Affordable, reliable PA System recommendations

EasyKill · 01-26-2012, 12:23 AM

I am in the market for an affordable reliable PA system to amplify my vocals. I have zero experience with these things and I would really appreciate some advice.

I play in a full band (punk) with 2 electric guitars (my amp is a marshall MG50fx, other amps are of comparable volume/size), a bass guitar, and an 8 piece drum kit. As you might imagine, it is impossible to hear my voice. I don't need any special voice effects or anything, I just want something that will make my voice be heard loud and clear. It doesn't have to be dirt cheap, but cheaper is better as long at it will still meet my needs.

Thanks in advance guys.

steve0211 · 02-01-2012, 06:14 AM

Yes, you need some sort of PA system to be heard over guitar and drums, no question. There are definitely people on here who can help you out too!

You need to be more specific before we can properly answer what a good PA system is.

What is your budget? Do you want the PA only for practice, or also for some gigs? Will you mic drums, amps, other vocals or anything in addition to your own vox?

These are a few things to consider before making such a decision. Good luck!

EasyKill · 02-05-2012, 11:44 PM

Thanks for the reply! My needs have changed somewhat since I first posted this topic. I was gifted a old Roland PA-150 by a friend of a neighbor who saw a youtube video of mine. I'm running all the instruments through it, and they are all loud enough, but the vocals could still use a little boost. Is there some kind of equipment i can run the mic through before the mixer to get a volume increase?

steve0211 · 02-09-2012, 07:27 AM

The Roland is only intended to go to a certain volume, so you should not try to make it sound louder as it could damage the speaker(s).

Look into getting a PA system for the band, which would include a mixer and power amp only with 2 speakers. You may prefer a mixer/amp, which would have the two combined into one box. Perhaps this could be a band purchase, as you may also want to have backing vocals, mic instruments or mic drums at times.

rocioclm · 02-09-2012, 09:26 AM

I will say that having owned 2 b212a's for about a year and a half, I'm pretty much impressed. They sound good, and have not failed on me yet. They are nice speakers, and I would recommend them if you are tight on budget.

EasyKill · 02-09-2012, 04:31 PM

The Roland came with 2 SoundTech CX18C's. Are they good enough?

01-26-2012, 12:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
EasyKill Groupie Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5	Affordable, reliable PA System recommendations I am in the market for an affordable reliable PA system to amplify my vocals. I have zero experience with these things and I would really appreciate some advice. I play in a full band (punk) with 2 electric guitars (my amp is a marshall MG50fx, other amps are of comparable volume/size), a bass guitar, and an 8 piece drum kit. As you might imagine, it is impossible to hear my voice. I don't need any special voice effects or anything, I just want something that will make my voice be heard loud and clear. It doesn't have to be dirt cheap, but cheaper is better as long at it will still meet my needs. Thanks in advance guys.

02-09-2012, 09:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
rocioclm Groupie Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 6	I will say that having owned 2 b212a's for about a year and a half, I'm pretty much impressed. They sound good, and have not failed on me yet. They are nice speakers, and I would recommend them if you are tight on budget. __________________ PF Events

02-01-2012, 06:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
steve0211 Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Düsseldorf and Detroit Posts: 84	Yes, you need some sort of PA system to be heard over guitar and drums, no question. There are definitely people on here who can help you out too! You need to be more specific before we can properly answer what a good PA system is. What is your budget? Do you want the PA only for practice, or also for some gigs? Will you mic drums, amps, other vocals or anything in addition to your own vox? These are a few things to consider before making such a decision. Good luck!

02-05-2012, 11:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
EasyKill Groupie Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5	Thanks for the reply! My needs have changed somewhat since I first posted this topic. I was gifted a old Roland PA-150 by a friend of a neighbor who saw a youtube video of mine. I'm running all the instruments through it, and they are all loud enough, but the vocals could still use a little boost. Is there some kind of equipment i can run the mic through before the mixer to get a volume increase?

02-09-2012, 07:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
steve0211 Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Düsseldorf and Detroit Posts: 84	The Roland is only intended to go to a certain volume, so you should not try to make it sound louder as it could damage the speaker(s). Look into getting a PA system for the band, which would include a mixer and power amp only with 2 speakers. You may prefer a mixer/amp, which would have the two combined into one box. Perhaps this could be a band purchase, as you may also want to have backing vocals, mic instruments or mic drums at times.

02-09-2012, 04:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
EasyKill Groupie Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5	The Roland came with 2 SoundTech CX18C's. Are they good enough?