Hall PA Speakers

[caffrey]

Anyone got any recommendations for speakers for a hall ? Our current ones after investigation look like they've blown up (I'm blaming the letting but that's another story)

 

I had nothing to do with the original install but the original speakers were a pair of RCF Art 312

[Andrew_C]

Budget? You are in "how long is a piece of string" territory at the moment.

 

I'd strongly advise getting someone in with a few options and seeing what they recommend, and what sounds good. There are many ways to skin that particular cat...

 

A location might elicit some recommendations of local companies.

[caffrey]

I'm going with like for like, I think the originals were £615 + vat

 

Problem is is time, we have an open day on Saturday....

[PotNoodleTech]

I am a big fan of Wharfedale's for schools as they are reliable and sound good, fairly cheap, and you can get them anywhere. Had plenty of nice compliments about the sound in our hall running 6 x Titan 12 passives.

 

The RCFs appear to be decent speakers so I would be wondering how you managed to blow them up? Are you feeding them a full range signal as that's never a good idea on 12" PA - too easy to wack the volume up as the speakers are not designed to do 20-40hz really loud.. I have ours shelved off under 60hz and have 2 x 15" subs I can plug in if we need it. We don't usually need it last time I plugged them in were when a hop hop band came in and wanted things bomping. Bomping they got!

[Andrew_C]

Where are you?

 

Hiring would be worthwhile before committing to buying a pig-in-a-poke.

 

Like for like - were they active? https://www.thomann.de/gb/rcf_art_312_a_mk_iv.htm

[caffrey]

That's my thought with the letting, I had no hand in the original design as it was a music dept. project but the director of music has since left. I think it was designed with just microphones in mind and not loud music and the letting we have is one of those fitness things that like loud music. We can't outright blame them (even though they've blown up two other pieces of equipment but hey ho)

 

Currently we have a soundcraft efx12, crown XLS2500 amp and a Behringer FBQ1502 connected to those speakers

 

They are passive, using speakon connectors

 

Might have to hire at this rate as we don't have a lot of time

 

we're in the North East

Edited September 26, 2018 by caffrey

[3s-gtech]

I've always specced EV speakers for our stuff - hall, conference room and all our Music department mobile stuff for concerts and sports day. They're well made, not overpriced, take serious abuse (when matched reasonably with the amp - i.e. expect the users to clip the hell out of the signal, so they need to tolerate heat!) We tend to use a local supplier, as we've often had to replace other inferior stuff at very short notice when it has emitted magic smoke just before an event.

[caffrey]

These ? Full range too

 

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Electro-Voice-ELX112-12-Passive-PA-Speaker/1YXH#full-des

 

*Spoke to supplier and he's recommending these too

 

Thanks again

Edited September 26, 2018 by caffrey

[ICTDirect_Dave]

I'm a big fan of Active Mackie speakers.

 

These in particular are both cheap and excellent.

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/mackie_thump_12a.htm

[Andrew_C]

I'd be happy with EV in principle; but we can't tell you what it will sound like!

[LeMarchand]

"Mackie Thump"? Are they fans of The Goodies? I'd post a clip, but the BBC seem to have done a fine job of takedowns on YouTube.

[SamanthaD]

I've used the ELX112 many times - still do. Great sounding cab for the money, lots of EV dealers should you need to replace anything (you won't) and a nice match for your current setup (just set your amp to half way and let everything breathe!)

 

If you're in the South West I can recommend a few hire houses that have these in stock - and may be interested in selling you a pair!

[SamanthaD]

"Mackie Thump"? Are they fans of The Goodies? I'd post a clip, but the BBC seem to have done a fine job of takedowns on YouTube.

Probably because they're releasing a box set of all The Goodies episodes - they were on Radio 2 yesterday plugging it!

 

The Thumps are ok for a plastic enclosure. I used to run 2 pairs of SRM450's which were nice, but as the ELX112 is a wooden enclosure it's always going to sound better from the off. I also prefer passives, keep the amp away from prying fingers and no annoying LED's in the auditorium!

[caffrey]

Thanks everyone, made up my mind on the EV's and ordered - should be here tomorrow so it'll be time to get the scaffolding tower out

[SamanthaD]

That's a pretty good purchasing system you've got - ordering anything like that would take at least a week for me!

[caffrey]

Just as well really considering how reactive the department is! In reality anything over 1k I need proper approval - I've palmed this off onto a different budget as I have no contingency

[caffrey]

Speakers delivered and installed (within ten minutes of getting them off the van!) and they sound great

 

Thanks again