|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22 |
Due to the economy drying up jobs for my regular band, I have decided to diversify. I am in the process of making backing tracks for my guitar player, my singer and myself (the bass player) to play to. We will be playing small clubs, sports bars to wedding receptions in medium size venues. I am looking to minimize investment and making the setup as easy as possible. I have a mixer, effects and eq if a self contained powered mixer will not be enough horsepower. Any ideas on what wattage equipment is necessary? I read conflicting information and would like feedback from the forum as I am sure a lot of you play out in these scenarios.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726 |
Gary,
Welcome to the forum. I play all my gigs with a Yahama 600 Watt PA and they range from 35 - 50 people to a few at 300 hundred or so and the PA has enough power to get the job done.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22 |
Thanks for the input! Is that 600 watt RMS and is that split between the two mains? Is the Yamaha a powered mixer and if so, which one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
You consider buying a powered mixer, yet you allready have a mixer, eq and effects. Why not use the equipment you have and build from that? That is, if the gear is of good quality, otherwise you would indeed be better off in starting again. For these small venues you have several options: 1: Powered mixer with onboard effects combined with passive speakers. + small, easy to set up - hard to upgrade (fixed output wattage on mixer) 2: Passive mixer with onboard fx combined with active speakers + easy to upgrade by just adding more active speakers - active speakers are quite heavy to lift - active speakers require power supply (more cables) 3: Passive mixer with onboard fx combined with seperate amp and passive speakers + Passive speakers are less heavy to lift + possible to upgrade by adding amps and speakers or active speakers - More work to set-up unless mounted and prewired in a rack/flightcase Offcourse you can allways choose for outboard fx-gear. If you mount everything in a 19" rack setting up will be quick and easy. Remember to mount wheels under your fx-rack for more convenience  As for wattage of the system: don't undershoot. A powerfull system can be turned down to have a good sound in a small venue with a small amount of people. An underpowered system in a venue packed with people will have to shout out at it's loudest, giving a terrible sound and the impression that the soundlevel is way too loud. A powerfull system in the same venue with the same soundlevel will sound much better and will leave no impression of being too loud. I work with a passive mixer (Soundcraft M8), outboard fx (TC Electronic M-one XL, DBX compressor/limmiters, DBX eq), amp: Peavey PV2600. For a speakersystem I use EV Gladiators (2* 18" subs (400 Watt RMS each) + 2* 15" tops (400W RMS each)). I find that this system performs perfectly up to venues with 250-300 people. I can unload and setup the entire set on my own in 15 minutes. Plug and play. Here's my rack
Last edited by Mike sings; 05/28/09 03:07 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Wow! That's cool, Mike! But isn't that just a bit of overkill?
Welcome to the forum, Gary.
I run gigs alone for corporate events, private weddings and such. I use the Yamaha StagePAS 300 system. Totally integrated with a simple 8 track mixer that packs into the back of one of the speakers and you can pack the speakers away into a travel bag that is about the size of a large suitcase. Check it out!
Hope that helps
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
I have no experience with the StagePAS 300, but it seems to me it's designed for presentations and/or practice-sessions rather than gigging. Unless it's background music you're after and the only thing you want to amplify is the singer, I don't think it has enough power to deliver a full and rich sound. When you take a more powerfull system you can have the guitar and bass run through the mixer via fx processors and/or moddelers (like the Vox ToneLab series) or even DI's. This way you can leave those heavy guitar amps and cabinets at home. You'll also have a lot less to consider when setting the soundlevels and changing the total volume should the need arise during the gig. Choose a mixer with a minimum of 4 aux sends. This way all three of you can have a personalised monitormix and have one aux for the fx-processor. Take also into consideration that faders on a mixer will work much easier in a live situation than knobs. When you have to manage the mixer yourself during the gig, you can see which fader is in what position and adjust in a moment's notice. If you want you can post the gear you allready have and a budget you want to stay in. Perhaps we can find some options suitable for your situation. (It's allways nice to go windowshopping in PA-gear-land )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Mike's absolutely right!
I used to have nice gear like that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22 |
Here's what I have. Mackie 1604 mixer with the add on module for 16 XLRs & has 4 sends. Alesis 31 band EQ, Alesis compressor, Ibanez delay and Roland DEP5. I was looking at Sonic T-15's for house and D-15's for side fills. They are only rated at 250 watts RMS but are very efficient and small. Specs are 55 - 17 khz, 102 db 1w/1m 28” x 20” x 16”, 58 pounds and has 15" woofer and horn. We use Sonic monitors in the band and they blew everything else I auditioned away volume wise. Plus they are about $260 each. Would this be enough speaker wise? More info at www.sonicspeaker.com .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726 |
Quote:
Thanks for the input! Is that 600 watt RMS and is that split between the two mains? Is the Yamaha a powered mixer and if so, which one.
This one Yamaha PA but I did not go for the entire package. All I got was the head and speakers and I think I paid around 750.00 or so a few years ago.
Good Luck,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22 |
Thanks Danny. Do you play solo or are there other instruments?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726 |
Quote:
Thanks Danny. Do you play solo or are there other instruments?
Just me doing vocals and playing my old Gibby (most of the time as I use other guitars on occasion) and of course BIAB and the wealth of talent therein.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
I'm glad you're not a girl Mike, so "nice rack".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,636
Posts807,797
Members40,179
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean