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[Seth Albaum]

I have been scouring Craigslist as well, but here's the situation:

I have a wedding tomorrow. I don't do very many of these anymore.

Most of the sound work I've done has been with a rented or already installed PA and I'm more of a roadie in the crew, but I can hold my own. Used to sound for television, not that it's quite the same, as well.. no PA involved, there. Lots of RE50's and lavs

Anyway, as a result, I never took a stop up from my original b52 matrix v1's. They've been in better shape. I've repaired a crossover in one of the tops, but I think the repair is going bad. It sounds like there isn't a crossover, now. One of the xlr inputs on the sub has a broken clip and it won't let go of cables without a good fight. Various bits have been gouged out of the bottom because the wheels don't provide enough clearance except for the smoothest of floors.. funny thing is a friend who is more professional than I has borrowed just the sub for a few live sound gigs. 

I digress. I don't feel comfortable using it at someone's wedding tomorrow. I've decided with little time to spare to replace it.

I'm thinking about EV ZLX 15p's, which are at about the max I can spend. GC has them. Will I miss the sub? That's the big question. I've used these as stage monitors before, btw - from a rental house. DSP's just bypassed not put in that mode...

Could I get more for less with Mackie's or EONS? I don't know. I never liked their sound but they have new versions since the last time I checked...

[Tim McCulloch]

I have been scouring Craigslist as well, but here's the situation:

I have a wedding tomorrow. I don't do very many of these anymore.

Most of the sound work I've done has been with a rented or already installed PA and I'm more of a roadie in the crew, but I can hold my own. Used to sound for television, not that it's quite the same, as well.. no PA involved, there. Lots of RE50's and lavs

Anyway, as a result, I never took a stop up from my original b52 matrix v1's. They've been in better shape. I've repaired a crossover in one of the tops, but I think the repair is going bad. It sounds like there isn't a crossover, now. One of the xlr inputs on the sub has a broken clip and it won't let go of cables without a good fight. Various bits have been gouged out of the bottom because the wheels don't provide enough clearance except for the smoothest of floors.. funny thing is a friend who is more professional than I has borrowed just the sub for a few live sound gigs. 

I digress. I don't feel comfortable using it at someone's wedding tomorrow. I've decided with little time to spare to replace it.

I'm thinking about EV ZLX 15p's, which are at about the max I can spend. GC has them. Will I miss the sub? That's the big question. I've used these as stage monitors before, btw - from a rental house. DSP's just bypassed not put in that mode...

Could I get more for less with Mackie's or EONS? I don't know. I never liked their sound but they have new versions since the last time I checked...

Rent.

[Seth Albaum]

Rent.

Thanks, Tim. This would be the thing to do if I had planned ahead! I'm not buying for a one-off thing, though. They'll be used for an outdoor event next Thursday - a barber shop quartet and a bunch of official people saying things - other things down the line. So, it does pay for me to own something. The questions is - what, exactly?

I like open/transparent sound. I dislike harsh tweeters. Plastic speakers are okay as long as they don't sound that way. Powered speakers are a must. Class D all the way because of my back (also why plastic is okay).

[Mac Kerr]

Thanks, Tim. This would be the thing to do if I had planned ahead! I'm not buying for a one-off thing, though. They'll be used for an outdoor event next Thursday - a barber shop quartet and a bunch of official people saying things - other things down the line. So, it does pay for me to own something. The questions is - what, exactly?

I like open/transparent sound. I dislike harsh tweeters. Plastic speakers are okay as long as they don't sound that way. Powered speakers are a must. Class D all the way because of my back (also why plastic is okay).

To quote Tim, "Rent".

Mac

[Conrad Muzoora]

The fact that you don't have a clue on what to buy means you are more likely to make a costly mistake if you do it in a hurry. Research and demo takes time!
RENT!!!!! For now, buy when you are absolutely sure it's what you want!!!
Conrad
www.kooleventug.com


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[Tom Bourke]

Where are you?

[Brian Jojade]

I've needed to buy gear in a hurry for shows, but that's always been to duplicate a system that I've used before. I've never DESIGNED a system in a hurry.

On the cheap end of speakers, all will have compromises.  Some people love the Mackie SRM speakers, for example.  Personally, I prefer the sound of the JBL Eons over them, but both kind of suck when you compare them to higher end.  It's the sound that you like that matters at that level.

If you've never used the EV's, you may end up loving them or you may end up hating them.  But if you buy them, you're married to them.  RENTING is the best way to expose yourself to new gear without the financial commitment of purchasing.

[Seth Albaum]

Where are you?

North of Boston. Closted GC is Danvers, they don't rent. The one near Berklee in Boston does, but only QSC stuff, it's expensive, and some info I left out that's important for the rental equation - because you're all correct in theory but - After the wedding, I'm driving to NJ for two days and that's two more days of rental costs. Or maybe three. I would prefer to rent from Hanley sound where the folks I work with rent from, but I really haven't left enough time to plan for that, plus the extra days thing would still be there...

So, I agree with your advice but likely can't do it that way.  I won't pay for three-four days rental on a one day/night event.

I do know, from having worked with QSC, I don't hate it but I don't love it. It seems a bit pricey for what it is. I haven't used the systems with the weird bose-like subs, just the k12's or 15's with their more conventional subs..

I've been reading stuff online. The problem with most reviews on amazon and such is that everyone seems to love everything for the most part...

Maybe I need to narrow my question:

Are the new Mackie's less harsh and artificial sounding than the old Mackie's? Do the new JBL EONS sound less like plastic tubs?

The EV's I'm looking at are about a level up, at least is price, and unlike EONS and "Thumps" they don't look like kids toys, but are they really that much better for that much more? I'm also thinking that the EV's will mate with a sub better, later on, with the DSP settings.. given that I won't have external crossovers..

I have had experience with other powered monitors on the market, I should add. My friend's JBL 515's (currently called the 615?) are pretty darn good - like grown up EONS, but a bit more money than the EV's. I'd get 'em if they were on sale, without regrets. I just need to hear the EV's as more than just floor monitors..literally heading to GC now

[Steve Garris]

North of Boston. Closted GC is Danvers, they don't rent. The one near Berklee in Boston does, but only QSC stuff, it's expensive, and some info I left out that's important for the rental equation - because you're all correct in theory but - After the wedding, I'm driving to NJ for two days and that's two more days of rental costs. Or maybe three. I would prefer to rent from Hanley sound where the folks I work with rent from, but I really haven't left enough time to plan for that, plus the extra days thing would still be there...

So, I agree with your advice but likely can't do it that way.  I won't pay for three-four days rental on a one day/night event.

I do know, from having worked with QSC, I don't hate it but I don't love it. It seems a bit pricey for what it is. I haven't used the systems with the weird bose-like subs, just the k12's or 15's with their more conventional subs..

I've been reading stuff online. The problem with most reviews on amazon and such is that everyone seems to love everything for the most part...

Maybe I need to narrow my question:

Are the new Mackie's less harsh and artificial sounding than the old Mackie's? Do the new JBL EONS sound less like plastic tubs?

The EV's I'm looking at are about a level up, at least is price, and unlike EONS and "Thumps" they don't look like kids toys, but are they really that much better for that much more? I'm also thinking that the EV's will mate with a sub better, later on, with the DSP settings.. given that I won't have external crossovers..

I have had experience with other powered monitors on the market, I should add. My friend's JBL 515's (currently called the 615?) are pretty darn good - like grown up EONS, but a bit more money than the EV's. I'd get 'em if they were on sale, without regrets. I just need to hear the EV's as more than just floor monitors..literally heading to GC now

In my opinion, the new Mackie SRM 650's sound terrible. I think I'd rather have the older 450's in their plastic box.

15" boxes:

The ELX115P is a highly regarded EV powered box. I would not purchase their plastic box ZLX15P.

Other options: JBLPRX715 and QSC KW152 both excellent.

While you're in GC check out the new Alto black series (they have a bunch of them at my GC).

[Thomas Le]

The EON's are a new box, although still plastic, the amp module mimics what the PRX700 series have. Also add the Yamaha DXR/DSR to the list, they've got some rave reviews.

How big a crowd and venue are you working with?

[Tim McCulloch]

Based on the comments of those I trust, I'd look at the Yamaha DSR boxes.  And if you buy at GC you can return them if you don't like them.

[Jerome Casinger]

Based on the comments of those I trust, I'd look at the Yamaha DSR boxes.  And if you buy at GC you can return them if you don't like them.

+ 1 on this one

[g'bye, Dick Rees]

Around here, weekly or monthly rentals are only a bit more expensive than 2/3x the daily rate.

Otherwise, do as Tim says and go for the Yamahas.  Take them back if you don't like them.

But considering you've been using B52's, I'll bet you'll like them fine.

[Seth Albaum]

Yeah. I the Yammy's were a bit too high in price. Since I have 30 days to return and they'll be impressive enough for tomorrow's crowd, I went with the ZLX's. I did a side by side with the ELX's and sure, there's a difference. I really liked the ELX's, but I don't often play for crowds that would pay for even that level of PA. The door is open to trade up within 30 days, but I really do like being able to carry these suckers around with one hand...so I'm going to try and make 'em work. If not, it's the ELX's...and some cases with wheels. haha. (my back..)

[Scott Holtzman]

In my opinion, the new Mackie SRM 650's sound terrible. I think I'd rather have the older 450's in their plastic box.

15" boxes:

The ELX115P is a highly regarded EV powered box. I would not purchase their plastic box ZLX15P.

Other options: JBLPRX715 and QSC KW152 both excellent.

While you're in GC check out the new Alto black series (they have a bunch of them at my GC).

I can tell you that the ZLX's have done well for us, both the 15's and the 12's.  I have paired them with different subwoofers over the time I have owned them, they sound acceptable over QSC 181's but no where near as good as the KW122.  Won't don't you like about the sound of the QSC's?  That may help me let you know if you will like the EV's.  They are musical and transparent but run out of headroom much faster than the QSC's.  Whatever you do don't get the EV ELX118 powered sub the driver, cabinet and amp are of poor quality.  For easy on the back a pair of Behringer B1800D Pro's would not be bad (just take the logo off) or for a little more money the JBL EON subs.  I am waiting to see a pair of the ETX18P's 

What kind of mixer are you going to buy?  A Mackie DL1608 if you own and iPod or a Behringer x32 rack or producer are both great entry level digital mixers.

[Seth Albaum]

I can tell you that the ZLX's have done well for us, both the 15's and the 12's.  I have paired them with different subwoofers over the time I have owned them, they sound acceptable over QSC 181's but no where near as good as the KW122.  Won't don't you like about the sound of the QSC's?  That may help me let you know if you will like the EV's.  They are musical and transparent but run out of headroom much faster than the QSC's.  Whatever you do don't get the EV ELX118 powered sub the driver, cabinet and amp are of poor quality.  For easy on the back a pair of Behringer B1800D Pro's would not be bad (just take the logo off) or for a little more money the JBL EON subs.  I am waiting to see a pair of the ETX18P's 

What kind of mixer are you going to buy?  A Mackie DL1608 if you own and iPod or a Behringer x32 rack or producer are both great entry level digital mixers.

Thanks for the heads up about the Sub. That could be a purchase in a couple of months, but the way to do it right would be to get dual subs. I don't need to own a whole live sound rig, because usually when I'm working those gigs it's through another group of folks.

I do DJ quite a bit, sometimes at places without PA's. My DJ mixer and controller are both Denon, and my vinyl rig is a Pioneer. They're not Rane, but they're great. I own a crappy 8 channel mackie, some SM58's, 57's, stands, and the rest are TV mics (omni's)  I still do video/eng stuff.

When I do the sound for the barber shop quartet I'll also be DJ'ing a bit, outdoors, next to a busy street, as part of a public art opening. It's usually simple, like that. I'm just a stickler for quality. I turned down used EON's at $100 because they were the original ones... and I was never thrilled to use the B52's in situations like this, where they're really out of place haha

[Gus Housen]

Buy them from GC
, if you dont like them return them

[Rob Spence]

Ya know, renting doesn't limit you to stores. There are plenty of sound companies in the area that could rent to you.

I don't know about the other folk in this area but when I rent out to other sound guys, the rental price is based on the usage. Guy picks up gear in Thursday for Sat gig and might bring it back Tuesday. Rental is for one day. Heck, I had one recently where the gear got used Friday for a while and when he returned it, he gave me an extra amount for it.

Check the marketplace. Lots of requests for gear for a night.


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[Steve M Smith]

I don't know about the other folk in this area but when I rent out to other sound guys, the rental price is based on the usage. Guy picks up gear in Thursday for Sat gig and might bring it back Tuesday. Rental is for one day.

There is a truck rental place here which I used to use a lot who worked on that principle.  If I wanted to use a truck on Saturday, I could pick it up on Friday (once it was returned if it was being used that day) and as long as I got it back on Monday morning, it was one day's rental.

Obviously, I found things to do with it on the Sundays!


Steve.

[Alex Rigodanzo]

Buy them from GC
, if you dont like them return them

Even if you do like them, that's a month free rental.

[ProSoundWeb Community]