Speakers?

[Matty12]

Hi all,

Hope your all ok, :)

I am now ready to proceed to buy a pair of passive speakers. I was looking at two tops and one bass for the time being then next year add another bass speaker.

I have spoken to some djs and they have recommend EV the tops are: EV ELX115 and the bass speaker is: ELX118.

I would like to know whether Ev are any good or not and are there any other makes which are better then the ones I've chosen

Thanks, ;)

Matt.:p

Top (x2.)

Links: http://www.theaudioworksuk.com/index.php/electrovoice-live-x-elx115-400w-professional-loudspeaker.html

Bass.

http://www.theaudioworksuk.com/index.php/electrovoice-live-x-elx118-400w-professional-subwoofer.html

App.

http://www.theaudioworksuk.com/index.php/crown-xti-4002-3200w-xti-2-series-power-amplifier.html

Ps: I might get a Crown XTI 4002 amp.

[Charlie Brown]

Why not make things easier for you and your mum and buy some Mackies?

Amp's built in and all you have to do is connect the speaker to your mixer. Less to carry, quicker setup time - everyone's happy!

[WWDJ]

Are they any good? Yes

Are there better? Potentially. It depends upon your needs and what you are looking for.

[Matty12]

Why not make things easier for you and your mum and buy some Mackies?

Amp's built in and all you have to do is connect the speaker to your mixer. Less to carry, quicker setup time - everyone's happy!

Don't like Mackies.:o


Are they any good? Yes

Are there better? Potentially. It depends upon your needs and what you are looking for.

Well enough to do 250 people max now and then also a general all rounder;)

What eles do you need? :)

[chrisj]

If you really want good 15" passive tops then Tannoy V15 dual concentric 400w rms are brilliant I have had a pair for 13 years now and no probs at all. There are some on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/tannoy-v15-speakers/91038499 and even though they are £800 2nd hand they are well worth it. They are theatre quality brilliant bass and crystal top end .
Used with Tannoy T40 15" sub or even 2 of as I do they are great.

I am using 2 V15 and 2 T40 with 2 B475 18" subs on Friday at a college Xmas disco. I am not sure if I will take my RCF 725's as they really don't compare with the quality and performance of the Tannoys

I look forward to putting pics on her as well as other forums of the gig.

[Charlie Brown]

Don't like Mackies.:o

RCF's?

Paul Pearts 10'inch were didy but so loud with a sub! Really impressive. There are lots of other active alternatives.

[Matty12]

RCF's?

Paul Pearts 10'inch were didy but so loud with a sub! Really impressive. There are lots of other active alternatives.

Ya there ok, but IMO RCF are way over priced but I don't mind that.:p but a lot of djs say they have gone down hill in the last 1yr? :confused: With the Mackie company making them know and changed location to the USA.


If you really want good 15" passive tops then Tannoy V15 dual concentric 400w rms are brilliant I have had a pair for 13 years now and no probs at all. There are some on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/tannoy-v15-speakers/91038499 and even though they are £800 2nd hand they are well worth it. They are theatre quality brilliant bass and crystal top end .
Used with Tannoy T40 15" sub or even 2 of as I do they are great.

I am using 2 V15 and 2 T40 with 2 B475 18" subs on Friday at a college Xmas disco. I am not sure if I will take my RCF 725's as they really don't compare with the quality and performance of the Tannoys

I look forward to putting pics on her as well as other forums of the gig.


Never really heard of them are they good?:)

[Charlie Brown]

Ya there ok, but IMO RCF are way over priced but I don't mind that.:p but a lot of djs say they have gone down hill in the last 1yr? :confused: With the Mackie company making them know and changed location to the USA.

Rubbish.

The quality of Mackie's hasn't gone down hill but got better. The V2's don't overheat and handle bass a little better than the V1's. :beer1:

[WWDJ]

Well enough to do 250 people max now and then also a general all rounder;)

What eles do you need? :)

I'd say as a very minimum you need to listen to any of these speakers with they type of music that you play and then work within the constraints that you have whether this is budget, space etc

I had been looking for RCF for a while, having heard good things about the brand and there seem to be a large number of DJ's using them. You can read the internet all day and find both positive and negative reviews of any product that you will buy. There is no such thing as the perfect product.

I went to BPM to look at RCF and get a listen and i was pleased that there was a PA Demo of different brands there. Some brands that looked good on paper didn't suit my ears at all and some that were more marginal were different in terms of size and budget.

I picked out RCF, JBL and EV having a sound that I liked. Db Technologies which always looked good on paper was surprisingly harsh to my ears and I wanted something that was nice for extended listening. I was actually really surprised at the difference between the RCF and DB Tech as the RCF was so much more laid back whilst being loud. I think however this would depend on the model you choose of course as they have different horn setups.
The JBL and EV subs were huge compared to the RCF and having already struggled with RCF subs in the past as a single man lift. RCF, also have the zip covers which the forum love me to leave on at a gig. :D I decided that RCF was for me and went for it.

They are Active, so no amps to haul around. Are they perfect? Probably not, but they will hopefully do a great job for a long time. Only time will tell.

You need to listen and then make a practical choice for you based on your situation



RCF's?

Paul Pearts 10'inch were didy but so loud with a sub! Really impressive. There are lots of other active alternatives.

PS. I have the RCF 710s. 11kgs. You just carry one each hand into the venue.


Ya there ok, but IMO RCF are way over priced but I don't mind that.:p but a lot of djs say they have gone down hill in the last 1yr? :confused: With the Mackie company making them know and changed location to the USA.

As I say you will find good and bad reviews on anything.

As I understand Mackie was formed out of ex-RCF employees but gradually started sourcing and manufacturing in the far east. By all accounts they have raised their game with the SRM450V2. Personally I still have a pair of V1's for sale. They are good speakers, never really let me down but personally I didn't get on with the sound.

[Matty12]

I'd say as a very minimum you need to listen to any of these speakers with they type of music that you play and then work within the constraints that you have whether this is budget, space etc

I had been looking for RCF for a while, having heard good things about the brand and there seem to be a large number of DJ's using them. You can read the internet all day and find both positive and negative reviews of any product that you will buy. There is no such thing as the perfect product.

I went to BPM to look at RCF and get a listen and i was pleased that there was a PA Demo of different brands there. Some brands that looked good on paper didn't suit my ears at all and some that were more marginal were different in terms of size and budget.

I picked out RCF, JBL and EV having a sound that I liked. Db Technologies which always looked good on paper was surprisingly harsh to my ears and I wanted something that was nice for extended listening. I was actually really surprised at the difference between the RCF and DB Tech as the RCF was so much more laid back whilst being loud. I think however this would depend on the model you choose of course as they have different horn setups.
The JBL and EV subs were huge compared to the RCF and having already struggled with RCF subs in the past as a single man lift. RCF, also have the zip covers which the forum love me to leave on at a gig. :D I decided that RCF was for me and went for it.

They are Active, so no amps to haul around. Are they perfect? Probably not, but they will hopefully do a great job for a long time. Only time will tell.

You need to listen and then make a practical choice for you based on your situation




PS. I have the RCF 710s. 11kgs. You just carry one each hand into the venue.



As I say you will find good and bad reviews on anything.

As I understand Mackie was formed out of ex-RCF employees but gradually started sourcing and manufacturing in the far east. By all accounts they have raised their game with the SRM450V2. Personally I still have a pair of V1's for sale. They are good speakers, never really let me down but personally I didn't get on with the sound.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

What did you think about the EV speakers I think its between the RCF and EV more maybe.:confused:

[mattydinx]

For the money you're gonna be spending dude I'd seriously consider the Active route, I made the switch (being a hardened Passive Speaker, Separate Amp guy for years) - I only wish I'd made the switch years ago!

Naturally I'm in the JBL/Crown corner, but for the same money, you could get a pair of PRX612M's plus a PRX618S-XLF! (Which incidentally are powered by Crown Amps ;-) lol)

Now, I'm aware power isn't everything but in comparison, with the passive rig you've linked to above, you'd be getting a maximum of 1850w (running one top from one channel and the sub/top off the other)
The JBL active system would give you 3000w!
Regardless of wattage, I can vouch on how loud the JBLs are. They're still clear right up until it hurts to listen any more!

In my band I still use passive monitors and after the ease of setting up the main FoH PA, It's an absolute chore to lug separate speakers and amp racks into the venue. the sooner I can replace them for actives the better!

[Matty12]

For the money you're gonna be spending dude I'd seriously consider the Active route, I made the switch (being a hardened Passive Speaker, Separate Amp guy for years) - I only wish I'd made the switch years ago!

Naturally I'm in the JBL/Crown corner, but for the same money, you could get a pair of PRX612M's plus a PRX618S-XLF! (Which incidentally are powered by Crown Amps ;-) lol)

Now, I'm aware power isn't everything but in comparison, with the passive rig you've linked to above, you'd be getting a maximum of 1850w (running one top from one channel and the sub/top off the other)
The JBL active system would give you 3000w!
Regardless of wattage, I can vouch on how loud the JBLs are. They're still clear right up until it hurts to listen any more!

In my band I still use passive monitors and after the ease of setting up the main FoH PA, It's an absolute chore to lug separate speakers and amp racks into the venue. the sooner I can replace them for actives the better!

I think what I'm going to have to do is try an active system out I'll hire a pa system out and see how it goes.:) its really what make once I know that its going to be quite easy! :)

Are EV bad speakers are RCF speakers bad speakers I think there both good but which one is better who knows?

[WWDJ]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

What did you think about the EV speakers I think its between the RCF and EV more maybe.:confused:

The EV sounded nice, comparable to the RCF and JBL to my ears, bearing these were short comparison tests not extended listens. The EV were the ELX215 over the ELX118 which kind of made the setup as big as my car, so for that reason it was discounted.

[Kernow]

Hi Matt, if you're going down the Electrovoice (EV) passive route, I can highly recommend this amp http://www.proaudiosystems.co.uk/index.php?page=product&id=1421&cat=2&section=shop to make them sound sweet.
A little more money than the Crown but if you shop around there are some good deals to be had. I hired one for a specific gig and was blown away :)

[NKR]

Hi all,

Hope your all ok, :)

I am now ready to proceed to buy a pair of passive speakers. I was looking at two tops and one bass for the time being then next year add another bass speaker.

I have spoken to some djs and they have recommend EV the tops are: EV ELX115 and the bass speaker is: ELX118.

I would like to know whether Ev are any good or not and are there any other makes which are better then the ones I've chosen

Thanks, ;)

Matt.:p

Top (x2.)

Links: http://www.theaudioworksuk.com/index.php/electrovoice-live-x-elx115-400w-professional-loudspeaker.html

Bass.

http://www.theaudioworksuk.com/index.php/electrovoice-live-x-elx118-400w-professional-subwoofer.html

App.

http://www.theaudioworksuk.com/index.php/crown-xti-4002-3200w-xti-2-series-power-amplifier.html

Ps: I might get a Crown XTI 4002 amp.

Won't work unless you get a crossover or speaker management system as well. The EV bass has no crossover in the back of it like Mackie's etc.

Second point the bass are large and have no wheels.

Third point you will need flight cases to protect them. Padded covers are not going to work as the grills wrap round the corners and are vulnerable.

Fourth point - you will need a van or trailer as they form a quite large cube.

Fifth point - Do you really need that just for DJ'ing?

[Excalibur]

As much as I'm a Passive fan, one sub and one amp isn't a good starting point. You won't get the balance betwen high and low you need.

Perceived wisdom is that you need twice as much power in the subs as the tops. This is because it takes a lot more power to produce the low frequencies.

My advice if you wish to use passive kit is to get two amps, subs, and tops, plus an active crossover.

Half and half, Active sub with tops and amp above it is often the easiest way to add one sub to an existing system satisfactorily.

All active, well any combination you want, really.

I'm trying to get an idea of your budget, and I reckon that for what you've suggested, that's a tidy sum. Two things immediately spring to mind:
1) Are you sure you need to spend that much money? That's a very hefty investment, and you'd be needing quite a lot of well paid work to recoup it.
2) Do not, repeat not, buy without hearing the kit first, unless you have previous experience of the kit. What one person loves sound wise, another one hates.

Hope this helps.

[Fullforceeventsltd]

Im a big fan of various EV kit. I've used and owned a lot Of various EV speakers, amps and processors and like the sound.

I like the live x range and thinking about getting myself a set of bins and tops. Nice looking cabinets.

All the EV kit I've owned and still own has been faultless apart from damaging a cone once or twice. The back up and spares service is also good.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

How many more of these threads are there going to be?

Go and listen to speakers and then come back and ask other people's opinions.

FYI RCF are made in Italy. Mackie used to use RCF drivers but haven't for years. Mackie are made in China and Loud Technologies own them as far as I know.

[Matty12]

How many more of these threads are there going to be?

Go and listen to speakers and then come back and ask other people's opinions.

FYI RCF are made in Italy. Mackie used to use RCF drivers but haven't for years. Mackie are made in China and Loud Technologies own them as far as I know.

This is the last one! ;)

Mackie have taken over RCF.

[Excalibur]

This is the last one! ;)
Somehow, I have my doubts. If not you mate, then there will be another one along in a minute. ;)


Mackie have taken over RCF.
That would appear to have been superseded. They appear to now be part of a group including D&b, as far as I can see.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Mackie have taken over RCF.

NO THEY HAVEN'T

Why don't you try reading for a change? :bang:

[ppentertainments]

Somehow, I have my doubts. If not you mate, then there will be another one along in a minute. ;)

I am astonished and totally amazed that someone has asked for suggestions for a passive speaker and you have not made your personal recommendation Peter ;) :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Matty12]

NO THEY HAVEN'T

Why don't you try reading for a change? :bang:

Somebody told me they have! :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

Must be true then :sarc:

[Excalibur]

I am astonished and totally amazed that someone has asked for suggestions for a passive speaker and you have not made your personal recommendation Peter ;) :D :D :D :D :D :D
Because I haven't heard the Konigs yet. :p :D :D


Somebody told me they have! :confused:

That was quite a while ago, approximately eight or nine, as far as I can tell. It was not a marriage made in heaven.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Somebody told me they have! :confused:


Must be true then :sarc:

Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. ...

[Corabar Entertainment]

Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. ...

Instructions:

1. Take 1 Darren Thomas
2. Locate button
3. Press

;) :D

[djjtl]

RCF are not owned by Mackie.

About eight years ago RCF sold it's operations to mackie for an astronomical amount of money and a deal was made for the former owner of RCF not to sell or produce for five years.

As the five years passed the rebirth appeared for RCF under the direction of Fausto Incerti and they have never looked back.

Back on topic for the choice of speakers I will echo what other users have said go and listen to a demo of the choices you have made don't just purchase because you will regret it further down the line

Jay

[Matty12]

HI all this is an update,

I went to Electro voice today and all I can say is WOW!!!

I listen to a number of speaker and stuck with Ev ELX 115 for passive and Qsc k12 for active.

I would go for EV ELX 115p but they are just too harvey for actives for me as the passive there really light weight.

Both are excellent speakers and I recommend both, Just the question passive or active but I'll decide that.

Matt

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Who's Harvey? Was he the Salesman? ;) :D

[Totally Plucked]

Who's Harvey? Was he the Salesman? ;) :D

He sold "Bristol Cream" by the glass ! :D :D

[Matty12]

Who's Harvey? Was he the Salesman? ;) :D


He sold "Bristol Cream" by the glass ! :D :D

:D :D :D :D

Thanks, :)

[sonicdj]

If you do go the EV route check out this company, I bought my EV's from them and all my Pioneer kit and they wiped the floor with other peoples prices.

http://mercury-av.com/

you have to haggle tho. forget their website price

[Matty12]

If you do go the EV route check out this company, I bought my EV's from them and all my Pioneer kit and they wiped the floor with other peoples prices.

http://mercury-av.com/

you have to haggle tho. forget their website price

What EV speakers do you have?

................................................

And has anybody heard the EV zx5 speakers. what are they like?

[NKR]

HI all this is an update,

I went to Electro voice today and all I can say is WOW!!!

I listen to a number of speaker and stuck with Ev ELX 115 for passive and Qsc k12 for active.

I would go for EV ELX 115p but they are just too harvey for actives for me as the passive there really light weight.

Both are excellent speakers and I recommend both, Just the question passive or active but I'll decide that.

Matt

You went to EV????????

I was told there is one site in the UK who acts as EV's agent from Germany and everyone has to buy EV from them (Its a Bosch company).

So where did you go and who did you see? Just interested as my supplier knows the chap personally. Hence why I got trade plus my mans 10% for my setup.

[Matty12]

You went to EV????????

I was told there is one site in the UK who acts as EV's agent from Germany and everyone has to buy EV from them (Its a Bosch company).

So where did you go and who did you see? Just interested as my supplier knows the chap personally. Hence why I got trade plus my mans 10% for my setup.

ahhh sorry, Electro Music :daft:. Who do you know? :)

[NKR]

ahhh sorry, Electro Music :daft:. Who do you know? :)

I know my supplier who does installs and he deals direct with the EV contact for the UK as I believe everybody has to. My system came direct to my man from Germany.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Shuttle Sound used to be the main dealer/repair agent for EV. Has that changed?

[Matty12]

Shuttle Sound used to be the main dealer/repair agent for EV. Has that changed?

No i"m pretty sure its the same company we are talking about, I think so anyway? :)