Equipment recommendations

[Patrick]

Hey all,

I have taken over as director for the local Rescue Mission. One of the things I am wanting to do is to put a small sound system in place for times we may have musicians coming in or if I might want to do chapel outside. I wanted something small and quick to set up. I am looking at the QSC K12 speakers with a one rack space mixer and one rack space power conditioner. Looking to keep it under $2k is possible.

Anyone have recommendations?

 

[steve149]

Hi Patrick .. Starting with the speakers, can't go wrong with with the QSC K12, the Yamaha DXR12, EV EKX12p (ZLX12p also, though plastic not as rugged) or the JBL PRX812. All will do the job and are within a $100 or so of each other. Some have different inputs (JBL has BT) and if I had to narrow it down soundwise, I might go the K12 or DXR12 ways.

For the rest, a lot depends on what you need to plug in .. "musicians" is too open for a easy recommendation. I might not opt for a rack mount, but a simple tabletop mixer (Yamaha, Mackie, Soundcraft, A&H) and depending on number of inputs needed, you should be able to find something suitable under $300-$400.

Rackmounts are great for fixed use, tougher to connect things if needs are always changing.

 

[Patrick]

Steve, would be just one or two acoustic guitars through direct boxes with 1 or 2 microphones, nothing full band like

 

[rhythmgj]

Yeah, but you want to be expandable; as soon as you commit to this, that will change. The minute you decide "only two guitar players," is the time that a colleague is booking a three guitar act.

GJ

 

[steve149]

I agree with GJ .. you always run out of channels. I have an Allen&Heath Zed12FX and love it for small work. I have even used it on a small band. Got it for $400 at the time.

Here's another great option for just over $300 .. AND it has compression available for the mic channels ... Yamaha MG12XU

 

[Patrick]

was actually looking at the Behringer (I know lol) MX882

https://www.allprosound.com/catalog/productdetails~fprodid~356~item~Behringer-MX882.htm

 

[Patrick]

the problem is because of space it has to be something rack mountable, can't be a table top because there is no table or space in the chapel, literally

 

[rhythmgj]

But if you're having a rack...

GJ

 

[Patrick]

I have to admit, that Yamaha is pretty featuring packed... might have to readjust the plan and reconfigure what I am doing.

 

[DJ Ricky B]

Another more affordable mixer option is the Yamaha MG10XU - $199,99 on Ebay. I LOVE that mixer. Sound is superb. If you are going with a mixer with some effects added in, go Yamaha all the way.

Yamaha MG10XU 10-Channel Compact Stereo Mixer and USB Audio Interface BONUS PAK | eBay

 

[DJ TJ]

So if you only have space for a rack, then you should have space for a combo unit that you could rackmount the yamaha or similar on top and have as many spaces as you need on the bottom for power conditioner etc.
A plastic gator or skb combo unit would be your lightest choice.

 

[Patrick]

the more I look at the videos and reviews, the more I like the Yamaha MG12XU, think it will pair great with the K12s... but am not seeing how a rack adapter for it

 

[DJ TJ]

It's listed as an optional accessory:
MG12XU - MG Series (XU Model) - Analog Mixers - Mixers - Live Sound - Products - Yamaha United States

You still need to do your due diligence though in making sure it fits the case you have selected.
The skb pictured above does say it fits a few yamaha mixers but does not list that specific model.
That's not to say it won't fit, it just hasn't been tested by their staff.
10 x 2 Roto Rack/Mixer Console | SKB Music / ProAV

 

[steve149]

Rack mount kit for Yamaha. Yamaha Rack Mount Kit for the MG12 and MG12XU


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Patrick]

Yeah looks like musicians friends has the mixer, kit and case for $550... but it is only a mixer case with nothing on the bottom for the power conditioner... going to email them to see if they can put a package together to include everything

 

[steve149]

With most stuff today, you really don't need a power conditioner. If you want one, you can always go with a smaller unit like this Furman .. Furman SS-6B 6-outlet Power Strip ... .I have 2 of them.

 

[Patrick]

thanks Steve, that is about a $50 savings too

 

[Patrick]

I am also looking at this one

Mackie ProFX12v2 12-Channel Professional FX Mixer with USB

and if I went that route, I would not need a case at all because they make a bag for it

Mackie ProFX12 Bag

 

[steve149]

I am also looking at this one

Mackie ProFX12v2 12-Channel Professional FX Mixer with USB

and if I went that route, I would not need a case at all because they make a bag for it

Mackie ProFX12 Bag

Another decent mixer. One thing to do is to signup at KPODJ.com .. they have some of the best gear pricing .. and then use that pricing to negotiate with other places. Guitar Center (same company as Musician's Friend) will normally match. Might save you a bunch (or just order from KPODJ).

 

[rickryan.com]

Hey all,

I have taken over as director for the local Rescue Mission. One of the things I am wanting to do is to put a small sound system in place for times we may have musicians coming in or if I might want to do chapel outside. I wanted something small and quick to set up. I am looking at the QSC K12 speakers with a one rack space mixer and one rack space power conditioner. Looking to keep it under $2k is possible.

Anyone have recommendations?

Yea, exactly what you said. K12s