System for dance instructor

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have a friend whose wife is looking for a sound system. She is a dance instructor, but it may also be used for dance shows and productions.

She hasn't given me a budget as yet, but if she replies to her email today, hopefully we will get one! Let's say the budget is under £2K for arguments sake.

Here is what he said.


She requires a sound system for Ipod and computer docking/connection which will accommodate venues which can hold up to 200 people for dancing lessons and even large production shows when they hold them.

Can you help us find a suitable combination of sound system, amplifier, speakers (with stands?), control unit with desk/table and microphones (preferably cordless)?

I am thinking that active cabs or a powered mixer might be the way to go, coupled with headset mics.

Anyway, the more ideas the better.

Over to you.

[Supreme Soundz]

i would think a powered mixer and passive cabs, giving a few options for inputs amd mics, as you could possibly get away with a pair of actives with a couple of inputs on the back though that would limit their options as they said larger productions a desk would be handy, and would save some one walking over to the speaker mid performance to adjust the levels,

something like a peavey powered desk and a pair of hisys2's and stands maybe, then radio mics headsets ideally

[Excalibur]

Well I've got no experience of headset mics, other than to have a look at Shure. This one any good? I know it's not headworn.
http://www.dv247.com/microphones/shure-pg188uk-pg185-dual-lavalier-wireless-system--37716
Senny freeport is good as budget goes.
http://www.dv247.com/microphones/sennheiser-freeport-presentation-set-lavalier-wireless-microphone-system--28313

Let's try to sort a PA. Rather than try to find something with a dedicated ipod dock, let's do versatile.
http://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_pmp_6000.htm
Speakers? How about Peavey UL's? 12's or 15's depending on how often subs will be used. Following my recentexperience, I'd probably suggest 12's.
http://www.peavey-eu.com/index.php
Add an active sub when needed, possibly a couple of Warrior actives if the gig gets really large.

I reckon I could go way over budget very easily on this one, hope these suggestions are food for thought.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Do you think lavalier will work as well as headset mics for this kind of thing? I have no experience of using lavalier mics at all.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

One thing I didn't mention, is that she is fairly little, so no massively heavy cabs or desks please!

[WWDJ]

Alesis make some mixing desks with Ipod docks and USB so if this is a main source this may be handy and would keep things simple. Just add powered speakers and you are sorted.

http://www.alesis.com/imultimix16usb

I guess it depends how much she is going to moving the equipment around, but if it needs to be moved a lot you would consider something like the RCF310A's which are light and loud.

She could hire in extra PA for bigger gigs if needed.

On the Mic front I am not sure but the Freeport series looks a good bet and I can vouch for the handheld mic which has not let me down in the last 3 years.

[Excalibur]

Do you think lavalier will work as well as headset mics for this kind of thing? I have no experience of using lavalier mics at all.

Neither have I. Headset would be my preferred option. Presumably there's a headworn Shure system similar to the one I linked to. :confused: I just stopped searching, there were a lot of systems to look through.

Halfway there.
http://www.dv247.com/microphones/shure-pg1288uk-pg30-wireless-dual-system-(channel-38)--80295

[Kernow]

http://www.thomann.de/gb/peavey_escort_3000.htm
Comes highly recommended.
It has auxiliary in/out for attachment to larger mixer if more mic inputs required.
I've used one for a crowd of 280 and plenty loud enough.:)

[Alchemy]

This looks neat, and at £75 it's not bank breaking.

http://www.numark.com/im1

Couple that with a pair of Mackie SRM 350 V2's at £325 each

http://www.thomann.de/gb/mackie_srm_350_v2_black.htm

and a Numark DJIO to connect to her lappy.

Top it off with http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Samson-Airline-77-QE-UHF-Vocal-Headset-System/6E5 for £299 and Bob's your father's brother.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

http://www.thomann.de/gb/peavey_escort_3000.htm
Comes highly recommended.
It has auxiliary in/out for attachment to larger mixer if more mic inputs required.
I've used one for a crowd of 280 and plenty loud enough.:)

280 people, really? :eek:

I've seen and heard one demo'd and didn't think much of the sound quality tbh, but it's not for me.

What were you doing for 280 people?

[Mark Wild]

What were you doing for 280 people?

Not a lot ! LOL

[Excalibur]

http://www.thomann.de/gb/peavey_escort_3000.htm
Comes highly recommended.
It has auxiliary in/out for attachment to larger mixer if more mic inputs required.
I've used one for a crowd of 280 and plenty loud enough.:)

Rob, I've not heard the one you linked to, and can in no way gainsay what you've put, but personally, I would have regarded it as being on the diminutive side of barely big enough. ;) :confused: :confused:

I would accept unreservedly that like this one
http://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_stagepas_300.htm
they would be ideal as a rig for smaller venues where portability was paramount. I can't see either of theses being big enough on their own, but will accept that they may actually be a better solution than some other suggestions, as a sort of "Modular" rig, ie only take what you need.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Rob, I've not heard the one you linked to, and can in no way gainsay what you've put, but personally, I would have regarded it as being on the diminutive side of barely big enough. ;) :confused: :confused:

I would accept unreservedly that like this one
http://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_stagepas_300.htm
they would be ideal as a rig for smaller venues where portability was paramount. I can't see either of theses being big enough on their own, but will accept that they may actually be a better solution than some other suggestions, as a sort of "Modular" rig, ie only take what you need.

I have 2 of the Stagepas 300 systems and the quality is much better than the Peavey System. I have done quiz nights for around 100 people with them, but certainly not any more.

[Alchemy]

I have 2 of the Stagepas 300 systems and the quality is much better than the Peavey System. I have done quiz nights for around 100 people with them, but certainly not any more.

I've got one too, I agree, they are nowhere near powerful enough for 200.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Funnily enough, I was going to say "What about the Stagepas?" - not the 300 one that we have, but the bigger version.

For classes it could be ideal, but I'm not sure it would be powerful enough for productions. (During classes, so long as the dancers can hear the music, it's all that's needed: in fact it shouldn't be too loud because the teacher will need to be heard over it, but I should imagine that they will want it much louder for the productions).

I use a shure headset mic and it's great - apart from the fact that the foam wind shield won['t stay on the bloody thing! Not sure of the model number, but I'll try and remember to check later, as I would definitely recommend it. I'd definitely agree that a headset would be better than a lavalier for this.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Anyone use these?
Mackie Thump TH-12A

They are a reasonable price and I should think fairly good quality?

[Excalibur]

Funnily enough, I was going to say "What about the Spagepas?" - not the 300 one that we have, but the bigger version.

Well I never! I didn't know there was a bigger version. :o :o :o :o On checking specs, it's still only got 10" drivers, so would still, in my opinion, be limited in what size of gig it could cope with. It could as I said though, be used to feed extra PA for larger functions. Plenty of options.


Darren, are the Ecky Thumps cheaper than W Audio? I've had a quick scan of the specs, and notice that the Mackies are as far as I can tell,
150w down on amp power, and 7db down on SPL.

[Kernow]

280 people, really? :eek:

I've seen and heard one demo'd and didn't think much of the sound quality tbh, but it's not for me.

What were you doing for 280 people?


I've got one too, I agree, they are nowhere near powerful enough for 200.

We had an underground wedding
http://www.poldark-mine.co.uk/wedding.htm
As numbers are limited underground, I used the Peavey to relay a live link to guests & other visitors on surface in conjunction with a video link which is installed. The brides father (keyboard), 2 nieces (vocals) and brother (drums) had composed a special song for the B&G and were invited, by me, to use the system to perform on a verandah. Went down really well and was clearly heard by all.
130 wedding guests + 150 casual onlookers. ;) :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well I never! I didn't know there was a bigger version. :o :o :o :o On checking specs, it's still only got 10" drivers, so would still, in my opinion, be limited in what size of gig it could cope with. It could as I said though, be used to feed extra PA for larger functions. Plenty of options.


Darren, are the Ecky Thumps cheaper than W Audio? I've had a quick scan of the specs, and notice that the Mackies are as far as I can tell,
150w down on amp power, and 7db down on SPL.

And up on weight by about 20 Kg? I'll have a look.


Ecky Thumps

LMAO!!! :D :D :D :D

[Excalibur]

And up on weight by about 20 Kg? I'll have a look.


Ah. Sorry,I was more concerned with sound output than weight. I have the passive W Audio, and they're not too cumbersome, though for some unfathomable reason, they only have a handle at one side! :confused: :confused:
How do they compare weight wise with the actives?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

PRS 12 actives are 25Kg

Mackie Thumps are 16.5Kg and a 15 rather than a 12.

[Kernow]

PRS 12 actives are 25Kg

Mackie Thumps are 16.5Kg and a 15 rather than a 12.


Ah. Sorry,I was more concerned with sound output than weight. I have the passive W Audio, and they're not too cumbersome, though for some unfathomable reason, they only have a handle at one side! :confused: :confused:
?

Access for the Lion & Witch :confused: ;) :D :D

[Excalibur]

PRS 12 actives are 25Kg

Mackie Thumps are 16.5Kg and a 15 rather than a 12.

Hmmmmmm, that might indeed swing things back towards the Mackies. Interesting.
If you go down to the 12" Mackies, they're only 11.5Kg.

As always, I'd recommend a side by side comparison, especially in that case. I'm very happy with my s/h PSR 12's.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Why not go for a Behringer mixing desk, a pair of RCF ART 312A, Numark IDEC and a bog standard 3.5mm jack-RCA cable with GLI for the laptop, coupled with radio mic headsets (ive no idea on make as i dont use them).

[yourdj]

I did a thread like this for my Zumba class and no one answered :(

Ended up getting her an HK powerhouse system. LD dave also an option.
You will need the bass IMO. Go for 12 inch. If she has the budget a fohhn equivalent would be much better.

she is tiny (under five foot) but manages to wheel a 15 inch in.
She also has a mixer with usb for the laptop.

Her classes are quite large but the system sounds good as I do it from the back looking at all the ladies bums :D
Its actually cos I am rubbish and do not want them looking at my bum too.

[Corabar Entertainment]

You will need the bass IMO.That will depend on the type of dance, surely?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So, I have looked at all your links and ideas and done more research myself and have got the following products lined up for them to look at and listen to.

Mackie Thump TH12A - £450/pair
Mackie Thump TH15A - £538/pair with stands
Mackie Pro FX8 - £199
A&H Zed10 - £185
Alesis iMultimix 9R - £275
Shure PG30 headset mic - £200
Shure PG30 dual headset mic - £332.

All reasonable quality and do what is needed. I might also look at the cheaper end of the DB technologies scale, Croma, I think?

[Excalibur]

Darren, your shortlist looks to fit the bill admirably. ( Even if it contains none of my suggestions. :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( )

Only thing I'd ask is will they need two headset mics, or would the one I linked to be more suitable, ie one handheld, one headset? Obviously it will depend on how they work, but just a thought.

[Jiggles]

I would go for the line6 headset microphone. It works on the GHz frequencies and suffers from no interference. Cracking kit and far better than any shure offering IMO.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren, your shortlist looks to fit the bill admirably. ( Even if it contains none of my suggestions. :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( )

Only thing I'd ask is will they need two headset mics, or would the one I linked to be more suitable, ie one handheld, one headset? Obviously it will depend on how they work, but just a thought.

The Shure one can take up to 5 headsets at the same time so there is room for expansion.


I would go for the line6 headset microphone. It works on the GHz frequencies and suffers from no interference. Cracking kit and far better than any shure offering IMO.

I really wish people wouldn't just write off a whole manufacturer.....I am sure you haven't done a side by side comparison with all Shure mics Callum.

All the UHF Shure mics I have ever used haven't had a problem with 'interference'.

Have you got a link to what you are talking about, so I can look please? :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Don't worry, I found a link.

They broadcast on 2.4Ghz - don't a lot of other things transmit on that?

[Excalibur]

The Shure one can take up to 5 headsets at the same time so there is room for expansion.

Ah. In that case you appear to have all bases covered. One of the great plus points for Shure is kit being available as separate/add on items.

Don't worry, I found a link.

They broadcast on 2.4Ghz - don't a lot of other things transmit on that?

Oh yuss. ;)

[Jiggles]

The way the 2.4 GHz system works means you can have up to 12 devices in the one room. They are smart in the sence they only listen to what they want and filter out the signal they don't need. Range of 100m My personal opinion the 2.4 GHz spectrum is the way forward. :).

[Tom]

What about something like this sound wise?

http://www.musicianscentre.com/dave-15-pa-system.html

Small and compact?