Cassp wrote
"And the thread was about - the Roland CM-30 Cube monitor amp. I can't wait until I use it on the job next weekend. I tried it in the store and it blew me away. I can foresee using my NanoVerb with it. Yeah!"


Cassp.....how you making out with the CM30 so far.....sound-wise, bass, overall sound with vocals on small gigs?
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=663

thanx



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-08-2007).]

Donny, the real test comes this weekend when I use it as a monitor on the job. I'll try to test it in several ways, if I can. So far at home, it sounds great and I think it's going to do the job I want - typical Roland equipment; built like a truck . No NanoVerb use yet. I'll have more to report next Monday.

BTW, guess who just bought a PSR3000?

Cassp.....congrats on your new 3k!

why the Nano dont you sing thru the KB processor?

looking forward to more extensive review & thoughts on using it ALONE besides a monitor. I saw one in the store but they were all boxed......& I couldn't get to try one.

I tried running it through its paces this afternoon. I would say that for small audiences, one CM-30 would work, but two would be great!and could cover a good-sized audience. The sound is full, not tinny. I guess I'd like a little more bass, but the bass certainly is not missing. A small sub with two CM-30s would make a great little system. The CM-30 would be fine by itself, especially in an acoustically live space.

Using the G70 vocal mixer gives good effects results, not muddy at all. I don't have the 3K yet, so I can't comment on that area. As for using a NanoVerb, it was a thought only. I have a Digitech Vocalist IV also and I was just thinking that a simple effects box like one of those could be used for any FX needed like reverb, delay or harmony if using the mic input separately on the CM-30.

I found that setting the dials at about one o'clock gave me full tone and volume with no hint of distortion playing a full SMF, loud drawbars and vocals.

I'm going to look around for another CM-30 deal. $175 is a fair price for this kick-butt box, but $100 is even better.

Insist on trying one - the packaging is not restrictive. I'm sure you'll like it. It's as good as the Mackie SRM 180 at half the price.

Damn, I'm going to have to check my spelling better I think everything's OK now.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 10-08-2007).]

cassp....
thanx so much for the review I will try to audition one asap for sure...
sounds like an interesting piece of gear.

Cass & all........

Today Fran & I went browsing some music stores after a great breakfast at iHop.
I needed to return something & look around.....& to see if they a Mackie 150 (small Monitor...
http://www.mackie.com/products/srm150/

while searching the store I noticed a Pa800 on top of a Tyros 2 ......which was nice, it wasn't there 2 weeks ago...it did have OS1.51 too....right next to the KB's there was a ROLAND CM30 cube monitor.
http://www.roland.com/products/en/CM-30/index.html

This unit was another item Ive been wanting to demo after I have discussing it with Cass who has been very happy with the sound, & after plugging in to one in the store with the pa800 I can certainly see why! It really has a robust full spectrum sound, I was quite surprised, I also had the sales man bring out a Mackie 150 which is another unit I wanted to check out too.....well let me tell you there is no comparison sound wise it was like
Night & Day....the CM30 really sounds good and full, I tried several different selections of styles thru them & it really showed no sign of breaking up but instead exhibited only a nice TIGHT bass projection & with the dual cone speaker the highs really stood out with nice coverage all out of this tiny package. On the other hand the Mackie 150 although crisp and clean sounding could compete with the full bodied sound of the CM30. I would say the that the Mackie would be very satisfactory in an acoustic Guitar/Vocal scenario for sure as it was intended....but lacked the diversity of a full frequency sound required for Arranger Keyboards & Vocals. The Cm 30 could easily cover a small venue gig, NH, Cocktail hour, Small restaurant diner job....& having on-board speakers will only add to the coverage. Dont be fooled by the "NUMBERS" game manufacturers play
30 watts vs 150 etc etc ....its all how its allocated and I dont know about you but My ears are the best judge. I would urge you to go try one and see for your self.....if your in need of a nice SMALL amp for those certain gigs Roland has done it again for sure with the CM30.....using Two in stereo would be a beautiful thing also for sure
I bought one & took it home




[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-19-2007).]

Forgot to mention the nice steel grill & kool built in carry handle

Donny, thanks for the review..I'm still going to demo the CM-30 because I'll be back in Miami Nov 2 and near GC and Ash, but from what you and cassp are saying, if it lives up then i'll fo sho either go for 2 of them, or maybe 1 plus a new Behringer 1800fx if that combo can work. unless the Yamaha Stagepas 300 blows me away. those will be my 3 choices. I was going to consider the Traynor K4 but at 57.4 lbs would be too risky for my back.

------------------
Miami Mo

Mo the stage pass is a more powerful unit w/sm/mixer.....remember what I said in my review for the power & size the CM30 its is excellent sounding for the right SMALL gigs...if your doing bigger jobs then of course a bigger PA is required.....why not check out the Mackie SRM350's also for smaller lighter sound PA reinforcement ?
www.mackie.com

BTW I hear & played thru the Traynor K4...
its very ergonomically manageable for sure & flexibly designed to cover a full array of situations, best ONE Piece unit for Kb/Voc I have heard....check one out for sure!
http://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=9&cat=57&id=340



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-20-2007).]

Donny the Endorser, you're the man! All I can say is, you should have bought a pair of CM-30's. I have been playing my G and 3k thru my pair and the stereo separation is sweet. I've never really played in stereo (except for the built-in speakers or headphones)and this a very nice effect. My next experiment will be to hook up my EV Sb120 and see if I can get an even fuller sound with that fairly compact sub.

As for the StagePass 300, I think it would be a great mid-size amp for a OMB or small combo. It's a little heftier than a pair of CM-30's, but also can handle a little more power and bass. Luckily, I now have a pair of CM's and a pair of Mackie i300's. I think I'm set in the sound reinforcement area.

I use a pair of Yorkville NX520p's, Yorkville 700 subwoofer, 3 Roland Cubes,Peavey and Soundcraft monitors, and a Traynor K4.....I think I have the sound system covered..

BTW: I recently used my stereo sound system in my Plymouth Voyager...I have an auxiliary[stereo] input to the system....

My on the road emergency system...and yes I have electric source on the van too..
Just open the hatch door, and all the windows...50 watts per channel[4]..

Maybe I should take my show on the road..literally..

Casss All in due time

Roland CM30 performed flawlessly today at a 60th Anniversary gig with 70 people on its maiden voyage with the Pa800.....
I couldn't believe how well it covered the room with power to spare! Talk about not judging a book by its cover Wow!

PS: Cass getting another for stereo is a great idea

DNJ, you mean ONE of them little buggers covered a party for 70? How was the bass response?
DonM

i think what we are saying Donny is please run right out and get another cm30 and book another party immediately and then tell us if we should get one or two..LOL

------------------
Miami Mo

Don go try one ASAP.....is all I can say .... tables in a small restaurant between the CM30 & PA800 speakers it was fine.....bass was adequate not thunderous, DONT BE FOOLED by the size this aint your average lil amp.....its the very tight full range sound that I like. For most small cocktail parties, Nursing Home, Restaurants, its very good....two CM30's would double your pleasure...other then that I whip out a Mackie SRM450 or two or if needed I'll add a SWA1501, SWA1801z, SWA2801z

------------------
Common misconception...size and weight equal quality and performance. Don't be fooled.

Ian go play thru one before you comment.

Donny, I am agreeing with you...duh!

Read carefully.

"Common misconception...size and weight equal quality and performance. Don't be fooled."

Ian

I know ...but I would like you to go try one or two also

Yep, will do...next time I'm in the local music store...if they have them.

I've been happy with my 15 year old pair of Yamaha MS60s powered monitors for my restaurant and smaller gigs.

Less than 25 lbs each...60 watts...Active Servo Technology gives great bass.

The Rolands do look pretty cool, and the price is terrific.

Ian

I'm anxiously awaiting a review from someone who has tried 2..am i wrong in assuming that cassp and dnj have both tried 1 and are presuming that having 2 will double their fun (but if so why haven't they tried that?) maybe the law of diminishing returns might apply here and 2 will offer obvious advantages (stereo, or one as monitor)but not significant sound quality or room-filling benefits? Hey, do you guys live near each other?...maybe one of you can run over the other's house right now and play thru 2! I'll wait here, send wife for some pizza. LOL

------------------
Miami Mo

Maybe you missed it.



I've been using them in the studio for now. They're great in stereo. I hope to have an opportunity next month to really punch them. That's when I'll try them with my EV sub.

"Common misconception...size and weight equal quality and performance. Don't be fooled."

I totally disagree with this quote...whether it is a Cadillac compared to a Corolla...or a G70 compared to a s900...

BTW: the Roland was bigger than the Mackie..and weighed more too..not by much though..

I guess you've been fooled...don't feel bad...you're not alone.

Ian

Another nice feature is the MIC stand threaded pole mount underneath!

Yep, you got to have them up at least to ear level.

I use a pair modified keyboard stands(X type).

Ian

how do you do that? how modified? would you get better bass if one was at ear level and the other on floor? Mo

[This message has been edited by keysvocalssax (edited 10-22-2007).]

depends on what you are after..If I was going to use the CM30 with the PA800..I would keep them on the floor[better added bass response]..

If you need the CM30 for a vocal monitor only..then in your face..but over kill with a full range speaker like the Roland[ a waste with just vocals.]..
One CM30 high and the other low would give you a full range, but would not be a great stereo image..

I still prefer the speakers on the floor...tilted if you need the coverage..

Mo,

The stands are even older than my speakers...they are single braced X-type, and I modified them to open just enough to set the speaker on...they have little rubber thingys to prevent slippage.

I sit when I play, and each speaker is at ear height...just worked out that way, and I have them on either side and just behind me, turned in towards me at a slight angle...I don't use a mic so the positioning is no problem.

The MS60s are used in a lot of theatres for in house stage monitors, and they have a great bass, even off the floor...Yamaha's AST(Active Servo Technology) does a fine job...the bass is tight but still full enough for my needs.

Since I mostly do background and dinner music, I don't want volume as much as I want quality.

The Roland's seem cool, but I've already got a compact system...if I need more, I rent something bigger.

Ian

PS...sorry guys, I don't have a camera.

enjoy

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-22-2007).]

being a dinosaur who remembers the advent of "hi-fi" in the early 50's and then "stereo" a few years later, the idea of stereo was that it was superior to mono in that all the instruments in a group or orchestra came out of the same spot in mono hi-fi, but in stereo you could hear separation as in live performance. the other advantage was a perceived "depth" that gave more of a real room acoustic effect. BUT... What is the supposed advantage of stereo when you ARE actually performing live, and the audience is actually hearing the depth of the room acoustic? isn't it just an "effect" some happen to like, like reverb, etc..rather than a real improvement of the sound? after all, Bose is not expecting us to buy 2 L1's for stereo effect..they are marketing their mono system as sufficient to be best available choice. why are so many concerned with their keyboard sound having a stereo effect? And please understand, I'm not advocating one way or another, just have never worked with a sytem in stereo except onboard speakers, and just in theory, don't really get it.

------------------
Miami Mo

Hi Miami Mo
Its just like the first stereo, a live group (Lets just say a Jazz group) are spread out across the stage, not on top of each other, and stereo keyboards try to give the same effect, (Your backing group and playing is spread out between the 2 speakers) if however you are just playing piano, then as it only comes from one position, mono is fine.
In truth, if you are playing for dancing, then probably no one would notice whether it was mono or stereo, (The punters are 2 busy dancing) but in a concert situation the difference stands out.
In the final analysis, it will be the decision of the player as to what best suits the venue. (If it helps, if you look at most electronic keyboard/organ concerts, they always use stereo)
Interesting observation

Bill

Mo,

It's not like you have to pan the instruments in extreme amounts...just a little works wonders at broadening the sound whilst still keeping it contained.

There is still a perceived depth, and two speakers naturally have a bigger sound.

For home recording I use different settings for panning...it's easy to temporarily modify the style.

I spent a lot of time on my settings and styles for the type of music and venues I play...worked steady at one restaurant for over 11 years...so it seems to be paying off.


Ian

thanks Bill and Ian, i think i understand it better now (but still don't understand why a solo gtr folk-singer would buy 2 Bose L1's for his little coffeehouse gigs, as the guy who sold me his Pavey setup did..do you?) btw Ian, have you never had a problem with the speaker on top of the x-stand in terms if it being easy to knock over? I would think 2 solid-base mic stands would offer more stability.

------------------
Miami Mo

Mo,

There are mic stand mounts available for the MS60s, but my stands are pretty stable...also I set up Wild Bill Hickok style, with my back to the wall and the speakers/stands behind me and flush against it.

With careful running of my cables, there was little chance of tripping over them, and, in my restaurant venues, there wasn't as much movement around me as there would be at a dance gig.

I have a set of folding monitor stands in case I cant get close enough to a wall...not at ear level, but you can tilt them for coverage as Fran suggested, but so far I've never needed them.

Maybe I'm getting lazier(not maybe...I am), or hopefully a tiny bit smarter, but not one piece of my gear weighs over 25 lbs and it all packs in my '94 Accord..and... my sound is still very good.

Ian

so now i have to add ms60s to my shopping list? a/b it to the Roland cm-30? hard work! hey that's a great song title idea, better get on it..oh s,,,t it's been done..

------------------
Miami Mo

If the Roland CM-30s work well, they would be a far better deal.

The MS60s which have been discontinued and replaced by the MSR100...they were very expensive as are the latter.

I got them at a great price because I was working for Yamaha.

Do Roland make a 60 watt CM...a CM-60? That would be cool!

Ian

Roland makes the AC-60 and AC-90 acoustic guitar/pa amps. They are stereo and have 2 x 6.5" speakers and EFX, but have less channels, are heavier and much more expensive. I'm somewhat surprised the CM-30's have sparked interest here. I wasn't interested until I ran into a returned-order pair at half price. They don't seem to be big sellers or on display at many places. Where do you find them; near the guitars or the sound room or the keyboard room? The guys at GC were not up to speed on them and were as surprised as I was about their power and features.

I'm sure if the CM-30 became a hit, Roland would consider a second generation step up. So, would we be looking at an 8 or 10" speaker and 60-100 watts? Seems doable, but the price goes to $350 and the weight to over 25 lbs. There are a lot of powered speakers out there to compete with THAT.

The CM-30 is a nice, compact unit. It's a great little amp that can be used as a mini-pa or stage monitor. I had a Boss MA-15 years back that was a wedge with a 5" speaker & 15 watts. For its time it was a great little portable thingy that I could use for monitoring (like a powered hot spot) or amping in tight spots. This is a few steps forward in the mini market.

No Ian.....I dont think so, the next step is Rolands KC amp line........the CM30 is more then enough for the right small venues.
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productlist.aspx?ParentId=33

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CubeMon30/reviews/

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/product/Roland/CM-30+Cube+Monitor/10/1

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-23-2007).]

I strongly feel stereo sounds better in 90% of the venues..
The lone exception is an audience within 180 degrees of the speakers[a hard right and left of speakers]..

True from a long distance the stereo image is greatly reduced...so what, why sacrifice the stereo in the range that will sound great..People that sit in the back of the room, will hear mono...others will hear stereo..

Some instruments that always seem to sound better in stereo[even in the back of the room]..are drums..fills and crash cymbals seem to be more live..Also separation of individual instruments like a guitar on one side , and a sax to the other side..add dimension..

As I mentioned there are 10 percent of the rooms that mono is more suitable......and my winter gig is one of those..

I've never felt that stereo was necessary playing live. But today's arrangers often have sampled sounds that are optimized in stereo, especially their premier grand pianos. So, if I can get a little better fidelity using stereo, I'm not complaining.

Donny, thanks for the review links. They certainly reinforce what we have been saying here.

Cassp.....
I took your advice, today after a great breakfast with Fran we headed out music store shopping & I couldn't resist buying another Roland CM30 its was the Last one they had a like new Demo Floor model so I got a nice deal on it also !!

Small, Lightweight,
Great STEREO Sound with (2),

ROLAND CM30 Yeah!

After reading the rewiews, I ordered two CM-30's for my small gigs. I could bring my Bose, but since the PA800 has so many stereo styles, I am going to see how stereo works for a change.

Bernie

Bernie.....congrats,

should work out well for your SMALL jobs for sure enjoy!
Also try using the STEREO LINK to hook up both!

Example 1
You can connect up to five input sources.
fig.08
Operation
1.
Connect the devices to the L CM-30.
2.
Connect the STEREO LINK OUT R jack on
the L CM-30 and the STEREO LINK IN jack
on the R CM-30.
3.
Turn on both L and R CM-30.
4.
Adjust the volume levels on all devices.
5.
Adjust the R and L CM-30 volume levels
separately using their MASTER knobs.
If you want to connect input sources to the R CM-30
As described in step 1 of example 1, connect the R
side’s STEREO LINK OUT L jack to the L side’s
STEREO LINK IN jack.



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-24-2007).]

Just a humorous musing - if you were to run everything stereo and use inputs on both amps, you'd have more wire than speaker. Think about it.

Another - does this mean we've found a substitute for the Logitech's?

In soooooo many ways! Cass your a smart cookie

What is the advantage of using the "Stereo Link" over using R+L cables from a mixer or KB ? You have less inputs at your disposal using the link, not that it matters.

Bernie check out page #10 it will shed some light on this stereo link hookup ....
http://media.rolandus.com/manuals/CM-30_OM.pdf

Hypothetically, you could save one cable if you would input the right side of an instrument to one CM-30 and the left side to another. This would also give you two tone controls.

BUT WHY?

Setting up a CM-30 should be easy. If it gets that complicated, maybe you should consider something else. Don't forget, the "stereo link" is also a "mono" link for mono sources like mics - it's no different than a line out to connect two amps. And again, the stereo effect is really best for keyboard sounds that are meant to be heard in stereo.

This is my first experience with using stereo onstage; I'm only using it because it's available; and it sounds good.

After re-reading Bernie's post, I think he has something there.

Yes, if you are using a stereo mixer you could make things easier by just running right and left. But then the question of inputs becomes moot, as you are using the mixer for all your inputs. the CM-30 allows you to use ALL the inputs on both amps and have them linked together, technically eliminating the need for an additional mixer. As Donny said, the description on pg. 10 of the manual explains that. I think it takes a little "thinking it thru" to absorb their simplified explanation.

As per my previous post, if you get to the point where you are using up the inputs, I would hope you have devised a plan to bundle your cords, especially if you've got the CM-30s up on mic stands.

And if Mic stands are used with the CM30's ...I'd recomend TRIPOD style heavy duty quality stands!

Donny, do they sound as good as the Logitechs?
Think I'll go demo a couple this afternoon. There is an online retailer near where I work and they have them in stock.
Thanks,
DonM

Don.....yes they sound great ...but please reread all Ive said about them & notice how many times I used the word "SMALL"

BTW I never liked te Z2200 sound and awefull setup, boominess of the sub, Missing Midrange, plugs & thin wires after all its a home PC speaker system.
Had fun & I dumped it quick.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-24-2007).]

I just got back from my Wed gig using the PA800 and Z2200. This are three of us playing and singing. The other two are just singing with a Karaoke machine hooked up to my Mackie mixer, and out the Z2200. I play instrumentals with styles, and some SMF files for singing.

The point being that all kinds of music went into the Z2200. Whereas, I have always been a defender of the Logitech, it was a good time for an objective appraisal. The highs and vocals were quite good,but I thought it was missing some midrange. Some of the bass from karaoke disks exihibited open boominess that I couldn't get out with cutting bass and EQing the mixer. It could have been the disk.

Since I don't need a driving bass, I am hoping the CM-30's will be adequate. This is a 30x20 room with about 40 people. I will get my CM-30's Friday. Luckily, I have many equipment options, and if they aren't an imptovement, I will use them in my studio, or as monitors.

Bernie they should cover that room very effectively....good luck & enjoy!

Yeah, you dumped it to ME after telling me how GREAT it was!!! But you were right, it is great. And I thank you for it. I don't have a problem at all with it. In fact I have two of them.
Of course it's not perfect for what we do, but it's a killer rig for the $$ and in small situations will do the job very well.
I didn't get over to the store to try the CMs today, but I will soon.
DonM

"DUMP" is just a synonym I use for sell or trade Don Just because a piece of gear doesn't workout for me is not a reason meaning something is wrong with it....we've been dealing together too many years buddy.
if it was I'd mention it.....I'm not a gear "pacrat" if I dont use it in my everyday life Its gone as in the case of the Logitech unit....I also just listed an
Alesis MULTI MIX 6FX Mixer w/Effects mixer at a great price if anyone is interested....

http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum29/HTML/002261.html

I've got my CM-30s hooked up in my studio, and think they are great. They appear to be transparent to my PA800 speakers, but with more volume. Like Cassp, I am only experimenting with stereo because it's there. Is there any rule of thumb as to how far apart to place the speakers in a 20x40 room. I am using the stereo link with one cable unless I need more inputs from the second speaker.

The bass is better than I expected, though naturally not like the Z-22, but then that's fine for what I'm doing. I put my vocal through them and it was quite good. However, it being a dry signal and no harmony, I will run it through the PA800. As reported previously, they are built like a tank and exceed my expectations.

I am sure there are better speakers out there, but considering the price and size, they are hard to beat IMO.

Bernie

bernie

I've used one & two so far with very nice results on my small gigs...try 6 feet left & right with a slight outward angle to each directly parallel to your ears. All Controls master /channel EQ HI/LO all 3pm.
They certainly fill a SMALL Room effeiciently & the ease of use & size/weight/quality its a thing of beauty. I dont need pounding bass at these kind of gigs.



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-29-2007).]

Thanks Donny
Sounds good to me. I will try it that way

I used my CM-30's for the first time today at a gig. The room was 30x50 with about 50 people in attendance. I asked them for a show of hands if they thought the sound was better than usual. They all raised their hands and applauded.

The volume was at 2:00 o'clock and a little on the loud side in the back of the room even. The big difference was how chrystal clear the instruments and vocals were. I was afraid of the bass being lacking. I shouldn't have. I had them literally rocking on the dance floor.

Having said that, my sub on my other system pumped more air, but too much. In a way, it is not a fair comparison, as my Z2200 cost less than half of two CM-30's.

It may not be right for everyone, but I love them , and so do my regulars.

Bernie

Bernie....I think its that they are so small that mentally you have to convince yourself on how good they are for the right situation...I just did two small gigs today with them & they are more then competent to provide great Crystal Clear sound to fill a small room for sure....glad you like em.
A small investment......yields a big dividend

Donny and anyone who has the Roland CM-30 or Mackie SRM-150: I am looking at the Mackie or the Roland to use as a vocal monitor. I would hook my T2 into the Mackie/Roland then run the line out of the Mackie/Roland to the house main. I have a regular gig where the mains are fine for the audience but I can't hear me.

Most of the comments so far have been about using the Roland as a tiny main. I am curious about as a personal monitor.

Thoughts?

Robert, as you're thinking about it, keep in mind that the Roland has a bigger speaker and more I/O options and is considerably less than the Mackie. No shot at Mackie, as I own an 808s and two i300 speakers; it's all great stuff.

Though I haven't used my CM-30's as monitors yet, that's what I really bought them for. When we put them on mic stands and had them next to us (guitarist and me) we could hear the mix pretty well without any type of monitor. It was our semi-deaf sax man that stands in the middle who needed a monitor to hear the mix.

Robert, while listening to the CM30 and SM150 side by side...I thought the SM150 was pristine in the vocal range..even better than the CM30..
The CM30 was better across a full range..for instruments..

Power rating..either Roland is modest with their ratings [as usual]..or Mackie over rates the SM150.[as usual]..

Fran hit it right on the nose !

Cassp/Fran/Donny: Thanks for the replies.

I was leaning towards the Mackie (lower profile, XLR out). The stronger bass isn't critical for a monitor but useful if using it as a mini-PA I'll have to check them both out.

BTW, about output. I wonder at what ohm they are rating the output. I remember back in the 80's when Peavey played games by list everying at a 2 ohm rating so 30 watts at 8 ohms be everyone else, they rated as 120 watts. I don't know enough about the electronics to tell you if that is some of the differences between Roland rating and Mackie but it probably is. Looking at the specs, Mackie lists an 8 ohm speaker but that doesn't mean they are driving it at 8 ohms. More consistent would be a Sound Pressure rating because you would be measuring the result outside of the unit, not the output from wihin the unit. Of course that means that most everyone doesn't list sound pressure and there is probably a way to manipulate those numbers too.

As also, read the specs, get third part opinions, but believe your own ears.

Personally to my ears when A/Bing both units the Mackie 150 would suit an Acoustic guitar/Vocal player better sonically for a monitor & you'll hear that if you do the same vs using it with a Arranger keyboard with full band frequency....I too wanted to love the Mackie 150 & I'm a Mackie man all the way using the Srm 450's as my PA & their Mixers also, but I had to go with the CM30's for my needs this time around I really enjoy them....go listen & make your own choice for your needs.

My CM 30s should arrive tomorrow. :-)
I have some pole speaker stands that I use for my larger PA system. Has anyone heard of a connection that would adapt the 1 3/8 pole mount to a mic stand fitting? I did an internet search and came up blank.

Graham

I'm sure you saw the large plastic stand adapters that can be mounted onto any speaker, but I'm sure that's not what you're looking for. I have a pair of those and attached a 10"x10" plywood base to them. Now I can set the Cm-30's up there or use the stands for giant flower holders . Good luck.
[img]http://www.quiklok.com/catalog/reg/files/SC-217[1]_m.jpg[/img]

These are much lighter and surprisingly stable. I use them for my two, and cheap.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Musicians-Gear-Tripod-Base-Mic-Stand?sku=451039

Bernie

Bernie, your example is the mic stand way of mounting, as most of us probably do. I agree that those mic stands are the designed way to go, but Graham was asking about a speaker pole adapter. That means he wants to consider using the speaker stands he already owns and was looking for options there.

I would add some INDUSTRIAL strenght VELCRO to the speaker & plywood that would aliviate it from falling from vibration.

Thank you Cassp
I just thought I would offer an alternative. There might be others with no poles to adapt.

Bernie, that stand is very well priced, I ordered one! Thanks for the link.

I guess the adapter does not exist!

Graham

OK, I have always been happy with the Tyros 2 own speakers in my home, but I just connected the 2 cm30s and they sounded even better! Plenty of bass, Tyros 2 acoustic guitar comes through clearly and sounds great, good stereo separation! Great start. Real test tomorrow in a small nursing home setting.

Graham

Go for it, Graham!

And Bernie, you're advice eventually paid off. I guess we should never overlook the best advice, which ultimately was yours Good job.

Graham,

Congrats on the CM30's they sound great for small situations.......& look good too on lightweight TRIPOD Mic Stands just screw em on!

The stand recommended by Bernie arrived today and it's perfect with the cm30, and you can't beat the price!

It is the best for the price, and stable enough for most venues. It could be argued by some, that might be surrounded by drunks. that they could be toppled. Then I guess that would mean only the large,expensive, and heavy speaker stands would suffice. The tripod opens up quite a good distance to be stable with small speakers like the CM-30.

I think I'm about ready to stop visiting this forum. because I get caught up in the talk of all this great new gear and I find myself constantly swapping gear.

Now here's my question anyone using the CM30s that had been using logitech z5500s. I know there was a dicussion on page 2 about the z2200s but I'd be curious to hear your comments, if you had been using the z5500s. I currently use the z5500s for 2 or 3 hour gigs. They are a bit too much work to setup for the 1 hr NH gigs. CM30s look like a great solution/ easy set up for those smaller gigs.

as amazing as they are for the size/price, and
as adequate as they may be for small rooms, 2 CM-30's are not going to sound anywhere close to as good as one EV sxA100 powered speaker,
stereo or no stereo. of course we're talking
$350 v $625, and 43 lbs to lift..but for most
that's not a killer..a speaker is a lot easier to handle at 43 than a kb..and doesn't need a case. so for $275 more to get a fantastic sound as opposed to just a good sound..that seems like not a lot for that. but as monitors they make a lot of sense.

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Miami Mo

Mo speaks the truth.

I am delighted with the sound of the CM30s for small rooms. I tried the Logitech z2200s and found them boomy even with the bass turned right down. The CM30s have a clear distinguishable sound, and I have had a lot of good reaction since I have been using them (in smaller rooms with lower ceilings).

I use the Yamaha PAS300 for larger settings, where the CM30s would probably be underpowered.

Graham

Graham

yes cassp and so do you. i got the Evsx100's passives today and the Behringer pmh518m. only tried it with just one speaker and sounds just so smooth and full and gorgeous..and the rack-style 518 is great..light,compact, sleek, and more powerful than the previous power-challenged Behringer mixers. as i said in another post, the EV 12" sx-powered or passive-in my test at Ash proved far superior to the Yam stagepas and the CM30...and the JBL Eon10 i used to use. No contest.

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Miami Mo

Stopped into one of the local GCs today. Whaddya know they had a used CM30 in a box still sealed. Apparently, someone got it as a gift and didn't want it, so much so they never opened the box. Short story is $119. Sounds pretty decent by itself, but I just ordered a 2nd.

Mo I think we have to compare apples to apples..not to oranges...CM30 is a true 30 watt unit..that actually is pretty loud..

I agree the EVsx series are decent and as you stated..is superior to the JBL eons[personally never cared for them..even the big guys]..
I would say that the EV's, although good trail behind Mackie, and what I believe to be the best ..Yorkville units..
The problem with most of these speaker cabinets...they just don't have the bottom, and are really two way sound systems..
That being said Yorkville has a recent model that is tri amped and gets down there were bass should be..

Also if we need to compare units in the 300 watt range...the Traynor K4, is tri amped, three way sound system that can kick butt..

I am curious why you did not get a powered unit[weight?]..Also did you get a chance to try Yorkville and the Traynor K4?

There are so many great sound systems, that we have to use what works best for us...I have all the bases covered with my 3 systems.
Yorkville's with sub for the band..My trusty antique Roland Keyboatd Cube 100's for "BIG" jobs, and the new "heavey weight champ" Traynor K4...so far handles anything I through at it...The combination of the Roland's and the Traynor are unbelievably great..

I love having powered speakers...more dependable..my 22 year old Roland's verify that..

Fran i think u missed my thread i did when i got back here a few days ago..feet in the water..i had to use a credit from g.kaye..and he isnt EV dealer-- but had 2 like-new passives for $400..add the mixer at $200 that's less than 1 powered EV..maybe doesnt have quite that spectacular sound as the powered one..but gives me more versatility, and they are 11 lbs lighter. mackies are too heavy for me and are more $. the K4 is too heavy for me 57lbs. i dont need heavy bass at all..dont do dance music just jazz/latin/standards. bass i no issue, thats why i prefer a 12 for better vocals even if 15s were same weight and price. thanks/

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Miami Mo

Great price Steve !!! use em well they are kool sounding little amps for sure!