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I need recommedations for a PA combo. It must be under $300. This is just for band practice, we usually don't need a PA for gigs because clubs have their own, but just in case we do, we want a good sounding system. A 4 channel head with 2x10 is good enough, I think. What brand would you suggest?

Thanks

As a former touring audio tech, and sound company owner, I'm afraid you won't get very much for $300. A head with enought power to even practice with will cost you around 4-5 hundred, You may be able to find a used one cheaper, but go with at least 300 watts, usually in a six channel format. As for speakers, well, plan on 2-3 hundred more. A 10'' will carry your vocals, but nothing more, also try to go with a 10'' with a horn of some kind, just so you will have some clarity. I recommend that you save up your money a little longer, and get some better stuff. Try to buy pieces that you can expand on, so as your budget grows, things are still compatible. Don't waste your money on cheap low buck new gear, you will only be disapointed and flustrated. I don't endorse any brands, but the Peavey stuff is rugged, reliable, and can be serviced in almost any town, and is usually a good value for the money. I do recommend that you AVOID Beringher stuff, I have never found any of their stuff satisfactory, they use really cheap electronics, and the manuals are impossible to comprehend.

I was in the same position as you a while back: $300 and absolutely no income. We ended up buying that Squier thing. I'll be honest with you - it's not loud enough and the sound quality sucks. Despite that, it's never broken down on us and it's a hell of a lot better than nothing. If you position the speakers right, it's useable for practicing.

One thing though, occassionally has really good deals on live sound so check it out. I've never actually ordered from them, but they carry a lot of the same stuff that music123 and musiciansfriend carry, and they both have pricematch.

Yeah, you have a good point, marvar.. I know nothing about PA systems personally. We right now only have 2 Fender floor monitors that are 200 watts each. Maybe it would we best to save up instead. I hear JBL is a good brand.


Originally Posted by AICfanYeah, you have a good point, marvar.. I know nothing about PA systems personally. We right now only have 2 Fender floor monitors that are 200 watts each. Maybe it would we best to save up instead. I hear JBL is a good brand.

Yes, JBL is excellent stuff, some of my favorites, but only the higher end JBL is really good. Their lower line stuff is no better than anyone else's.

P.S. I don't know about the Mackie price range, but they make excellent stuff also. They seem to use really good electronics on the inside of their stuff.

just for practice?

consider getting a JBL 15 G2

that is what I have - great for vocals - get one used on ebay for around $500

a good PA should cost 500-600 used and you can use it for real gigs, def. worth it

see if there are any 'musicians classified' in your area ...you can usually score good deals when bands break up and have to liquidate their gear

good luck
t4d

Years ago I needed a PA in a hurry and picked up a Crate head for $300. I think it's 600w, 6 channels, with RCA in and out. The inputs are both 1/4quot; and XLR. It was old, cheap and it's lasted since at least 97-98. I've got 2 OLD EV 1x15 PA cabs with horns. Those are fantastic (if not excessively heavy) PA cabinets.


Originally Posted by marvarAs a former touring audio tech, and sound company owner, I'm afraid you won't get very much for $300. A head with enought power to even practice with will cost you around 4-5 hundred, You may be able to find a used one cheaper, but go with at least 300 watts, usually in a six channel format. As for speakers, well, plan on 2-3 hundred more. ...

I understand what you are saying here and I for one appreciate the input... but I have wondered about this a lot lately.

My band plays in a venue with a wonderful 36 channel board and LOTS of wattage... but we can't always get it for rehearsals... so we practice in my family room. We don't have a portable PA - so I hook up my small Behringer preamp from my recording setup and output that to a 15 watt practice amp. You know what? It works great! The singers can be heard over drums, two guitars and a bass - not good enough for performance - but good enough for practice.

I have a hard time believing a 100 watt cheapo PA system would be any worse

Enlighten me - please

Rick

I had tried using the Yamaha EMX62M with my Fender 1272XP monitors. Although it has only 6 channels with 200W mono, it is good enough for a band in a small room. May be you want to use the EMX66M which has 2x300W, but is a little over $300. Good luck in your search.