8 inch speaker advice?

[yourdj]

I am looking for an 8inch active speaker for ceremonies and background. I currently a combination of 10 inch and 12 inch battery speakers for background and my DBR12 for entrances and ceremonies as i am not impressed with the QTX sound quality. i have 3 that i like the look of which are the DXR8 and Qsc8, but at almost £500 its a lot of money to pay for such a small speaker, although they both boast 129 SPL!! The DBR10 is too bulky still so it has to be an 8 incher.

An older speaker that has caught my eye is the Titan 8 inch. You can't it in white and the SPO is 124, which is still not bad, but I doubt it can match the bass management of the DXR, as my DBR is phenomenal for the size!! But for the sake of £100 perhaps it can do the job. Get white speaker pole, white power cable and it will really fit into any wedding venue also??

Anything else out there??? Thanks you in advance. :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/Wharfedale-Pro-Titan-8-150W-RMS-600W-Peak-124dB-Max-SPL-White-Speaker/191777459143?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&_trksid=p5197.c100068.m2280&_trkparms=ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140211130857%26meid%3D9 0ebdff93c4042959b1d5f00a53635c8%26pid%3D100068%26c lkid%3D8349262970806995532&_qi=RTM2063723

18030

[Corabar Entertainment]

Can't help with a recommendation, but my, that's one ugly looking so-and-so to my mind! One of the ugliest speakers I've ever seen!

[Excalibur]

Can't help with a recommendation, but my, that's one ugly looking so-and-so to my mind! One of the ugliest speakers I've ever seen!

Can't disagree there Angela. It certainly is.
If a certain North West dealer is given a prod, he has another option, but I've seen and compared so many with him today that I forgot which one it was.

And if North West dealer isn't a big enough clue, it's Andy Neen, Deltic.:)

[rth_discos]

Out of interest Toby, do you place ceremony speakers at the back of the room (behind guests) or at the front of the room? If so, how do you get the signal to the front of the room (long cable or wireless)?

I've been looking for a similar and am planning on getting the FBT range of white speakers.

This 5" speaker will be perfect for ceremonies for me: https://www.bluearan.co.uk/index.php?id=FBT37905

It comes in your requested 8" too: http://www.bluearan.co.uk/index.php?id=FBT37906&browsemode=manufacturer

I have a pair of 10" RCF speakers which are powerful enough for a disco, so 5" I'm sure will be fine for background/ceremony music (unless anyone thinks otherwise)?

[Excalibur]

Ah. :o Yet again, I got the wrong end of the stick, believing we were looking for battery powered, not mains. Oops.

However:

That makes my recommendation easier. If Yamaha DXR are too expensive, there's only one make to consider. I heard them at BPM, and they were value for money wise, the best in the show. I've heard others in the range today, and heard nothing to change that view. Having had a firkle about with them, they're well designed, and amazingly well featured.

Head above the parapet time, what's the badge? No need for a sofa, it's IMG.

On speakers I haven't personally heard, Proel have a few ranges, including the V range, which I do have 15" boxes in. LD also, except they tend not to be too cheap.

Hope this helps.

[Imagine]

Well, I'll have to throw my hat into the ring and go with the DXR8's.

Bass isn't chest-thumping club stylee....but then you don't need that for ceremonies and you're never going to get any meaningful bass from an 8" driver in reality unless it's sitting on a wooden floor.

Yes, they're expensive....but they're worth each and every single penny IMHO (and they're a LOT prettier than the picture you posted in the OP!). Provided I'm not working when Coalville comes around, I'll bring my DXR8's (and more importantly for Peter, my bandpass DSR12's) so you can have a listen. They work for me :)

[yourdj]

Well, I'll have to throw my hat into the ring and go with the DXR8's.

Bass isn't chest-thumping club stylee....but then you don't need that for ceremonies and you're never going to get any meaningful bass from an 8" driver in reality unless it's sitting on a wooden floor.

Yes, they're expensive....but they're worth each and every single penny IMHO (and they're a LOT prettier than the picture you posted in the OP!). Provided I'm not working when Coalville comes around, I'll bring my DXR8's (and more importantly for Peter, my bandpass DSR12's) so you can have a listen. They work for me :)

I thought the DXR8 were a bit heavy, same with the Qsc's. Granted thats the point as they are built of solid materials, but I would probably be better off with a 10 inch DBR as its about the same weight. If only they did an 8 inch DBR. :(

I don't think the warphdales look that bad really, but judging by you lot they are well ugly. I would like to put a DXR and that (in white) side by side and see what a bride says. The other option perhaps is a compact line array, but is getting it above peoples heads something I need to consider, especially with a tight table plan on a one story room (i.e. no balconies etc). do people find that if you have it right next to a table that it would drown out conversation or does it actually disperse the sound equally around the room? :)

18035

[Corabar Entertainment]

Do you particularly want a standard speaker on a stand? I mentioned on another thread that we have a white Maui 11 for ceremonies - much tidier than a speaker on a tripod, IMO, plus better dispersal of sound, and more options than most speakers as you can get the 'mix' versions (built in mixer and bluetooth capabilities), which makes it more versatile for different situations. It's a lot more expensive than what you've linked to in the OP I'll grant you, but I've seen quite a few up for sale 2nd hand, and that, of course, brings the price down quite a bit.
18033.

Of course, new, cheaper than the 11, there is now also the smaller Maui5 that have also been mentioned on another thread, which I have no doubt would be more than suitable for purpose too.
18034

[Corabar Entertainment]

HA! ......and you posted, Toby, as I was writing my last post! :)

Yes, they do disperse well, but you can stand in front of one in full disco mode (speaking about the Maui28s here) and still hold a conversation (Somehow! It's weird!), so should be fine in background mode.

EDIT: Although I will add that we haven't used our Maui 11 for background right on top of anyone's table.

[yourdj]

HA! ......and you posted, Toby, as I was writing my last post! :)

Yes, they do disperse well, but you can stand in front of one in full disco mode (speaking about the Maui28s here) and still hold a conversation (Somehow! It's weird!), so should be fine in background mode.

EDIT: Although I will add that we haven't used our Maui 11 for background right on top of anyone's table.

Its also the transport of all the bits on the line arrays, but I suppose its no different to carry about a speaker pole?
I have been recommended this speaker, which would match my RCF tops also.
Its not DXR performance, but you have the RCF quality. 124 max SPL. £300, which is £200 less than Qsc and DXR.
3KG lighter though at 10kg.

18036

Not as many useful buttons on the back though!!

18037

[Benny Smyth]

I don't think the warphdales look that bad really, but judging by you lot they are well ugly.

Was that meant to be as insulting as it sounds? :lol:

[ppentertainments]

Do you use a booth for ceremonies and the afternoon ?

For 8" speakers I am still using the psr8a which are going strong after years of service and are cheap as chips - don't come in white though.

[DJ Jules]

I've got a pair of the W-Audio PSR8a's and they're not bad for the money (300 notes a pair). They run out of steam on the bottom end quite quickly, but I've used them a few times recently over a 15" sub and they sound "OK".

My recommendation - based on borrowing a pair of these from a friend for a weekend - is the FBT J8a's. 250w a side, 124spl and actually not a bad sounding speaker at all. I considered buying a pair of the FBT X-Lite 10's a while back and actually the J8's are much nicer sounding cabs and almost as capable (there's only a few db in it!) Around 250 quid a cab from memory.

Julian

[yourdj]

Do you use a booth for ceremonies and the afternoon ?

For 8" speakers I am still using the psr8a which are going strong after years of service and are cheap as chips - don't come in white though.

I bought a couple of QTX 10 inch speakers for a similar price and they were really pants. I will compare the specs, but I don't want to feel like I have an inferior product that does not perform. The DXR's are winning at the moment, but the RCF comes out in front on the brand/price. I can live with a bit less volume and bass enhancement. :)

BUT - the line arrays look oh so pretty and are en-vougue at the moment, thus fitting into a ceremony room like a piece of ornate furniture. Confused.com.

[ppentertainments]

For ceremonies (and even afternoon) if you use a booth simply stick your speakers that you are using at night under your booth - definitely ticks the box for blending into the room.

I know a lot go on about how speakers need to be at height etc etc, but really for what you are demanding of them, stuck under your booth is fine.

[yourdj]

For ceremonies (and even afternoon) if you use a booth simply stick your speakers that you are using at night under your booth - definitely ticks the box for blending into the room.

I know a lot go on about how speakers need to be at height etc etc, but really for what you are demanding of them, stuck under your booth is fine.

For tight seating and large rooms though background does thew music carry properly? I would guess you would need to face them backwards and have some distance behind you to throw the sound equally throughout the room? Over peoples heads is a better option IMO (like in a restaurant), I would guess for most venues and also ceremonies when your right next to the guests. I don't tend to use a booth for meals, so its just a speaker and pole. I can see how this would look better though. its amazing how many DJ's set their lighting trusses up for the meal and it looks terrible as they don't often need them then. :)

[yourdj]

Ah this is what i need!! Good old Thomann. :)

https://www.thomann.de/gb/active_loudspeakers_fr.html?filter=true&feature-11284%5B0%5D=1x%208%22

[stormproductions]

Toby,

Which particular speakers did you mean to link to? Your link just takes me to loads of different active speakers...

Just for info (and remembering I'm primarily a lampie with not too much knowledge or interest in audio), I bought 8 of these https://www.thomann.de/gb/the_box_pro_achat_104_a.htm?ref=search_rslt_achat+ 104a_325264_0 for use playing gentle 18th century music all round the downstairs rooms of a stately home and am very impressed for what they are. Obviously they're not capable of replacing a pair of 15" with 18" subs, but will go plenty loud enough for what I consider to be background levels. And because they're small and fairly lightweight, I've used them mounted on the upright part of a mic stand for speeches etc.

(Edit to add - I meant to ask if you actually require 8" speakers rather than something smaller?)

[yourdj]

Toby,

Which particular speakers did you mean to link to? Your link just takes me to loads of different active speakers...

Just for info (and remembering I'm primarily a lampie with not too much knowledge or interest in audio), I bought 8 of these https://www.thomann.de/gb/the_box_pro_achat_104_a.htm?ref=search_rslt_achat+ 104a_325264_0 for use playing gentle 18th century music all round the downstairs rooms of a stately home and am very impressed for what they are. Obviously they're not capable of replacing a pair of 15" with 18" subs, but will go plenty loud enough for what I consider to be background levels. And because they're small and fairly lightweight, I've used them mounted on the upright part of a mic stand for speeches etc.

(Edit to add - I meant to ask if you actually require 8" speakers rather than something smaller?)

no chance with an SPL reading like that (108). I linked to all of them as its a nice selection of all the main 8's side by side.
This is for background and ceremonies as a stand alone unit, so in order of preference my requirements are:

- Over 124 max SPL
- Approx 10kg
- Ideally onboard EQ, low cuts, bass treble, and lots of inputs (especially RCA/Jack)
- Under £400 if possible.

I like these ones:

124 SPL - 10KG, WHITE, £310. https://www.thomann.de/gb/fbt_j8a_w_j_serie.htm
122 SPL - 10KG, £160! https://www.thomann.de/gb/fbt_j8a_w_j_serie.htm
127! SPL - 10KG. £330 https://www.thomann.de/gb/rcf_art_708_a_mk_ii.htm

These would be great, but a bit expensive:

https://www.thomann.de/gb/qsc_k_8.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_dxr_8_bundle.htm

For the sake of £160 I might get the 8 inch Thomann one as their kit before (as you have mentioned) is good quality. Circa 120 SPL is fine I recon also, given the price and weight. Enough buttons on the back also, so i can manage the bass/treble and also use a mic.

18038
18039

[DJColsie]

Well I have just bought 2 of these.

https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/13000491/active-pa-speakers/rcf-art-708-a-mk-ii

£299 each from the first order to come into the UK. Should be about 2/3 weeks. One UK dealer quoted £407 each and our trusted German friends retail at £327 each.

Rather pleased with myself.

[deltic]

Over 124 max SPL ,for background music...am I missing something here?

[DJColsie]

Mine are not for background music. They are for backup for main PA use as well as use on their own for small or upstairs gigs, maybe with one or two 12" subs.

[yourdj]

Well I have just bought 2 of these.

https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/13000491/active-pa-speakers/rcf-art-708-a-mk-ii

£299 each from the first order to come into the UK. Should be about 2/3 weeks. One UK dealer quoted £407 each and our trusted German friends retail at £327 each.

Rather pleased with myself.

Thanks Colin. Thomann prices on that are really good!

I probably would have gone for these, but there is a very limited EQ, inputs and outputs on the back so lack versatility.
I would rather have spend £100 more and got the DXR although the RCF is very pretty and well spec'd!


Am I missing something here?

Yes.

They are for ceremonies & grand entrances which require a louder volume (and also the background music following that)
I have 2 x QTX battery speakers (10 & a 12) which are fine for background, but just don't cut it for anything else IMO.
I use a 12 inch DBR at present but I need a smaller speaker that packs a half decent punch.
Easier carting it about venue rooms etc. Nice to have a second back up system also and keep the 12 with the main kit. :)

I have ordered this - £160.

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thomann.de%2Fgb%2Fthe_bo x_pro_tp_108_ma.htm&h=7AQHj2PBy

18040

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I either use my DB Technologies Basic's or my Alto Combo to do the same thing.
The DB's can go on speaker stands whereas the Alto can't and the DB's are also good back up should anything happen to my Mackies.
There's no EQ on the back of the DB's but to be honest, they are set up spot on anyway.
I remember when I bought them from Guildford a few years back and I asked about the EQ and the guy said that they were already set up nicely.

Ok, everyone has their own sound and taste but they sound great to me. I hardly use them but they do come in handy.

[yourdj]

I either use my DB Technologies Basic's or my Alto Combo to do the same thing.
The DB's can go on speaker stands whereas the Alto can't and the DB's are also good back up should anything happen to my Mackies.
There's no EQ on the back of the DB's but to be honest, they are set up spot on anyway.
I remember when I bought them from Guildford a few years back and I asked about the EQ and the guy said that they were already set up nicely.

Ok, everyone has their own sound and taste but they sound great to me. I hardly use them but they do come in handy.

I concur. reasonable SPL at 118, very light 7.5 kg, good looking, small and very cheap - £160. I did not put it on the shortlist as 120 SPL was my cut off and Paul Taylor had the same ones and was not too impressed by them (but also not under impressed). I respect his opinion highly. But for the price they are probably one of the best options for small applications and smaller functions with a sub for the price! At the end of the day I used my 12 inch battery for years, but I have stopped being lazy and would rather find a plug socket for the sake of a better reliable speaker and superior sound quality. Lovely to have super small powerful PA also! :)

https://www.thomann.de/gb/db_technologies_cromo_8_2.htm

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Toby, the DB Technologies Basic 400 is 125 SPL and only around £249.00 each now (were nearly double that when I bought them about 10 years ago and they still look new........oh, hold on, it says they're now discontinued).

I'm sure you are talking about the Basic 200 which is 118 SPL.
Apologies, I didn't mention that they were the 400's that I have.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

For 8" speakers I am still using the psr8a which are going strong after years of service and are cheap as chips

Me too.

[yourdj]

Toby, the DB Technologies Basic 400 is 125 SPL and only around £249.00 each now (were nearly double that when I bought them about 10 years ago and they still look new........oh, hold on, it says they're now discontinued).

I'm sure you are talking about the Basic 200 which is 118 SPL.
Apologies, I didn't mention that they were the 400's that I have.

Is the 400 a 12 inch speaker? I already have one of them and its 131 SPL!! :p:p:p but thanks for the heads up.
I really wanted to downsize and maintain the best volume/quality for the money to save lugging about the 12. :)
I don't really need to, but i have tons of all day weddings now, so it makes life a lot easier.

Also I have always wanted an 8 incher (Don't we all love) :muppet:

See how i get on with the Thomann pro speaker. It says Pro on the tin, so my expectations are high.
I have always been blown away with their in house stock as its always uber cheap and very good.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Yeah, it's a 12", sorry.... D'oh!

But, but, but..... It is very light!

[DJ Jules]

See how i get on with the Thomann pro speaker. It says Pro on the tin, so my expectations are high.

I'm sure it's going to be fine, but just to point out.... Prosound? :D

[yourdj]

Yeah, it's a 12", sorry.... D'oh!

But, but, but..... It is very light!

Yes they are very light. 7.5kg for an active 8 is pretty good going.
The DXR and Qsc is 12 I think, but they are designed for the road!!


I'm sure it's going to be fine, but just to point out.... Prosound? :D

Good point :Censored:

I am quite pleased with myself actually as i have spent a lot less than I was going to and it should be a half decent cab.
All day wedding on Sun and ceremony/evening on Sat, should be with me by then. Quite excited actually. Sad I know. :muppet:
Also bought 8 wireless uplighters from China also to replace my battery ones (for sale soon btw). :)

I have got my eye out for a second hand DXR8 though. They are hard to come across as I guess they are so useful and easy to transport!

[yourdj]

Pretty naffed off with Thomann. I emailed them today as its been over a week and no speaker delivery.

They have said:

"Unfortunately, despatch of your order has been delayed as the Thomann Cover TP 108 MA is currently out of stock. The most recent date we have from our supplier for re-stocking of this item is 07.10.2016"

I don't mind, but it's damn good I don't really need it for an event!! Its going to be 3 weeks late and I can only assume they would not have told me that if I had not contacted them first.