Some additional thoughts based on what other have said:
SM58 vs Sen835 -- in the US the pricing seems to be pretty similar. As to why get an SM58?
1.) Sounds good/decent on most voices
2.) They are familiar -- people (both musicians and sound operators are familiar with them). Most singers will have no issue with them (though they may have preferences for other mics). I have yet to hear a vocalist go, oh you are using 58s? (I have seen a few switch out mics for their own choice).
3.) Durable, the mesh screens dent easily, but the mics tend to last. They have long term value. They will probably still be useful in ten years.
DI Box -- The Whirlwind IMP2 is a great suggestion -- small, very durable, not too expensive, works well. The one I suggested can be nifty in stereo situations (CD L + R, Keys, etc.), but I think the Whirlwind is maybe a better suggestion. I would definitely recommend this over the Behringer unit (though to be fair I have never used the Behr unit).
Mackie SRM450 vs. C300z -- for an extra $120 you get amplification included and BI-AMPED speakers and some level of active processing. BI-AMPED speakers have two separate amps tailored to the different frequency sections and I think its a fair statement that almost all "better" speaker systems follow this design trend.
Powered vs. Passive -- in your situation. Certainly the question of electrical power is a legitimate one. I think if you can resolve the power issue you will get better sound for your dollar with an active system -- (that's my biased opinion anyway
).
For reference Zzounds has the powered mixer Adam references and Yamaha club speakers with stands and cables thrown in for around $1600. Setup properly that system should work pretty well. The mixer looks like a nice unit -- though in your budget range you might be better off throwing money at better speakers than some of its bells and whistles (if your speakers have a pretty flat reponse to begin with a seven band eq probably has little use.)
Why SRM450s?
1.) personal experience -- they worked well and the people I've used them with seem happy
2.) readily available
3.) fit well into a bigger system -- add subs, use as monitors etc. use as fills
4.) I seem them used professionally -- if my memory serves right -- fill speakers at Billy Graham event, stage monitors for Licoln Brewster?, stage monitors/fill speakers for Shane and Shane, fill speakers for street event in NYC, blaring sound for outdoor radio station broadcast at a large event, etc. -- I just don't see the Yamaha clubs used at this level.
5.) (In a small portable system it is nice not to have to mess with speaker cable. For an install this is not as pertinent.)
DB Powered Speakers -- they are probably great units too, just not as readily available in the US -- and I would guess not quite as price competitive in the US.
