Passive to Active - Maintaining our Output!

[Ryu]

Hi All,

just running through a number of ideas about how to progress things next year.

Currently carrying 4 OHM speakers, 2 RW3 15" Tops, 2 RW Subs.

Its a tidy system that currently does the job, the only drawback is they take out the bulk of the room in my Zafira, plus, they, with the 1000w amp causes a sweat on when lugging them into venues.

So I'm wondering if there is a more practical, luggable Active system out there that would come in at a 1000 budget that would be easier to get about, but without any loss of punch, quality etc.

Not sure whether its worth sticking to the reliable passives or switching up to a more dynamic Active set up.

Any ideas?

[Ryu]

Sorry Mods! Just realised this went in the wrong forum (Equipment discussion - Audio)...teach me to open multiple browsers!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I went from using the Ohm set up to active about 5 years ago and have never looked back!

I initially went to Mackie SRM450s and and the sound was better IMO, than the 4 OHM cabs. I like the Ohms, in fact I used them for over 15 years, but active is easier, lighter and generally takes up less space.

I used a Mackie 1501 with the 450s but had problems with them, so wouldn't advise using them. Have a look at some of the new DB active gear - it is very light and very good.

I would suggest popping down to RSD music in Hampshire - they have a good demo room.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry Mods! Just realised this went in the wrong forum (Equipment discussion - Audio)...teach me to open multiple browsers!!

Moved. :)

[yourdj]

I would suggest popping down to RSD music in Hampshire - they have a good demo room.

:agree: Great place.

Its a nice shop on a farm in the middle of knowhere.

I use a 12 inch LD dave sub and RCF art 10 inch 310 passives which is VERY compact and suits 90% of my venues (std hotel function rooms)
Basically I use the passive sat outputs to drive the RCF's which works a treat.

I since bought a larger sub from Thomann but hardly need it tbh unless i am in a large venue or marquee.

[Ryu]

I went from using the Ohm set up to active about 5 years ago and have never looked back!

I initially went to Mackie SRM450s and and the sound was better IMO, than the 4 OHM cabs. I like the Ohms, in fact I used them for over 15 years, but active is easier, lighter and generally takes up less space.

I used a Mackie 1501 with the 450s but had problems with them, so wouldn't advise using them. Have a look at some of the new DB active gear - it is very light and very good.

I would suggest popping down to RSD music in Hampshire - they have a good demo room.

Thanks for that! great to hear views from someones who's used the Ohms, so knows the transition from using them. I'll check out RSD and see how it goes. Liking the whole "Lighter/Less space" aspect! :)

Would I be right in saying I wouldn't neccessarily need a sub with the 450s? (but worth getting one to handle bigger venues?)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thanks for that! great to hear views from someones who's used the Ohms, so knows the transition from using them. I'll check out RSD and see how it goes. Liking the whole "Lighter/Less space" aspect! :)

Would I be right in saying I wouldn't neccessarily need a sub with the 450s? (but worth getting one to handle bigger venues?)

Subs will give you reinforcement and an all round better sound, but I would never say they were always necessary.

You do do most small and medium size venues with a pair of either 12" or 15" efficient actives.

[WWDJ]

Thanks for that! great to hear views from someones who's used the Ohms, so knows the transition from using them. I'll check out RSD and see how it goes. Liking the whole "Lighter/Less space" aspect! :)

Would I be right in saying I wouldn't neccessarily need a sub with the 450s? (but worth getting one to handle bigger venues?)

I can't comment on the Ohms sorry, but having used the 450s Mk1 I would sa you would get away with 80-100 people without a sub possibly more. It really depends what you are playing. If you are playing a lot of dance/rnb then I would think about a sub or 15's.

I am currently under the same dilemma about downsizing and am due a trip to RSD once I have ebay'd everything that isn't nailed down.

[chrisj]

A year ago I decided to go active as I have trouble with my back and hips. I had been using Tannoy V15's at 32kg each. Now using RCF 725 at just under 20kg and ooh so much lighter. I cannot get the quality of sound that the V15's produce though as the 725's have ABS cases not wooden ones that I have always found give that better sound.
I also find the actives cannot provide a lot of bottom frquencies and 1 or 2 Tannoy passive subs are used for bigger functions.
I used to say I would never go active but glad I did make the move.

[Digital Jack]

I used a Mackie 1501 with the 450s but had problems with them, so wouldn't advise using them..


What version of 450 ?
What problems did you experience ?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What version of 450 ?
What problems did you experience ?

Not the 450, the 1501.

Should have made that more clear, apologies.

[CRAZY K]

Subs will give you reinforcement and an all round better sound, but I would never say they were always necessary.

You do do most small and medium size venues with a pair of either 12" or 15" efficient actives.

Agreed, I was working yesterday as a front man for my sons Rodeo Bull business and the client had hired a singer with backing tracks using 15 inch Mackie speakers, I was surprised by the really good bass end can only assume the mixer and amps being used were really boosting the signal--sounded plenty of bass for small to medium functions--I just find the top end too harsh.