I need help with a live setup

[moo1010321]

Ok I'm not really good with sound or anything like that. I'm decent at EQ-ing vocals, guitars, etc. But now my church has asked me to pick out a sound system for the church. Now... we are on a budget =). About 3500-5000 dollars. Now I know that isn't a lot to get incredible sound. But I'm not going to buy new unless you guys tell me it's absolutely needed. So..

I need:
a mixer with 16 inputs
speakers and subs
a decent mics for 3 vocalists and a drumset and bass amp.

and whatever else you think is needed.

you can go over the budget, but max out at around 5750. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[orogeny]

Do you really need 16 inputs?

Are you willing to go used?

Does the system need to be portable?

How big is the room?

I can spill a lot of guts if you can answer them questions. . . . .

[moo1010321]

umm i need 16 inputs for

3 Vocalists + 1 Pastor
2 Acoustic Guitars
3 Amps (electric and bass)
about 5 for drums <- should i get a separate mixer for his set?
2 Keys
1 media

I'm over estimating the keys and maybe the drums? but yeah im thinking 16 is good. I will go used as long it wasnt abused. The room is huge. But we only occupy about 1/5 of it. So think about 100-150 people. I cant estimate the room size, but i'm thinking around 200 x 200 ft. (this might be an overestimation.) It does not need to be portable.

[orogeny]

PM Sent.

[moo1010321]

havent got anything yet..

[orogeny]

How about now?

[moo1010321]

i did get it, but im in the stages of researching. i doubt i'm gonna buy anything for another 2 months or so.

[loudboy]

Don't buy crap.

Look at used JBL SR Series, for speakers. Get cabs w/12" speakers, not 15" - they reproduce vocals much more accurately. Use the subs for low end.

QSC makes very solid power amps. The RMX series has a lot of bang for the buck.

SM-58s for vocals.

Allen & Heath Mixwiz 16:2 mixer - don't even bother to look at anything else. Best in class, by a mile.

Loudboy

[MichaelK]

Get cabs w/12" speakers, not 15" - they reproduce vocals much more accurately.

I don't agree with this as a "rule," though sometimes it might be true. I bought Yamaha 15" over 12" specifically because I felt they handled vocals better. That's the only brand I can speak about.

Agreed on all other points, especially "don't buy crap." I'm a big fan of Crown power amps, myself. They're worth every penny.

[Wallace]

Don't buy crap.

Look at used JBL SR Series, for speakers. Get cabs w/12" speakers, not 15" - they reproduce vocals much more accurately. Use the subs for low end.

QSC makes very solid power amps. The RMX series has a lot of bang for the buck.

SM-58s for vocals.

Allen & Heath Mixwiz 16:2 mixer - don't even bother to look at anything else. Best in class, by a mile.

Loudboy

Bingo. I agree here....mostly. Crest and Crown amps are able to withstand quite alot of punishment...but do cost more.

QSC's are very good for the $. These as well as Allen & Heaths are standard in my buddy's sound co.

Nice tight 15" w/ a sub can do vocals justice as well. 12's are sweet for a 3 way system, just harder to find cabs for em. Love my JBL 2425 compression drivers, only replaced diaphrams acouple of times.

Allen & Heath Wizard. These are the best in class. The Midas 16 cost 2x the $ for what? Even the on board FX are useable!

I totaly agree with loudboy. Dont buy crap. All the above is good advice IMO.