The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Go Back   The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Acoustic Amplification

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 09-24-2021, 07:29 AM
buzzardwhiskey buzzardwhiskey is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,450
Default Thinking about very light weight speakers

We played our first patio gig last night since Covid hit. I used a Schertler Unico and Yamaha DXR10 for my vocals and guitar.

The bass and electric players used their amps.

We also used a Behringer B105 on a mic stand as a monitor.

It's becoming incredibly clear that I can no longer schlep amps that weigh that much, and the setup is painful too.

So I'm looking at really light weight solutions.

Any suggestions?

Is the Mackie SRM Flex any good?
__________________
Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-24-2021, 12:28 PM
RogerPease RogerPease is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 630
Default

Depends on a lot of things, of course. :-P
Is it just you going through this particular set up?
Other guitars/instruments, other voices?
How loud does it have to be? Assuming "not that loud":

If it's just you & guitar you could go with a single QSC CP8 on a stand.
A Fishman SA330X would be an easy way to add more channels if needed.
(You wouldn't need the sub.) Does a Yamaha DBX10 weigh less that the DXR10?
Or maybe just your DXR10 by itself. You might want a reverb pedal in the mix.
There are probably a zillion way to achieve what you want.

I don't know the Mackie stuff (other than mixers) so no help there.

Cheers, _Roger
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-24-2021, 01:52 PM
jklotz jklotz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 3,561
Default

If you aren't playing at loud volumes, the bose s1 pro is 15lbs.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-24-2021, 03:14 PM
YamahaGuy YamahaGuy is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Ohio the heart of it all
Posts: 4,586
Default

Yamaha DBR10 is much lighter than the DXR10. I own a pair of both. My wife prefers the tone of the DBR. There's not much of a difference in SPL. DXR has a little more punch and a larger hi frequency driver.

I just grabbed a LR Baggs Synapse. It's the bomb for acoustic-electric guitar.
__________________
As my username suggests, huge fan of Yamaha products. Own many acoustic-electric models from 2009-present and a couple electric. Lots of PA too.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-24-2021, 03:37 PM
poopsidoo poopsidoo is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Spartanburg, Sc
Posts: 316
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey View Post
We played our first patio gig last night since Covid hit. I used a Schertler Unico and Yamaha DXR10 for my vocals and guitar.

The bass and electric players used their amps.

We also used a Behringer B105 on a mic stand as a monitor.

It's becoming incredibly clear that I can no longer schlep amps that weigh that much, and the setup is painful too.

So I'm looking at really light weight solutions.

Any suggestions?

Is the Mackie SRM Flex any good?


I always heard, the heavier the speaker, the higher quality of sound
__________________
2023 Gibson 1960 Fixed Bridge Hummingbird w/Ultratonic
2021 D'Angelico EXP-1 Throwback archtop
1983 Martin HD-28 w/Ultratonic
1965 Gibson J-45 w/K&K/Ultratonic conversion
1940's??? Harmony Patrician archtop
2002 Taylor Big Baby
1985 Kentucky KM850 mando w/lr baggs radius
1959 Gibson A-5 Mando
2004 Fender Strat (Mexican)
Army bugle
Old autoharp
Indian flute
Cowbell
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-24-2021, 04:08 PM
Lost Sheep Lost Sheep is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Anchorage AK
Posts: 232
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey View Post
We played our first patio gig last night since Covid hit. I used a Schertler Unico and Yamaha DXR10 for my vocals and guitar.

The bass and electric players used their amps.

We also used a Behringer B105 on a mic stand as a monitor.

It's becoming incredibly clear that I can no longer schlep amps that weigh that much, and the setup is painful too.

So I'm looking at really light weight solutions.

Any suggestions?

Is the Mackie SRM Flex any good?
Poopsiedoo has a point. More weight often provides more stable speaker enclosure (better sound). More weight might mean more heat sink/cooling capacity for more robust amplification circuitry.

I have a really nice setup in a Peavey Escort system Two speakers, stands 4-channel mixer/amp all in one torpedo-shaped travel case (with wheels on one end). 60 lbs. But all in one package is a bit much. Another system is a Gemini with similar features and weight as the Peavey - two separate speakers. But you have three pieces to carry (one speaker with attached enclosure for mics and cords, second speaker with attached 4-channel mixer plus two stands (which can be bundled in a bag). Much easier to carry because the speakers can be carried in two hands, 30 lbs on either side is doable where 60 lbs in one box is not so easy.

If you can put up with only a single combo mixer/speaker/amp the Fishman Performer or Artist are decent and carry easier. But no stand and speaker placement is not as flexible.

So, what configuration do you want? (How many pieces and where placed on stage, etc) and how much weight is more than you want to deal with?

I find that multiple setup trips to the stage is troubling, but a single trip carrying a heavy setup is just as troubling. Name your poison.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-24-2021, 04:30 PM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,794
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey View Post
We played our first patio gig last night since Covid hit. I used a Schertler Unico and Yamaha DXR10 for my vocals and guitar.

The bass and electric players used their amps.

We also used a Behringer B105 on a mic stand as a monitor.

It's becoming incredibly clear that I can no longer schlep amps that weigh that much, and the setup is painful too.

So I'm looking at really light weight solutions.

Any suggestions?

Is the Mackie SRM Flex any good?
We played as a three piece last week for the first time since Covid hit. I used my Cube EX on a mini-stand for guitar and vocal, my playing partner used his Fender Acoustisonic (150?) for his instruments and vocal, and our bass player played through my Fender Rumble 100. At 21 pounds the Rumble 100 can literally be picked up with one finger and is a great amp. My Cube EX is also light and loud with separate channels and effects for instrument and mic.

Several people in the audience remarked how good the sound was, considering the setup. I loved doing it that way.

I've been playing in bands for 30 years and used to own, haul,and set up a large PA. I'm not ever going to do that again!

I'm HIGHLY appreciative that equipment manufacturers have been working diligently to make easy to carry amplification equipment that sounds good. Neodymium magnet technology, ABS enclosures, and class D amplifiers have freed us from the back breaking task of hauling around stuff that would better work as a boat anchor.

Last edited by Rudy4; 09-24-2021 at 04:40 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-24-2021, 04:37 PM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,794
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Sheep View Post
Poopsiedoo has a point. More weight often provides more stable speaker enclosure (better sound). More weight might mean more heat sink/cooling capacity for more robust amplification circuitry.

I have a really nice setup in a Peavey Escort system Two speakers, stands 4-channel mixer/amp all in one torpedo-shaped travel case (with wheels on one end). 60 lbs. But all in one package is a bit much. Another system is a Gemini with similar features and weight as the Peavey - two separate speakers. But you have three pieces to carry (one speaker with attached enclosure for mics and cords, second speaker with attached 4-channel mixer plus two stands (which can be bundled in a bag). Much easier to carry because the speakers can be carried in two hands, 30 lbs on either side is doable where 60 lbs in one box is not so easy.

If you can put up with only a single combo mixer/speaker/amp the Fishman Performer or Artist are decent and carry easier. But no stand and speaker placement is not as flexible.

So, what configuration do you want? (How many pieces and where placed on stage, etc) and how much weight is more than you want to deal with?

I find that multiple setup trips to the stage is troubling, but a single trip carrying a heavy setup is just as troubling. Name your poison.
I can haul my amp, guitar, and any accessories I need in one trip from the car and have plenty of volume for a small club. I'll take that poison.

Sound reinforcement for the solo performer has come a long way in the last few years. No need to make some sort of compromise in your sound. A bit of research can often reveal a choice of options that didn't exist a few years ago.

Neodymium magnets, ABS enclosures, and Class D amps have removed the need for a weight lifting ribbon as part of being a performer.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-24-2021, 05:11 PM
buzzardwhiskey buzzardwhiskey is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,450
Default

I'm to the point that about 25lbs is my max. The Fishman SA330x and Mackie SRM Flex have my attention since I won't need monitors.

In the very rare occassion that we need more power and there's no home PA, I'll bring mine.
__________________
Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-24-2021, 07:05 PM
moosedog moosedog is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Finger Lakes area, NY
Posts: 255
Default

Last weekend the duo I am part of was contracted to play a street festival. The contract stipulated sound would be provided. We get there and there is no sound. The event coordinator took all the blame and paid us in full on the spot. A volunteer took us to a small music store that had been featuring some of their students playing short sets. The owner offered her equipment to us and we decided to make lemonade out of - well you know. The system consisted of 4 small practice amps, 10-20 watts each. We plugged mics into two of them and our guitars in the others. There wasn’t much head room but people actually stopped, stood closer and listened. A good example that smaller can work. I would not recommend this set up but it worked on that day.

I have some solo gigs where I can get by with just one QSC cp8 on a stand slightly behind me, with my Boss VE-8 plugged straight into it. No mixer, no other speakers or amps. Rey simple and light weight.
__________________
Moosedog

2004 Taylor 712 Baggs Anthem SL
2019 Taylor 717e Builders Edition ES2
2016 Huss & Dalton TOM-M w/Baggs M-1
2019 Martin Custom Shop OMCE Blaze Burst w/Fishman Matrix Enhance
2019 Martin OM28 Modern Deluxe
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-25-2021, 05:51 AM
jonfields45 jonfields45 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 4,598
Default

I've been gigging three years with just a single CP8 on pole for our duo. We played a large farmers market last weekend with great results. You can't see it in this pic. It is behind us above the tent (the pole is visible :~). We wanted it far enough away for our volume comfort.

__________________
jf45ir Free DIY Acoustic Guitar IR Generator
.wav file, 30 seconds, pickup left, mic right, open position strumming best...send to direct email below
I'll send you 100/0, 75/25, 50/50 & 0/100 IR/Bypass IRs
IR Demo, read the description too: https://youtu.be/SELEE4yugjE
My duo's website and my email... [email protected]

Jon Fields
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-25-2021, 06:48 AM
Methos1979's Avatar
Methos1979 Methos1979 is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seacoast, NH
Posts: 8,070
Default

You need to spend some time reading my NAD reviews! Start here then check out the link in my sig line for more complete with videos:

NAD: 2 Bose S1, dual speaker stand video demo & review - Post outdoor-gig update
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-25-2021, 09:06 AM
buzzardwhiskey buzzardwhiskey is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,450
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Methos1979 View Post
You need to spend some time reading my NAD reviews! Start here then check out the link in my sig line for more complete with videos:



NAD: 2 Bose S1, dual speaker stand video demo & review - Post outdoor-gig update
This looks like a great solution. Just 16lbs each.
__________________
Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-25-2021, 09:18 AM
Methos1979's Avatar
Methos1979 Methos1979 is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seacoast, NH
Posts: 8,070
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey View Post
This looks like a great solution. Just 16lbs each.
It really is great. If you go down into my sig line and hit the all reviews link then scroll down that list you'll see a whole bunch of review links in bold - these are all of my reviews that contain Bose S1 content. We have been delighted with the modularity of this system. For small gigs like bonfires, busking or parties, we use just a single S1, one guitar, one mic. Larger gigs where we need more inputs and power we add a small mixer in front of a single S1. Need yet more power, one S1 in front of use as a monitor feeding a second S1 in front of us cranked. More power and dispersion (like outdoors) then both out front cranked. And now we've add a new addition, the EAE D6-58 which adds a whole new layer of usefulness to the setup.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 09-26-2021, 08:51 AM
buzzardwhiskey buzzardwhiskey is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,450
Default

Using the PA speaker spreader-bar idea might REALLY be a great answer. I think that I could put the stand directly behind me (I'm always in the middle), and have the speakers pointed "slightly" away so that my band mates hear them. No monitors, simpler setup.

Light speaker pairs I'm considering:

Alto TX308 350W (13lbs) - $260
Bose S1 (16lbs) - $1300
JBL IRX-108BT (18lbs) - $690
Behringer B210D (19lbs) - $380
QSC CP8 (21lbs) - $800
Mackie DLM8 (22lbs) - $1600
Alto Trouper (23lbs) - $400
__________________
Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

  The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Acoustic Amplification

Thread Tools





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2022, The Acoustic Guitar Forum
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=