How do I level up this PA system?
Hello sound people,
This is my first EVER Reddit post, so please forgive me if I mess this up.
Here is my situation. I've played in bands for 20+ years. I've done a lot of DIY shows and owned several PA systems for rehearsal spaces and backyard shows. Not a problem. But...I'm a grown up now and an active member of my town. I have been helping out by doing sound at our Community Day fair. We have an outdoor bandshell and groups play (rock bands, mostly) to an area the size of a football field. I've done this two years in row and have gotten by with this gear:
Mackie DL16SE mixer (with an iPad)
Two Behringer NX3000 power amps feeding the mains: Four 15" Peavey 400W speaker cabs.
I use an old Peavey XR8600 powered mixer to feed the monitors and run two separate mixes (front and drummer). I use 12" wedge monitors I got off FB Marketplace and they work great.
This whole set up is probably archaic, but it is really all I know from playing DIY punk shows.
Here is an issue: I have noticed that when I have to really push the vocals (some singers are REALLY quiet and their band is really loud) I can start to hear clipping.
My question is, what can I do to level up this system? Is the answer as easy as Sub-woofers? If so, tell me more. If not, please tell me what could help.
Thanks!!