Speakers for a gig outside??
Speakers for a gig outside?? Posted on: 20.09.2012 by Glynda Scerra Hi! I have a gig coming up (about 50-75 people)... It's at someones house in their backyard and it's quite big. My small M-Audio AV40's aren't going to do the trick although I may bring 1 as a booth speaker... What I need to know is what speakers I need to buy for the gig. I would like to keep the quality of the speaker decent and loud without spending a ton of money. It would be great if anyone could recommend a brand and model of speakers/sub(is a subwoofer necessary?) Thanks for the help!~MIDI Powers | |
| Rufus Eilerts 13.10.2012 |
Originally Posted by sobi
1. Higher RMS wattage ratings 2. Higher Peak wattage ratings 3. Speakers with a higher xmax value (aka how much physical movement the cone can handle) 4. More robust speaker framing/design to allow the extra power handling 5. Correctly engineered and tested speaker enclosure to maximize volume within certain frequency ranges 6. Allow for better dispersion of sound The lower end speakers are fine, but you must use them within their design limitations. And for most DJ's the volume produced within the speakers' limits are not enough. So most DJ's will overdrive the cheaper systems to get that so called punch they are looking for. The end result is it sounds like shit and they tend to blow their speakers sooner or later. If you want more volume from lower end speakers simply buy more of them to increase the SPL, but then again with that money you might as well buy nicer speakers. The higher end speakers usually only get pushed at like 60% to 75% of their RMS levels before people can't even handle the sound. They are no where close to being distorted and should last much longer as a result of not being pushed so hard. |
| Julissa Serrone 21.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by Pow3rs
You can get some pretty damn good speakers for that price. I would get something better than the Thumps. Here's my thoughts and I've tried out a few pairs of speakers on a budget. Active speakers are more convenient and easier to hook up. I'll never get passive speakers although some people prefer to hook up their own amps. I've never been into doing weddings or big corporate events, etc. but fun pool parties for friends or even small happy hours in bars I enjoy. I had some Thumps -- they are budget speakers but for 500 bucks they are not bad. Until I heard some quality speakers and then I knew they sucked. Doing small gigs I knew I would never invest a sub. Just too much money to spend and extra shit to carry when really I'm not a "mobile DJ" doing weddings. So I invested in a pair of RCF 315's. These are high quality speakers and man could I tell the difference. Super loud, very clear and they sound great the louder they are. Only catch with them is they didn't have much low end (Ive read the 312's are actually better due to the design of the box). So as stand alone speakers they sound super clear and loud, but not really enough bass (I understand for a serious punch I would need a sub). I got the RCF's on sale for 820.00 -- they're about 550.00 a piece now. I just sold them and I'm about to get some EV Live X 112P. They have some more low end, are plenty loud, clear sound, etc. Cost for these after doing some searching is 465.00 a pop. So now I'm up to 930.00 but believe i have what suits my needs. Small, portable, great sound, just enough low end. Moral of the story is I've gone through three speakers increasing in price to find what best suited me. Having to do it all over again if I had the cash I would've just gotten some decent speakers from the start. I really believe for the price the Thumps are "decent" they're just not really loud, and unless you get a great deal on EON's there's probably better speakers in that price range. |
| Glynda Scerra 21.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately I can't seem to find a store that carries them where I live in Asia :/ and Shipping would cost too much and I don't have much time. |
| Layne Koop 21.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by Pow3rs
If you can fit it in, the B52 Matrix 1000v2 system is good value for $$$ with a sub. It's not easy to expand, but makes a good stater system and backup system. This system will be more that enough for several years of gigs as you are starting out. This can be had for $1000 out the door or delivered. That's with stands, and all required cables. If you don't have that much pack space, the RCF 312A's are reasonable for "full range" sound. When you need more sound, you can buy more of these tops and add subs. Because it can be expanded, these will be the foundation of a system that will last for a very long time. I prefer these to the Mackie & JBL offerings that have been mentioned. Again, you are looking at about $1000 out the door or delivered with stands & cables. |
| Glynda Scerra 20.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by haze324
Originally Posted by ToOntown
Hi My budget is 600-1200$ USD and the gig is 4-5 hours long. (kinda nervous since it's my first 1) I'd like to spend closer to 600 but then again I wouldn't want to have to upgrade again... What about JBL Eon's? I don't know which model would be good or if they are any good. How do they compare to Mackie's? |
| Glynda Scerra 20.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by Eliot Han
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| Glynda Scerra 20.09.2012 | Hi! I have a gig coming up (about 50-75 people)... It's at someones house in their backyard and it's quite big. My small M-Audio AV40's aren't going to do the trick although I may bring 1 as a booth speaker... What I need to know is what speakers I need to buy for the gig. I would like to keep the quality of the speaker decent and loud without spending a ton of money. It would be great if anyone could recommend a brand and model of speakers/sub(is a subwoofer necessary?) Thanks for the help! ~MIDI Powers |
| Rufus Eilerts 13.10.2012 |
Originally Posted by sobi
1. Higher RMS wattage ratings 2. Higher Peak wattage ratings 3. Speakers with a higher xmax value (aka how much physical movement the cone can handle) 4. More robust speaker framing/design to allow the extra power handling 5. Correctly engineered and tested speaker enclosure to maximize volume within certain frequency ranges 6. Allow for better dispersion of sound The lower end speakers are fine, but you must use them within their design limitations. And for most DJ's the volume produced within the speakers' limits are not enough. So most DJ's will overdrive the cheaper systems to get that so called punch they are looking for. The end result is it sounds like shit and they tend to blow their speakers sooner or later. If you want more volume from lower end speakers simply buy more of them to increase the SPL, but then again with that money you might as well buy nicer speakers. The higher end speakers usually only get pushed at like 60% to 75% of their RMS levels before people can't even handle the sound. They are no where close to being distorted and should last much longer as a result of not being pushed so hard. |
| Rufus Eilerts 13.10.2012 | For good sound quality passive is hard to beat. You can increase your power buy getting bigger and better amps to provide sufficient voltage to your speakers. Also using limiters is a great way to keep your speakers from blowing. With passive amps you have the ability to test the output voltage with the multimeter and check it against the specs of your speaker. RMS Voltage = Square Root [(RMS Watts) x (Resitance Ohms)]. By monitoring the voltage output of the amps you can prevent your speakers from ever being driven harder than it's RMS rating. Even if you momentarily go beyond it for short time you should have plenty of safety margin based on the speakers peak ratings. As far as recommendations for speakers DIY would be the cheapest route and would get you PRO quality speakers that are much better than the B52's recommended here. DIY Audio, Billfitzmaurice are 2 good resources to start with. For under $1500.00 I was able to build a BFM mobile setup including Crown XTi amp that rivals what you can hear at most clubs, and even beats some of the mediocre ones. If I want more bass I can build another sub for $500.00 and basically give you better than/equal to club quality sound depending on size of venue. |
| Beckie Spitler 12.10.2012 | I like the Mackies but recently I got 2 Alto 122a active speakers and for the price (300 each) they are something else, check them out if you have a chance |
| Glynda Scerra 23.09.2012 | Thanks so much for the speaker advice. My friend at first had a gig the same day but somewhere else and it got moved to a different date so now I can borrow his speakers for the evening
. Saves me money until I can get a good quality speaker system of my own. I now have to worry about the more technical stuff.. Since it's a party for 13-year-olds, I have had to grab a ton of music that is foreign to mix with for me. If you know anything about where I can find music these teens will like/ or have any advice please post it on my other post http://community .djranking s.com/showthread.php?t=58347 |
| Darren Teboe 23.09.2012 | I'll try to avoid promoting and/or smashing any certain brand, and say this. You get what you pay for, and with speakers, quality is very noticeable. With quality systems, you are MUCH less likely to fry your system in the long run. Not if, but when cheaper systems go bad, you will also deal with the customer service/warranty service of cheaper speakers which won't be as good as more reputable/pricier companies. Higher end stuff will last longer, and if it doesn't my experience has shown that warranty coverage (good companies will cover their gear for 4-6 years) is quick and painless. Oh, and don't forget the cheaper systems aren't going to sound as good. **cue the minority of cheaper system owners saying how what I just said isn't their experience** |
| Ivette Chaverri 23.09.2012 | I got my first speakers used. Two Mackie SRM 450 version ones, and they served me great. They had real thump and a good low end. The version twos seem to have a little less thump to them. |
| Jerica Salava 20.09.2012 | that B-52 Matrix for less than $1000 is Boss. this guy says it ALL about 1:40 in: > |
| Julissa Serrone 21.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by Pow3rs
You can get some pretty damn good speakers for that price. I would get something better than the Thumps. Here's my thoughts and I've tried out a few pairs of speakers on a budget. Active speakers are more convenient and easier to hook up. I'll never get passive speakers although some people prefer to hook up their own amps. I've never been into doing weddings or big corporate events, etc. but fun pool parties for friends or even small happy hours in bars I enjoy. I had some Thumps -- they are budget speakers but for 500 bucks they are not bad. Until I heard some quality speakers and then I knew they sucked. Doing small gigs I knew I would never invest a sub. Just too much money to spend and extra shit to carry when really I'm not a "mobile DJ" doing weddings. So I invested in a pair of RCF 315's. These are high quality speakers and man could I tell the difference. Super loud, very clear and they sound great the louder they are. Only catch with them is they didn't have much low end (Ive read the 312's are actually better due to the design of the box). So as stand alone speakers they sound super clear and loud, but not really enough bass (I understand for a serious punch I would need a sub). I got the RCF's on sale for 820.00 -- they're about 550.00 a piece now. I just sold them and I'm about to get some EV Live X 112P. They have some more low end, are plenty loud, clear sound, etc. Cost for these after doing some searching is 465.00 a pop. So now I'm up to 930.00 but believe i have what suits my needs. Small, portable, great sound, just enough low end. Moral of the story is I've gone through three speakers increasing in price to find what best suited me. Having to do it all over again if I had the cash I would've just gotten some decent speakers from the start. I really believe for the price the Thumps are "decent" they're just not really loud, and unless you get a great deal on EON's there's probably better speakers in that price range. |
| Glynda Scerra 21.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately I can't seem to find a store that carries them where I live in Asia :/ and Shipping would cost too much and I don't have much time. |
| Layne Koop 21.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by Pow3rs
If you can fit it in, the B52 Matrix 1000v2 system is good value for $$$ with a sub. It's not easy to expand, but makes a good stater system and backup system. This system will be more that enough for several years of gigs as you are starting out. This can be had for $1000 out the door or delivered. That's with stands, and all required cables. If you don't have that much pack space, the RCF 312A's are reasonable for "full range" sound. When you need more sound, you can buy more of these tops and add subs. Because it can be expanded, these will be the foundation of a system that will last for a very long time. I prefer these to the Mackie & JBL offerings that have been mentioned. Again, you are looking at about $1000 out the door or delivered with stands & cables. |
| Ciara Cuttill 21.09.2012 | For dance music i would go with the mackies over the eons ... when i played out on eons i needed a bass bin but with the mackies, it seemed that they were sufficient without a bass bin ( although it would have sounded tits if i had both ) |
| Glynda Scerra 20.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by haze324
Originally Posted by ToOntown
Hi My budget is 600-1200$ USD and the gig is 4-5 hours long. (kinda nervous since it's my first 1) I'd like to spend closer to 600 but then again I wouldn't want to have to upgrade again... What about JBL Eon's? I don't know which model would be good or if they are any good. How do they compare to Mackie's? |
| Glynda Scerra 20.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by Eliot Han
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| Glynda Scerra 20.09.2012 | passive or active? Which is the better way to go? |
| Ciara Cuttill 20.09.2012 | If it's out of your budget to afford larger speakers, check craigslist or other local sites to look for audio gear rentals ... you can rent 2 mackie thumps a mixer board and mics for under $150 for a 24 hour period. |
| Julissa Serrone 20.09.2012 | Thumps are probably the best cheap option you can find. I believe Mackie has a 50.00 off right now. What are you looking to spend. I had a pair of Thumps for a while. For a casual gig with not lots of people they are fine. They do limit pretty quick and are not the loudest speakers for their size. I found that after running them for 4 hours or so they don't push as hard. Again for the price it is what it is and pretty good for casual backyard, BBQ, pool party enviroment. If you wanted to spend a little more there are some better options. If you have the money I'd say spend a little more ---- you'll enjoy better speakers and not have to upgrade anytime soon. What's your budget? |
| Shonda Soulier 20.09.2012 | You should invest in some good active speakers. If you get 2 15" Mackie Thumps ($300 each) you'll be in good shape for any gig up to 200 ppl. Don't worry about a sub until you play bigger. |
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