PA system for grunge/rock band - small/medium pubs

bouzordion

I did just post this in a response to another thread but I think it fits better here

I'm in a 3 piece band, playing mainly grunge/rock type stuff, who are looking to start gigging locally - mostly small pubs (up to 100 people).

I'm gonna be using a tonemaster pro which I was hoping to put straight into the PA (although I have an FR), and as well as vocals we were considering using an electric kit (but with acoustic cymbals) - so the PA would need to be able to handle that too.  We're in London, so given that space is at a premium we were looking at line array compact stuff like this: 

https://www.thomann.co.uk/db_technologies_es503.htm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1581403912&gbraid=0AAAAADuDMCUq_lO9tNq5YM1KgXmvUAfmJ&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-YvMBhDtARIsAHZuUzKWJYElPLuohhBbNvHJRqTcPWIEAiHzyEwpH4XgxHYXv31Co99MGa4aAj0IEALw_wcB

A friend of mine who's done some sound has advised us against it, and said its best to just get 2 x 12inch powered PA speakers and a little mixer, but based on 'if it aint broke' thinking more than any direct experience with line array systems.

Any thoughts/pointers would be much appreciated - stating the obvious but I'm clueless when it comes to this stuff!

RickLucas

I find line arrays are good for solo guitvocs, but don't quite have the poke when drums and bass are involved. 

newi123

RickLucas said:

I find line arrays are good for solo guitvocs, but don't quite have the poke when drums and bass are involved. 

I'd always thought the same - but one of the bands I play in uses 2 of these:

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/RCF-EVOX-J8-Column-PA-System/2COE?utm_campaign=surfaces_across_google&srsltid=AfmBOor50RZpxSHZn81ejv4QjtyM2fXksviEUEpl1fN88lNzPBTw8_qxRTQ

They are fab. No issues at all in even larger sized venues, and the drummer (who owns the pa) is LOUD with a rifle bolt Ludwig snare.

The other band was still using 18 inch ev substandard 15 inch tops, and id take the rcf system every time!

Stratavarious

Things have changed with the column array stuff. 

By the time you have bought half decent tops and subs and stands, you can get a pair of better quality vertical arrays with a wider dispersal pattern and clearer vocals for same/similar money.

This is one area where you need to think about the longer term investment.

Danny1969

It all depends on what you want the PA to do really. If you just want to put vocals through it and a bit of guitar then a couple of tops on stands is all you need to a certain extent. You can also get away with using the RCF Evox J8 if the place is smallish. I've done a few gigs with that system as our keyboard player owns one.

If you want it to sound like a proper rock gig with a kick drum you can feel in your chest then there's no substitute for size and you are better off with 2 x 15" bins, some poles and a couple of 12" tops on them.

The trouble is, as we all know increasing the volume just a little bit requires a lot more power. A lot of the small modern stuff just hasn't got that power and the small drivers make the situation worse as smaller drivers are less sensitive. Take the wattage ratings with a pinch of salt too unless they state RMS as a lot of them advertise the peak music power, which is misleading.

If physical size is important, as in it has to fit in a car then the column PA's have an advantage. But if you need a lot of power and a real solid bottom end then I recommend a couple of bins with pole mounted tops.

bouzordion

Thanks all - really helpful stuff. I think you've got me leaning back towards the column array stuff - space is def at a premium, and whilst we're playing fairly heavy music, the sort of local pubs we're gonna be getting gigs in aren't proper rock bars so I'll happily forgo some 'kick' to avoid having huge subs as my living room furniture. Will look into the RCF stuff - although I think two of those is gonna be pushing the budget. We were hoping to have something passable for circa 700-800 quid, but might have to rethink that.

maltingsaudio

I’ve recently put a pair of HK Polar 12’s into hire stock, honestly,, great for acoustic singer song writer, acoustic acts with cahon wedding dj’s and disco’s, not EDM or house . And of course corporate. Wouldn’t let them out for band gig if you were putting bass drum and bass guitar through. You would probably get away with vocals and keys through the Pa but bass drums guitar need to be left out of it. 

Rkphilpot

Mackie Thump 12s will serve you better imo. I've used them for a while along with the EV equivalent and at one time I was hiring a killer Bose system. You're unlikely to need a sub if your bass player has a decent cab. 12s will add enough thump to your kick drum to give it some body. Plus if you play a bigger venue they will be sufficient, those thin things wouldn't I'm afraid. They don't move enough air.

bouzordion

and now i'm torn again!!