PA System

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 7:38 pm

Newbie here looking for some suggestions on a very simple setup (compared to what I see in many of the threads here). I need a simple PA system to handle presentations given in small venues (up to 150 people). I saw a recommendation to get the book "Guide to sound systems for worship" and I'll definately do that.

In the meantime, I'm looking at the Yamaha StagePas 300. I also need a decent wireless lavalier system. Reliability is more important than cost but I'd also like to not get more than I need. I'm leaning towards the Shure ULXS14/85 system... but that's entirely based on reading. No hands on experience.

I'd appreciate any comments on the appropriateness of my selections and any suggested alternatives.

Thanks!

Mark

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 5:03 am

Ask yourself some questions. For example, rate from 1 to 5 the following:

Transportability
Sound quality
Flexibility (e.g. to play recorded music as well)
Need for several input channels (mic, mono line, stereo line)
Ease of erection and operation
Options for recording the event
Need for microphone phantom power

The Yamaha unit is good value for money, but a little limiting in what it will do. If it fills your present and anticipated needs, then go for it, but not before you have asked yourself the questions and looked at other all-in-one systems.

The Shure lavalier mic is a standard, and works well. You might also consider a hand-held radio mic for passing round in case there are questions from the audience at any of these events. Go for ones that come in a clamshell case that will house the receiver, cables and a spare battery as well.

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:17 am

I have not used it, but the Yamaha system looks very good for the type and size of presentations you are talking about. As Boswell says, it does not look easy to expand (or even to use the components in another system). You'd want to buy a new PA for even a small rock band.

Your location is a big factor in buying a wireless unit. If you are in a big city with lots of radio interference, you will need a more sophisticated unit than you will in the sticks. The shure products are generally good. I also recommend a wireless handheld in addition to the lav. Less feedback, better sound, generally fewer headaches. (The lav is more natural for most speakers of course.)

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 12:20 pm

Thanks!

One thing I'm struggling with is the decision between the $600 Shure SLX14 systems, the $300 PG14-PG185, and the dual PG1288-PG185 system which has both a handheld and a lav. Having the two mikes would be great, but there has to be a tradeoff (two mikes for the price of one). Is it just a matter of what frequencies the units support?

Mark

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 10:47 am

There have been several posts on this site complaining about the "dual-mic" wireless sytems that Shure has been offering. Buy the most expensive wireless system that you can afford. The cheap ones are a real PIA...

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:09 am

I don't know what you bugget is like, but I would recommend something like the Yamaha EMX512SC-S115V-M PA Package. Its got 2 mains and 2 montiors and a nice bit of power behind it.

If you are in a smaller area and not many people, you could just use the mains. But then if you are in a larger hall or area you can add the monitors onto the system and try extend the sound out to the people further away from the mains.

The package also comes with a couple of wired mics, which will save your life for the times when the batteries are dead on your wireless and you forgot to pick up extras. Alon with speaker stands for the mains. Although the system may be a bit larger than the passport. I think you will find it worth the money in the long run. Cause who wants to be giving a presentation and have the people in the way back shout out, "We can't hear you!"

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