Hi. I am looking for some upgrade advice please. I currently own 2 – Mackie HD1221 mains, 2 – Mackie HD1801 subs and 4 – Mackie SRM350v2 for monitors. We are a Southern Gospel group from Ohio and our dates have been growing as well as our audiences (we are doing more outdoor dates, maybe several hundred people at the most). I would like to upgrade my mains to a 3-way model (I should have plenty of sub right?). They would be more powerful (meaning get louder and throw farther) plus they should sound better with the extra mid driver. The obvious choice would be Mackie’s HD1531, but then JBL, QSC and EV have options as well. I’m at a loss on what to choose and why or why not to choose one over another. Also, all these models have been around for a while so I’m not sure if there are any new contenders on the block now that should be considered (Yamaha, Yorkville?). I’m always looking to learn more about live sound so I am “all ears” on any advice you can give. Thank you for your time and input.
Upgrade Advice Needed
- Thread starter Jesse Davila
- Start date
Re: Upgrade Advice Needed
One of the best things you can do in your situation is to try and listen to some of the gear you're looking at. You wouldn't want to buy a car without kicking the tires first, and audio equipment is no different, especially when there are several options you're considering. Reviews of others can be somewhat subjective (although at least here there's a modicum of professionalism with people backing up those reviews with solid data as well), so sometimes you can really only trust your own ears to be sure you're getting what you want.
I'm also not sure if Mackie has fixed a lot of the reliability issues with the HD1531 (or HD1801), so it might be wise to consider that factor when choosing your new rig. It seems the general consensus on the cabs is that they sound great and nothing in that price range can really get close, but that's only so long as they're not at the repair shop. The other problem is that I read they are much more suited for indoor work, as the tops run out of gas pretty quick outdoors and don't project well. Like I said, that's based on information a year or so old, so these issues may have been fixed by now.
One of the best things you can do in your situation is to try and listen to some of the gear you're looking at. You wouldn't want to buy a car without kicking the tires first, and audio equipment is no different, especially when there are several options you're considering. Reviews of others can be somewhat subjective (although at least here there's a modicum of professionalism with people backing up those reviews with solid data as well), so sometimes you can really only trust your own ears to be sure you're getting what you want.
I'm also not sure if Mackie has fixed a lot of the reliability issues with the HD1531 (or HD1801), so it might be wise to consider that factor when choosing your new rig. It seems the general consensus on the cabs is that they sound great and nothing in that price range can really get close, but that's only so long as they're not at the repair shop. The other problem is that I read they are much more suited for indoor work, as the tops run out of gas pretty quick outdoors and don't project well. Like I said, that's based on information a year or so old, so these issues may have been fixed by now.
Re: Upgrade Advice Needed
Also, you need to determine your budget and expectations.
While the 2 subs you have now may work for small indoor spaces, they will likely not be enough outdoors.
When indoors you get a benifit from the walls and ceiling - they reflect sound.
When outdoors there are no walls or ceiling to help so you need more PA. A number often tossed around is 4 times as much outside for the same levels and audience as inside.
Sent from my iPad HD
Also, you need to determine your budget and expectations.
While the 2 subs you have now may work for small indoor spaces, they will likely not be enough outdoors.
When indoors you get a benifit from the walls and ceiling - they reflect sound.
When outdoors there are no walls or ceiling to help so you need more PA. A number often tossed around is 4 times as much outside for the same levels and audience as inside.
Sent from my iPad HD