Advice for an outdoor event...

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Another option for outdoors is multiple single 18" subs. This way you can use 1 pair or 2 pair depending on the need (and can also start with a lower cost). Tops need to be good though, as you really can't double them up without issues unless they have narrow dispersion horns, which then limits their use indoors. If you have a seated audience, and the space is deep, you can also use a pair of speakers halfway out on a delay to help reach the back of the audience. Doesn't work as well if they're moving around though.

Good outdoor tops are the QSC KW (or older HPR line used) , JBL SRX, EV Tour X, and I'm sure there are others.
 
I really want a passive system however I do like the sound of my K10s and received positive comments from clients on the clear sound from such a small package. The QSC KW152s are looking good so far and I could have the K10s for fills as Houston suggested. I will loose the ability to monitor for clipping which I wanted to avoid but I would gain the ability to do larger indoor and outdoor events with consistent sound sticking with the same brand/series. The upside is I will grow the business and get a kick butt passive system.
 
Passive is great .. same issues apply. If you can manage the gain structure and protect the drivers from clipping, some of the passive units will outperform the actives. I know the JBL SRX715/712/722 set will blow most things away if given enough power. But passive won't necessarily save money once you factor in the requisite amps, crossovers, etc. It's just a different way to do it and there are a few more options today.
 
Hi Ologee! Over the years I have done many outdoor events. They range from outdoor wedding receptions to car shows to crabfests to company picnics and so on. My usual outdoor set up includes EV SXA360 powered speakers (from 2 to 6 depending on coverage) and 2 EV ZXA1 subs (if needed). I have used 2 SXA360's on the outdoor deck of a local sportsmans club every other weekend (from May to September) for the last 5 years without any issues. I also use an E-Z up tent when needed. I also have played in a band where we use Mackie 450's and the matching sub outside and have had no issues. For last years car shows & crabfests I used 4 of the 360's ( 2 foh and 2 spread wide) and covered a crowd of 300 plus with no problem.
 
I took the plunge and bought a pair of KW152s. Although not passive I can maneuver them on my own and they will work very well indoors which is the bulk of my business so far. They were more than I wanted to pay but I can rent them out....hopefully.

I also picked up another PV118. I will be upgrading the subs later in the year. Thanks for the help. I will you all know how it goes.
 
TheOlogee said:
I took the plunge and bought a pair of KW152s. Although not passive I can maneuver them on my own and they will work very well indoors which is the bulk of my business so far. They were more than I wanted to pay but I can rent them out....hopefully.

I also picked up another PV118. I will be upgrading the subs later in the year. Thanks for the help. I will you all know how it goes.
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Be careful with the KW152s indoors .. the 60 degree horn will generally limit dispersion, so to cover a wide area, you need to set them as far back as possible. The KW122 and 153 both have 75 degree horns .. not sure why they did it that way. The 60 degree horn is better for arraying and will generally throw a little farther though, so it's great for outdoors.
 
steve149 said:
Be careful with the KW152s indoors .. the 60 degree horn will generally limit dispersion, so to cover a wide area, you need to set them as far back as possible. The KW122 and 153 both have 75 degree horns .. not sure why they did it that way. The 60 degree horn is better for arraying and will generally throw a little farther though, so it's great for outdoors.
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Thanks for the tip.
 
I did a patio party, about 70 guests, this past Friday eve at a residence on an acre lot. The back yard covered about 75% of the acre. There was a bounce house with a roaring motor as well. I had my pair of K10s and PV118. The K10s held there own, with clarity, at about half volume for over 4 hours. I walked the perimeter of the yard to get a feel for the sound and was amazed!

I cancelled the order on the KW152s and went with the KW153s instead...should have them this week. Given this past weekend I'm sure the KW153s will get the job done at my 2 larger outdoor events. Thanks for the help all.
 
Let us know how the KW153s sound .. they are on my radar as a replacement for my Yorkville tops.
 
steve149 said:
Let us know how the KW153s sound .. they are on my radar as a replacement for my Yorkville tops.
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The KW153s came in on Friday. I played with them at home and on Saturday in the outdoor activity lot at my church. Indoors they sound awesome. Outdoors I ran audio direct from my droid phone with no processing or sub. Highs were clear, mids warm, bass was ok. I may be able to get by without a sub with these indoors but outside the bass sounded a bit flat and was muddy when I activated DEEP (sound issues could have been my phone though).

These things are heavier than expected. I'm not a small guy and thought I was in pretty decent shape but it will take me + 1 to get these on stands (could be my technique or maybe I need to do more push-ups xf:D).

They are more than enough power for my upcoming outdoor gigs. I will be barely able to fit both of these, my k10s, a pair of PV118s, and the rest of my gear into a Ford Expedition.

So far I'm pleased with the sound. I'll just need to start a gym membership or hire someone to help me hoist these things.
 
One trick I used to do with some heavy speakers was to set the stand up at the appropriate height, lock it in, put it in position with 2 legs in front (1 pointed straight back) .. then pivot it down to the ground, pivoting on the 2 front legs. Lay the speaker on it's back (usually on a piece of cardboard or rug) and slide it onto the stand (not the stand to the speaker if you can help it). Then grab the handles on the spekaer and pivot it back up on the stands 2 legs and done. Did it all the time when my back was causing more pain than it does now. The old stands were pin lock. My new ones are Ultimate Telelock, which I can start at the lowest setting and then push up, so it's easier to load.
 
steve149 said:
One trick I used to do with some heavy speakers was to set the stand up at the appropriate height, lock it in, put it in position with 2 legs in front (1 pointed straight back) .. then pivot it down to the ground, pivoting on the 2 front legs. Lay the speaker on it's back (usually on a piece of cardboard or rug) and slide it onto the stand (not the stand to the speaker if you can help it). Then grab the handles on the spekaer and pivot it back up on the stands 2 legs and done. Did it all the time when my back was causing more pain than it does now. The old stands were pin lock. My new ones are Ultimate Telelock, which I can start at the lowest setting and then push up, so it's easier to load.
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Yep, it was all in my technique. I tried a few approaches yesterday to include your tip and am able to get them mounted. I have some Ultimate stands too which are a great help in adjusting the height of them. Thanks much!
 
I use a Lighting Crank Stand and a three step ladder. It comes with the territory. Placing speakers on top of a tripod ain't all that hard.
 
True, but I still don't want to be climbing a ladder, even a small one, with a 85# top trying to line up the pole and top hat. That works for a lightweight unit.
 
steve149 said:
True, but I still don't want to be climbing a ladder, even a small one, with a 85# top trying to line up the pole and top hat. That works for a lightweight unit.
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Many times when I forget the ladder at home. I setup the stand where it needs to be behind my scoop then I put the tops on top of the scoop. I climb up on the scoop and just lift and rest to top into place. Yep, you can actually stand on a scoop. ;)
 
ahoustondj said:
I use a Lighting Crank Stand and a three step ladder. It comes with the territory. Placing speakers on top of a tripod ain't all that hard.
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Spot on Houston...its been a while since I've dealt with large speakers so a bit out of practice. I've been spoiled with the K10s.
 
I do not miss putting heavy speaker on tripods or poles one bit. I have been so spoiled that even putting the KLA's on a pole is heavier then I would like. The KW153's are 1 lbs lighter than my KW181's so I would hate to have to throw that up on a pole often.

And for the discussion on the dispersion of the KW 152 vs the 153, I think the 152 uses the 60 degree so that it matches the 15" woofer better sonically where the 153 being a 3way has more mid & HF throw to match the 15" output.
 
It may be, but I'm guessing the 60 degree horn was to allow it to array better. 60 deg is pretty much the standard for horizontal speakers in an array.
 
ahoustondj said:
Many times when I forget the ladder at home. I setup the stand where it needs to be behind my scoop then I put the tops on top of the scoop. I climb up on the scoop and just lift and rest to top into place. Yep, you can actually stand on a scoop. ;)
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So you are now getting your moneys worth out of the scoops. Stepping stool is a step up.
 
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