I am trying to find a PA system for occasional gigs. I am really interested in Bose PAS but the price is keeping me from buying one right now. My budget is around $1200. I would like big sound, lots of low end (so a sub is a must), I really don't want an external mixer so I would like something with multiple inputs. My setup will be one keyboard, one mic for vocals and one guitar input.

After looking around, I have my eyes set on two Roland KC350s and a KCW1 sub. What do you guys think about this? The weight is not really an issue because I don't do that many gigs, it will be mostly used for jamming in my basement more than anything.

Thanks!!

That sounds like a versitile, affordable system than can be broken up and resold when you are ready to go Bose. You'll love the efficiency of that woofer ...... best in it's class.
Good luck.

I have been using two Mackie 350's and the Roland KCW1 Sub on stage ...all I can say is its Stereo, Lightweigh to transport and the sound? ......simply AWESOME!!

check it out

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 02-02-2005).]

I think Donny has the answer

Dear DNJ;

Would you be able to expound upon why the Mackie SRM 350s + KCW1s are awesome? i.e what about them excel? How is the imagining, projection, transparency, natural presentation etc... Wondering why you went with the above combo vs. the larger Mackie SRM450s

Do you use the combo just for keyboards? If you sing, describe the vocal presentation

What other combos did you try before you settled on the Mackie/Roland pair?

UD, how would you compare the Roland KC combo with Bose PAS? (One tower and one sub)

Isn't recommended position for a PAS system behind the performer? Have you run into any issues with feedback from mic? I see that PAS has four inputs so, it would be a perfect light weight solution. If it is really that much better then I may just wait a few more months and buy the PAS.

I also like the idea of the Mackie and Roland combo that Dnj mentioned, I'll look into that as well.

Thanks

Previously I was using the Mackie 450's [old versions] which kept overheating and shutting off on stage due to the thermo heat cutoffs,the 350 has a NEW heat exchnage system that is purly wonderfull & well thouht out to eliminate that problem]....Then I tried the Barbetta Sona 32c's and had a very nice run with those, I was happy with the sound, but I wanted more overall robust sound and bottom end too, and formost Veratility for all the different jobs and venues I perform at.
I discussed this Uncle Dave and after analizing the situation and my setup and my needs Dave came up with a perfect combination for my style and venues.....The 350's & roland Sub lets me have a great Big sound on the bigger jobs, just two 350 speakers alone for the mid size gigs, and for smaller intimate gigs I use one 350.....this veratlity if perfect for me...My vocals ae my main draw and this combo sounds excellent crisp highs [horn gives a nice wide dispersment] and tight bottom with the Sub.....the 350's are no slouches alone either but vs the 450's... its mainly the weight and size for me.
I have performed with Uncle Dave's Bose Pas system also with amazing results that have to be heard too believe. But again you have to buy whats right for YOUR needs.....

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 02-02-2005).]

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 02-03-2005).]

I was just browsing the PA systems and came across these new products by Yamaha, the specs look really good!!
http://www.8thstreet.com/Product.asp?ProductCode=30527&Category=Speakers http://www.8thstreet.com/Product.asp?ProductCode=30528&Category=Speakers http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetailPF/0,6603,CNTID%253D36725%2526CTID%253D229300,00.html#

[This message has been edited by harosha (edited 02-02-2005).]

Harosha,
-->IF<--
your heart/ears are really set on the Bose, Guitar Center has the L1 Cylindrical and B1 subwoofer available at a package price of $1999.99.

You mentioned a budget of $1200.
Maybe go on the easy payment plan for the $800 balance (if your budget allows and you want it NOW).

Does the L1 Bose Sub only works with Bose?? or it can be use with any other system??

Thanks.



------------------
ViLo
HE'S COMING, MAKE MUSIC, GET READY!

The L1 is an 8ohm, non powered cabinet and can be used with anything that has a Nuetric(sp?) connector. ( not 1/4" )
I love that little ROland sub, and if I didn't have the Bose .... I'd be using exactly what Donny has. I even have a pair of Mackie 350's still in UNopened factory sealed cartons ... just in case I change my mind. (not likely)
The advantage of using the KC amps is the mixer. If you use a keyboard that has enough mixing on board, then it's no longer a factor. I send a mono cable from my psr3k into the Bose direct. No mixer needed, and it's been my favorite sound system ever. Some can't get used to it because they are listening to it with old, tried and true ideas. You need to embrase a NEW way of thinking. This system works differently than any other conventional system, and you need to be ready for how it works at peak efficiency. One tower, with one sub fills a room that holds 300-400 people without breaking a sweat. The volume is even and smooth, and there are no loud spots up close, and soft spots in back. It's very uniform throughout the room. People can talk without shouting - even if they sit right in front of it.

Boses recomends keeping it behind and about 6 feet away, but smaller situations don;t always allow that luxury. Even so .... I have NO feedback and I hear every note as clear as if I had headphones on. I'm VERY, very spoiled by how effective it is in so many different room configurations.

There's a pic of the setup on my website, with my antique kn7000. (long gone)

Dear Uncle Dave;

Do you find any downfalls to using just a mono configuration? What would you say that the differences in sound are between your Bose Pas system and Donny's Mackie SRM350 + roland KCW1?

Thank-you
Regards;
SCP

Yesterday I saw an ad from AMS that Behringer dropped price for the B300 powered speaker to $300 a piece. A pair of those plus a small mixer (and perhaps a sub) would be my inexpensive system of choice if I did not have enough PA equipment already.

Thanks Uncle Dave..

I'm getting old and poor , the L1 is $299.99 the Roland $485.00, I'm trying to pt a system together, that is Good, Cheap and Light ...

I was thinking of the L1 maybe 2 and this Yammies: http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=7971&Category=Speakers

with this one I already have. mixer: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_id/112624

Thanks.

------------------
ViLo
HE'S COMING, MAKE MUSIC, GET READY!

[This message has been edited by ViLo (edited 02-03-2005).]

Scp,
So far, I only prefer the Bose approach in mono to all other systems. If I had to use any other brand of speaker, I would not be satisfied with a mono sound, because the Bose treats it very different and more efficiently. Donny's system sounds awesome, and is very versitile, but it takes longer to set up, takes up more space, and doesn;t have the same space age technology that makes the Bose so special.
After you add a mixer, speaker stands, and the 3 pieces of his setup, the Bose is only about $300 more than the Roland/Mackie setup.

Ideally .... I prefer stereo, but i RARELY play in an ideal situation. Mono is a clearcut choice, given the parameters of the rooms I play and the superior coverage that the Bose allows.

More on the Bose in a separate thread today .....