nho09

Hi all,

A few mates & I (4 of us) are starting a band for the first time.

Setup:
• 2 x Acoustic electric guitars
• 2 x electric guitars
• 2 x vocalists
• 1 x Boss DR-3 Drum & bass machine (temporary...until we get the real thing)
Equipment:
• About 8 various guitars
• 2 Vox Valvetronix (approx 40 watt) amps
• 5 x crappy old 20 to 40 watt amps
• 2 x Shure SM 58 mics
Jaming/Practice/Gigging:
• We have 1 x large warehouse & 1 x soundproof garage to practice/jam
• Not planning on any gig's yet but possible very small venues from mid next year
Sound:
Going for a bluesy/rock sound. Covering some Velvet Underground, Stones, Cramps songs. A few of our own. We want a mixture of 'valve' type (Silvertone amp fuzz?) sounds and some clean sounds.
Question:
I'm doing lead vocal, lead & rhythm guitar and press the 'go' button on the drum/bass machine!
1. Can anyone suggest an equipment setup that will cater for the drum/bass machine, 2 vocals and my guitar? Minimum 100 Watt. Would a single 'PA' system do t it or should I go for two or three different amps?
2. I'd like to be able to (foot) switch between a rhythm & lead for a couple of songs. mainly to get a louder sound for the lead (background rhythm).
Budget:
TIGHT!!

Many thanks for any suggestions.

gumbilicious

you could do it all outta one PA. i def recommend more than 100 watts, especially if you are running the drums and bass through there as well as vocals. i'd try to get something at least 500 watts, with 3-way 15" cabinets. you'll at least want 2-way 12" cabinets.

don't be afraid of getting really powerful amps, you don't need to use all the power but extra power helps to push the low end from the bass/drum machine.

if the budget is tight, then look for used PA equipment, you can usually get really good deals. just be patient, look everywhere and try before you buy.



you could run a multi effects pedal with amp and cab simulation right into the PA. you can usually find good deals on that stuff too. just be patient, look everywhere and try before you buy.

__________________
"A perfection of means, and confusion of aims, seems to be our main problem."
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ihartfood

how tight?

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Like Telecasters?

nho09

@ gumbilicous....thanks! That's what I'm thinking too.
@ ihartfood....I reckon absolute top about $1,000. But less if possible.

Thx....

gumbilicious

yeah 1K should give you some good options.

i forgot to mention that running everything into the PA like that will give you quite a bit of control over the mix. also keep in mind you may want separate monitor speakers (to hear your playback) and mains (to project out to the audience once you start gigging).

__________________
"A perfection of means, and confusion of aims, seems to be our main problem."
-ae

nho09

Just looking at PA systems on eBay now.
• Fender Passport 500 (6 Mic/Line inputs, 2 stereo inputs)
• A Kustom Profile 300 PA (4 Mic/Line inputs, 2 L & R line inputs and 2 Stereo inputs).

The fender looks like a good package....I'm guessing that, when selected, the 'line inputs' can be used for drum machine and guitar simultaneously.

Quite a few venue's I've seen have monitor & mains speakers already setup? (permanent). I suppose we'd just use these at times....

Thx...

Cathbard

More than once I've walked into a venue, took one look at the house PA and proceeded to unload my own PA to use instead. Any serious gigging musician should own a PA. Don't rely on others - be self-sufficient.

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Cathbard Amplification

nho09

If I was to buy, for example, an 8 channel mixer/amp with 800w output....can I connect it to (2) 1200w speakers without doing any damage to either units?

Thanks.