Portable pa on the cheap

MrMorabito · #1 12-01-2015, 01:34 PM

I'm hoping to start a fun little cover band with two acoustic guitars and two vocals. Is there a powered, portable, all-in-one pa system that would accommodate my needs? We'd likely only be in smaller venues.

MikeBmusic · #2 12-01-2015, 01:54 PM

What is your budget?
Most of the 'one piece' systems don't have enough inputs for this, you'd need to use a small mixer on the input side.

#3 12-01-2015, 02:03 PM

I suggest taking a look at the Yamaha Stagepas 600i. I have one and use it for a setup similar to what you describe. Sounds great to these ears, is plenty loud for our purposes, and has all of the features we need. Got mine with open box discount for $689 shipped.

MrMorabito · #4 12-01-2015, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

What is your budget?
Most of the 'one piece' systems don't have enough inputs for this, you'd need to use a small mixer on the input side.

Under a grand, for sure.

MrMorabito · #5 12-01-2015, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m-thirty-great

I suggest taking a look at the Yamaha Stagepas 600i. I have one and use it for a setup similar to what you describe. Sounds great to these ears, is plenty loud for our purposes, and has all of the features we need. Got mine with open box discount for $689 shipped.

I'll look into that one. From where did you purchase?

MrMorabito · #6 12-01-2015, 02:45 PM

The Yamaha Stagepas 400i looks good as well.

Nick84 · #7 12-01-2015, 03:27 PM

Another vote for the stagepas 600i. I've been using mine in all sorts of venues for the last 18 months and I'm really happy with it.

If you can stretch to the 600i over the 400i I would. More power, more inputs, better sound. All in all more fit for your purpose.

ricdoug · #8 12-01-2015, 08:29 PM

If your acoustic guitars have active electronics, a PowerWerks PW50/KustomPA50 is a small self contained 50 watt P.A. that would work for a low budget and small venues. They are currently on sale for $79 bucks. Not knowing your budget, I'll put this out here as an entry solution:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Kustom-P...l-PA-System.gc

Individual EQ on each channel
2 channels have XLR and 1/4" inputs, that can be used at the same time
3rd channel has a 1/8" input for MP3 players or effects players that have a headphone out
Built in phantom power for condensor microphones
Built in speaker stand mount
modular - you can interconnect as many PA50's as you want for more channels and power using microphone cables
1/4" low pass crossover subwoofer 1/4" out
lightweight, small size and portable with an attached carrying handle

The PA50 works well as a practice amp, MP3 music speaker and on a live stage performing for audiences

The speaker stand is not included. Shown here for display:

ricdoug · #9 12-01-2015, 09:05 PM

I just saw where you posted "Under a grand, for sure.". Do you already have the two vocal microphones, two microphone cables, two instrument cables, two microphone stands and two folding bar stools? If not, these items quickly add on to the price of the PA "system")

When you say "small venues" what size audiences? Are the rooms quiet or noisy? Bars or coffee houses?

Under $1,000 there's also:

http://www.carvinaudio.com/collections/s600

that has 5 channels in one cabinet, also offering a battery powered option. I own the 4 channel predessor, the S400D.

Here's a video of the S600 with an acoustic guitar, bass and microphone:

http://youtu.be/NzlvOhlW0ko

The owners manual:

http://carvinimages.com/documents/S6...ies_manual.pdf

midwinter · #10 12-01-2015, 10:09 PM

I always seem to offer the same advice:

Pick up a cheap, powered 10" speaker and a little mixer (check Yamaha and Mackie) and you're good to go for probably $3-400.

MrMorabito · #11 12-01-2015, 11:07 PM

That Carvin is a nice option. I hadn't thought to look there.

We'd already have microphones, stands, cables, etc. I'm just looking for something easily portable that is also tidy, meaning clean looking. I'm not sure what type of venues we'd see, but likely small scale. This project is just for fun.

sam.spoons · #12 12-03-2015, 03:25 AM

Another +1 for the Yamaha Stagepass series. But, given your budget I'd also consider one (or two) Yamaha DXR10s and a small mixer. You'd get one plus an Allen & Heath Zed 10fx for around $850 and it's expandable, flexible and much louder than the Stagepass. Not as simple though but you'll never outgrow it.

MikeBmusic · #13 12-03-2015, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam.spoons

Another +1 for the Yamaha Stagepass series. But, given your budget I'd also consider one (or two) Yamaha DXR10s and a small mixer. You'd get one plus an Allen & Heath Zed 10fx for around $850 and it's expandable, flexible and much louder than the Stagepass. Not as simple though but you'll never outgrow it.

I second this idea - of course there are many options for mixer and speaker(s), and don't forget a stand for the speaker.

#14 12-05-2015, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMorabito

I'll look into that one. From where did you purchase?

I don't remember where I bought it from, sorry. The Stagepas 600i has mid controls on the channel EQs, the 400i doesn't. For me, this is important as it allows me to get the sound I want on my guitars and vocals. Obviously, there are other differences between the two model, such as the 10" speakers v. 8" speakers, and the heavier weight v. the lighter weight. Hope this helps at least a little.

zhunter · #15 12-05-2015, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam.spoons

But, given your budget I'd also consider one (or two) Yamaha DXR10s and a small mixer. You'd get one plus an Allen & Heath Zed 10fx for around $850 and it's expandable, flexible and much louder than the Stagepass. Not as simple though but you'll never outgrow it.

Still pretty simple. And the expandable part is pretty golden if you are not sure where you may wind up. Only downside with the Zed10 is the limited number of XLR inputs but certainly the concept is a good one.

And I'll go one further to say it will also sound better.

hunter