pickNgrin - Posted - 02/16/2011:  20:03:22

Let's say we have a regular 5 piece bluegrass band that wants to play for small crowds (50-100 people). What would be a good no-frills PA setup that would give decent results and not cost an arm and a leg? Used equipment would be ok.

-matt

raybob - Posted - 02/16/2011:  21:06:38

Great question, Matt. I'm all ears.

answerguru - Posted - 02/16/2011:  21:35:33

Ok, I'll bite....despite knowing there are *lots* of right answers (and plenty of wrong ones, too!). I'm relatively new at live sound, however since I'm an electrical engineer, I tend to research the heck out of things. We have a 5 piece that usually plays small bars, breweries, coffee shops and small outdoor gigs in the summer. We wanted to go relatively low cost, have some flexibility between indoor and outdoor gigs, and be able to load it into my Subaru easily. Here's what we're using:

Behringer 12 channel mixer (unpowered). Used: $75
2 Behringer B215 powered speakers w/ stands: New, around $600
3 mic stands: $50
Cords / cables: $100
3 GLS Mics (2 SM58 style, 1 SM57): $90
1 folding dolly: $25

Now, 4 of the guys use pickups, I mic my banjo, and there are 2-3 vocal mics depending. I also purchased 2 AT3035 condensors that we sometimes use, but they obviously have feedback problems if you aren't careful. I have a used Behringer feedback destroyer ($100) that helps a lot when we do. I've really gravitated towards dynamic mics however and they really do a good job with zero feedback issues.

One other purchase that we *need* to make, is a powered monitor. Nothing huge, just something that helps you hear yourself when the crowd gets going. We've borrowed a few for gigs and they make a HUGE difference. I'm planning on spending $200 for one.

Disclaimer: I know many people dislike the Behringer name....but for the price, I think it works just fine.

MitchellB - Posted - 02/17/2011:  04:26:38

Matt, I think you need to ask your band and yourself some more questions about how you will set up on stage. Are you going to use multiple inputs; one for each instrument and each singer? Then you need a system with at least (5 member band) 10 input and controls (more is always better as it leaves room to grow). I would also suggest each member in the group buy and use their own mics, cords and mic stands. It is better to match the mics if possible as it makes it easier to adjust the sound, but it also usually forces one person to do all the set-ups and tear-downs with no one else wanting to take any responsibility for it. If y’all decide to try the one (or two) mic set-up then a simpler/cheaper 4 channel or smaller mixer will work and a band can invest in a single good quality large diaphragm condenser mic. Power wise, I think a 100 watt head is the minimum for a room with 100 people. Larger is much better; as you can always turn down the volume knob, but you can only go as high as your power capability. Speaker enclosures should match the power output of the amp. Usually stay with 12” speakers with horns, or larger speakers; 15” being my preference; just a little better bottom end for the bass fiddle and guitar. You should have some type of monitor system to use. Even a small PA can often cause hearing problems without some kind of monitors. Unless your mixer/amp has a monitor side to it that you can attach a couple of speakers, you may need to invest in a few monitor speakers and another amp to power them. Personally I’ve grown to like ear bud or headphone type monitors. They are smaller, easier to dial in without feedback issues and once again you can make each person responsible for their own monitor with less set-up/tear-down and transportation hassles. If this is your first PA then I suggest you keep it as simple as possible and do a lot of online research into different systems that are available today. They are a little pricy, but I have heard great things about the tiny Bose systems.

jbalch - Posted - 02/17/2011:  04:52:32

It has been a long time since I hauled around a PA system to play gigs. But...I've done my share with: big heavy speakers, stands, monitors, mixers, snakes, power amps...and more. if I were planning to do it again now, Id look into something very simple like a Bose compact system (L1) and two (2) condenser mics.

I'd set up a large diaphram condenser to gather around for vocals and band instruments...and a small diaphram condenser for lead instrument breaks.

I have not played through a system like that myself...but I have friends who do and they love it. I've heard this type set-up in a small Nashville venue. It sounded great.

Freshpluckt - Posted - 02/17/2011:  05:23:58

For small to medium gigs, I use a Kustum 7 channel P.A. powerhead. It's small, light and has 200 watt output. Unit also has a few digital effects that are very useful. This thing is very durable I've used it for at least 8 years. They still make and sell them. You can look one up on Musicians Friend. They sell new for around $200.00. You can use any speakers you like, I usually use 2 Peavy SP 3s. They sound great and this little head pushes them just fine.
If you need to expand just purchase another unpowered mixer like Behringer UB 1202 (about $90.00) and plug into one of the Kustum channels. Give you effectively 18 channels to work with.

Edited by - Freshpluckt on 02/17/2011 05:32:16

Trewq36 - Posted - 02/17/2011:  08:15:42

Bottom line is how much $$$ you got and how much do you want to lug around.

I've got a vintage Kustom 300 watt 6 channel head with two speaker cabs, each with 2 X 15" woofers and cast iron horns. Can fill most rooms with Loads of bass. Same unit that Johnny Cash used, Black Tuck N Roll.

Nice unit, but a pain to tote around. Cabs are on wheels which helps as long as there are no stairs. But the head is just about all I can lift by myself. Really needs two..

Buddy has a 300 watt Yokville head that I can lift with one hand and run with it... what luxury!

Never Play the Same Thing Once....yoR

banjerman - Posted - 02/17/2011:  14:54:22

I think the biggest question to ask here is how many in the band are plugged in. We used to plug in everything but the banjo and used Shure 58 and 57's. Great mics. HOWEVER..the mix we got was crap. Especially if some yahoo rock sound man did our mix. Now..we have only one guy plugged in. The rest are on an At4050 mic. Now we sound way more acoustic and the mix sounds way more like a BG band mix should be. We may go to one more At4033 and be done with the one guy whos plugged in.
Wally

1935tb-11 - Posted - 02/18/2011:  21:55:29

i am one of the (dummies) hauling around the old fashioned way.
i have a yamaha twin 500 watt head with built in EQ and phantom.
2 peavey SP15s (heavy) on top of speaker stands. 2 12" custom
monitors , an assortment of shure 57s and 58s for instruments and vocals. on smaller rooms and crowds i'll just take the head,
speakers and my ADK TL condenser mic.


terry m