Best PA for solo acoustic/singer

[ny3299]

Hi Folks,
I am in the market for a linear PA (e.g., Bose L1 compact or other). Just need for solo guitar/voice setup. I don't need extra channels for now. I would, however, like some effects for the guitar/voice - not much, just some options. So, I wanted to know what you guys/gals are using and what you like the best. For example "get the Bose L1 Compact and add the T4s tone match" or whatever.......
Appreciate the help. I would like to stay under 2k.

[KevWind]

The Bose and a Tone match is a very popular system. About $1500 If I were looking in the up to $2k price range at $1999 I would also consider the Baggs Synapps

https://www.lrbaggs.com/speaker/syna...onal-pa-system

[ny3299]

Will a Mackie or Behringer mixer work well with the Bose L!?

[The Bard Rocks]

Yes. I routinely use my Yamaha mixer. Have to, if I am going to use an instrument mike.

[songman2]

HK audio Elements. Do not buy anything until you have heard these. Awesome!

[lt20dbl]

People tend to like what they have. I have a JBL Eon One. It sounds great. It has reverb and I run my guitar through a Fishman platinum pro. It is heavier than the Bose L1 compact by 12 lbs but I think it's worth it for the extra power and bass response.

[Methos1979]

My wife and I have an acoustic duo with me on guitar and her on vocals so for all intents and purposes a solo act! We use the Bose S1 and an EAE StompMix X6 digital mixer. Powerful and versatile setup in an extremely lightweight and easy to carry/setup/breakdown system that also can run on internal lithium battery power. If you click on the review link down in my sig line and scroll down there are reviews of both these pieces of gear with videos.

[varmonter]

As far as array systems go Our band has a Bose L1
compact. And a bose L1 b2 (used in big venues) that we recently aquired.
personally i like the fact we can place it behind and to the side a bit
and hear ourselves well. No lugging monitors
around. The sound quality doesnt compare to
our old analog board and the k10s we used to run.
the old addage "no highs ..no lows ..must be bose" rings true for me.
Was the compromise of quality vs convenience worth it?
Only you can make that decision. I dont think the audience cares.
Im traveling for the summer (Cody)and met a husband and wife duo
that have graciously allowed me to sit in with them on mandolin.
They use the jbl eon one. Which is the two ch version.
ive played several gigs with them
I think the jbl unit sounds much better than the bose.
for quitar especially. very crisp with tons of low end punch
for the guitar. Didnt seem to get harsh when turned up. like the bose does.
I think they are a tad cheaper as well.
I would look at one of these as well. But to my ear
nothing beats Qsc. Not an array ...but a stellar frfr..

[Jinder]

I've just been through the same thing...SO many opinions as (as has been noted), people often know what they like and like what they know.

I was after a "PA in a box" style amp solution for smaller gigs as I have a 1600w PA for bigger shows, and have ended up buying an AER Domino which arrived this morning. First impressions are excellent, it is incredibly clean and detailed. In the house it sounds wonderful with my Sennheiser condenser straight into channel one with some light EQ. I always use my "Swiss army knife" Boss AD10 for the front end of my guitar channel and have yet to plug that into the Domino, but I'd imagine it will sound great. Straight in, my Sunrises and MagMic in my D18 and Gibson SJs and my K&K equipped Hummingbird 12 string all sound very good, especially the MagMic (probably due to the fact I didn't preamplify the others). Even the single coil Rare Earth in my L-00, which is a pickup I normally avoid due to hum, sounded excellent.

None of it means anything until gig time though...let's see how she fares tonight.

[SongwriterFan]

I know several people who use the Bose L1 Compact, and I *love* the way they sound through them. Perfect for gigs up to 100 people, probably even a bit more, honestly. I've even heard it used OUTSIDE and the sound carried for quite a ways.

For the mixer (and just you and the guitar), I think THIS is the perfect thing.

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProDX4.../dp/B01B1JHTGG

Still a few of the 4-channel version left on Amazon, but none of the 8-channel. Both have been discontinued, though.

It's VERY simple to use. An advantage is that you can control it via your cell phone if you want (Bluetooth), so it doesn't have to sit next to you on stage. Also, if you have a trusted friend, HE (or she) can run sound from you remotely out in the audience. I've done this for a one singer/songwriter.

It has basic EQ and compression and reverb. All you really need, IMO.

Disadvantages: Subtract TWO to get the real number of channels. The other two are reserved for Bluetooth / 1/8" inputs (to play songs from a phone or CD player during breaks). But if it's just you and one instrument, the 4-channel is fine. I got the 8-channel for some flexibility.

Also, if you have a "hot" mic or sing really loudly, you might have to put a pad in front of the input. There isn't a real gain setting. It just switches to high-gain for the XLR input and to a low-gain for the 1/4" input (both inputs can be used for either).

[ricdoug]

2 Bose S1 Pro's, on the ground in the tilt back position, $599 + $599



1 USB powered TU04 mixer, $46, after shipping











1 high capacity USB Power Bank, $20:

https://www.amazon.com/Tundras-Porta...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

2 Behringer ADI21 active preamp DI boxes, $29 +29

https://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHADI21

2 Samson compact microphone stands. $22 + $22

1 folding wagon, $64

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Tra...Blue/659010059

2 folding bar stools, $10 + $10

https://www.frys.com/product/8225786...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

4 bay Lithium Ion 9V battery charger with 4 .6 Amp Lithium Ion 9V batteries $22

3 Port high speed USB charging station, $7

Grand total = $1,491, before tax, @NY3299 !

I often, more than not, that when performing solo that some very famous artists pop in to venues where I'm performing and desire to sit in on vocals and instrumentals with me on my small stage. One can really work an audience, with this extra capability!

[SalFromChatham]

Fishman sa330x for $900 new. It has EQ, reverb, some feedback protection, and there is nothing.... I mean nothing... that sets up quicker. I have owned the Bose L1 Compact. You need the mixer to have any reverb or effects..

For just a singer and guitarist... nothing is as good for as cheap as the Fish Stick.

And down the road, if you become a duo or trio, you get the Fishman Expander and even the sub woofer as an add on.

[gfirob]

+1 for the Fishstick.

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by themissal

Fishman sa330x for $900 new. It has EQ, reverb, some feedback protection, and there is nothing.... I mean nothing... that sets up quicker. I have owned the Bose L1 Compact. You need the mixer to have any reverb or effects..

For just a singer and guitarist... nothing is as good for as cheap as the Fish Stick.

And down the road, if you become a duo or trio, you get the Fishman Expander and even the sub woofer as an add on.

I had a Fishman SA220 - great amp. Recently played an art show where our opening act had an SA330x that sounded great. Can't go wrong with most any Fishman products.

I will say that the Bose S1 definitely sets up quicker than the Fishman SA amps though!

[DjFuzzyMcPickle]

I reeeeaaaallllly like the sound of the new Genzler https://www.genzleramplification.com...tic-array-pro/

Just started playing again and a friend just got. Amazing amp in my opinion.