Ideas For What Equipment Please

[notroubleclubber 0]

After doin discos for over 5 years ive now started selling all my old equipment and im now going into buisness with a partner.Because of this,we are updating all our equipment and basically starting from scratch. I have a rough idea of what i want but i want to ask on here for makes etc before making any mistakes.

The equipment i used to use did me fine for over 5 years (I will list them below) but i found that it just wasnt loud enough so my main priority is the sound system.

 

This is what i used before:

 

2x Skytec 300w 15" Speakers (At 8 Ohms I Believe)

1x Soundlab 500W Amp (At 4 ohms I believe)

 

I might have got the ohms mixed up above! I cant remember!

 

Numark CDMix2 CD Unit and built in mixer

Then with this i ran a pc with a soundlab 5.1 pci soundcard running virtual dj.The outputs (Channel 1 and 2 seperately) into the Channel 1 & 2 Inputs on the Numark CDMix2.

I could then choose to use CDs or mp3s with the flick of a switch.

 

 

Now....

I intend to carry on using a pc mp3 setup (Im in the process of getting the required licenses)with virtual dj but also use something like a beringer usb controller for this. Then the outputs from this (seperate channels 1&2) can be again run into the numark cdmix2.

 

So my questions:

 

1. The above sound system i found was too quiet so what would you recommend -dont really want budget but dont want to spend mega bucks either.Please note the largest vehicle we have to use is an escort van (not transit) and there is 2 of us with the lifting.Will be doing small/medium and up to about 200 people gigs.

 

2.Will the soundlab 5.1 pci card will suffice or can i get a better sound quality from using a usb soundcard?

 

3.Does the behringer come with channels outputs so i wont need the soundcard?

 

4. I want to either buy or even better build a unit to house the following:

PC,AMP,CDMIX2 Unit,Lighting controller,easy control of behringer or similar usb controller,keyboard(may go mini kbd),mini mouse and ontop a small flat screen pc monitor. Is this available or has someone used a similar setup? I used to have a 4ft goalpost stand but decided this is old fashioned looking. Im prob looking at 2 tbars for lights or maybe a truss stand.

 

 

[vokf 0]

If you go via the Behringer unit as a controller it also has a built-in sound card (with headphone output so you can cue up tracks).

I didn't have any problems with the audio quality for an "all in one" solution. You'll get better quality from separates, but at higher cost and a more complicated set-up.

 

I personally used a mini ITX PC (small form factor PC). This proved to be fine for my purposes. I built my own flightcase to house the PC, Behringer and Mixer.

This ended up being too heavy/bulky, and whilst it offered a very quick set-up after a few gigs with stairs - I decided to go a different route when funds allowed.

 

Going the t-bar route offers some flexability, and a single t-bar is a good investment for those small gigs with low ceilings.

 

If you're looking at active speakers, check if your CDMix has balanced outputs (ideally XLR), if they don't, you'll get hum/noise pickup along the cables to each speaker.

 

[MintyDave 0]

Audio - The W audio active speakers have some good reviews and a local dj swears by them. If you are wanting to stay passive then try looking on ebay for some peavey hisys 2's. They are 350w per cab and kick out some quality sound. You may pick a pair up for less than £200. There are 8 ohm and 4 ohm versions. they are a bit heavy at 32kg each.

 

Go for t bars initially then you have the option of adding a 3m truss for bigger gigs.

 

Take time to think about your purchases, you cant get it all at once and you may be better off buying quality items as time goes by rather than a load of budget gear now.

[disco4hire 1]

 

So my questions:

 

1. The above sound system i found was too quiet so what would you recommend -dont really want budget but dont want to spend mega bucks either.Please note the largest vehicle we have to use is an escort van (not transit) and there is 2 of us with the lifting.Will be doing small/medium and up to about 200 people gigs.

 

 

Before any real advice can be given, we would need to know your budget for the PA upgrade, and if you want new kit or are happy with S/H kit ? You can get a much better quality kit for your cash if you go down the s/h route.

[soundwaves 0]

HELLLOOOOOOOO

 

rcf rig 2 tops and 2 subs , 2 x 1600w amps , crossover and flightcase and all leads

 

only

 

£1000 BARGAIN !

[notroubleclubber 0]

soz soundwaves but thats a bit out my budget - looking at about 500 quid secondhand if need be.

 

Im def goin pc/behringer usb controller route and will stick with the souncard thats proviied with the behringer.

 

Cant remeber if the numark cdmix2 has xlr outputs - i very much doubt it.

 

[disco4hire 1]

 

Cant remeber if the numark cdmix2 has xlr outputs - i very much doubt it.

 

You are in luck, it Does

[danger mouse 0]

got any link to a behringer usb your on about? :shrug: , not sure what it is

[McCardle 1]

@ Soundwaves - There is a dedicated section for 'For Sale' posts, why not go post your items in there, instead of spamming them on threads.

 

Thanks ever so.