HK Audio Pro Range

[partyadz]

Hi all

 

Looking at purchasing 2 x HK Audio Pro 15 X http://hkaudio.com/products.php5?section=p...d=PR:O%2015%20X

 

Just wondered if anyone had any experience with these?

 

Will also be looking at purchasing two of the Pro 18 Subs.

 

They'll mainly be used for bands/DJs that kind of thing.

 

Would you recommend other models/makes for the similar sort of price range?

 

Thanks for any advice...

 

Adam

[abbotsmike]

The HK Audio stuff is meant to be pretty decent, however I'd go with 12" tops if you are planning to use them with a sub. 15" tops can sometimes start to struggle at the upper frequency limit of the 15" driver.

[Bobbsy]

Another vote from me for the HK range--I've used several different models and always like the sound very much.

 

I'd second the advice to consider the 12" version if you're going with the big subs. They should give you a more natural vocal range and you still have the subs for the gut punch bass.

 

Others to look at? I've not heard them myself but others in the Blue Room think highly of the RCF TT range of products. I recall a thread a year or two ago where they beat the HK in a "shoot out". They might be worth a listen and I think you'll find some helpful RCF folks on this forum

 

Bob

[partyadz]

Thanks for your response guys. The reason I was think of the 15s, is if I wanted to use without the Subs..

 

What do you think?

[Sound In Gloucestershire]

ive always been told to be weary of anything with "pro" in the name, but saying that the HK stuff is highly rated

 

personally id be going for some Martin F12/F15 with the S/18 subs, as theres a fair bit of it locally to hire in extra if required and its an instantly recogniseable brand name, whereas HK is not

[SPTTRIAL]

I play in a 9 piece band and usually use a nexo or turbo system, however at one gig our usual PA man was unavailable and we got someone else to do it who used an Hk system like the one you are considering, I found that it worked just okay, but lacking in headroom, and soon as the 4 part harmonies came in the system distorted and we coulnt get enough level out of it. It was fine at lower levels and for the quiter songs but as soon as you gave it any stick, it ran out of steam pretty quick. another aspect I found it that it was quite directional, usually with the nexo, it gives a raeasnoble amount of spill onto the stage, and gives a good guage of what its like out front, which in our case is quite helpful, but the hk seemd to Beam straight out, and didnt rearly fill the centre quadrant in front of the stage. Hope this helps.

[ChazHS]

personally id be going for some Martin F12/F15 with the S/18 subs, as theres a fair bit of it locally to hire in extra if required and its an instantly recogniseable brand name, whereas HK is not

 

While I agree the Martin Audio speakers are very good (and I'd go for the Martin over the HK, but thats personal preference) HK Audio stuff is just as widely known as the Martin Audio stuff. A fair few rental companies stock HK, so it depends on whats local to you really.

[partyadz]

Thanks for your response guys. Just to stir things up, any votes for RCF? Would probably be looking at the 312A, with the ART705-AS sub. Price wise, going to be looking at more of the £2600 range, by the time I've added bags.

 

Compared to a s/h deal I've got available: 2 x HK Pro12, 2 x HK Pro18, 1 x Ecler APA2000 amp, 1 x 1 Crest Audio LT 1500 , 1 x DBX 223XL Crossover for around £1500

 

The HK deal seems like a bargain...

[ghance]

Hi,

 

We sell HK PRO range to multi-purpose venues with a tight budget. IMHO its one of the most versatile boxes in that price range. Its a shame they don't make a 12X (12" monitor with a pole mount).

 

I totally agree that Martin (even Blackline F!?- no comment.. don't want start flame) or Nexo are a whole lot more rider friendly in the UK, but a) they cost alot more and b) if you're not into cross hire or fussy riders then HK is just fine.. besides take a tour round parts of Europe, Russia & Africa & you'll find plenty of HK and many fans.

 

Like many engineers, my first experiences of HK were not positive, however they've improved and they are certainly much better than alot of the total rubbish produced at that price point (we're talking pro series, not Actor etc).

 

Live music the slightly hard tone can be mellowed out with EQ, and the bite actually helps cut the vocals through if the backline is getting out of control.

 

Theatre companies find it easier to get a good clear / intelligible vocal very easily and IMHO have less spill of the back & sides of the box compared with other similar priced boxes.

 

DJ's.. you're probably better off getting some nice Mackies, but the HK 15X + SUB will also do loud.

 

So all things considered.. I think you'll be pleased with 15X + 18" sub.

[SRead]

Yep a vote for the RCF's we use RCF and they have always been reliable and sound great, the other systems mentioned are good to, have used a fair bit of the Martin products as well and they are a good solid system.

 

I much prefer to use active powered speakers now as its just easier and quicker for load in and load, out and saves truck and van space as well, so I would vote for active as well.

 

Si

[timtheenchanteruk]

dont know how much other actives similar to the HK ones weight, but the active HK stuff is heavy, sound is good, but easy to bump because of the weight (IIRC 35Kgs for a top, 48 for a sub?) also difficult to find stands that will take the weight at a sensible price.