What do you use for sound reinforcement?

[cmc2878]

I'm trying to get a cover band together, and I'm looking for ideas for a sound system.

Nothing too fancy, maybe even a powered head and some speakers.

The one thing that is a must is BASS. Something that can handle 2 subs. Other than that we need about 8 or 9 channels.

I've never really headed up a band so this leader experience is a bit new to me.

[loudboy]

Mains:

2 - JBL SR4722X w/12" and HF Horn
2 - EV 1x18" frontloaded subs

Monitors:

2 - EAW 2x10" wedges
2 - EV 300S molded thingies

Power:

Mains - QSC PL3002, 2 X 900W for highs and lows
Monitors - QSC 2402, 2 x 750W

Console: Mackie 1402 VLZ

Rack: Ashly 15-Band EQ/Comp/Limiter for FOH, dBX 231 for 2 monitor mixes, Lexicon MPX10 for FX, dBX 166 for Comp on the 2 lead vox channels, Alesis D4 to trigger kick drum.

Something like this is ideal for the smaller club gigs - it'l cover upt to 200 people VERY well.

Subs are essential for low-end thump. Front-loaded are smaller and shorter throw, so it puts it right out on the dancefloor, where you want it. The D4-triggered kick drum is the key to getting "big" sound out of a small system like this, and they're cheaper than a good kick mic.

[NyteOwl]

Yorkville M1610 (http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?cat=13&type=31&id=267) with EAW FR129z mains (http://www.eaw.com/products/FR129z.html) and EAW SM109z monitors (http://www.eaw.com/products/SM109z.html). Add the powered sub(s) of your choice.

[GCDEF]

We use 4 Mackie SRM450s, 2 Yorkville LS720P subs, a Carvin C1644P mixer and an assortment of monitors. Pretty decent sound for a relatively small and easy to set up system.

[stevel]

I'm trying to get a cover band together, and I'm looking for ideas for a sound system.

Nothing too fancy, maybe even a powered head and some speakers.

The one thing that is a must is BASS. Something that can handle 2 subs. Other than that we need about 8 or 9 channels.

I've never really headed up a band so this leader experience is a bit new to me.

Why must it be bass?

You admit inexperience in the leader area - most places you'll play are typically in extreme danger of getting muddy - bass is actually the last thing you need. You may *want* it, but it's going to be in conflict with everything else.

We use mackie srm450s, with a yamah sub, on a mackie CFX board that has the extra sub output. That's it, easy cheesy. There's plenty of bass in this - what I'd call - not-so-fancy rig.

If you're getting into 2 subs with double 18s, your rig is a little fancier! You should be looking at a *real* rig then!

One thing to remember:

Powered head, non-powered cabs - OK
Powered cabs, non-powered head - OK too.

But if the amp in the head goes down at a gig, you're stuck. If one amp in one cab goes down (which they are wont to do), you can typically still limp through the gig.

Of course, the latter is more expensive too.

The *real* way to go (if I could afford, I would) would be a "component" system. The "less pieces" rigs are convenient, but they have their cons as well.

But we've used ours for a long time with only minimal issues - none of which ever prevented us from playing a gig (knock wood).

HTH,
Steve

[GCDEF]

Why must it be bass?

HTH,
Steve
If you're in a rock band, you really want to be able to feel the kick and the bass. Doesn't have to be loud, but it's the bottom octave that adds authority to your sound.

[cmc2878]

Its not that I want something with a lot of bass...just something that can supply it if i need it.

I have a few years of experience running sound but it has all been on 24-48 channel boards and recently the Yamaha PMD series.

But I have no experience when it comes to smaller sound system products.

[billm408]

We're using a Mackie 1604VLZ, QSC 801 power amp running bridged mono (1200w), EAW mains and a rigged monitor system off of a 400w powered mixer. It's more than enough for the small-mid sized bars we play and w/ 15"s we don't miss having the drums going through subs. The bass carries enough by itself although we do run it through a DI just to balance the mix. I think altogether (w/0 mics) we spent under 3K.

[Tone_Terrific]

If you are doing small bar gigs you will be amazed at how little you really need to get by.

[Dave Orban]

I've got a Mackie mixer and a pair of JBL EON powered 15s and a pair of EON powered 10s. Simple to set up, versatile, sounds pretty good, IMO.