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Topic: Suggestions of Beginner PA System for small dance parties?

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Hey guys, I am beginning to get into the whole DJ scene. I have a Hercules DJ Console RMX, Macbook Pro and I just need a PA System...

Was wondering what suggestions you guys have on entry level PA Systems that I might be able to purchase to DJ apartment/house parties at my college. I am not looking for anything too professional here. But I have had people on here telling me to get a PA system that costs $800 or more because I will not regret it. Also they told me to get TWO powered speakers at least 400W or more.

Is this correct? IDK if i need an amp or anything.

Suggestions?
 
Posted Fri 22 Oct 10 @ 12:42 pm
If you buy powered speakers, you don't need an amp. You can try Mackie, Peavy, JBL, American Audio, and a few others. Get more than what you think you need, because you will need more than what you have.
 
 
i plus the powered speakers, i started out with an amp and two passive speakers..on top of that it was a radio shack amp so that amp is twice the bulkyness of a crown or any other one..the powered tops make you mobile rig a lot lighter and easier to transport.
 
That was I who suggested that you get at least 400w program power per speaker (more if you can afford it) and preferably powered speakers so that there is one less component to lug around with you (the amp). If you get single 15"s speakers you will want stands to sit them on to raise them up so all those legs and butts you were talking about are not a problem.

I have used musiciansfriend.com for a good bit of my equipment and the have free shipping which is good when ordering heavy PA equipment.

But I would also encourage you to suport your local music store as well
 
I would buy two Mackie SRm V2's The Mackie. The Mackie Thumps are Low end and cant handle alot of watts. They handle 150 watts RMS for the LF and 50 watts RMS for the HF. Its a total of 400 watts Peak.. Not RMS

Mackie SRM V2
Carvin LM 15
JBL Eon 315
Jbl Eon 515
 
You may also take a look at these, just to start off with, because everyone needs a sub-woofer. My only problem with these three way systems, is the amp is in the sub. If you have a problem there, then you have no sound. At least if one of the powered speakers goes, you still have another one. Take a look herefor more options.
 
thanks guys. I will try to look into powered speakers. So far I have found these:

http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=LM15A-2

Would these be efficient for an apartment/basement party?
SO all i would need (to start off) would be to have these set up with my Macbook pro, my Hercules RMX and my Kenwood powered woofer? SOrry to sound noobish but how would the wiring go? :P

thanks again
 
I am not a fan of these speakers, however if after all the options we have given you, and this is your choice, go for it. The cables that come with this will not work with the RMX. These cables are XLR at both ends, and you need 1/4 inch on the end coming out of the RMX, and XLR into the speakers. So, output 1 to left speaker, and output 2 to right speaker.
 
 
Those carvins would be way more than enough for what you are using them for. They have neodimium magnets and they handle 475watts rms
 
i run all powered peavey speakers except my subs. my 2 18"s are non poaer and my 15 is a powered mackie.

if i was you i would buy a power 15" sub and a pair of 10" powered peavey speakers or similar. i say peavey because they are light, cheaper in price but not quality and they sound GOOD! with a sub all your bass is coming from the sub so you don't need huge mains. i think you can get the powered peaveys for like $200-$300 each depending on where you are. for a sub go into a local equipment shop ask if they have any on consignment or scratch n dent etc. believe me most places take trade ins on equipment so they might have a sub for you. when it comes to the sub don't be concerned so much on name brand as much as sound. as its only a 15 and its your first one you will upgrade. also subs again only get low end so they usually don't blow unless your clipping.

i can use my powered 15 and 10 setup for any event with 125 people or less in a medium to small sized hall. never used them for a house party but i have done back yard bbq's and the cops did come :)
 
+ 1 for peavey, all my speakers are peavey many many years of use and still sound great.
 
I would go with 15 inch mains. Powered speakers these days are lighter than before. 32 to 40 punds is nothing compared to speakers weighing 50 or more. 18 inch subwoofers is better. If you buy 10 inch mains, You always need to bring a subwoofer with you. Why bring more things to a party when just 2, 15 inch speakers will be enough for a crowd of 50-80. 2, 10 inch speakers and a subwoofer is more work. Your not getting paid more to lift more. 15 inch mains have more bass than 10 inch mains
 
So how good are those Carvin??? Do they sound good, loud, and clear??? I'm looking at the Tapco thumps th15a. I dont know Carvin at all. I want clear and powerfull sound, but do not tell me to buy mackie... Too expensive!!!!
 
If I was to start all over again, from scratch, I would do the following. I would rent for a couple of months. Always asking for a different set up. Then, once I thought I knew what I wanted, I would investigate them nine ways from Sunday. Once I had discovered the pros and cons I would buy what I wanted....This way I would not be relying solely on the opinion of others....
 


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