one ever believes that but if I say it I really mean it. Nice to meet a few more members from the forum this week as well. Managed sell 2 pairs of thumps 4 starcloths some cases some bags and hopefully I will be playing with my new speakers tomorow.