I'm getting back in it...

M

Matt Vivlamore

Senior
Jan 11, 2011
912
4
18
42
Southern MD, USA
www.meerkatsound.com
Well about 2 years ago I made a decision to get out of the Live Sound ‘Production/Ownership’ because the day job company would have paid for my Master Degree. Well, fast forward to today… I left that company for another job and never went to school.

Anyways, what’s out there and what have I missed?

My last rig was Fulcrum FA22ac over JBL SRX718s & Itech8000 with a Yahama LS9-32 or Behringer X32-Compact. I just gotten a bunch of TurboSound iQ10s and I did enjoy them for the short time I had them. I was running a bunch of Sennehiser EW500 with e935 mics and EW300-IEMs. For the most part, it was all flat packed in a ’06 Chevy Express 3500 Duramax Diesel.

Now you know the basis of what I had, it time to start rebuilding. Random thoughts off the top of my head; I know I can’t justify purchasing the Fulcrums right now (gotta get money coming in). Right before selling everything, my plan after that wedding ‘season’ was to replace the SRX718s with Powered Sub (just began the research).

I do have some Goals in mind and I know it’ll take a couple years to rebuild and regain the clientele that I once had.

My Goals are that I want a light, powerful and compact rig to fit in a Mini Cargo Van (like a Ford Transit Connect) for cover a wedding in a standard ball room (~75’ x ~100’ with a ~50’ x ~50’ dance floor) with a guest size right around 150 people.

Some of my initial plans are:

Mixer: Start with a Behringer X32-Rack and then add a Midas M32R. The 2 are going to be interconnected and digitally split. I’ll use the M32R inputs for the ‘money channels’ and Monitor Duties and the X32-Rack will be on FOH duty (mixed remotely by iPad).

Speakers – Self Powered.
Mains: I’m looking at starting out with either the EV ETX-12P or JBL SRX812P; but it’ll be along this price point.
Subs: Since I loved my SRX718s/IT8000 combo, I’m going right to the SRX818SP (at least a good demo), but I was looking at the EV ETX-18SP prior.
Monitors/Utility: I can save a few bucks in comparison to the Mains. I should be fine with the iQ10 again, but the new EV ELX200 looks interesting.

Mics:
Vocals: Sennheiser e935 or Shure Beta58a
Guitar: Sennheiser e609
Kick: Audix D6; Shure Beta98A
Snare: Shure Beta56
Toms: e604 (3 pack)
Hats & Overhead: Sennheiser e614/AKG C430.

Stands: K&M 210/9

XLR Cables: CBI MLN/Performer or EWI Starline
 
I have some 728s and some 818s. I might not have things dialed in but I am almost certain the 700 series are giving me a bit more (obviously taking the dual 18" into consideration). I can understand the need to go powered. With the 818s I have been happy with the gigs you are describing.
If you are looking to purchase all the things on your list I would suggest scouring the marketplaces. A lot of what you have listed is pretty modern stuff and shouldnt be beat too much. Heck I will take a second look over your list and see if there is anything I have to offer.
I am a little concerned with fitting it all in a transit connect but some people are better at packing than I am( do you ever have to provide lighting or backline stuff?). I would love to able to fit into a Transit but cable cases etc necessitate a full size and pushing it for me. I would definitely do a little research in what those things can haul. I was considering going that route with a trailer but the spec sheets state the towing capacity so low i shied away. For what its worth take a peek at the Mercedes metro.
Guessing none of that was too helpful but welcome back.
 
Last edited:
Ben Lawrence said:
I have some 728s and some 818s. I might not have things dialed in but I am almost certain the 700 series are giving me a bit more (obviously taking the dual 18" into consideration). I can understand the need to go powered. With the 818s I have been happy with the gigs you are describing.
If you are looking to purchase all the things on your list I would suggest scouring the marketplaces. A lot of what you have listed is pretty modern stuff and shouldnt be beat too much. Heck I will take a second look over your list and see if there is anything I have to offer.
I am a little concerned with fitting it all in a transit connect but some people are better at packing than I am( do you ever have to provide lighting or backline stuff?). I would love to able to fit into a Transit but cable cases etc necessitate a full size and pushing it for me. I would definitely do a little research in what those things can haul. I was considering going that route with a trailer but the spec sheets state the towing capacity so low i shied away. For what its worth take a peek at the Mercedes metro.
Guessing none of that was too helpful but welcome back.
Click to expand...

I want of the mini cargo vans because they fit in the DC parking garages.

I know not to go straight to Guitar Center, I am planning on buying used, but if I end up going with new gear, it'll be through some of the Forum Dealers..

as for Lighting, it'll be very basic; a tree per side with 4 flat par LEDs with Wireless DMX. If the Band/Client wants a flashy light show... I know a few guys they can hire.
I never had Backline and don't want to get involved with it.
 
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