|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145 |
Could someone please recommend a few powered PA speakers ?
And features I should be looking for ? Gotchas ? Brands ?
My application is something which is easily portable for a smaller venue, with a couple mic/instrument inputs that will also receive BIAB backing tracks from a laptop or iOS device (iPad most likely).
Considerations I'm thinking of:
1) Probably gigs at smaller vineyards either outdoors or in the tasting rooms, or in my home by my karaoke piano bar, so not a lot of wattage needed.
2) Dual speakers would be nice. Or maybe one with capability to add a second for stereo.
3) Easy to carry/setup would be nice. Like one unit of the amp/mixer with detachable speakers rather than having to carry several pieces to the setup location.
4) Self powered speakers very desirable. I don't need a big amp and passive big speakers. Battery power not essential but would be nice for outdoor locations where running a power cord is a hassle. But wouldn't want to have to continually change batteries. Probably a couple hours per gig though max.
5) Blue tooth connection to laptop or iPad/iPhone would be nice to avoid a cord but not essential.
6) At least one mic input (two would be nice) and one or two instrument level inputs for "real" instruments and one stereo line input for BIAB tracks from laptop or iPad.
7) Not much needed for a mixer, EQ, on board reverb, lots of channels/faders etc. Reverb will be built into the BIAB backing tracks. But a decent reverb for vocal would be nice.
Anything else I should think of ?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions and help.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,343
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,343 |
Check out the Fender Passport Conference. A larger more expensive alternative could be a Bose L1.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Now JBL has a 999.00 competitor to the L1. The column collapses into the bass bin. One piece transport. Very cool. Here are 3 options from jbl http://www.sweetwater.com/c442--JBL--Portable_PA_Systems
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668 |
Could someone please recommend a few powered PA speakers ?
And features I should be looking for ? Gotchas ? Brands ?
My application is something which is easily portable for a smaller venue, with a couple mic/instrument inputs that will also receive BIAB backing tracks from a laptop or iOS device (iPad most likely).
Considerations I'm thinking of:
1) Probably gigs at smaller vineyards either outdoors or in the tasting rooms, or in my home by my karaoke piano bar, so not a lot of wattage needed.
2) Dual speakers would be nice. Or maybe one with capability to add a second for stereo.
3) Easy to carry/setup would be nice. Like one unit of the amp/mixer with detachable speakers rather than having to carry several pieces to the setup location.
4) Self powered speakers very desirable. I don't need a big amp and passive big speakers. Battery power not essential but would be nice for outdoor locations where running a power cord is a hassle. But wouldn't want to have to continually change batteries. Probably a couple hours per gig though max.
5) Blue tooth connection to laptop or iPad/iPhone would be nice to avoid a cord but not essential.
6) At least one mic input (two would be nice) and one or two instrument level inputs for "real" instruments and one stereo line input for BIAB tracks from laptop or iPad.
7) Not much needed for a mixer, EQ, on board reverb, lots of channels/faders etc. Reverb will be built into the BIAB backing tracks. But a decent reverb for vocal would be nice.
Anything else I should think of ?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions and help.
Bob 1. Power isn't for loudness so the more the better. Within reason. Power is needed to reproduce the low end accurately. 2. Two is better. You can always leave one in the car. 3. Who doesn't like easy setup? Lightweight is good too. 4. Self contained powered speakers... the only way to go these days. 5. Use cords. Nothing sucks like the bluetooth connection dropping in the middle of the song. Remember Murphy's Law. 6. Get something that allows several inputs. You never know... you might start as a solo act, meet a really talented musician and decide to be a duo.... get something with plenty of spare inputs. 7. See # 6. Many of the small rigs now have modeled effects built in. 8. Break a leg!
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
“...Probably gigs at smaller vineyards either outdoors ...” None of the small rigs mentioned are going to work outdoors. Just ain't gonna happen. The Bose L1 (although outrageously expensive) will work reasonably well for small outdoor gatherings. I have an acquaintance who uses one. To insure you have enough rig for the gig, you have to get a rig that's suitable for your largest possible gig. That will suffice for everything else. If you don't need stereo, you might consider a small footprint mixer and a single powered speaker on a stick. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MG10c $154.00 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EON612 $399.00 Sub Total $553.00 If sound quality isn't that important to you, get one of the Fender Passports. Be aware, however, that they are toys.  The above system fills all of your needs, but I agree with Herb about Bluetooth. Cable is better. A 20' ProCo XLR and a speaker stand and you're done. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
@90db do you have an EON612? How much better are they than the old EON12s, the grey ones?
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Lots of good advice above.
Reiterating a few points:
Bluetooth. Nope, use cords.
Outdoors - you need LOTS more power outdoors than indoors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Consider using half of your system indoor, I think you will need 2 powered speakers for an outdoor show.
You have to consider outdoors with one conventional powered speaker you will not have enough horizontal coverage for any sizable crowd. I have 2 Mackie DLM12s which are rated at 2000 watts each(I don't know how they get this rating) But, they are not enough to do any sizable show outdoor. (200 people)
Unless you have used an L1 model II you cannot believe how loud they are outdoors. I rented a Bose L1 model II with the tone match. I did a block party, cops arrived at 10pm as soon as the noise ordinance would allow them to come.
Nobody has mentioned this - conventional powered speakers 12/horn or 15/horn need Speaker Stands, and don't go cheap. That adds at least $250.00 with bags. Oh yes Case for your Mixer 40 bucks. Extension cords better get 100 foot ones they are expensive too. (don't get the extension cords from Walmart) Got to connect each speaker with both Power and Microphone cable now that we have all gone to powered speakers. Buy plenty of 25 foot microphone cables. Expect to use 50 feet to each speaker. Unless you want the mixer out of your reach.
So the $2600 for the Bose is 50% more expensive than a good Mixer $200.00 - 2 400W or better Powered speakers 800.00. $500.00 of extra stuff you have to haul around to every gig, and maintain. I'm hoping the $999 JBL EON ONE will be as good as the Bose, or put some downward pressure on the Bose systems prices which have been rock solid for the past 6 years.
Last edited by dga; 06/06/16 05:19 PM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
@90db do you have an EON612? How much better are they than the old EON12s, the grey ones? I have the EON 518S powered sub. It puts bodies on the dance floor. I run 15" Yammy Clubs with a QSC PLX1804 @ 4 ohm load for 900 watts on our mains. You might want to join and ask this on PSW: http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.phpRegards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
@90db do you have an EON612? How much better are they than the old EON12s, the grey ones? I have the EON 518S powered sub. It puts bodies on the dance floor. I run 15" Yammy Clubs with a QSC PLX1804 @ 4 ohm load for 900 watts on our mains. You might want to join and ask this on PSW: http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.phpRegards, Bob Thanks bob for the link
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
@90db do you have an EON612? How much better are they than the old EON12s, the grey ones? I have the EON 518S powered sub. It puts bodies on the dance floor. I run 15" Yammy Clubs with a QSC PLX1804 @ 4 ohm load for 900 watts on our mains. You might want to join and ask this on PSW: http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.phpRegards, Bob Thanks bob for the link Just a word of caution: those guys are all pros, and don't suffer fools well. You also have to register using your real name, no handles. You might want to check out the “Lab Lounge”. That's the section for small operators and bands mixing from stage. http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/board,10.0.html Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,328
Posts790,974
Members39,856
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean