Background Music solution?

[WWDJ]

I've been asked to quote for a function and provide background music from 2-7 (and probably microphones).

Last one I did, i was present all day and it damn near killed me working that long with the disco until 1, got home at 3, plus it took all day away from the family too.

I need a plug and play background music solution with radio mics that I can allow the customer to plug in an ipod or their own laptop.

Initial thinking led me to this and i could get a dual rackmount radio mic solution and stick it all in a 4u case. They could them put their laptop on top. Tidy.
http://www.alesis.com/imultimix9r

I literally want to set it up. Leave a few instructions, and walk away.

I have powered speakers already which i can use for the actual 'Output'.

What are my options?

[Excalibur]

I have this http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&cp=10&gs_id=a&xhr=t&q=powerpod+740&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4ADRA_enGB350GB350&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1357&bih=591&wrapid=tljp1342798780147018&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9624676132973830580&sa=X&ei=snsJUJHFO6eb1AXGjM3jCg&sqi=2&ved=0CGQQ8wIwAQ and find it versatile beyond belief. It can run high(er) volumes in one area on one channel, and lower ones elsewhere, since it can assign individual inputs to either or both channels .

Since you have powered speakers, this maybe isn't such an attractive option (except it still allows you to put a pair of passives on as extra fill or for anothr zone )

Your initial suggestion looks good.

[CRAZY K]

I've been asked to quote for a function and provide background music from 2-7 (and probably microphones).

Last one I did, i was present all day and it damn near killed me working that long with the disco until 1, got home at 3, plus it took all day away from the family too.

I need a plug and play background music solution with radio mics that I can allow the customer to plug in an ipod or their own laptop.

Initial thinking led me to this and i could get a dual rackmount radio mic solution and stick it all in a 4u case. They could them put their laptop on top. Tidy.
http://www.alesis.com/imultimix9r

I literally want to set it up. Leave a few instructions, and walk away.

I have powered speakers already which i can use for the actual 'Output'.

What are my options?

Well for another £100 you can get this solution if you dont want to risk damage to expensive equipment.

5 inputs as well.

http://www.stagebeat.co.uk/Peavey-ESCORT-Portable-Pa-Sound-System--03511812-5384

You can get a cheaper version for £259 but that doesnt have stands;)

Just a thought:D :D :D

[WWDJ]

I have this http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&cp=10&gs_id=a&xhr=t&q=powerpod+740&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4ADRA_enGB350GB350&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1357&bih=591&wrapid=tljp1342798780147018&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9624676132973830580&sa=X&ei=snsJUJHFO6eb1AXGjM3jCg&sqi=2&ved=0CGQQ8wIwAQ and find it versatile beyond belief. It can run high(er) volumes in one area on one channel, and lower ones elsewhere, since it can assign individual inputs to either or both channels .

Since you have powered speakers, this maybe isn't such an attractive option (except it still allows you to put a pair of passives on as extra fill or for anothr zone )

Your initial suggestion looks good.

I generally take an active as backup anyhow so if I can combine backup in an already overcrowded vehicle then that would be perfect.


Well for another £100 you can get this solution if you dont want to risk damage to expensive equipment.

5 inputs as well.

http://www.stagebeat.co.uk/Peavey-ESCORT-Portable-Pa-Sound-System--03511812-5384

You can get a cheaper version for £259 but that doesnt have stands;)

Just a thought:D :D :D

Ooooh my eyes are bleeding that's so ugly. They'd be wondering what time the BBQ was on! ... good idea though, badly executed imo.

[MikeW]

What about this: http://www.nevadamusic.co.uk/live-sound-dj/pa-packages/avsl-qtx-sound-qr15-portable-wireless-pa-system?gclid=COvBsKPZqLECFctjfAodYyoAmw

I am not saying they are the best company to use, they were the first I came to.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Something else to think about it the battery powered P.A. I bought recently. It has dual radio mics (VHF, but not bad quality), inputs for Ipod, SD card, USB stick and is more than loud enough for most speech/background music bookings.

http://www.djanddiscostuff.com/sound-c16/portable-pa-system-c21/qtx-qtx-qr12pa-aerobic-battery-powered-portable-pa-p555

Not only that, it can be used for a multitude of things.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Haha! I didn't read Mike's link!

[MikeW]

Haha! I didn't read Mike's link!

:D :D

[hammy]

+1 On Mike and Darren`s suggestions, Its what I use as well

[audiovisualents]

If you already are taking the powered speakers then the alesis multimix would be a good idea. I have one and they are great units. This option could also act as a backup mixer if required.

One question what size are your speakers. I have been thinking about background setups and have been looking at the ld systems dave or stinger 8in cabs. they come in both passive and active. I would say that smaller cabs would be better than big things as they can be hidden easier.

on Darren and mikes link I would say -1, just feel that for the money you could do better with the alesis setup. If you search ebay i reckon you could pick up a unit and some radio mics easily for 250. the other option is just a normal rackmount mixer with a minijack lead for the ipod or laptop which would def fit your budget.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/art_mx_622_mixer.htm @ 112.88
http://www.thomann.de/gb/akg_wms_40_mini_vocal_ism1.htm @74.47
http://www.thomann.de/gb/akg_wms_40_mini_vocal_ism2.htm @74.47
slightly over 250 at 261.38

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

on Darren and mikes link I would say -1,

Do you own one or have you used one regularly? Do you know what value for money means my friend? ;)

[WWDJ]

I have RCF 310a as backup.

I like the idea of the qtx, but also yes the alesis could be a good backup too.

Ultimately I think it will end up costing me more as 2 mics rack mounted is circa 250, plus I have to case it.

I'll have a think.

Good advice guys :-)

[funkymook]

Something else to think about it the battery powered P.A. I bought recently. It has dual radio mics (VHF, but not bad quality), inputs for Ipod, SD card, USB stick and is more than loud enough for most speech/background music bookings.

http://www.djanddiscostuff.com/sound-c16/portable-pa-system-c21/qtx-qtx-qr12pa-aerobic-battery-powered-portable-pa-p555

Not only that, it can be used for a multitude of things.

+1 for this.

I borrowed Darren's for an all day wedding and used it for speeches, for background in the bar area and later outside on the patio (under battery power using the inbuilt SD player).

In all scenarios it was excellent.

And if there was a power cut you could still play music and make announcements.

It would pay for itself within a couple of gigs.

[CRAZY K]

I generally take an active as backup anyhow so if I can combine backup in an already overcrowded vehicle then that would be perfect.



Ooooh my eyes are bleeding that's so ugly. They'd be wondering what time the BBQ was on! ... good idea though, badly executed imo.

Well I agree not pretty but at least it has two speakers--and you would presumably put the control unit in the corner where it would be less of an eyesore rather than as your frontage.;)

Other suggestions of portable pa are good--

I notice these battery units are SINGLE active QTX.

IF you are happy with one speaker---we have a single 12inch Active QTX unit here which goes out with the Rodeo Bull, its certainly loud enough for background and mike work AND QUALITY IS REASONABLE---only cost about £130.

All it needs is a small mixer feeding it ( I bet you have an old one lying around doing nothing) and a speaker stand possibly.

Possible cheap solution IF only one speaker needed.