PA POWER QUESTION

Posted on

Member Since: Nov 25, 2004

Hey guys,

This isnt exactly about recording, but it is music related. I recently left my old band and am starting a new one. Unfortunately the PA equip I used belonged to my old guitarist. I am looking to buy a CHEAP pa system. I found one I am interested in. If it is a 120 watt continuous powered system with 2 10 inch pa speakers w/ tweaters and all, is that enough power to easily get me over drums and loud distorted guitar. It doesnt have to sound beautiful or anything, just strictly for practicing. The gigs we play will have its own PA. Anyways, I just need something that will get me clearly over the drums and guitar. Is 120 watts enough? Thanks

-Ryan

[ Back to Top ]


Czar of Cheese
Member
Since: Jun 09, 2004


Nov 25, 2004 09:09 pm

First of all, welcome to HRC. Next, that sounds like a pretty wimpy system (no offense!) If the type of music you play is rock or metal or anything with bass and electric guitars, you'll probably be disappointed in the performance of the system you describe. 10 inch PA speakers generally won't give you much in the way of the bottom end of your vocals. And 120 watts is not much power. I bet your guitar/bass amps have more power than that. I think that you might end up blowing them out in your quest to stay above the rest of the band.

Just my 2 cents worth!

And welcome again.

Bane of All Existence
Member
Since: Mar 27, 2003


Nov 25, 2004 09:13 pm

you can do a lot with that though. first of all, the function of the PA is to support the instruments on stage and give some depth to the entire sound. second, if you get a chance to get a compressor going on, you can end up getting the mix pretty loud, or the vocals alone as the case may be. power in this sense isn't a linear function, as in 200 watts is not twice as loud as 100 watts. i think 120 watts would be enough. just think about getting a compressor/limiter too.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Nov 25, 2004 09:21 pm

I guess if you intend to use them only for practice they might not be to bad. You may end up using them like a moniter though, having them pointed right at the band so you can hear the vocals. But as Jim stated, they might be a bit low on the volume end if youi guys are practicing at loud volumes.

And welcome to HRC.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Nov 25, 2004 11:03 pm

Good question.

I and some friends are in the process of starting a jazz combo and are also in need of a vocal PA. I hope some more folks add to this thread. I am familiar with many guitar units and bass units and have a good feel for the power necessary for different venues, but not for a vocal PA. We are looking at a couple of bi-amped active J-bells. They rate out at 300W. There again per Mingus, there is nothing said about db or spl at what frequency bands.

Sooo... I'll just "listen" in.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Nov 25, 2004 11:35 pm

Well, I have been looking at changing the speakers I use in this room, large scale for getting that feeling when playing synths and such live in hear. I currently use a pair of Eden ProCustom 2 way cabinets with a 15" and a high output funky tweeter I never really liked. But they have done the job over the years. Now I am looking at 2 differant units from Peavey. I have allready switched the amp up to a 1000 watt monster to insure getting the thump I love. But I am looking at either a piar of the SP-15 or the PR-15 which incorperate a much better and larger high end horn. I will be trying those buggers out at Music Go Round this weekend and let ya know how I like them. And which ones I actually choose.

And yes, I know 1000 watts is really over kill in this room, but I absolutely hate to have an under powered amp when it comes to driving those synths and feeling what I am playing rather then just barely hearing it and hoping it will be what I want when the mix is done.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 26, 2004 05:18 am

Kinda depends on placement of the speakers and how loud of a drummer and guitarist you work with really...it's gonna be cutting it close tho.

Member
Since: Nov 25, 2004


Nov 27, 2004 11:20 am

I appreciate everyones response and also thanks for the welcome. We play hardcore/metal kind of music. We're not a huge well known band with a record deal or anything so I dont need the best of the best equip (especially with my budget). Would it be worth it to spend a 100 dollars more and get a 150watt pa amp and two 12 inch speakers or would I be spending a 100 more for not a whole lot more power. Thanks again!

-Ryan

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Nov 27, 2004 12:37 pm

If it's for practice it will be enough. When my band was still together we used a 100watt amp powering 2 15" cabs that we set on table at about head level...


not something you would want to perform with though... :)

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 27, 2004 12:46 pm

Kinda depends on your bandmates though, how loud they like to practice the last reasonably successful band I was in had a guitarist that had to play at full volume all the time, we have a 400 watt PA that we kicked up about 3/4 volume to keep up...

Going from 120 watt to 150 watt really wouldn't be worth the expense. Just make sure you ring out the room properly so you can get the most out of your PA and see if it holds up, it may, it may not.

Member
Since: Nov 25, 2004


Nov 29, 2004 10:35 am

thanks guys. Everyone helped a LOT! Appreciate it.

-Ryan

Related Forum Topics:



If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.