Choose The Right PA Speakers & Mixer For Your Band

Different people will recommend different PA systems for live play. You'll read conflicting information about which to use. I go over the most common live rig bands use and which will fit you best.

Electro-Voice ZLX-12P

QSC K12.2

QSC KS118

QSC KW153

Shure PSM300
Single pack

Dual pack

Rolling Rack- Seismic Audio

Rack Mountable Splitter Snakes - Seismic Audio

Behringer X Air XR18 18-channel Tablet-Controlled Digital Mixer

Behringer X32 Rack 40-channel Rackmount Digital Mixer

Camera Gear

[Scott__C]

Good info. QSC is awesome. JBL though I think has watered down their name with some of their lower lines and doing bluetooth speakers etc. But the concert stuff is great. 
One thing you didn't mention here that is a personal pet peeve for me is bands that only run vocals through the system. Inevitably as the night wears on and ears get tired, someone decides to turn up and if someone's out front for you, they can't do anything about it.

[hendrikusdetuinman]

In my opinion using 12 inch tops and 15 inch subs works great for bands. It makes the gear a lot more transportable and with today´s active subs and tops there is plenty of power. Although I can recommend RCF as a brand, so you only have to buy equipment once. Using a pair of HD32 on 905ASII subs is a great combination for most venue´s up until 150200 people. Using a digital mixer like a behringer or Touchmix on stage as a stagebox and your entire system will fit in a car.

[bluez]

Using top speakers with a 10 or 12 inch (if you have a sub) works much better in my opinion. Usually better sound and better dispersion, lower weight. Regarding Mackie, they make both budget and expensive modells, just like JBL and the others.

[EthanRMus]

Hey Dustin! Do you have any recommendations for vdrum monitor PA speakers for solo practice use? Been looking at the Mackie Thump 15 you mentioned as well as the Simmons DA2112. Have read a lot that Mackie Thumps have better bass, but a higher noise floor often leading to stagnant hiss. Would love any personal opinion or advice you have

[Hrcak]

Playing in small space for only few friends and family. I need speaker for vocal and acoustic guitar using mic not pickup, any advice? Thanks

[aga-zn]

Thanks for your guidance. If I need to set up pa system for a outdoor concert of 500 members, how many jbl irx112bt speakers (300w RMS) do I need?

[eileenlander]

Well, it’s nice to find a short, concise video, but as a newbie to this I am completely confused with all the jargon. What are subs? And all XR blah blah ? Sorry, I think I need an idiots guide….is there such a thing?

[thomas]

Bro what abt RCF.
Which brand is good for church in yr opinion. Currently have 2 k12.2. Plan to add 2 more do I have to stick with QSC or I can go cheaper brand like Yamaha DBR.

[elishpeter]

Hi . Which is the best powered speakers 15 inch for live band setup without subs for 150 to 200 people ?

[icsux]

If you want a low cost or expensive PA setup RCF/DB Technologies are your best choices, ALWAYS!

[brianmcdermott]

I'm thinking two QSC CP12's based on size not sure how they are gonna sound or what sub to pair with, any ideas?

[rlfaby]

Do you have any recommendations for a cheap mixer and PA system bundle? I am a vocalist in a death/doom band and I am looking for a PA system mainly for practicing and playing in small outside gigs.

[williamthesoundguybalestri]

People!! Get OUT of the 70's!! I haven't used a main speaker larger than 3.5" in OVER FIFTEEN YEARS!! A 12" or 15" on a stand with a sub is 1970's technology!! Yet people are STILL choosing this over line array column speakers! I don't get it! It is true that a QSC 12.2 is modern class D amplification with Digital Sound Processing, but it's still pushing 1970's speaker arrangements! If you want to move past the Jurassic period with your PA system look at things like Turbosound IP2000, Turbosound IP3000, LD systems Maui 44, or even Electro-Voice Evolve series. When multiple small speakers reproduce sound they can work much more efficiently. You will hear individual instruments much more distinct. Really folks... time for your audio gear to... 'Evolve'.