View Full Version : If you could only take 2 active speakers ....
Right! Obviously been reading lots of opinions and reviews of active speakers and now is the time. My actives are next on the list for replacement and I really do not know what to get.
I don't do lots of gigs per year (about 25), I work on my own and use my car for transport, so carrying subs is off limits as I won't have room for other gear.
Gigs are anything from 40 teenagers in a pub back room to 150 in a nice hotel and the music anything from Bill Haley to Chase and Status.
Leaving budget aside, if you could only take 2 active speakers to any of the above gigs, what would you take .... and not feel you are selling the customer short?
.... because this is exactly what I need!!!
marting
10-09-2011, 03:31 PM
I'm a big fan of american audio stuff and adj I have 2 American Audio PXI15P which are huge and heavy but i do get in the back of the wifes car rover something. at around £600 for the pair
i do wish i had a set of 12in ones because im sure they wouldn't be so heavy.
Megamix
10-09-2011, 05:00 PM
2 x DB 405d - light and bassy plus I like the sound
Tonsk
10-09-2011, 05:09 PM
I take two FBT Maxx 6a speakers to my gigs - 900 watts (with 700 to the bass and 200 tops) and have yet to find a gig where I needed more.
SC Events
10-09-2011, 05:14 PM
I use 2 x RCF 312a's and i've not yet used any bass bins with them during the 12 months i've had them.
If you want a bit more bass, use the EQ on your mixer if it has one. I have my speakers now running from a Denon X900 mixer.
I use 2 x RCF 312a's and i've not yet used any bass bins with them during the 12 months i've had them.
If you want a bit more bass, use the EQ on your mixer if it has one. I have my speakers now running from a Denon X900 mixer.
What size crowds?
I prefer not to run my bass over 12 o clock on the mixer if I can help it as i believe it pushes speakers beyond what they were designed to do. I might be wrong ?
SC Events
10-09-2011, 05:36 PM
I've used them in a room with 350 people at a Uni ball back in March and i've also used them at private house parties.
I think they are brilliant and sound great!
DJ Frankie
10-09-2011, 05:44 PM
I love my QSC K12's, plus they have the additional deep bass option if need be.
chrispeacock
10-09-2011, 09:22 PM
i have a pair of yamaha msr400's at present but use a sub sometimes.
But at the moment im looking at getting QSC k12's as i heard some k10's which sounded awesome and just want to have a listen of the k12's to see if they are what im looking for
leelive
10-09-2011, 09:44 PM
K12s. But K10s would be ok for your gigs.
chrisj
11-09-2011, 12:05 AM
I have a pair of RCF 725's and never had to drive them hard. If more than 100 people I will use Tannoy 15" or 18" subs though for the extra real low frequencies.
Excalibur
11-09-2011, 07:27 AM
Whatever the badge on the front, or the material the cabs were constructed from, if I were constrained to only using two cabs, they would have 15" drivers.
supersound
11-09-2011, 09:01 AM
15" RCF 525s,750w per side and good SPL.V nice deep bass and sharp top end too.
Paul
Whatever the badge on the front, or the material the cabs were constructed from, if I were constrained to only using two cabs, they would have 15" drivers.
My heart tells me that too, but looking at some the RCF range, the bass response on the 12's either matches or in some case beats the 15's. I guess they have sacrificed range for power handling ....
I'm leaning towards either the RCF ART422A, RCF ART722A or QSC K12 i think. Those RCF boxes are pretty small though which is a great plus point.
DJ Paulie
11-09-2011, 09:48 AM
I use Behringer B212D actives, never had them up over 2/3 vol. 550w each & only 9kg. I've used them in GAA sports hall, big hotel room & in a kitchen !
MikeW
11-09-2011, 09:57 AM
QSC K12 for me. I will be buying these in the next couple of weeks. Liking the reduced weight against the Mackie's and hopefully as good as, if not slightly better sound quality.
paulg
11-09-2011, 11:09 AM
My heart tells me that too, but looking at some the RCF range, the bass response on the 12's either matches or in some case beats the 15's. I guess they have sacrificed range for power handling ....
I'm leaning towards either the RCF ART422A, RCF ART722A or QSC K12 i think. Those RCF boxes are pretty small though which is a great plus point.
I use the 722a's and you might be disappointed with them as stand alones - they are very loud but perhaps lack a bit at the bottom end. A 12" speaker will always struggle to produce low frequencies at any decent SPL. They are very pronounced at higher frequencies - especially the 2" voice coil and really are better for vocal use. They perform best when matched with a sub / crossover and that's exactly what you don't want! I'd go have a good listen to some before buying.
The 15 inch versions are better but again, at volume, the balance of the bottom end seems to creep upwards towards mid frequencies. Hard to describe, but this gives a hollow sounding bass - not helped by plastic cabs..
Mark Wild
11-09-2011, 11:23 AM
I'm leaning towards either the RCF ART422A, RCF ART722A or QSC K12 i think. Those RCF boxes are pretty small though which is a great plus point.
I'm really liking the ART422a's if budget allows then go for the 722A's (maybe the 15 inch new 7 series would be better for you? budget dependant anyway.)
I don't think any top is going to give you the thump you're after really in that price range and weight.
I tend to use one bin at most of my gigs now (depending on access sometimes) I'm just a lot happier working when there's is something kicking out sub 60hz frequencies :)
I've used them in a room with 350 people at a Uni ball back in March and i've also used them at private house parties.
I think they are brilliant and sound great!
I'm sorry but 2 x 312's for 350 people especially for a younger crowd is ridiculous.
Solitaire Events Ltd
11-09-2011, 11:27 AM
I'm sorry but 2 x 312's for 350 people especially for a younger crowd is ridiculous.
I've got to agree. I have the 325a's which are the 15" and I played a venue with 350 people last Christmas with 2 x RCF705as subs and still struggled a little!
Ecstatic Events
11-09-2011, 11:33 AM
I've got to agree. I have the 325a's which are the 15" and I played a venue with 350 people last Christmas with 2 x RCF705as subs and still struggled a little!
You both beat me to it. Ridiculous comment about a pair of 312a being suitable for 350 guests. I prefer extra reinforcement in the form of a sub or two for anything upwards of 150 guests. They are 12" cones? Once you have a busy dancefloor, the sound is quickly absorbed.
I played a gig for 90 guests in a marquee last night (with a packed dancefloor, ALL NIGHT) and I just about got away with using a pair :confused: :p :p
I don't do events of 350 people anyhow or anything approaching that.
I am really looking at up to 150 after which I would take my sub
On paper the K12's seem to have decent bass response, on paper at least
Ecstatic Events
11-09-2011, 12:17 PM
I don't do events of 350 people anyhow or anything approaching that.
I am really looking at up to 150 after which I would take my sub
On paper the K12's seem to have decent bass response, on paper at least
Then the 312's are a definite contender. They can be a little top heavy though. They sound much better when used with a art-905 with the built in crossover.
Then the 312's are a definite contender. They can be a little top heavy though. They sound much better when used with a art-905 with the built in crossover.
So I'm looking for the best sounding speakers without a sub
Mark Wild
11-09-2011, 02:36 PM
If my budget would of allowed it I would have gone for the RCF ART 725A
Ecstatic Events
11-09-2011, 03:05 PM
So I'm looking for the best sounding speakers without a sub
80% of my personal gigs I use the 312's without a sub. I really like them
Supreme Soundz
12-09-2011, 11:30 AM
ive got the k 10,s and their pretty bassy did a pub gig bout 80 people and it was kicking the bar maid commented on how good it sounded compared to the band they had two days before with 2 eons and a eon sub
Can I add the JBL PRX615m into the mix.
Traditionally the EON's have been brighter than looking at the sun so i've heard, but these are getting good reviews.
Anyone heard them?
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 09:45 AM
ive got the k 10,s and their pretty bassy did a pub gig bout 80 people and it was kicking the bar maid commented on how good it sounded compared to the band they had two days before with 2 eons and a eon sub
I have the K10s and although they are fantastic sounding speakers and fairly bassy for a 10" cab, I still wouldn't use them on their own for a disco unless it was a very small party.
If I could only take 2 active speakers....
I would take the RCF325as. Fantastic full range sound, good bass response and very loud.
Dynamic Entertainment
13-09-2011, 10:11 AM
I like my RCF ART 312A's...but working with a soul singer last weekend who that the RCF TT25A....well.... :o
I like my RCF ART 312A's...but working with a soul singer last weekend who that the RCF TT25A....well.... :o
LOL TT25A's are too heavy and dare I say it ... to expensive :D
It looks like on paper I think I will probably go for either the RCF425a or RCF422a. Looking at the specs I can see that the 425a is louder but it doesn't to me look like it offers better bass than the 422a.
I would take these over the 3 Series because they are lighter. I guess the only 'issue' I have heard is that digital amps tend to sound a bit rough once they get hot but to be honest I have noticed that all my speakers change tone when they have been working hard, as does the club system I use in Oxford, so much so that I have to back it off a bit to make it sound nicer.
surround sounds
13-09-2011, 12:09 PM
i got the rcf 712 and 725 and happy with both..I went from the jbl eon range to these and i like them cause they are light and very loud.
The other option of course, going against my own thread is to get a lightweight sub such as the ART902 with some 410s or 710s.
It would mean I could sell my existing 705AS to raise funds, so the net upgrade value would be similar.
The question is would an ART902/710 combination sound better than the 725A?
Oh i'm going round in circles here. Anyone heard the 902?
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 05:45 PM
The other option of course, going against my own thread is to get a lightweight sub such as the ART902 with some 410s or 710s.
It would mean I could sell my existing 705AS to raise funds, so the net upgrade value would be similar.
The question is would an ART902/710 combination sound better than the 725A?
Oh i'm going round in circles here. Anyone heard the 902?
Yep, very good little sub. Go and visit RSD music - they have all the RCF in their demo room. They are fairly near to me, so a bit of a trek, but if you are going to come, let me know and I'll meet you there or you can pop over for a cuppa.
Sapphire Disco
13-09-2011, 05:49 PM
Just to throw a spanner in the works have you seen these ?
http://www.rsdmusic.com/products.asp?prodid=2045&catid=22&mcatid=1
I like the look of them.
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 05:53 PM
Just to throw a spanner in the works have you seen these ?
http://www.rsdmusic.com/products.asp?prodid=2045&catid=22&mcatid=1
I like the look of them.
No comparison to RCF Paul.
I've heard the LD twice and it's OK, but not a patch on an RCF sub and tops combo.
Yep, very good little sub. Go and visit RSD music - they have all the RCF in their demo room. They are fairly near to me, so a bit of a trek, but if you are going to come, let me know and I'll meet you there or you can pop over for a cuppa.
Good recommendation thanks. Probably a couple of hours for me but worth the trek if they have what I am looking for :D
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 06:19 PM
Good recommendation thanks. Probably a couple of hours for me but worth the trek if they have what I am looking for :D
Ring them first - they have a shed load (literally!) of RCF and DB gear on demo, but I'd check to make sure they have what you want to listen to.
Let me know if you want to meet.
Ring them first - they have a shed load (literally!) of RCF and DB gear on demo, but I'd check to make sure they have what you want to listen to.
Let me know if you want to meet.
Will do :-)
I was hoping to get to BPM too, but it looks like most of the action is on the sunday and i'm busy that day ;-(
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 07:23 PM
Just come Sunday night.
That's when the real action is.
Corabar Entertainment
13-09-2011, 07:31 PM
Just come Sunday night.
That's when the real action is.
:agree:
Just come Sunday night.
That's when the real action is.
:agree:
I would love to, but I have a day job :(
Corabar Entertainment
13-09-2011, 07:42 PM
I would love to, but I have a day job and don't get any holidays whatsoever :(:p :p :p
funkymook
13-09-2011, 07:44 PM
I would love to, but I have a day job :(
Do a sickie :D
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 07:49 PM
Excuses....
Lol very good. I have used all my holiday for this year :(
MikeW
13-09-2011, 07:55 PM
Sorry to go off topic, but someone on here was using QSC tops and RCF subs and was very impressed?
sweetie
13-09-2011, 08:14 PM
The other option of course, going against my own thread is to get a lightweight sub such as the ART902 with some 410s or 710s.
It would mean I could sell my existing 705AS to raise funds, so the net upgrade value would be similar.
The question is would an ART902/710 combination sound better than the 725A?
Oh i'm going round in circles here. Anyone heard the 902?
Sorry to go off topic, but someone on here was using QSC tops and RCF subs and was very impressed?
I run a pair of k12s and love them. Often use them standalone but most gigs I
bring my rcf 902 and get lots of good comments from bands, staff etc
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 08:21 PM
Sorry to go off topic, but someone on here was using QSC tops and RCF subs and was very impressed?
Yeah, me. :D
MikeW
13-09-2011, 08:46 PM
I run a pair of k12s and love them. Often use them standalone but most gigs I
bring my rcf 902 and get lots of good comments from bands, staff etc
Yeah, me. :D
Two top DJs can't be wrong :D This will be the route I go down, starting with the K12s
Shaun
13-09-2011, 08:58 PM
Two top DJs can't be wrong :D
Are you confusing Darren with someone else? :D
MikeW
13-09-2011, 09:05 PM
Are you confusing Darren with someone else? :D
Possibly :D
Solitaire Events Ltd
13-09-2011, 09:31 PM
Are you confusing Darren with someone else? :D
No, he was confusing the word 'top' with the word 'fat'. :D
itruby
14-09-2011, 03:19 PM
Surely you mean "Phat" Darren?:D
Solitaire Events Ltd
14-09-2011, 03:56 PM
Surely you mean "Phat" Darren?:D
I know what I meant....;) :D
Yeah, me. :D
Darren, did you audition the ART710a before you went with the QSC K10's ?
Solitaire Events Ltd
19-09-2011, 01:41 PM
Darren, did you audition the ART710a before you went with the QSC K10's ?
Nope.
Nope.
:) Did you discount them specifically for any reason given you already used RCF subs?
Solitaire Events Ltd
19-09-2011, 01:55 PM
:) Did you discount them specifically for any reason given you already used RCF subs?
...and RCF tops!
Not really, I just liked the QSCs.
Here is a question Darren. I know you like the K10s. Would you say they are good enough to listen to music in a home environment or are they too in your face for that.
I am kind of thinking possibly a home dj studio / music production mess around type setup aswell as general listening as my day job allows me to work at home so they could be dual use.
Do you know anyone that stocks / demos rcf and qsc so I could do back to backs?
Solitaire Events Ltd
20-09-2011, 11:05 PM
Here is a question Darren. I know you like the K10s. Would you say they are good enough to listen to music in a home environment or are they too in your face for that.
I am kind of thinking possibly a home dj studio / music production mess around type setup aswell as general listening as my day job allows me to work at home so they could be dual use.
Do you know anyone that stocks / demos rcf and qsc so I could do back to backs?
No - I could demo the K10s against the RCF, but my RCFs are the 325A, so a different animal really.
Yes, the K10 are good enough and have lots of connectivity too. If you are coming down to RSD, then pop over here after and listen to the QSCs. I would bring them down to RSD, but I don't think Dave would appreciate that much..;)
No - I could demo the K10s against the RCF, but my RCFs are the 325A, so a different animal really.
Yes, the K10 are good enough and have lots of connectivity too. If you are coming down to RSD, then pop over here after and listen to the QSCs. I would bring them down to RSD, but I don't think Dave would appreciate that much..;)
Yes, I have been reading good things about the sound on them. Thanks for the offer. Just raising funds :)
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