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12's vs. 15's
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Author:  frankie_feelgood [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  12's vs. 15's
I'm looking to buy all new equipment, and go the laptop route for my karaoke shows. My question is on speakers. I'm looking at going powered, for ease of transport, knowing that the amps match with the drivers, etc.

I was originally looking at going with 12" speakers, but the company I'm looking at (Carvin) also makes 15" as well. I'll also be doing DJ work with these, and had planned on adding subs later.

Most of my gigs are in small to medium sized bars. I have one gig I fill in on that is a large room.

Are the 15's overkill for karaoke? Or will they provide enough low end that I can forgo the subs?

Any and all suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated!
Author:  exweedfarmer [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
To get the big waves (bass) you have to move a lot of air.  Bigger is better in this case however you tend to get better midrange with the smaller speaker.  For my shows, I always though it was important to vibrate the stools that the ladies were sitting on.  15's at least.
Author:  Karen K [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
Other than for the increased cable jungle, I will only ever replace with active speakers anymore. I do a lot of smallish rooms (80-100) people and currently my favorite rig of 3 is two Mackie SM350s (10") and a Mackie active 15" sub. It is the cleanest sound I have ever heard and I am a stickler for clarity.  JBL makes a similar speaker to the Mackies and they cost a little less...and you can go one step up with the Mackies for about 150 more each... After using active speakers and sub, and not having to lug amps around, life is a lot easier for those one-night set-up and tear-down jobs. My partner and I aren't spring chickens anymore and our setup is about 20 minutes currently, including hauling stuff in and setting it up.  People often look at the speakers, have that doubting Thomas look on their faces, and as soon as the first song comes up, they all smile...and love the sound. The sub puts a great punch in the bottom end ... not overpowering, which in a social karaoke room, that's important.

So, all the passive stuff sits in the garage gathering dust...may have to have a sale soon.

K
Author:  LondonLive [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
Exweedfarmer pretty much says it all. Bottom end is all about moving air. You might as well get the 12's on top and plan on using a sub or I doubt you will ever be happy with your overall sound.
Author:  frankie_feelgood [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
Are a lot of kj's using subs on a regular basis?

Those Mackies look sweet - but the price!! Then again, maybe I should just bite the bullet and make the investment now.
Author:  Karen K [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
I have only started using a sub on the portable system (as opposed to systems that sit in rooms semi-permanently) since I purchased the Mackies. I am VERY happy with the Mackies and sub rigging; but I do also have two other systems for the very large room gigs - next in size is two 15-inch Yamahas, and I can add via daisy chaining the Bag Ends to those, and then the next step is to add the subs.  Has to be an awfully good paying job to get me to move all that equipment...and it does happen but not often. Not many rooms require the HUGE system. (but again, money talks - wanna pay me $1500 for a gig, I'll haul it all).

Active equipment gives a beautifully clean sound - and I believe a fuller, more evenly distributed range. You may want to opt for 12-inch actives which I believe can compare sound/volume wise with 15-inch passive speakers, and a whole lot less in the way of weight/equipment to hoist.

If it is your only system, unless you're going to do mini-concert size areas, you'd probably be best advised to go and listen to some of this equipment set up so you can make the determination based on what sounds good to you.  A couple of 12-inch active Mackies and one sub under them is a great sound.

K
Author:  Lonman [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
frankie_feelgood @ Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:07 am wrote:
Are a lot of kj's using subs on a regular basis?

Those Mackies look sweet - but the price!! Then again, maybe I should just bite the bullet and make the investment now.
You have to figure this is your speakers AND amp.  

I prefer a sub when I run shows, even in smaller rooms I will run at least 1.  15" you can get by without one, a 12" in PA terms is classified more of a midrange usually.
Author:  Bill H. [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
I also always run subs. It's very important for my group. They want the feel of fronting a band. They wouldn't show up if those 18s weren't there. And I'm not kidding.
Author:  dj john [ Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
I guess I'm on the other end . I use 15's with no subs . The 15's give the bass that I want without the hassle of extra spaekers ,cables ect
Author:  sidewinder [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
My next system will be 12" tops and 15" subs :yes:
Author:  jamkaraoke [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
I have never used a sub in my shows, the 15" mains were always enough for me .
My shows have been mainly small to medium bar size venues.   If I had a gig that allowed me a stage and a large room I would opt for 15" mains and 18" subs --why go 12" with 15"---  Go all the way if you're going to go   :hi5:  :hi5:  15" mains and 18" subs.  

I don't think there is any evidence that a 12" powered speaker is any differant than an equally powered passive speaker ?  - Whether you go powered or passsive that another argument to be made.
Author:  CostaKaraoke [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
don't know if you can get these in the states. Hk Lucas (the dogs bollocks) German engineering at it's best. Please see link below.

http://www.hkaudio.com/index.php
Author:  Dennisgb [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
I'm going to push my EV's again.

I listened to them next to Mackie 450's, and the EV's sound better. They are 15" as opposed to the 12's in the Mackies.

Best active speaker out there in my opinion.

http://www.electrovoice.com/products/210.html
Author:  lyquiddye [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
I like 12" speakers. I use 12" mains and 18" subs for all of my gigs now.

The bigger setups I use Dual 15" tops and Dual 18" subs.

The Mackie stuff is Junk. I have gone though tons of it.

QSC and Yorkville are the best affordable Activecspeakers on the market.

If you really feel like spending some cash Dynacord.
Author:  CostaKaraoke [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
Can't believe you guys still busting a gut carrying around 12" 15" 18" gear. You don't need it anymore, things have moved on. HK Lucas believe me!!!!
Author:  sidewinder [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
I use 15" and 18" now.  But i will go back to 12" and 15"   I like the way it sounds better.
Author:  Micky [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
Dennisgb @ Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:55 am wrote:
I'm going to push my EV's again.

I listened to them next to Mackie 450's, and the EV's sound better. They are 15" as opposed to the 12's in the Mackies.

Best active speaker out there in my opinion.

http://www.electrovoice.com/products/210.html


Agree, EV have a much better sound than the Mackie's but the best active speakers are from RCF! I always wonder why people keep talking about Mackie & JBL but not EV??? Day and night the difference in my opinion :shock:

And that SxA250 model is one of the best sound I've heard so far, man is that smooth and rich!!
Author:  timberlea [ Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
Costa checked that site and the Yorkville NX series blow them out of the water.  More power, less weight.

www.yorkville.com
Author:  CostaKaraoke [ Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
What are we comparing? loads of different models and setups
Author:  Dennisgb [ Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12's vs. 15's
Micky @ Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:12 pm wrote:
Agree, EV have a much better sound than the Mackie's but the best active speakers are from RCF! I always wonder why people keep talking about Mackie & JBL but not EV??? Day and night the difference in my opinion :shock:

And that SxA250 model is one of the best sound I've heard so far, man is that smooth and rich!!


Hey Micky,

Are we the only ones on here that know EV?

They've only been making speakers and sound systems for like 100 years  :shock:  

They make the best microphones in the world.

I wonder why all of the top performing artists use EV?

Mackies are really over rated. I think they sound tinny. I got my EV's for the same price as the Mackie 450's, and they are far and away better sounding, more durable, and are made in the USA!

Aren't the Mackies made in China?

Where can you buy RCF in the US?

The RCF 4PRO3001-A is very similar to the EV SXa250, both in design and performance specifications. Not sure I see a big difference.
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