What's the latest on portable column PAs?

[MikeVB]

I really enjoy playing solo/duet acoustic shows, but would really like a more streamlined PA similar to the Bose L1.

I've seen several other column PA systems. But all the reviews are at least a couple years old, and I haven't read anything by forum members here or elsewhere (AGF, UMGF, etc) that have bought or tried them.

Anyone have any info on these other systems? I've heard the L1 Compact and the Fishman Solo Stick sized systems and frankly I was very underwhelmed for anything other than a small, quiet coffeehouse gig.

Can any of these sticks with a small subwoofer sound as good or better than a couple powered 10" speakers on sticks?

[lschwart]

Originally Posted by MikeVB

I really enjoy playing solo/duet acoustic shows, but would really like a more streamlined PA similar to the Bose L1.

I've seen several other column PA systems. But all the reviews are at least a couple years old, and I haven't read anything by forum members here or elsewhere (AGF, UMGF, etc) that have bought or tried them.

Anyone have any info on these other systems? I've heard the L1 Compact and the Fishman Solo Stick sized systems and frankly I was very underwhelmed for anything other than a small, quiet coffeehouse gig.

Can any of these sticks with a small subwoofer sound as good or better than a couple powered 10" speakers on sticks?

Well, I can't speak from my own experience with these systems, but several manufacturers make column and sub systems that can work both as a small solo performer system and as the core of a full small PA system. The videos at least suggest that they're onto something. The one that has caught my attention in particular is the EVOX line by RCF. Here's a full "take it apart" review from Trinity Sound of the EVOX 8:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BWchY3zLT4

You can find the rest of their reviews and videos of the EVOX systems here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIb...49Y_2VsNqZaCsw

Louis

[slewis]

Mike, you said you'd heard the Compact and SA220-SIZED systems -- do you mean you've heard these exact systems? I've gigged for years with the SA220 and guarantee you that I've played a lot bigger venue than a small coffeehouse and am quite happy with its performance and sound. Since it's designed for the frequencies of the human voice and acoustic guitar, I've never understood the logic of adding a subwoofer to it. Not that any of this means you have to like it, but I'm wondering if you've heard these other systems properly EQd. Tons of very happy Compact and SA220 owners around, as you know. But we all have different ears, of course...

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by MikeVB

…Can any of these sticks with a small subwoofer sound as good or better than a couple powered 10" speakers on sticks?

Hi Mike…

Evox systems build a small line array (eight - 2" drivers) with a pole extending down to a sub-woofer, and I believe they come in 3 configurations with 10", 12" & 15" subwoofers. They are built by RCF (an Italian sound company).

They are a powered speaker system, and breakdown into a large 'bag' (very sturdy). Each array slides into the back of it's sub, and the poles slide into the bag as well which you can carry away in a single hand.

Our church is mobile and we have a pair of the 15" sub models, and they setup in 5 minutes, and pack just as fast, and the pair cover a 650 seat auditorium with headroom to spare.

If I were buying new, I'd likely get a pair of the 12" ones for personal use, since we also run bass and keys through our systems, though I've not heard the 10" model, and it might be adequate for small to medium venue use with the 10" sub.

I was skeptical till the first time I sat in the audience and heard our band fire up. Our band is acoustic drums, keys, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass. Everything is running though the house system (including the drums).

I'm not sure how good they'd work behind a band (like the Bose). I'm guessing they'd be best out front, but they come with the hardware to be out front without invoking a large footprint.

[UglyEarly]

I heard a Bose system for the first time a few weeks ago. It was a single column on a dual 10" sub. It was very compact. The band was two piece acoustic guitar and steel guitar and both were singing.
This was a small venue of about 30 people.
I was extremely impressed with the sound and I am not easily impressed.
It was one of the best mixes I have heard and the column was behind the band and they were hearing the FOH mix just like the audience. There were no stage monitors and absolutely no hints of feedback or hot frequencies.
The sound was very smooth and the mix stayed virtually the same as I moved about the room.
I would definitely use a system like this for a small acoustic show if money were no object.
I am not sure how it would fare in a larger venue with a larger audience but it was perfect in this setting.

Jeff

[sam.spoons]

I tested the Bose L1 Compact at my open mic night a few years ago. In a small room the sound was superb, I did prefer my AER for guitars but the L1 has the best vocal sound I've ever experienced. Wether it would cope at higher levels I don't know and I certainly wouldn't expect a pair to compete with any but the most restrained drummer but in their place they are simply stunning.

[Captain Jim]

I have a Bose L1C. I have played for groups up to about 150, including outdoors. Been using it for about 6 years, and it does what I need. Prior to getting the Bose, I used a Peavey powered mixer and two cabinets with 15s and a horn. That system would take me 3 trips, not including guitar, stands, mic stand, cables. It was way overkill, but I played rock 'n roll in the 60s and 70s, and that is what I knew. I tried a small Peavey Escort system for a while on a couple small gigs, but was less than thrilled with that sound.

When I first tried the Bose on a gig, I thought I had to have the volume up to what I was used to with the bigger Peavey system. I was wrong. You don't have to have massive volume to get good sound dispersion. You get good coverage side to side, and front to back. And, I could hear myself without separate monitors. The whole system weighs less than 30 pounds... less than what the powered head alone was on the Peavey.

One gig, and I sold both of the Peavey systems. I realize neither of the Peaveys were array-type PAs (original question), but they are completely different animals. For perspective, I did try the SA220 at the same time I tried the Bose (in the store) - both are good systems; I felt the Bose had more depth, the Fishman had an advantage with the built-in reverb.

I am well aware that some people think all Bose equipment is over-priced and under-capable. I try to let my ears make the decisions on equipment purchases, and found this to be to my liking. In a band situation (especially with a loud drummer), I would probably have a different opinion. I have used the Bose with a keyboard and an acoustic guitar (one or the other) and vocals... I held my breath when I first used the keyboard with it, half expecting it to turn the speakers to mush. Didn't happen. These days, it is acoustic guitar and vocal only, and this works for me. I thought I could always run a direct line out to a bigger PA, if necessary. I haven't had a situation that warranted that.

For full disclosure, I did get a Fishman Loudbox Mini a few years ago, thinking that might be enough for a really small situation, but have never used it for that. I frequently use it with the Bose, though, in place of a mixer (for EQ and effects), then a direct line to the Bose.

[ricdoug]

http://www.carvinaudio.com/products/trc200a-ps

The Carvin TRC200A with an added small mixer gives plenty of bass and coverage along with superb frequency range. It is one of the larger of the compact sub woofer/line arrays. It's a 2,500 watt system with a 21 pound line array and a 75 pound sub woofer. You would not be underwhelmed. Ric

[MikeVB]

Originally Posted by sam.spoons

I tested the Bose L1 Compact at my open mic night a few years ago. In a small room the sound was superb, I did prefer my AER for guitars but the L1 has the best vocal sound I've ever experienced. Wether it would cope at higher levels I don't know and I certainly wouldn't expect a pair to compete with any but the most restrained drummer but in their place they are simply stunning.

I've heard and was impressed by the Bose L1 II once at a small, outdoor street festival a few years ago.

However, the Bose Compact system I heard was by a little acoustic trio that plays every Friday night in a Mexican restaurant. They're a singer/acoustic guitarist, bassist, and percussion player. As far as I can tell the only thing running through the L1C is the acoustic and one vocal, maybe one ambient mic on the percussion. The bassist uses an amp. These guys are good and super nice guys, but his sound quality is just awful; just loud, tinny and very distorted. He's an Oncologist so he can afford anything, but he likes his Compact.

I've found you have to have the ability to play loud sometimes for restaurant gigs. I normally err on the quiet side and if anything I get told by management to please turn it up. Restaurants get as loud or louder than a pub I've learned.

I actually filled in for them this weekend and realized after half a dozen trips back and forth through the entire restaurant to the car to set up that I was sick of gigging if I can't streamline my system. I perform for the love of it, but get paid to do the practicing, requests, and setting up and tearing down. I've seen the good Dr make two trips max to set up and start playing.

Maybe I should try the L1 II, but I've waited for years thinking competitors would come along to maybe prevent having to spend $3,000 on a system.

Larry J do you know exactly what the system or model is called from RCF?

[Captain Jim]

If you want easy and light weight, I'd suggest you still give the L1C an audition. I have heard crap sound coming from all manner of equipment... may be the equipment, or it may be the person dialing it in. If your Oncologist friend thinks it sounds good, it might be him.

If he is not using a T1 ToneMatch or something else for EQ, it may be what he is putting into the L1C.

When I first got the Bose, I was using an Ovation - sounded just fine into the Bose with no external EQ. Tried that with a Taylor 114ce, and it was almost nasty - an inexpensive EQ pedal took care of that.

I am not promoting the L1C - just found that it solved my situation, which sounds pretty similar to yours. Before getting one for myself, I saw a duo using one, and was very impressed with the sound (outdoor setting in a restaurant/outdoor mall). I guess those first impressions do count.

Good luck with the search.

[MikeVB]

I appreciate everyone's posts and will research your suggestions.

[lschwart]

Originally Posted by MikeVB

Larry J do you know exactly what the system or model is called from RCF?

Evox 5, 8 or 12.

See the links in my post above, and here for the RCF page itself:

http://www.rcf.it/professional-speaker-systems/evox

The numbers, by the way, refer to the number of small speakers in the array section. The woofer in the 5 is 10", it's 12" in the 8, and 15" in the 12.

L.

[RockerDuck]

The Fishman is great for solo artists. Take it a step further and get the L1c with a mixer and you can have a backing tracks, music, and more musicians. I bridged between them with the L1C for both solo and group. The line out of the L1c allows powered speaker add on for louder performances.