Newbie 2k PA System help

Portable PA
1

Hi everyone and thanks for reading. 

About a year ago I set up as a simple solo singer using simple downloaded backing tracks. No instruments etc..

I sing big band rat pack numbers, jazz and lounge and general oldies and am a complete technical novice.

I bought a Behringer eps500 portable PA off a friend and a nice Elvis Shure 55sh (a cheap starter kit essentially) it's been perfect for what I needed it for up until now. I plug my phone in and press play on the downloaded backing tracks and sing along and have been playing free gigs in nursing homes to entertain the wrinklies ever since. My mum was cared for and passed a year ago which prompted me to give something back and start singing for them. 

I was recently asked if I could do a summer fete which was lovely, but found my little kit really struggled outside in the open space with added 'people noise'. I was asked if I could turn it up....I couldn't. There were about 300 people in a pretty open space and I was a bit embarrassed. 

So I'm looking for an upgrade and I'm looking at Bose. A system that will potentially do it all for me. Quick set up, easily connects to my android phone, touch of reverb,  maybe wireless mic capability, but more importantly a system where I'll be asked to turn it down, not up. I have another outside gig in a couple of months (200-250) and i need loud, but I also want crisp.

All my research leads to so much conflicting advice on what is 'best' but everyone has different needs I guess. So please help if you can, what( in your professional opinion) is best for me given what i said I need?

I'm really attracted to the l range but l1 model 2 with T1 v Pro 16 or 32 then b1s or b2 or sub 1s or 2s and I'm suddenly in far too deep technically.

I have a top end budget of 2k that does limit me of course, but if you had to buy a 'one size fits all my needs' portable PA, with my budget how would you spend it?

Huge thanks to the community for any guidance, it's very, very much appreciated.

Salty.

 

 

2

Hello Apinchofsalt,

 

Kudos for wanting to "give back".  My wife and I enjoy doing the same for these venues.

 

I believe an L1 Pro16 will probably work just fine for your needs, given that you are a soloist with backing tracks, trying to work within a certain budget.  I won't belabor all the features, but you can take advantage of the ToneMatch presets in the L1 Mix App to tailor the sound you wish to achieve.  The unit has a built-in Bluetooth receiver, so you won't even have to "plug in" your phone, just pair it and go!

 

The Pro8 may do an fine job for you, but I sense that you are wary of running into situations where you wish you had more.  The Pro32 with a Sub2 has the same size woofer as the Pro16, and 32 drivers vs 16.  It may be overkill for you, and is more expensive.  A user many on this forum are familiar with has a nice discourse regarding his decision criteria at this link.

 

Talk to the folks you'll be purchasing from, be sure to verify their return policy in case you find you've bought too much or too little.  It helps that all three systems (8, 16, and 32) have exactly the same control panel and you wouldn't have to relearn anything if you switched models.

 

I'm hoping others will chime in with their recommendations.

 

Does that help?

3

Fish-54.

Note of thanks for your quick response, much appreciated.

Do you think that the 16 might be left wanting in open spaces or would be suitable for 300 in a 'field'.

I guess I'm of the train of thought that I'd rather have the muscle but tone it down than not having the guts to satisfy a bigger reception, if you know what I mean.

My little system (allegedly) does 250w per speaker but really strains with reaching back any more than 50ft in a crowd.

Really do appreciate your taking time to reply as I'm really quote stuck.

A friend has recommended a Yamaha stagepas 600 but then I'm back with 2 speakers and I like the idea and concepts behind Bose (and the lightness!) that one system brings.

Thanks again for all you guidance, will certainly do some homework on the 16. 

4

Hello again Apinchofsalt,

 

It's hard to compare the performance of traditional "speakers on a stick" to the line-array characteristics of the l1 systems.  Also, wattage numbers don't really mean a lot -- SPL (Sound Pressure Level) is a more accurate description of "how loud".  Plus, SPL will generally drop off less over distance with a line-array system.  And I was trying to keep your budget in mind with my recommendation.

 

Have you had a chance to actually hear a Bose L1 system in action?  I will warn you, once you do, you could very well be willing to go over budget!  I was skeptical 12 years ago, then heard a band that used 3 L1 systems, nothing else -- and I was sold.  Search Facebook for the very active "Bose L1" Facebook group, where a number of users have posted videos along with their discussions.  (Of course, your computer or phone speakers, headphones or earbuds can't compete with hearing one live, but you get the idea.)

 

Enjoy!