Recommendations for small powered speakers

[Zapple]

Hola!

I'm looking for ideas for small powered speakers for live sound.

I tour with an acoustic duo and we're outgrowing the SWR acoustic guitar amp we've been using. I love the sound but sometimes we just need more power. I'm thinking of adding 1 or 2 small speakers with some balls and a nice clear sound. Hitch is they need to be as compact as possible to fit in the van and still leave room to sleep in there.

I'm running 2 vocal mics, looped acoustic guitar, ukulele, percussion, and occasionally bass through a Mackie board.

I'd consider leaving the SWR at home if I found the right fit. Any leads or other crazy ideas that might work for this scenario? Your professional opinions are appreciated!


Happy New Year,

Zapple!

[Frost]

Qsc k series speakers seem to fit what you are looking for

[LimeMusic]

I second the QSC K series. Even the 8" version has a lot of power, and a decent low end.
Cheaper route could be some used Electro Voice or Mackie SRM series powered speakers. Both are good enough to do the job, and depending on where you live, they are pretty easy to find on craigslist.

[geezerrules]

Fishman SA220 is a really nice system.
http://www.fishman.com/files/sa220_user_guide.pdf

[RobDrmz]

I really like my m-audio BX8A's...

[M4-10]

A 200 watt 10" powered speaker will definitely do as a monitor, and either another one of those for a main speaker or a 500 watt 12" powered speaker for your main speaker. Whether or not you need the more powerful main is something you'll have to discover. You'll only really miss it when you have bass, but the smaller speaker will probably suffice.

The 200 watt 10" powered speakers are quite a bit easier to carry around than the 500 watt 12" speakers.

The Mackie SRM 350s are fine for 200 watt speakers. The current version is really light. The larger SRM 450 500 watt speakers are quite a bit heavier.

Both are available on Craigslist in cities. 350s sell for $300-350 used, and 450s sell for about $500 used.

[Zapple]

Thanks y'all. Some nice ideas. That K series from Qsc looks awesome.


Muchas gracias,

Zap!

[cheu78]

I'm late to the party..

The QSC are pretty good for the price indeed
They have a fan on the back though, so if you're doing very quiet stuff that might be annoying (I don't know how quiet you go, it's not bothering on "normal" pub levels..)

Check out the cheap RCF ART 10" as well, it's plastic box, no fan, pretty solid and very cheap.. It's better than the Mackie counterpart IMO.

On another level check out the NuQ series from Turbosound, look for the powered version.. (NuQ-DP)
The 10" are stellar, for small acoustic stuff the 8" might be enough.. Of course they are NOT cheap, but they really sound great, on another level from QSC, of course at a very different price.

I'm not crazy about the sound, but for small stuff it might be worthed a look.. The new HK elements, modular and very light.. Or the counterpart, probably better, at least on features, the Fohhn Linea Live series..


I hope this helps,



Cheu