Portable PA for events?

F

firehawk

Veteran
Not sure where to post this...
Looking for advice for a portable PA system for events.
Thinking of offering it as an option for low budget weddings where they don't want to hire a DJ but need some sound.
Also as an option for corporate events where they need budget sound.
I wouldn't sell it as a DJ package but more of a rental where we set it up and they use it.
Another thing I like is it would allow me easy access to recording a clean line out of the event.
Again, I don't want to be a DJ but just help them by providing sound.
So, it would usually be an add on option to video service we are providing for the same job.

In the past we rented a Fender Passport for a corporate event and it worked well for the speaker and music so I am considering it.
I am not an audio guy so any advice is appreciated.

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Passp...9390047&sr=8-4&keywords=fender+passport+venue

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-PP...ringer+ppa2000bt+portable+bluetooth+pa+system

The Fender has the option for a powered sub out connection. Any recommendations for that?
 
The Fender Passport series is garbage. Most of those briefcase systems aren’t very good, though I do have a little respect for the Yamaha Stagepas series. They sound better than others in that range of products.

Those systems don’t have much to offer in the way of EQ, so avoiding feedback is strictly a matter of careful placement of speakers and mics, and careful gain staging of the mic(s). The cables provided to connect the speakers also aren’t very long or rugged. Briefcase systems really aren’t intended for larger events; they’re for gigging musicians (solo, duo, very small group) and for platform presentations where space is a concern. Operationally, the mixers are harder to access and are really meant to be “set it and forget it” for users.

You’d be better off getting a couple of powered speakers (look at the JBL EON 610 for great bang-for-the-buck) and a small mixer. XLR cables connect mixer to speakers, so the mixer can be placed wherever it’s needed for someone to operate it.

The Behringer X-Air mixers are inexpensive and portable, and are iPad-controlled via WiFi. The big plus is that there are multiple outputs, meaning you could log in and control your own dedicated camera mix on one of the AUX outs.

You might also look at a compact mixer like the Allen & Heath ZED 10 or ZED 12, though you’re back to limited EQ shaping for feedback control. Still, they’re functional mixers that do have AUX ouptput mixes for your camera feed.

Truth is, if you actually do end up renting this system as added value, it’ll pay for itself. So it makes sense to get something a little better rather than a cheap-o briefcase system.
 
The QSC line of PA speakers are well work the cost 2 K8s or 2 K10s would work well.

If it made you more money in the long run you could add a small subwoofer later.
 
I was going to say identical comments to Alex! The Fender is a truly dire product - as quiet background you just about get away with it, but turn it up and it's plain nasty to listen to. HF that cuts your head off with the cymbals and bass that's plastic and wooly sounding. You know those cheap DJs where the arrival quiet music is just about OK, but then as soon as it's turned up it sounds horrible - the Fender is worse!

Personally - a couple of active speakers and you can do most things - replay of music from a laptop, many have mic inputs on the back - much more versatile and better quality for the same sort of dosh.
 
I concur with the above, a few times I've had to work with a third-party's Fender Passport for edu events.. they suck. One of the bands I mix for has six of JBL EONs. I use their 515-XL for mains and the newer 615 for monitors. One of the 615s digital circuitry locked to the 'mains' parameter setting and cannot be changed, even after the factory reset procedure. On this past hot humid labor day festival, a fluctuating brown-out power condition fried two of the 615s, the 515XTs were fine as were the 518 subs. Another band has the QSC K series, which have been trouble free.
Many of the new digital boards have a USB port for recording, some can record the ISO tracks. I have a analog A&H PA28, it's a big heavy SOB, but I love the silky-smooth preamps. I have an outboard rack with EQs, comps/limiters and FX.. another heavy SOB. When a recording is requested, I use a Tascam DR-40, L-R mains from the console and the internal mics pick-up the ambient/room sound. I give the two stereo pairs to the band or mix it myself at an additional charge of course.
 
Thank you all. I am very grateful to see some of you experts chime in who know a lot. I've learned from you before.
I didn't realize the Fender Passport Venue or Behringer PPA were not that good. As mentioned the only experience I had was the one positive experience with a Fender.
I'm going to look up the stuff you guys listed to try to determine what to get
 
firehawk said:
Thank you all. I am very grateful to see some of you experts chime in who know a lot. I've learned from you before.
I didn't realize the Fender Passport Venue or Behringer PPA were not that good. As mentioned the only experience I had was the one positive experience with a Fender.
I'm going to look up the stuff you guys listed to try to determine what to get
Click to expand...

Good advice here from the experts. Sound gear lasts a LONG time so it makes sense to buy something good that you and your clients won't end up hating. I bet it will pay for itself quickly and then you are into rental profit!
 
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