Portable PA - opinions please!

[DazzyD]

At my kids' recent school "winter production" it was noted that the school had borrowed some PA gear (basically, a microphone and guitar amp) so that some of the quieter kids could be more easily heard when doing their readings. After the show, I had a chat with the head teacher and the head of music and it became apparent that the school could do with their own gear but couldn't justify buying it as it would only be used a few times a year. I explained what business I was in and said I'd be able to loan them some kit whenever they needed it which would be more suitable than the guitar amp setup (the amp they had borrowed had obviously been driven hard and was "croaky" to say the least!!). However, when I've been thinking about it, my kit might be a bit of overkill for the small (about 25-30m x the same), typically high-roofed school hall that they've got.

So, over the last few days I've been checking out more suitable options. I've come across this and I was wondering if anyone has experience of the system and can give me their opinions?

SM Walkabout (http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/studiomaster-walkabout-300w-portable-pa-system--75427)

Thanks in advance!

[DAVESOUNDS SERVICES]

Hiya Dazzy!.
The link to the 300 pound PA system you posted to me seems pretty poor value ALTHOUGH it is complete with speaker stands and a wired microphone.
If i were supplying a PA for hire it would be a Small ( Prosound or Carlsbro type)box mixer with 4 or 5 channels feeding 2 Smallish ( at least 10 inch) speaker cabinets ideally permanently mounted but on stands for hire use.
This kit could easily be bought sub 300 so it would be cheaper to buy too.
As an aside my little boys school has a most inadequate PA consisting of a domestic Amplifier driving 2 wall mounted plastic ( too small) speakers and gets well used most days for assembly/ DVD reproduction and by outside clubs ( Dance Zumba etc )
I would be bold enough to suggest the school opts for a permanent solution wall mounted speakers ( no hazards like trailing wires od speaker stands)
and put a premium quality wireless mike in to get the best out of it
also wire the halls laptop and dvd player into it.
If you need help ring me
Also ive an Amp at 80 pounds as new and speakers at 60 pounds if thats any help.( connected together these would blow the plastic walkabout thing out of the water ) good luck hope my post was helpful.
Cheers

[Excalibur]

I'm fairly sure we've touched on this before. Checkout also the Yamaha Stagepas, which gets great reviews ( Corabars and Daren each have one, I think ) also if ultimate portability isn't of paramount importance, I can't praise my Phonic powerpod http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/phonic-740-powerpod-plus-powered-mixer--49757 enough. I got mine s/h from a forum member, and it's been fantastic. Couple it with a couple of 8 or 10 inch Skytecs or equivalent, and you're away. There's also a Phonic equivalent but it's a lot dearer
http://www.normans.co.uk/p-2988-phonic-roadgear-260-plus-portable-pa-system.aspx
And I'm sure there's a Peavey offering also.

[Get Me A DJ]

I'm fairly sure we've touched on this before. Checkout also the Yamaha Stagepas, which gets great reviews ( Corabars and Daren each have one, I think ) also if ultimate portability isn't of paramount importance, I can't praise my Phonic powerpod http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/phonic-740-powerpod-plus-powered-mixer--49757 enough. I got mine s/h from a forum member, and it's been fantastic. Couple it with a couple of 8 or 10 inch Skytecs or equivalent, and you're away. There's also a Phonic equivalent but it's a lot dearer
http://www.normans.co.uk/p-2988-phonic-roadgear-260-plus-portable-pa-system.aspx
And I'm sure there's a Peavey offering also.

Agree with Excalibur about the stagepass, we have one for "small" rigs and one for hire and the sound quality for the size of cabs is fantastic.

[musicologydisco]

The Pulse PA40 would be ideal

[Glenski]

Hello. i use the Superlux SP108 portable PA system, much like the Yamaha stagepas ...

Link >> Click Me (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120751884859?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Thank you

Glenn

[Kernow]

I'm fairly sure we've touched on this before. Checkout also the Yamaha Stagepas, which gets great reviews ( Corabars and Daren each have one, I think ) also if ultimate portability isn't of paramount importance, I can't praise my Phonic powerpod http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/phonic-740-powerpod-plus-powered-mixer--49757 enough. I got mine s/h from a forum member, and it's been fantastic. Couple it with a couple of 8 or 10 inch Skytecs or equivalent, and you're away. There's also a Phonic equivalent but it's a lot dearer
http://www.normans.co.uk/p-2988-phonic-roadgear-260-plus-portable-pa-system.aspx
And I'm sure there's a Peavey offering also.

Which would be Peavey Escort 3000 Standalone PA System: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments

I have one and can highly recommend it :thumbs_up: