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https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/line-arrays-explained
Eqd Speaker Cranker clone
Monte Allums TR-2 Plus mod kit
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/60602/
Mostly already said, but...
One of the most important reasons for using subs is to take the lowest frequencies - especially the kick drum if it's mic'ed, but also the lowest frequencies of the bass - out of the top cabinets. As robinbowes said, don't even think about putting kick drum and bass through the PA with only tops, even with 15" speakers - these need huge amounts of energy and cone movement to stay clean, and full-range cabs usually can't properly reproduce the transients at those frequencies, so if you put them into the tops, the result is mud and less available power for the rest of the mix - plus additional strain on the amp which is having to work even harder to try to produce those lows when the cabinets aren't very efficient that low down, so the temptation is to turn the bass up. If you use subs you can cut off the lows from everything going into the top cabs, which will give more power and clarity for everything which is in them, including the vocals - so it will improve the vocal sound even though no frequency from the vocals goes through them.
Two subs aren't really necessary in a small room because they're not very directional, but I would have two if you can because:
You can get a bit more low-end power if you want it.
If you don't, then each one will be running more conservatively and so is likely to be more reliable.
You have a backup if one does go down.
They make excellent stands for the tops - more stable than the average tripod while taking up less space on stage.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
A pair of subs with one on each would start to be workable but as said above I’d go with the 18’s rather 15 if you can.
I use HK but I run two subs on each side as standard leaving the tops to do the mid and high without straining them.
You don’t have to turn them up full just add in what you need for the gig.
sorry bit harsh but she is right ...
Flashing LED warning lights are just that so reducing other instruments to allow full dynamic for vocals can work. Ensure the wedge for the singer blows her head off so she has confidence, it also adds some to the FOG sound for a slight boost if not of the best clarity ( time delayed to the audience ear).
Bottom line is if the vocals are getting lost and you have no headroom to turn them up you need to turn everything else down. The lead singer is the most important part of the band to your average punter (we all know it's really the guitarist ) and should be the priority
We have a couple of options available to us:
Option 1:
Bass player uses his 2 speaker cabs each side of the stage
Vocals into FOH
Guitars into FOH
Bass drum and pad into FOH
Option 2:
Bass player uses his 2 speaker cabs each side of the stage
Vocals into FOH
Guitars into 2 yamaha dxr10s positioned each side of the stage
Bass drum and drum pad into FOH
Option 3
Bass into FOH
Guitar into FOH
Vocals into FOH
Bass drum and drum pad into FOH
In my opinion, all options would need a sub. However, option 2 would be be alot less strain on the pa (with sub). And give clarity. I just wanted to ensure we had a nice spread and people could hear the band rather than being blasted.
Also, if option 2 was employed, myself and the bassist wouldnt have to do anything with the sub in terms of transporting it and storing it as our singer wont touch it and nor will our drummer. Thats the real problem with all of this really.
The amount of each instrument in the PA might change spending on the size of the room but I’d have a standard way to set up and keep life simple.
What I would do is:
PA with 2 subs.
Bass amp, with one or two cabs where the bass player is.
Guitar amps, where the guitar players are - preferably raised/tilted/pointing slightly sideways.
Vocals, guitars, bass, kick drum into the PA.
Monitors, with mostly vocals in and only just enough of anything else you can't hear properly.
There is a reason why this is the absolutely standard set-up.
If you can't persuade other band members to pull their weight regarding carrying the gear, you have three options - carry it yourself and accept that it's worth it to improve the sound of the band; have the band sound shit; insist that the singer helps carry the subs, since she's the one who wants them. Fair enough if the drummer doesn't, he/she has a drum kit to carry and set up.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I had a similar discussion with my band recently. We talked about getting our own PA and looked at various cheaper options similar to the Mackie SRM450. Our drummer wanted kick in the PA. I said, if we're in a venue large enough to require drums in the PA then we need a bigger PA than that.
I ended up buying a HK Power Pack, plus a Yamaha TF-Rack desk + TIO1608D stage box. Not cheap, but it's more suited to the task of amplifying a full band (we're 8/9 piece, drums, bass, guitar, keys, accordion, harmonica, 5 vocals). Even with this rig, I back off the drums and the backline to keep the vocals effortlessly on top of the mix.
In your situation, I'd do something like this:
- use both subs (for reasons explained by @ICBM earlier)
- start with just vocals in the mix
- listen to how it sounds
- what's missing?
- add a bit of what's missing to the mix
Without knowing your band style, and making assumptions about equipment, I would add this:- I'd be surprised if you need bass in the mix
- Keeping the guitar quiet on stage and in the PA can improve things onstage
- A couple of mics on the drums can be very effective - kick, and overhead. Don't have them too loud but it can add a bit of "something" to the sound.
Most importantly, don't play too loudly. A smaller PA pushed to its limits will sound dreadful.HTH,
R.
Eqd Speaker Cranker clone
Monte Allums TR-2 Plus mod kit
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/60602/
Thanks for all the sensible advice!