r/livesoundgear

I just agreed to buy a relatively new SQ-6 for $3k. The guy says it's barely used and in great shape and he seems cool but I don't know him and have no reason to trust that (especially at this great price). Per my understanding of A&H's warranty any remaining coverage won't transfer to me as a secondary buyer, so I need to make sure this thing is in good shape. I can't spend an hour testing this and depending on it's location I may be testing it out of my trunk (I have a 400W plug in which should run it fine, though I'm worried it may introduce some noise issues).

What are some red flags I need to be on the lookout for? And what tests can I run in 15-20 minutes to be reasonably confident it's in good shape before I pay him?

Hi there, I'm a bandleader and producer looking for a PA system + subsequent gear for the following purposes:

1. Up to 8 inputs for instruments/mics

2. Bluetooth mic capabilities (not for music, for speaking engagements that require lots of moving around the venue)

3. Bluetooth music playing capabilities

4. Relatively simple to put together and transport

5. Under $2500

I need to order this soon because while I'm hoping to use it for my band and speaking events, I'm also hoping to use it for my wedding! I feel lost with all the gear options and don't want to waste my money on something stupid/crappy.

Hi all!

As stated I need help disassembling my e912 mic. Its the same as the e901, one has a more bassdrum tailored sound, the other a more flat "vocal" optimised sound for churches and stuff.

I picked up said e912 for little money, works great but the internal foam behind the grille is a crumbly sticky mess. Is there any way to remove the metal mesh to clean and replace it? I removed all obvious screws but could not find any way to push it out.

Thanks in advance

Edit: I already removed all visible screws including baseplate, capsule and electronics. See seperately posted photo. My problem is the metal mesh that seems to be fused to the body

Lately I’ve been looking for a specific type of mic mixer but cannot find it. I want a rack mount mic mixer with around 6-8 inputs that has gain and panning knobs for each channel with a stereo output. I see a lot of pieces like this that only have gain and no panning control. There’s a Behringer eurorack line mixer that has both controls but as the name implies, it’s for line level signals and is not a mic preamp. Anyone know of this?

Our small, nonprofit theater is currently looking into replacing our existing audio system, starting with our mics. Our budget for new mics is essentially "as small as possible" (<$2,000 ideal, although we can petition the Board for a higher budget, within reason, if there's a decent compromise option to be had). We're aware that rules out lots of the most recommended options – for example, the Shure line that we'd otherwise love to invest in – so we could use your advice!

Our current equipment:

• 16-channel Onxy series Mackie Mixer
• Two Behringer Eurolive B210D speakers
• Two Behringer Eurolive B208D speakers
• One Behringer Eurolive B205D backstage monitor
• 8 AKG mini-XLR microphones
• 2 VocoPro microphone and receiver sets

Right now, our priority is purchasing new wireless microphones / transmitter packs / receivers (although we eventually intend to piecemeal a whole new system) as two of our existing mic packs have broken, so for now what we get needs to play nicely with our other equipment.

We'd need at least 8 new mics. Wireless transmission is a must. We have used lav mics but would probably prefer to move to over-the-ear, headworn, or other alternative styles, as long as they are discreet, as our shows are interactive.

We perform dinner murder mystery theatre generally to audiences of ~40-80. We also do private shows for audiences of all sizes, though the largest are usually ~300. Our venues vary (restaurants, event venues, or occasionally private residences, and even once a boat!) but are never acoustically ideal. In-between scenes, actors mingle with the audience in-character. Since the system needs to be portable, 4-channel (or higher) receivers are vastly preferable to each mic needing its own.

The #1 complaint we get from audience members during our shows is audio issues: they can't hear us, or we get issues with clothing noises or random popping. This is fairly clearly due to the quality of our equipment as it persists regardless of placement, broadcast loops, etc.

We've seen a number of cheap ~$300 systems on Amazon, but would prefer to spend just a bit more on something that's less likely to continue having issues and needing replacement every season: the problem is that most of the better quality suggestions we've seen are well out of budget. Your middle-ground recommendations are greatly appreciated! We're also open to suggestions on replacing other equipment, although it isn't our current priority.

Thank you!

Hello everyone,

A while back I asked various subreddits about their preferences for drum mics, and 2 different opinions developed as a consensus for which type of mic to use on a Snare Bottom - pencil condensers and supercardioids.

I wanted to return here and ask - which do you prefer and why?
And which mic do you use/have experience with from the category of your choice?

If more context is needed to help inform your answers, I'd be happy to provide it.

Hello Guys!

I got two old HK Audio Premium PR115 speakers for free from a local club and I want to use them again. So I'm searching for an adequate power amp. So far I found two Crown XS1200 used for 180€ each, that I would use bridged and I also thought of buying a T.Amp E-1500.

I looked for amps that have at least twice the power rating of the speakers - is that right?

The Speakers are 8 ohm 350W RMS.

Thanks in advance :)

Edit:

I also just found a LAB Gruppen PDX3000 used. Would that be better? Or overkill?

I work for a hotel resort with a Shure LX sound system and we need new microphones. From what I gather from research the beta 87a microphone will work with it. Is this accurate? None of us really have any idea how any of this works and I’m trying to learn.

As title suggests, I am an intermediate concert videographer and run my own company for it. I am trying to raise the quality of my work by getting much better audio for live shows that I can record myself. I am essentially completely new to recording audio externally to the camera. I have looked into getting the Zoom H5 field recorder, and then just plugging whatever connection is needed into the output of a mixing desk to get the live audio. I know this would not provide the best option as getting the stems of channels would be the best, but I am a complete novice when it comes to this so I want to start off lite.

So what connections/cables would I need separate to the Zoom itself for recording? And what kind of questions do I need to ask the audio tech at shows that won't impede on what they are doing to still record?

Looking for advice for a permanent installation for mains in a 312 seat venue. They will be replacing some old JBL JRX 112s. Events are primarily traditional jazz concerts, along with lectures, panel discussions, and the occasional dance rental. But we have been doing some larger and louder fusion/smooth jazz concerts, and the old speakers are struggling to keep up.

Budget is around $4000 total for the two speakers. Will likely be getting some new Crown amps for them as well (separate from this budget). They will be flown from the ceiling at around 18 feet.

I have been leaning towards the RCF C 5212s, but am considering JBL SRX812s as well. Main difference I see is in power rating (500W for RCF vs 800W for JBLs), but considering the old speakers we're currently using, either choice will be a big upgrade.

I'm mostly looking to get some opinions on sound quality, as I haven't heard either speaker in person. Will the difference be negligible? Anyone feel strongly one way or the other? I know people like the SRXs, but I am also a fan of RCF. Also open to any other suggestions people might have.

I’m looking for a pair of SDC. From my research the SE7/8 is basically what I’m looking for in my budget… which is around $500 for the pair. The sE8 is pushing that by close to $100 with tax, while the sE7 is well under budget. I’m wondering if the sound difference is really worth paying almost double. I know the sE7 is electret and the sE8 is true… but how much of a difference does that REALLY make?

Are you creating a matrix for your FOH mix, or going straight to the mains? I'm learning my way around a Wing Rack, and I currently have FOH going straight to mains. I understand about using matrices for livestream, stage center fills, etc (which I did on my UI24), but I'm wondering if I should change my current FOH setup.

Hey everyone,

I am looking to invest in a pair of high-end active speakers and have narrowed my choices down to the RCF ART 945-A and the Yamaha DZR 315.

I am aware of the on-paper physical and technical differences: the Yamaha is a heavy 41.6kg (92 lbs) 3-way wooden cabinet, while the RCF is a lightweight 22kg (48 lbs) 2-way composite box featuring a massive 4" voice coil.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has A/B tested them or has real-world experience with either. I'm strictly looking for a head-to-head comparison on these points:

Sound Quality & Clarity: Does the 3-way design of the Yamaha provide a noticeable advantage in vocal clarity and mid-range compared to the RCF when pushed hard?

Real-World Volume & Throw: Specs aside, which speaker actually cuts through better and maintains its punch at high SPL without getting harsh?

The Weight Trade-off: Is the acoustic superiority of the Yamaha's wooden cabinet genuinely worth the physical struggle of a 42kg box, or does the RCF sound close enough to not justify the extra weight?

Thanks for any insights!

I have a Crown CE2000 bridged at 4 ohm running my 21" Dayton sub, works fine but its pretty weak. Was planning on using the crown for the mains and getting something with much more power for the sub. I don't understand how pa amps ratings work, but this thing doesn't do anywhere near 2000w, id say it maybe does 500 if I had to guess. What should I be looking for as far as used pa amps, preferably less then $700 what will actually make some power. Do I need to get a "8000w" pa amp to get 2000wrms into this subwoofer or is this particular crown amp I have just a slouch? I'm thinking 3000wrms would be ideal as its rated for 2000w and with a 5" vc I'm sure it could take a little more .

Hi everybody,

I want to start doing live gigs in small pubs/cafes. But I'm confused on what equipment I'll need equipment. Ideally I want to get something that works with vocals, piano or guitar at same time or vocals and backing track.

I had looked at the S1 Bose Pro+ but then I worry if that'll work with a trio setup and if I'll need 1 or 2 speakers would be better? Do I need a mixer?

I just want to start off with the right setup. For context I plan on singing a mixture of chill pop songs, ballads and swing jazz songs.

Any help would be appreciated?