Check out the newest news, views, lessons and more for Fender lovers -- FenderRocks.com

fletch · May 20th, 2012, 06:49 PM

Does anyone use a portable PA system?
I'm looking for a convenient, easy to transport PA suitable for a couple of singers and two instruments doing low volume acoustic performances in a small venue or restaurant.

I've read reviews for JBL EON 210(a bit too expensive) Yamaha Stagepas 300 (some electronics issues - and concerns about the power) and Fender Passport 250 Deluxe, but I can't find a place to set up and compare these systems.

Does anyone use a portable PA? If so, which one? And why?

Any disaster stories?

Tinman46 · May 20th, 2012, 08:26 PM

I watched a small Jazz trio playing at a local restaurant. They where using a Bose pa system. Sounded incredible for such a small system. I have no idea what they cost or if readily available in Australia. I asked the guitarist he said is was an L1 Bose pa. Worth a look, sounds amazing.

PacRat · May 20th, 2012, 08:50 PM

I to have heard good things about the Bose system, but I do believe they are not cheap as well

fletch · May 20th, 2012, 09:01 PM

Ta, Guys.

fender62custom · May 20th, 2012, 09:33 PM

HK Audio Smart PA...I have the Impact model which is brilliant....depends on your budget Fletch...but the Smart should do the job.

fletch · May 21st, 2012, 03:01 AM

Thanks, mate, but that's out of my price range. I'm not gigging for money these days.
I should have said I'm looking for a system under $1,000.00.
I have a full size peavey PA but I was looking for something I can throw in the back of the car with a guitar and a little Roland AC60 amp.
I doubt I'll need anything much more than 100-150W.

ampe · May 21st, 2012, 03:27 AM

you might be able to get the bose L1 compact under that

wdeery · May 21st, 2012, 04:23 AM

I use and love the Roland BA330. Not to expensive , $600.00, Has 6 input channels. light weight , about 30 lbs. Fantastic sound quality. Good for small to medium venues. I have even used it for outdoor concerts.

rcboals · May 21st, 2012, 05:56 AM

Six channel two mains very good quality stuff. We have had a Carvin system over six years no problems
$599.00 to $749.00 complete

http://www.carvinguitars.com/group/6_channel_pa_systems

fletch · May 21st, 2012, 08:10 AM

Thanks for the advice!
I'll be looking at both of them. I'm a big fan of Roland gear (I have a JC120, AC60 and Cube60) and Carvin is a great name, as well. I didn't even know they made PA stuff.

freddyfingers · May 21st, 2012, 09:20 AM

Good luck in your quest. I still lug around a big system, even for small acoustic gigs. Two mains, two monitors, power amps{very heavy}, a board, and a box of cables and mikes. I am one of the free people that are sweating by the time they play a "light" acoustic set. I have heard wonders about the bose, but you pay for the name. How about getting the venues to provide the PA?

plroad21 · May 21st, 2012, 10:15 AM

The Stagepas is probably the best sounding one I've used. Much better sounding than the Passport.

PacRat · May 21st, 2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fletch

Thanks, mate, but that's out of my price range. I'm not gigging for money these days.
I should have said I'm looking for a system under $1,000.00.
I have a full size peavey PA but I was looking for something I can throw in the back of the car with a guitar and a little Roland AC60 amp.
I doubt I'll need anything much more than 100-150W.

I know what you mean, I'm using a full sized Peavey setup myself and I like it but I'm a little nervous lugging it around for the small venues I'm in the process of doing. Monies tight so I'll have to use it for the time being. I have toyed with the idea of buying a small mixer and using another guitar amp. At least it would cut down my foot print.

pilgrim · May 21st, 2012, 01:50 PM

I like the Bose but it takes 2 to really work for me. I bought the giggesy Fender system
but haven't taken it out of the box yet.

Scott Fraser · May 21st, 2012, 04:09 PM

I'm going to buck the trend here & say I really don't like the Bose L1 system. I'm a full time sound engineer, so my experience with it is going to be a bit different than those who play through them on stage. I find the sound to be good enough for very small coffeehouse type venues, but very unfocused & with poor projection in anything larger than a small room where everybody is within the direct field. There are any number of more affordable conventional small systems which have much better defined projection patterns & I would recommend any of them over the Bose. Just my opinion.

Scott Fraser

bobkat · May 21st, 2012, 04:29 PM

I have a little Yamaha 500 watter that I jess love! I lug two 15 inchers with a horn in each and two little EV monitors and it works GREAT!!

fletch · May 21st, 2012, 05:24 PM

The PA (not mine) I'm working with at the moment is a Behringer system:
2 X Powered 12" speakers and a mixer board.
It's light and fairly compact, but I was playing one day and it wasn't available, so I hooked mic's up to my Roland AC60 and a little Fender Acoustasonic and used them. I thought it sounded better than the PA. Then I read a glowing article about these portable PA's in a box. Unfortunately the article made no recommendations.
But that's what i'm looking for.

Thanks everyone for your great advice. It has certainly given me a jumping off place and some systems to look at. Comparing PA's isn't as easy as looking at guitars. Shops are not keen on setting up two systems just so you can compare them.

Downright uncooperative, if you ask me.

audept · May 21st, 2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Fraser

I'm going to buck the trend here & say I really don't like the Bose L1 system. I'm a full time sound engineer, so my experience with it is going to be a bit different than those who play through them on stage. I find the sound to be good enough for very small coffeehouse type venues, but very unfocused & with poor projection in anything larger than a small room where everybody is within the direct field. There are any number of more affordable conventional small systems which have much better defined projection patterns & I would recommend any of them over the Bose. Just my opinion.

Scott Fraser

Hi Scott, thanks for your honest opinion on the Bose. Which are the best contenders in your experience?

mak1965 · May 21st, 2012, 08:00 PM

I have had a few, and the best by far,,,,, Peavey Escort 3000.!!! You would need a subwoofer! So add $100. You will not be sorry, VERY EZ TO USE AND SOUNDS GREAT!, I may say that again,, the easiest to transport and setup!!! Very good sound and yeah it used to have a stand for main mixer,, but you can use a chair! I use it mainly inside, ,it is 300 watts and you will not be sorry.. Don't waste your time, I thought I needed something bigger, But a couple acoustics and singer?? The escort is the way to go. Hope that helped you out. I still use mine

lostcat · May 22nd, 2012, 03:53 AM

Fletch - maybe a trip to Rydalmere to the PA People is worth a go - tell them what your needs are and ask their recommendations - then maybe hire same or similar for a gig and see what works for you

But also worth remembering it is a bit like buying a guitar amp - do you buy what you can afford today or wait and get what you REALLY want - quality makes a difference and so does clarity - Eons are great !! And when not being used for FOH make great foldback for larger gigs
GOOD LUCK