I would really appreciate any thoughts from the group to resolve the following dilemma:
For our three vocalist blues rock band playing smaller venues, I have been using a Yorkville mpx8 power mixer (8 channels, 400 watts @ 8ohms + 200 watts @ 2 ohms) The two mains are JBL SF 15's, 500watts Program and 1000 watts max, and the twin monitors are Yamaha s12me rated at 250 watts program and 500 max. All speakers are 8 ohm. Currently we are not miking amps but I would like that option.
I'm worried that at some larger or outside gigs I'm seeing too much clipping and want to move to a higher power setup.
So, my current choice is:
Choice A: Purchase a Yorkville M1610 power mixer($650), which has two amps at 800 watts (8 ohms)and ten channels. I'm thinking that this will be a much better match for the mains and while it's more than the monitors need, it should give us more power and reduce clipping. I'm also thinking that I can keep the mpx8 (our drummer has volunteered to buy it from me) and use it when necessary to drive just the monitors by using the line in (?)on the M1610, and use the M1610 to drive the mains at 800 watts per speaker, possibly adding some additional main cabinets or monitors if needed.
Choice B: Switch directions and buy a used Yamaha mixer ($200) and a separate power amp of approx. 1600 watts. I guess I would also need a separate reverb unit. Cost would probably be somewhat more than the Yorkville option.
Since I am my own 52 year old roadie, hauling additional equipment is an issue.
I know that powered mixers are often dismissed as being pretty limiting, but the Yorkville M1610 has more power than most and that is where I am currently leaning. Can anyone give me a nudge or suggest a different direction?
Thanks.
Lamar