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upgade for a pair a srm 450s


wil_hob

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I work as a tech for a charity in berkshire, we bought a pair of SRM450s and a Mackie CFX12 for our cafe venue about two years ago, since then we have been atracting more and more bands and dj's and we need to buy a slightly bigger second system so we can run bands in the cafe and also in the function room upstairs (6X15 m). we have a GL2200 and outboard already but the budget for the new PA is GBP2000 (ex vat) - the system needs to be active but the only options I've found are the db technologies, the thomann own brand and the small HK audio systems none off which I've heard in action (would it be better to buy second hand passive Martin audio, EV or RCF gear (this would require me to setup to be there for every event!)). any advice other recomendations or offers of demos would be great. W
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Why does it need to be active? Do you mean 'powered', with the amps built in? Unpowered (separate amplifiers) is usually a better option as it gives you more scope for future upgrading, and you can be sure you're choosing good amps.

 

Assuming your current system provides you more than enough 'oomf' for your venue, then I'd stick with a similar format, just go for better kit.

 

If you can go unpowered, I would consider the Martin Audio Blackline F12 and Turbosound TXD121. Both very good speakers, with the F12 being the better speaker, and much more readily available to buy from ex-hire stock.

 

Ex-hire sales is a good way of picking up some great kit which will often be in quite good nick and just need re-spraying/a bit of TLC.

 

If he hasn't sold them already, Rob Beech (member on this forum) is selling some F12s + subs for silly-low money. It may be worth contacting him to see what the situation is. Bear in mind you'll need amps and crossovers/speaker management after this, but there are some quite good units about which cost very little (comparatively).

 

Why would you need to be present to set up passive systems? Surely just leave the cabling/amplifiers in, and just position the speakers and plug them in when you need to? That's easier even than plugging in active speakers which need mains etc...

 

In terms of powered speakers, RCF are definitely worth looking at. They're not exactly my favourite brand, but I've been relatively impressed with some of their active plastic boxes for what they are. I'd still try and get a good passive system. dB Technologies are okay, and I would be swayed seeing as I own some, but you can do better. Great for the price you pay, but you can afford better kit on that budget.

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have you considered just adding the 1501 subs to the mackies you have? This allows you to run the mackie tops mid/high and therefore louder

 

 

I've used the 1501 subs beforebut found them a little wooly the 18s seem a little better but then that is getting into the price bracket and the martin S15/S18 and an amp I was wondering if there is a better active option

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All sold I'm afraid. I do have 1 single F12 left that's nearly new with a brand new 12 inch driver. But that's all I'm afraid. There's a pair of F12's on ebay at the moment though.

 

Keep the 450s, add subs, and get an Allen & Heath instead of the CFX. If there's money left over, get better vocal mics (OM7, 767a, new PL80, E845/945).

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hi guys maybe I didn't make it clear in the origional post, we need to keeps the 450s for the cafe downstairs so we would need to buy a second set of srm 450s. we are however already well stocked for decent mics, a desk and outboard etc. so the two grand can all be spent on P.A.
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With as much respect respect possible, I personally think that would not be the best choice for Wil Hob. RE the SX300, I'd much more rather take something from Turbo, dB Tech or Martin. They'll look smarter, take knocks and bangs more than plastic boxes and above all else, sound better.

 

I still maintain that a good pair of used passive speakers and permanently set-up amplifiers with cabling in place would be more suitable. Powered plastic speakers are only really necessary when portability is a must, otherwise 'passive' systems with good speakers can provide much more bang for the buck.

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