Starting a Sound hiring business, and can't decide weather to start with one projector system or two Actor DX systems?! I used to own a Projector when I was in a touring band, and loved it. Can the Actor DX be compared to the Projector?

Clint

Firstly I'd just like to say to the Blue Room, You'll hopefully find the answers to most technical queries here, Well I have anyways


Judging by the specs on the HK website, It seems as though the projector is more of a long throw box than the actor dx is.

In order for people to give you useful suggestions it's important that we get an idea of what your target market is & what other equipment you have already & what your budget is!

Alan

TBH, you've got to first ask yourself the question what your market is. If it's predominantly wet hired outdoor gigs, marquees and big halls up to about 1000 pax then I reckon you're more likely to pay the bills with projector. If it's small band hires, corporate stuff, weddings etc then go for actor. One advantage of actor is that it can be pole mounted for speakers on sticks stuff, or flown using a cradle off the truss for corporate stuff.

Having said that, I'm not sure either system, being made from MDF properly qualifies as a 'pro' system in the same way that d&b, turbo or martin audio would.

M

Hi,

It all really depends on what you want. The projector is a long throw system, great for small (ish) outside events. The Two actors, probably going to be the better bet, they can be linked to make what is called an extended system, or broken right down to just 4 cabs (2 tops, 2subs)

as Sub A is active (1000W) and Sub B (500W) runs from an output on Sub A, it means you can get a bit of play in the set-up. Now the real question is what application are you using it in, what kind of music?

Because these speakers are incredibly clear, (I've been a sound engineer a while now, these speakers are unreal how clear they are) they might not be best for HUGE bass applications, if thats what your after, I'd recommend looking at the new Premium Pro Active range also by Hk, all active cabs, so you can take only what you need for the gig, plus the big 18" (600W) is just lovely.

Anyway hope this helps, let me no if you need anymore


Tom

Umm, thank you! I am from South Africa, so obviously prices etc are different. I don't have any equipment at the mo. Well, two laney powered monitors. Just looking for a PA to get me started. Budget is +- R300 000. Thats about 22 000 pounds. Market is mainly churches and school halls. But would like to expand and be able to do bigger shows. Corporate etc... Just worried the Actor wont have enough bass with the 15" subs...


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Oh, and market is mainly for rock music. Thanks for all the replies...

just be aware of the weight, the Actor is a heavy system, OK the bins are on wheels, buy you definatly need 2 people to stack them, and 2 to lift the Tops onto poles etc.
it also doesnt handle too well, get a set of covers if you can strtch to it, the MDF corners have no bumpers, meaning its all to easy to knock lumps off the MDF.

they dont sound too bad though, theres alot worse around.

If your target market is currently churches and school halls with a view to expand why not look at the RCF TT+ range.

It has had some very positive responses on here and there are a few people who own some of the range in one form or another.

If you're looking for expandability then 2x 12" tops and 2x 18" Subs are your best bet.

Although if weight is an issue 2x 8" tops and 2x 12" subs doesn't sound half bad either.

Josh

True, I've seen a HK system in bits in a workshop a while back, The guys who owned it had taken it apart so they could get new boxes made out of marine ply to make it more worthy(using old boxes & templates). With the wet weather and stuff we get here in Ireland it couldn't stand up to much. Although as you are in sunny South Africa you might be ok.

I'd also have to agree with Josh on the the RCFTT+, I have got the 12-inch bins & 8-inch tops and am very happy with it. It is also active so no amps needed.

Perhaps a little look at the Martin Blackline mightn't be a bad idea either, Although as it's passive you'll have racks to go with it, Might impede transport for you. I'm not sure!

I'm sure Rob Beech will be along soon to give you the pro's & con's to the Martin Gear.

I have something to add, for those who dont know me iam Mark from Phonophobia Ltd in maidstone kent.

We have in rental stock 12 stacks of actor dx (6 full systems).

Its amazing kit, easy to use for hirers of most types and a good all rounder, we dont tend to get many problems and I can stack em up on my own, in fact one of our warehouse tech's is a female and she can stack up the rig alone, very very light compared to other cabs out there, we have cutomers who primarily hire our d&b audiotechnik systems but choose actor on occaisions for that hard load in or easy gig.

On the whole, well made, solid and reliable.

Mark

Wow, I cant keep up! Umm, I toured with a Projector for 2 years setting it up two or three times a day! It went through hectic rain storms in open trailers, got bashed around in trailers, and I cant believe how well it did. NEVER had a problem with it. Couldn't get the top cab up on the stack on my own, but thats minor... I want big quality sound! South africa has a bad name for putting on 'average' shows for local bands and events etc... Just want to do it properly. Haven't really looked at many other brands yet, coz of my experience with HK, but I'll take a look.

Thanks...

It was a HK elias that I saw in bits though. so maybe the projector is of better quality!

Try to look for boxes that are made from baltic birch - Martin, RCF etc

EAW might be worth a look too, Possibly Funktion One & some of turbosunds offerings

We brought an Actor DX system for our hire stock about nine months ago and I'd say that Mark's experience above is almost identical to ours. It's a good sounding system thats simple to setup and easy to handle.

It's been out very regularly and a second system is just round the corner.

I would suggest you have a look at HK contour system a Pair of CTA 208 and pair of CTA118s which will cover almost all you want to do and fit your budget of £22000. Manageable by one fit young man or even an old one like me! Bit of an overkill in a pub with 50 people but works and also very happy outside on a trailer in the pouring rain to 500+ . All thanks to the onboard DSP

Yeah, the contour stuff is lovely, and for that budget you can get a good set up as well, 2x cta118, 2x cta208 for under £10000, that would be a more than enough for a big sound, and obviously with your budget you could double that system.

with the spare £2000 you could get the flight cases for the cta208 's and covers for the subs.

True, But I think the OP's budget has to cover everything he will require to get set up, EG Mixer, Outboard Rack, Mics, Stands etc So I'd say about 12k would be ideal for speakers to get a decent FOH Rig

Oh, And I forgot to mention a decent monitor setup also!

haha, good point, I get far too easily excited about front of house.

But even the 2 subs and 2 tops a side would be a nice FOH system, leaving over half of the budget for desk, processing, monitors, cables, stands, mics, and everything else that is needed.

In fairness, although 22k isnt a fantastic amount of capital for this, I'd still say pay as much as possible for your FOH and desk. get some small gigs goig get a good name for your system, and the money will come and with it comes the processing and bigger rig.

Oh, never neglect the monitors, if the band dont like you, you arent going to get return custom.