Originally Posted By: bobc
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.com
Add 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.