Decent bulletproof wedges < $1k

[Scott Slater]

Re: Decent bulletproof wedges < $1k

I would argue against these; there are better options and they don't sound all that great compared to some of the other newer options. Besides, lord forbid you get asked to put bass or kick in them.

As long as DEEP mode is not enabled, they sound quite good. I get lots of comments from bands on the sound of these. They are also very light, and somewhat smaller than others.

 

[Kevin Maxwell]

Re: Decent bulletproof wedges < $1k

I was asked to suggest wedges for a college who keep blowing up the JBL and Yamaha stuff they are buying from Sweetwalter at the $300ish price point. I would suggest EV Fm1202er's as I have 6 that as I recall I have never blown up on my B rig, and they've seen their share of hell gigs in their lifetime. But alas they are not avail anymore. Being that I haven't really heard any of the newer offerings from any of the major manufacturers lines I was hoping to get some direction from some of you that have.

If you know how and they have the blown boxes still lying around, I would dissect the boxes and see why they are blowing up. If you don’t know how I can make some suggestions.

 

[Max Warasila]

Re: Decent bulletproof wedges < $1k

You don't need extended LF response to get the timing cues from the bass or kick in the wedge. And some of us tend to HP the wedges pretty high anyway, because there's already too much LF energy off the back of the mains and the subs.

And we know this, but not all talent agrees. Besides, considering the current loss of wedges to user error, there isn't much guarantee of a good HP.

 

[Tim McCulloch]

Re: Decent bulletproof wedges < $1k

And we know this, but not all talent agrees. Besides, considering the current loss of wedges to user error, there isn't much guarantee of a good HP.

We did a show a few years back for a male singer/songwriter that has been featured on Austin City Limits. Love his singing and his writing, but he wanted the "FM radio baritone announcer voice" coming back to his face from his wedge. The amount of 120-240Hz coming from the stage was astounding. When the BE came back to FOH after setting wedge EQ & levels I mentioned to him that he'd effectively fucked himself in the very live & reflective venue. "That's what the boss wants and he signs my check". Okay, I understand.

The amount of HF the BE had to add to make things remotely intelligible was sufficient to send 30% of the audience out the doors in the first 3 songs. Not too long after it was down to 50% remaining and many of them were gone after their cocktail minimums were consumed. Merch sales were 40% of the house's projections.

I understand the BE wants to keep his job (been there) but it's also his obligation to inform the artist that the tonal decisions the artist is making based on his speaking voice does not play well in any venue where the stage SPL contributes to the house SPL.

That artist had been on an 'every couple of years' rotation at this venue but hasn't played there since the above took place. It's his gig to fuck up and the consequences must be born by him.

Now, to the topic...

There ain't no such thing as a bulletproof $1000 wedge, and certainly not if you need it to sound good while at the limit of its performance. You'll need to spend close to 3x that amount, maybe more as you're in the 'big dog' territory.