DB TECHNOLOGIES DVA T4

[colinskuse]

so I have a lot more money that I thought I would have and I was looking around the thomann site and discovered the Db tech dva t4 line array system

I was looking at getting 12 of the tops and 8 of the subs (think this will be OK to start with)

 

but before I bye has anyone used these ?

are they any good

what are your thoughts of a powered line array???

 

thanks

[Matt Riley]

Hi Colin,

 

What are you thinking of using the system for? You've obviously got a fair bit of cash to splash and hopefully we can all work together to point you in the right direction!

 

My gut reaction is that perhaps you could find a better solution for your needs. Thomann, much as it is brilliant for cheap stuff wouldn't be the best place (nor cheapest) place to go to find a solution of this scale which meets your needs. Having said that, you said in another topic that you usually cover 500-1000 ppl and this would be a bit much for the application anyway. Also, since you run a live sound co then I can't help but think that you'll struggle to make this fit the riders.

 

Preferred solutions if I were in your position would be:

a) if money was no object: a 6 box a side D&B Q series rig

b) in the real world: 4-8 stacks of C4, L-acoustics ARCS, turbo flashlight, EAW KF 650...

 

You could probably treat yourself to some new toys with the price difference.

 

Happy Christmas,

 

Matt

[rob.d]

so I have a lot more money that I thought I would have and I was looking around the thomann site and discovered the Db tech dva t4 line array system

I was looking at getting 12 of the tops and 8 of the subs (think this will be OK to start with)

 

but before I bye has anyone used these ?

are they any good

what are your thoughts of a powered line array???

 

thanks

 

Merry Christmas all.

 

Colin, have a look at KV2 ES series. Its not line array, and not as such active, but for anything up to a couple of thousand people it'll knock socks clean off- and output per kg/ overall size is probably unmatched by anything, anywhere. Avoid line array if at all possible- its the vogue, and they can work, especially in theatre, but put a warm thing like 6,000 dancing/ bouncing rock loving kids under it and the high frequencies die a bizarre and incoherent death in the updraft of heat.

 

I agree with Matt that 24 tops and 16 subs is probably overkill. Thats a big rig for anything, and most speaker systems dont sound right unless you give them a push.

 

Also worth a mention, DB Tech are the "MI" branch of RCF- dating back to the days when RCF, Mackie and DB Tech were the same company. Not to be confused with German soundmeisters D & B Audio. I've always been given the impression that Db Tech's kit is fairly unreliable, and doesnt sound particurlarly good, and for the most part is derived from copying established products from other manufacturers. I'd advise to be wary, and dont buy this one unless you can get someone to do you a demo first- in fact, I'd very strongly reccomend that you dont buy *anything* at this level without first hearing it used in anger.

 

HTH

 

Rob

[colinskuse]

The system will mainly be used for live audio bands etc. and, yes, I have a lot of cash to spend even before I sell off my old system and amps .

 

I definitely will be hearing a system used before I spend any money. I don't want to end up with something that I am not happy with.

 

I was just looking around and I saw the db tech line array and thought "Looks ok" but wanted others thoughts on it.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

Moderation: I've just spent five minutes going through this post and adding every capitalised letter (except for two mis-placed caps I eliminated) and every scrap of punctuation now seen above. I've also correct a seriously mis-spelled word that made your meaning unclear. Since capitalisation spelling and punctuation are all important to avoid misunderstanding, it would be appreciated if you would take more care with this in future. As you run your own company, obviously successfully since you have money to spend, imagine the impression a job applicant would give if their letter read like your original post. Remember, somebody reading the Blue Room may be your next client.

[minty]

I recently heard a smaller DVA T4 system a friend of mine has just purchased for use in the theatre. 6 flown and 2 sub a side. I was very impressed with the high end clarity, but felt the mid was a little 'muddy'. The bass end seemed very good. This system to me does not stand out from the crowd; for the money it merely seems about what I would expect. That said it is probably a good choice for some applications.

Oh and I would be suprised if Thomann is a cheap option as a supplier, this qty of kit could go to tender to several uk companies, let them fight for your money and see what you get!

 

My two pence worth anyway

 

Martin.

[colinskuse]

in response to the moderator

 

I am sorry for any spelling or punctuation errors but I have a problem where I cannot spell and I cannot use punctuation (I cant help it) and spell check only works when it knows what your trying to say

 

if I am sending something out I get it all looked over bye my office lady (or get her to do it for me)

[StevieR]

Without any disrepect to DB's products (I haven't heard any of them!) I think their line-array may fall into the category of 'we better have one so that we look like a professional speaker manufacturer'.

 

As line-arrays are still the in-thing at the moment, most speaker manufacturers look to release a line-array, not as a product that they intend to sell a lot of but more of a product that helps them to be seen to be keeping up with the big boys! As such, a fair number of these line arrays will be copies or quick'n'dirty designs to get to market quickly.

 

If you want a line array, better to invest in a system which has had the proper R and D behind it.

 

Just my thoughts...

[rob.d]

Without any disrepect to DB's products (I haven't heard any of them!) I think their line-array may fall into the category of 'we better have one so that we look like a professional speaker manufacturer'.

 

As line-arrays are still the in-thing at the moment, most speaker manufacturers look to release a line-array, not as a product that they intend to sell a lot of but more of a product that helps them to be seen to be keeping up with the big boys! As such, a fair number of these line arrays will be copies or quick'n'dirty designs to get to market quickly.

 

If you want a line array, better to invest in a system which has had the proper R and D behind it.

 

Just my thoughts...

 

Steve- magnificent. Its so true- I couldn't help but laugh when Peavey brought one a few months back. It might sound absolutely marvellous ( I do doubt it) but its always, always, going to have Peavey written on it and its *never* going to appeal to your average one man mobile disco from Rochdale.

 

Consider Turbosound. The flagship Aspect series sounds fantastic, is content with being arrayed/ flown and is designed to throw about 20 miles. And it works. Three BR cheers for them, and their resolute refusal to jump on the bandwagon.

 

I'm again going to ask Father Christmas to pop an Aspect rig in my stocking next year- I must've been naughty this year. Colin, I recommend that you do the same- either that or ring a dealer, which at least stands some chance of success...

 

HTH

 

rob :D

[dbuckley]

And if an Aspect is a little too rich, theres a lot of people like their active cabs (models start with TFD I think), been discussed here a few times...

[James K]

Hi Colin,

 

I agree with some of the other here, and that line array is very much a buzz word, but like most things its "horse's for course's) a tractor may have a V8 engine but it doesn't mean it will beat a 4 cylinder car around a race track, and it also depends on who's in control of it, its all about application.

 

Yes line arrays are widely used and they are very good providing they are used for the right jobs and more importantly by someone that knows how to set it up.

 

I would look at what your main type of work involves and the physical and logistical aspects of them and the venues that you go to.

 

Would your line array be used day in day out to re-gain your capital, at the end of the day you are purchasing it to use and earn you money if it sits in your warehouse then its not doing that. Where as if you bought a more scale-able system then you can use it for various applications and it is more versatile for you and pays for its self faster.

 

The KV2 system was mentioned and by all accounts its a very good system but I have looked into it and yes it performs but it is not scale-able, as they recommend no more than 2 mid-hi's aside and then there's the amp issue with there mono stack amps.

 

The Turbo system looks good and we also had a listen to the RCF TT+ 15" tops and double 18" subs they could be used in any manor of ways, wedges, stand alone or as a big system that is array-able.

 

There's a lot to consider, I would get a short list together and maybe see if they can give you a demo of the system or even let you borrow a system, thats probably the best way to see for yourself.

 

I hope this helps

 

James

[savman]

Good advice there James. I know we'd all love a pocket friendly line-array because they seem to be the "in" thing and admittedly I've looked long and hard at the dB DVA rig.

The answer is amazingly simple, it's one of the following:

 

#1) dB Technologies have revolutionised Line Array systems design, manufacturing and spec so they can undercut the competition by 50%

OR

#2) dB Technologies have simply imitated other established products and cheap'd out on the manufacture, labour, durability, parts or all of the aforementioned.

 

I'd love it to be #1 but my head says #2

 

If it's dB's first line array then it poses many questions about whether it can handle the regular abuse. It might look nice, but I want to know if my rig will always be there for me when I need it, not simply to provide some expensive eye candy.

 

In fairness I own 4 x dB Stage Opera monitors and have used dB Opera's in the past, sound good & well made. If they carry that ethos over to line array's it'd make the market very interesting indeed :blink:

[ferretwrangler]

I thought I should add my comments.

 

We are a hire company based in the North West and we do a fair number of corporate and music events.

 

We have been looking at a new, and reasonably priced system and have at last decided on the T4.

 

We had a long play with the system last week and I can say that out of the box the thing sounds amazing. Its a doddle to put together and the whole thing is very compact. We have decided on using the cardioid sub config.

 

So Im pleased to say we have 12xT4 and 6 Single 18 Subs with all the cases, bags, flying kit and toys arriving very soon.

 

Overall I would say that there is little on the market that can touch the system for sound & build quality at the price.

 

Sure you could go with D&B Q series but It'd cost a vast amount more.

 

Top end is clean, pure and very musical - throws a VERY long way. The sub is very punchy and again musical.

 

We had similar worries about the Low Mid given the driver config, however Im pleased to say our worries were unfounded. The T12 box is their new Long-Throw box and it will stack neatly with the T4 without buying any additional kit.

 

So, I would say the decision is lead by two arguments:

 

1) Quality

 

and

 

2) Price

 

Given the above I think its a great system and one that should certainly not be judged without a good listen and an inspection of the build quality.

[Simon Lewis]

Useful comments, but perhaps some 4.5 years too late? ;-)

[ferretwrangler]

comment accepted - however Im sure there are others out ther looking at such a system.

 

I thought it reasonable to post my comments here rather than start a new post.

[Dave SA]

Always good to have current information in my opinion.