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Passive vs Active PA
I am thinking about foregoing an acoustic guitar amp and buying a PA instead. Here are two ideas:
Active: BBE Acoustimax (guitar pre-amp) Mackie DFX12 12x2 Mixer with Effects (unpowered mixer) TAPCO THUMP TH-15A (400W powered 15" PA speakers) Passive: BBE Acoustimax (guitar pre-amp) Tapco Mix10FXP 1000W Powered Mixer (500W per side powered mixer) TAPCO 6915 (passive 15" PA speakers) The system costs are very similar. I think I like the latter because of the "single wire" going up the pole, but other than that I have no idea which might be better. Any advice?
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Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com Last edited by buzzardwhiskey; 10-02-2008 at 04:16 PM. |
#2
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Oops. I posted this in the wrong area.
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Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com |
#3
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Since it appears that both setups give you access to additional effects it would depend on which setup has the cleanest sounding power amp and speakers for your acoustic guitar.
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James 2018 Taylor 412CE 2010 Blueridge BR-163A - Adi/EIR/K&K Epiphone EF500-M |
#4
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Hi BW...
Don't know what's best for you, but do for me. The more years I put-on, the less fuss I need. About 2 1/2 years ago we sprung for a powered board, and a pair of 12 inch two way cabinets and stands. We can cover up to a couple hundred people and set up in 10 minutes and tear down in the same. And we can carry it in the trunk of a Saturn, with more gear. |
#5
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Quote:
I'm thinking that powered PA speakers (especially 15s) will be pretty darn heavy. Check the specs on the amp in the powered mixer vs. the specs on the amp in the amplified speakers. You want lower THD (distortion) and higher S/N (signal to noise) ratio. Any chance of demoing this stuff or are you ordering online from somewhere? Check user reviews on the equipment thru any sellers that carry this stuff too, if you can. I know that Tapco is basically the lower end of Mackie. It may be OK. Not sure really. No experience with...... Offhand I'm thinking the powered mixer may give you more headroom and be less screwing around setting up if it has built-in effects (for vocals etc.).... Just my Edumucated guesswork. Ryan |
#6
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Hi Buzzard...I think you're wise for going with a PA over an amp if you want real versatility.
Here's what I'm using and it's very light, compact, and sonically efficient. Soundcraft Gigrac 600 powered 8 channel mixer. Electrovoice ZX-1-90 Speakers. Aphex Acoustic Exciter The Gigrac is very nice and is all self contained in a Pelican like carrying case. The EV's are 8" woofers + driver, very compact and just have wonderful tone and volume. The Aphex Exciter is a must have for me. It also acts as a direct box and runs off of phantom power from the Gigrac so no batteries or wall warts. This system has served me well for over 3 years of a lot of gigging. Jim B |