Monitor Question - What to buy?

L

Larry Lewis

Freshman
Jun 1, 2012
18
0
1
Virginia Beach, VA
I currently have a pair of JTR Triple-8's on monitor duty that I'd like to use as mains for smaller, indoor shows. So I'm looking for a total of 4 monitors. Don't need extreme levels, but reasonable rock band in bars and small outdoor stages.

I've got a pair of PLX-3102's available for monitor power, but there's the possibility of some acoustic-type gigs and I'm liking the convenience of active monitors that could double for this purpose. Processing is a 24-channel Studiolive (run monitors from FOH).

Ideally, I'd like to spend no more than $500-600 per monitor. I almost pulled the trigger on the Yamaha CM-12V which is considerably less, but the temptation to go active has stopped me.

Contenders (prices based on lowest Ebay new or manufacturer refurbs with some type of warranty):

1. Yamaha CM-12V ($300)
2. RCF ART 310A ($480)
3. RCF ART 312A ($480)
4. Yamaha DXR10 ($520)
5. Yamaha DXR12 ($560)
6. QSC K10 ($600)
7. JBL PRX612M ($620)
8. QSC K12 ($675)

The RCF ART 310A/312A, although discontinued, seems to get some love on the forums. The DXR is a new line, but early reviews seem favorable with many preferring it over the PRX612M. Many reviews of the K10/K12 end with the speakers getting harsh when pushed.

Anything else I should be considering at this price point? Which speaker would you choose to handle both rock band wedge and acoustic gig main?

FWIW, I'm currently leaning towards the Yamaha DXR10 or 12 although I still need to get out and do some listening if possible.

Thanks,
Larry
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

RCF 312a for sound and power. Although rated at only 350 watts the the RCF 312a will leave all of those
other monitors in the dust. Allot of those other speakers sound pretty good at medium volumes but
their power ratings are pure fantasy.
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

I highly recommend the DXR12 both as FOH main and a monitor. Yamaha did a great job with their processing... Just try their D-CONOTOUR "MONITOR" mode, and you will immediately find it the best powered speaker among what's available in the market now:eek:~:-o~:eek:
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

I have the K10 and really like it.

I'd stay away from the PRX612M. It has a gate on input which causes noticeable dropouts on moderate and quiet signals, and it can't be disabled. (The worship leader at my previous church bought one for his foldback and had major problems.) It's probably fine if driven hard in a loud band context.
 
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Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

I know you don't have it listed but a yorkville nx 35 works well on monitors. I have 4 of them and no one has ever complained. You say you have amps available but many of your choices are powered box's.

Why do you want to go active now?
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

Alan,

Convenience. I'd rather lose the 60 lb monitor amp rack if I could, and not bring any amp rack to the acoustic-type gigs (2 mains, 2 monitors).

Four NX35s would cost about $1500 ($375 per box).

Four DXR12s would cost about $2400 ($600 per box). After selling the two PLX-3102s for $900-1000 (combined), it'd end up being about the same. With the RCF ART 312As, it'd actually be cheaper to go active. Based on what I've read, both are probably better sounding boxes than the NX35, but I haven't listened to them in person so that might be subjective.

Appreciate all the feedback received. Will be pulling the trigger on something soon.

Thanks,
Larry
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

Larry,

I know what you mean on the amp racks, I just don't like the extra wires running around on stage, anyways.

I have heard the k 12's used for front of house, I also do sound for 1 band where the key board player uses a k12 for his keys and monitor. It sounds phenomenal at both duties. If you can't hear a yamaha first, I will tell you the k 12 is great from what I have heard.
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

Larry Lewis said:
At 80 lbs and $2k a box, I would expect LOTS of compliments. Want to sell four for $500 apiece?
Click to expand...

I've never paid that much for used....
I've seen some on ebay recently

EAW - LA 215 SPEAKERS | eBay

Also, I put wheels on mine so they move easily
I'll grant you they're a bit heavy (for one guy) when you want to put on a stand, but with a helper, a piece of cake
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

The Yamaha CM12V wedge is the best bang for the buck wedge out there. I use them for anything from club gigs to national artists, and I've never had a complaint. They're powered with a Crown XS900 per monitor. They get screaming loud and are very stable. Plus they're pretty much indestructible. For >$300 a box, you can't beat them.



Evan
 
Re: Monitor Question - What to buy?

It's been a couple of months since creating this thread, so I figured I'd provide an update. I ended up getting a pair of Yamaha DXR12s from Mike Pyle with covers. So far, they have been on monitors about half a dozen times, and I haven't noticed any problem frequencies or other issues. They get plenty loud for the band I'm running sound for. Overall, I'm really happy with them and will probably pick up two more.

Here's a video with them handling monitor duty, although you're hearing the mains of course which are JTR Triple-8s: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=385362038195563

I'm also a fan of the Yamaha CM12V. I bought a pair for the church I play at a year ago along with a QSC RMX 1850HD. If I planned on staying passive, I would have bought four of these.
 
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