Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on June 10, 2013 at 6:22am

Soundcraft, Yamaha, Mackie and a host of others make what you're looking for, and all are readily available from shops in the UK. I own a Mackie 12-channel with phantom power, and have used both Yamaha and Soundcraft mixers from 4-24 channels for both theatrical and open-mic performances locally. What you're looking for will be in the range of £400-800 for the mixer / amp. PA speakers will be extra, along with cabling. I found a bunch of available types through Google. Ask a local rental sound shop what they would recommend for your specific location and applications.

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on June 10, 2013 at 7:14am

What's their budget? What size room will they use it in? There is a plethora of gear on the market, and plenty of stuff which is easy to use and to set up, but the main thing to know is how much they want to spend. It's probably simplest to go for powered speakers : the drawback is that you need to run a power cable and speaker lead to each speaker, but that's hardly a drag once you've invested in some long "kettle"leads. That way, there's no seperate amp to worry about, and  no risk of blowing the amp if the speakers aren't connected.  For top quality, compactness and ease of use, something like  HK rigs are excellent, but they are designed and made in Germany, so they expensive. Industry standards like JBL Eon or Mackie SL450 speakers are sort of in the middle ground, and stuff like Behringer is cheap 'n cheerful - the sound quality may not be top notch, but it's reasonably made, easy to rig and competitively priced.

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on June 10, 2013 at 7:21am

Hmm..just read this again..does this imply they already have speakers? The question sort of implies they already have passive speakers - you need to know exactly what the impedence and power handling of the speakers are. Unless they already have good quality speakers, this may not be the best route - just because they have the speakers, it might not be the best or most cost effective decision to try and use them in an effort to save money. I get the feeling if they know what they'd got they would be needing to ask...so if they are looking to use some existing speakers, you need to find out what they are.

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on June 10, 2013 at 8:38am

Thanks Ron and Olly,

They do indeed have speakers in place. From memory I think they are Tannoy units either 4 or 8 ohm (not sure) they are quite big and bolted on to the hall/theatre walls.

The cabling was redone after I found that it was a mixture of wire types, even a length of two core mains in the mix. That might be OK I suppose, plenty of copper there. The real problem was the joins; twisted together with leccy tape over them. I at least managed to get amongst them under the stage, clean up the runs into direct sets and solder the joints with heat-shrink over them.

There is a mid-price old unit there now (I forget what it is) it is used for a mixture of mic inputs plus guitars, cd/iPod etc. Pretty average fare for a small school theatre rig.

Cheers,
Steve

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on June 10, 2013 at 8:41am

Sorry, I meant Ron and John but I'm typing on an iPhone and it's a very small screen! Plus I am also trying to help my son with his grade 5 music theory and I don't understand it myself!
Cheers,
Steve

Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on June 10, 2013 at 9:22am

Steve's,

http://www.chappellofbondstreet.co.uk/P~YAM-STAGEPAS600I~STAGEPAS-6...

Less than £800 all in, with everything you'd want / need. As an example only, as I'm guessing the school don't have that kind of budget?

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on June 10, 2013 at 10:16am

Thanks Ron,
I have asked what the current kit is. Fairly old from what I remember and needi g some new parts - it's not an easy life for audio kit at a boys school!
Cheers,
Steve

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on June 10, 2013 at 8:13pm

Steve- they need to scrap the old stuff, it's not worth keeping: old, outdated passive speakers with dodgy cabling will be unreliable at best, and at the worst could be positively dangerous. It would probably be condemned if they have it inspected and certified - when it comes to schools, children and Health and Safety there is no compromise - do it right. Although the speaker cables are only carrying a signal, not mains voltage, if it shorts or if there's a break, it can blow the amp - this is not a good thing, either health or finance wise. I've had enough electrical shocks off dodgy PA gear that could have killed me, and would certainly have killed a child, so make sure the people at the school realise this. Chuck it all and buy new. The Yamaha is a good choice, all in one system, everything is compatible and easy to use. Alternatively, a pair of Behringer Eurolive 210D (or 212D) 200W active speakers and a Behringer desk will probably do the job, but it depends on the size of the room. And don't buy cheap microphones - the Shure SM58 & 57 are well nigh indestructible. Gear such as this MUST be PAT (Portable Appliance Test) certified on a regular basis - this really is not an option. They shouldn't need telling this, but it has to be said.

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on June 10, 2013 at 8:47pm

It's well said John.

I have sent on the link to the Yamaha kit to the school. Ultimately it's there choice and I suspect the power for active speakers could be a problem... old hall with limited power where needed!

Cheers,
Steve

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on June 11, 2013 at 2:04am

Powered speakers are NOT a problem, you just run a power cable out with the signal lead, job done - it can all be done with loose "flying leads" from the stage / mixer position, no permanent installation needed. If this is a fixed installation, they may be better taking professional advice..but to be honest, they'll probably get stung going that route rather than just dealing with a local music store. Also there are some excellent deals on line from people like WhyBuyNew and Thomman.