I Need some help getting an ok PA around £1200

[Clifford DJ Services]

Hi People,

OK this is not the only reason why i signed up to MDDF, so i won't be running off as soon as i have the answer!

Right a friend who works as an entertainer/singer advised me that DJ's don't need a good sounding system, as 99 in 100 guests wouldn't care how it sounds, i totally disagree with this, and even if it was true, i couldn't do that to myself anyway.

Putting that to one side I'm after a nice sounding system i can use for my mobile DJ business, I'm after a nice sounding bass and a decent amount of clarity.

I feel that I'm pretty clued up when it comes to home audio, but PA i have no clue, I've been browsing the internet for around a month now, and quite frankly it's doing my nut in and i feel I've got no where.

A little about me:

I'm looking to take my business and drive it towards a younger generation by trying something different and marketing toward younger people 18-25 specifically, so I'm looking for something you can feel as much as you can hear (if that make sense) but something that is still punchy with clarity.

At the moment I have an obsession with Behringer perhaps this is because I feel you get a lot for your money.
I've also made the decision to go powered (I hope this is a good choice)

originally i was geared towards the HK audio range but (please correct me if i'm wrong) these seem more geared towards live sound, than DJ Derek...
In other words I need help!

I'm really interested in this set up

http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/behringer-b315d-and-b1500d-pro-active-pa-bundle--86192

What are your thoughts? budget would be tops £1500 but ideally looking at the 850-1200 mark.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.:beer1:

James

[Glenski]

There's nothing wrong with what you have chosen there (others may disagree, but i feel Behringer do the job well).

There are also these to consider >>

Within your budget

Mackie TH15A Thump Pack # 1 - 1800W Active Sound System Click Here (http://www.djkit.com/mackie/mackie-thump-pack-1-1800w-active-sound-system.html?cat=247)

http://www.djkit.com/images/products/thump_power_pack_1.jpg

And for £99 more to your budget of £1500

Mackie TH15A Thump Pack # 2 - 2800W Active Sound System Click Here (http://www.djkit.com/mackie/mackie-thump-pack-2-2800w-active-sound-system.html?cat=247)

http://www.djkit.com/images/products/thump_power_pack_2.jpg

Or if you would like to go passive >>

Peavey 1800W Soundpack Click Here (http://www.jbsmusic.co.uk/peavey-amp-pro-15-sub)

http://www.jbsmusic.co.uk/large/Pro15_ProSub_pv2600_.jpg

I'm sure other members will have their say :)

Thank you

Glenn

[Clifford DJ Services]

Cheers Glenn thats given me some food for thought, thanks

[hammy]

When I was out looking for my new PA I was going to go with Behringer until I actually listened to them and for me personally (please note the for me bit) i really didnt like the sound, I settled in the end for JBL Eon 315`s Which I actually love the sound of, Most will tell you dont buy without listening first. :beer1:

[Glenski]

When I was out looking for my new PA I was going to go with Behringer until I actually listened to them and for me personally (please note the for me bit) i really didnt like the sound, I settled in the end for JBL Eon 315`s Which I actually love the sound of, Most will tell you dont buy without listening first. :beer1:

Sound advice, and no 'pun' intended :)

I use Peavey Pro 15 and Pro Sub for my setup, also listened to them first.

Thank you

Glenn

[yourdj]

One word:


RCF. :)

Well its probably an anagram for something italian but you know what I mean.

I have the art 310's and they are excellent.
that combined with a sub and you have a great system for a modest venue and 200 people +

All in budget (almost - Our Price: £1299.00) and better than the mackie thump stuff.

http://www.bem-music.com/list.pl?id=113444


http://www.bem-music.com/product_images/large/113444.jpg

I use the LD dave sub with passive satilite outs and passive cabs, which works very well (2 x 10 inch tops and 12 inch sub)
This is similar but more powerful and its an all active system which is great as every speaker has a separate amp and audio connection minimizing a sound failure at a gig.

[CRAZY K]

Sound advice, and no 'pun' intended :)

I use Peavey Pro 15 and Pro Sub for my setup, also listened to them first.

Thank you

Glenn

Me too--love them.

The Pro 15s can look after themselves on their own for small to medium events.

Or the Peavey UL15s for louder events.

Use a matching Peavey Powered Mixer or the new lightweight amps.

I find the JBL a bit harsh when you wind them up.

Its all down to which sound you like best.

[Excalibur]

More food for thought. 15" tops
http://www.djkit.com/w-audio/w-audio-psr-15a-neo.html?highlight=

Or if you prefer 12" tops.
http://www.djkit.com/w-audio/w-audio-psr-12a-neo.html?highlight=

And subs.
http://www.djkit.com/w-audio/w-audio-wsr-115p-15inch-600wrms-powered-subwoofer.html?highlight=

On the extreme range of your budget, but my experience of W Audio is that it does what it says on the tin.

Whatever you do, listen first, preferably with more than one side by side.

[ppentertainments]

More food for thought. 15" tops
http://www.djkit.com/w-audio/w-audio-psr-15a-neo.html?highlight=

Or if you prefer 12" tops.
http://www.djkit.com/w-audio/w-audio-psr-12a-neo.html?highlight=

And subs.
http://www.djkit.com/w-audio/w-audio-wsr-115p-15inch-600wrms-powered-subwoofer.html?highlight=

On the extreme range of your budget, but my experience of W Audio is that it does what it says on the tin.

Whatever you do, listen first, preferably with more than one side by side.

Is that assuming the op already owns a forklift truck :D :D

Agree with Peter though. W Audio is solid and reliable, if a tad heavy.

[yourdj]

Although the RCF package (post 6) will knock the socks off most.
Have a look through this little lot as well.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/active_pa_sets.html

I would personally recommend this right in on budget and looks VERY :cool:
Actually any of the box stuff is pretty great for the price:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_box_pro_achat_110ma_112_suba_aktiv.htm


http://images6.thomann.de/pics/prod/240997.jpg

if you want a cheaper version of what I use this is pretty good:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_box_cl_108115_basis_bundle.htm

http://a1.images6.thomann.de/pics/prod/117498.jpg

Basically an LD dave mk1 by the looks of it. I sold the tops off mine and bought passive RCF
ones which run fine off 125 watts as they are very efficient at 127 max spl.
Just as loud as with a 300 watt amp for some reason?

[Clifford DJ Services]

thanks for all your inputs guys, ill be looking at them in detail in the morning, and ill be purchasing this week, the box ones appeal the most because of the size,

I guess they pack a punch then?

[Paul S]

I'm using the JBL PRX series speakers. They've just released the 600 series which means there are some of the 500 series floating around for very close to your budget. They are active with Crown amplifiers built in, and the only real difference between the 500 and 600 series seems to be the cabinet design.

I managed to pick up a demo set of PRX-525's (twin 15" and single 1.5" 650W each continuous) from HTFR for £1200 a while back. They do matching 18" active subs if you want more punch later.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

+1 on RCF for me.

I use the ART312A's (either as tops or full range), and a 705AS sub (or two) for those bigger gigs...

A pair of the tops and the single sub will be a couple of hundred over budget...but worth it if you can stretch to it...

[WWDJ]

What audience size would the 312a's cope with? I am seriously contemplating a pair.

... Or would I get bass improvement by spending a bit more on the 315a's?

[DJ Tony McQue]

What audience size would the 312a's cope with? I am seriously contemplating a pair.

... Or would I get bass improvement by spending a bit more on the 315a's?

I used the RCF312a's and my RCF 705 AS sub at a wedding for 120 in a HUGE venue on Sunday, they sounded amazing. I also have the 310a's which I rate highly.

I actually will be selling my 312s's soon as I very rarely use them as the 310a's are so good, I just need them until one of my 310a's is back from repair due to a leaking roof in my storeroom.

In answer to the OP's question: HK stuff sounds amazing, I would not hesitate to buy one of their sub/sat systems. I wouldn't rule out Mackie gear although the lower end Thump stuff is a bit underpowered for my liking. I have had very bad luck with dB Technologies gear (2 sets of faulty 410 speakers), that put me off that brand for life and I really cannot recommend them in terms of reliabilty and after sales support - I also found the sub15d subwoofer underpowered. I did want a QSC system but my budget just couldn't stretch at the time so after asking lots of advice on here and having a good listen, I opted for 2 RCF systems. The sound is quite aggresive which I like, quite similar to B & W if you were to compare it to home hifi. The top end is sweet and the bass from the 705 AS sub is monsterous.

[deltic]

HK stuff sounds amazing

:agree: can't argue with that statement tony :approve2:

[yourdj]

A pair of the tops and the single sub will be a couple of hundred over budget...but worth it if you can stretch to it...

The one I linked to in post 6 would fit that description perfectly.


:agree: can't argue with that statement tony :approve2:

I used to think that until i heard a powerhouse system and was not very impressed.
The tops are mid rangy and actually broke after a month.
My LD sub and RCF 310's sound much better. :)

[WWDJ]

I used the RCF312a's and my RCF 705 AS sub at a wedding for 120 in a HUGE venue on Sunday, they sounded amazing. I also have the 310a's which I rate highly.

I actually will be selling my 312s's soon as I very rarely use them as the 310a's are so good, I just need them until one of my 310a's is back from repair due to a leaking roof in my storeroom.

In answer to the OP's question: HK stuff sounds amazing, I would not hesitate to buy one of their sub/sat systems. I wouldn't rule out Mackie gear although the lower end Thump stuff is a bit underpowered for my liking. I have had very bad luck with dB Technologies gear (2 sets of faulty 410 speakers), that put me off that brand for life and I really cannot recommend them in terms of reliabilty and after sales support - I also found the sub15d subwoofer underpowered. I did want a QSC system but my budget just couldn't stretch at the time so after asking lots of advice on here and having a good listen, I opted for 2 RCF systems. The sound is quite aggresive which I like, quite similar to B & W if you were to compare it to home hifi. The top end is sweet and the bass from the 705 AS sub is monsterous.

Might be tempted by the 312a's ..... However

What I am really looking for is a set of speakers where I will not need a sub. The 705AS is a great sub, I have one but it is such a heavy lump and extra wiring involve that I rarely use it. I try and keep everything tob minimum setup and tear down times as I find customers and venues appreciate this and I don't like the boring repetition to be honest. I am also very linited on space in my car.
I am drawn towards the higher end RCF (on the assumption that more expensive is better/more bass from the box. I also like the look of the new yamaha dsr115 but as far as I can see there are no bags or protection for them available yet.

I will probably keep my sub to roll out for the biggest gigs, but in all honesty I never seem to need more volume than I already have, venues like me to keep it down for the sake of neighbours/guests.

My maximum audience generally is around 120 and my budget it about the same 1000-1200

[deltic]

The one I linked to in post 6 would fit that description perfectly.



I used to think that until i heard a powerhouse system and was not very impressed.
The tops are mid rangy and actually broke after a month.
My LD sub and RCF 310's sound much better. :)

surely you mean powerworkswhich would be the budget hk stuff.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Might be tempted by the 312a's ..... However

What I am really looking for is a set of speakers where I will not need a sub. The 705AS is a great sub, I have one but it is such a heavy lump and extra wiring involve that I rarely use it. I try and keep everything tob minimum setup and tear down times as I find customers and venues appreciate this and I don't like the boring repetition to be honest. I am also very linited on space in my car.
I am drawn towards the higher end RCF (on the assumption that more expensive is better/more bass from the box. I also like the look of the new yamaha dsr115 but as far as I can see there are no bags or protection for them available yet.

I will probably keep my sub to roll out for the biggest gigs, but in all honesty I never seem to need more volume than I already have, venues like me to keep it down for the sake of neighbours/guests.

My maximum audience generally is around 120 and my budget it about the same 1000-1200

Let's not forget this is someone elses thread. :)

[WWDJ]

Let's not forget this is someone elses thread. :)

Consider myself slapped. Watching with interest though :D

[Clifford DJ Services]

maan, so much choice, thanks for the information though, might be a long shot but does anyone recommend a store I can listen to some of these near the Leeds area?

[Clifford DJ Services]

:agree: can't argue with that statement tony :approve2:

Would this be any good for what i'm looking for? 100 guests, the sound would fill the room nicely, nice bass?

http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/hk-audio-lucas-smart-complete-pa-system--63633

[yourdj]

surely you mean powerworkswhich would be the budget hk stuff.

Yep thats the one. :o

[deltic]

you could give simon a ring at discotechnology

http://www.btowstore.com/epages/Store2.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Store2.Shop1973

he maybe able to offer some assistance.

[deltic]

Would this be any good for what i'm looking for? 100 guests, the sound would fill the room nicely, nice bass?

http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/hk-audio-lucas-smart-complete-pa-system--63633

this is what i use for the smaller stuff

http://www.djkit.com/hk-audio/hk-audio-lucas-impact.html

now simon at discotechnology had a used one for sale around the £1000 mark,i saw and heard it at the coleville speaker meet and it look in excellent condition and sounded sweet.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

The one I linked to in post 6 would fit that description perfectly.



I used to think that until i heard a powerhouse system and was not very impressed.
The tops are mid rangy and actually broke after a month.
My LD sub and RCF 310's sound much better. :)

Never heard of the sub you've lined to though Toby...

[Twinspin]

Up leeds way the best shop for PA is Electromusic in Doncaster

www.electromusic.co.uk

these do most brands of speakers.

[Excalibur]

Up leeds way the best shop for PA is Electromusic in Doncaster

www.electromusic.co.uk

these do most brands of speakers.

Sort of seconded. Discotechnology may have those Brookes we saw demoed at Cleckheaton, John. For the price, I thought they were very impressive, though not surprisingly I fancied the passive ones. Electromusic is indeed an excellent shop.

[yourdj]

Never heard of the sub you've lined to though Toby...

Good point neither have I. looks cool though :)
Interesting that no max SPL is mentioned and a little heavy, but it comes with wheels.
But nice a compact for a 15 inch

System type : active BPS vented enclosure subwoofer
Amplifier Continuous Power : 350 W
Frequency response : 40 Hz - 160 Hz
Sensitivity : 97 dB @ 1 W/1 m
Low Frequency Device : 15'' woofer
Crossover Frequency : 100 Hz or 160 Hz
Power Supply : 230 VAC 50 Hz or 117 VAC 60 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption : 550 VA
Connectors : IN: 2 x combo
OUT: 2 x jack 1/4'', 2 x XLR M
Construction : 15 mm beech plywood
Finishing : anti-scratch finish
Mounting Pole : 1 x top
Weight : 32 kg(70.560lb )
Dimensions (W x H x D) : 43 x 55 x 60 cm
Controls : volume, stereo/mono, flat out, gnd. lift, x-over freq. 100 Hz - 160 Hz, phase



http://www.bluearan.co.uk/sales/proel/images/flash15sp.jpg

[paulg]

Electromusic in Donny are pretty good and they have a decent selection of kit. Don't forget you also have PMT Music in Leeds who are RCF dealers and will do you a good deal if asked. Yes, that's right.......PMT.

If you wanted a demo of RCF 722a's and 4Pro subs, I could help you out also - but I think that set up might be over budget?

[Clifford DJ Services]

Electromusic in Donny are pretty good and they have a decent selection of kit. Don't forget you also have PMT Music in Leeds who are RCF dealers and will do you a good deal if asked. Yes, that's right.......PMT.

If you wanted a demo of RCF 722a's and 4Pro subs, I could help you out also - but I think that set up might be over budget?


ha, just a wee bit, but cheers anyho.

I'm going to get on to PMT and see what they can do for me,

[Clifford DJ Services]

I've been offered the RCF 322A pair for £600 I guess it's a good idea to agree?

[WWDJ]

Good price. Is that new or s/h?

[Clifford DJ Services]

Good price. Is that new or s/h?

2nd, good con too

[big beat discos]

rcf are class also peavey ul15 are class...i own the uls with the ipr1600 lightweight amp ........................which i must say sounds so much better that the pv1500 heavy amp and doesnt heat up at all ...good luck..:o

[paulg]

RCF 7's are very good and at 600 quid you're getting a decent deal. The new prices are proportionately too high because unlike most stuff, they are manufactured and put together in the EU.

[Excalibur]

RCF 7's are very good and at 600 quid you're getting a decent deal. The new prices are proportionately too high because unlike most stuff, they are manufactured and put together in the EU.
Ahem.


I've been offered the RCF 322A pair for £600 I guess it's a good idea to agree?

[Clifford DJ Services]

Thanks for all your input, for all that care I got the RCF ART 325's they will do for my first mobile DJ setup ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thanks for all your input, for all that care I got the RCF ART 325's they will do for my first mobile DJ setup ;)

I have a pair of those and they are a very good 'starting' pair of speakers! :)

What did you pay in the end?

[Clifford DJ Services]

I have a pair of those and they are a very good 'starting' pair of speakers! :)

What did you pay in the end?

£700 in the end, 2 years old..

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

£700 in the end, 2 years old..

Good condition?

[Excalibur]

If I understand the numbering right, as 15" cabs, you shouldn't feel the need to add subs as a matter of urgency, unless you start doing a lot of "Stadium Gigs". ;) :D

Dunno about starting cabs, I'd say they were pretty reasonable cabs to end up with! ;) :thumbs_up: ( Assuming that the condition is acceptable. )

[Clifford DJ Services]

Good condition?

Mint condition not even a scratch, i was quite impressed, cant wait to use them this weekend, had a little spin in the house but it's not the same!

Do you reckon it was an ok deal?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Mint condition not even a scratch, i was quite impressed, cant wait to use them this weekend, had a little spin in the house but it's not the same!

Do you reckon it was an ok deal?

Very good deal. When I bought mine about 3 years ago, they were £1400 a pair (not that I paid that though ;) ).

[Clifford DJ Services]

Very good deal. When I bought mine about 3 years ago, they were £1400 a pair (not that I paid that though ;) ).

ha, they still are to buy them new,

hope they last!