NWB - Community Blog

29 Jul 2009

What gear?

Filed Under : Gear

Posted By : jeni | Comments : 20

For a vocalist

I know that most of you guys r in bands, but could use some info on what gear is decent but resonably priced as thinking I may go back to gigging self contained. Times change, and gear changes, what do u guys reckon is the best amp on the market at the mo? Also what mic/speakers do u guys reccomend? Its only a thought at the moment that I'm toying with.
jeni x

Comments

# Posted by Bad Horsie (Mick) - 29/07/2009, 20:52 (GMT)

What's your budget Jeni?

# Posted by jeni - 29/07/2009, 20:55 (GMT)

I know to set up it would prob cost around £2000, that's what it cost me last time.

# Posted by Bad Horsie (Mick) - 29/07/2009, 21:09 (GMT)

A lot of folks on here use this website with great results.

http://www.soundsavers.com/catalog/pa-systems-17/

I bet you could rig yourself up with a decent setup for less than 2K these days.

# Posted by jeni - 29/07/2009, 22:10 (GMT)

Cheers Mick, will def check the site out.
jeni x

# Posted by jeni - 29/07/2009, 22:15 (GMT)

Has anyone used a Studiomaster C3 12 Input Mixer and a Studiomaster VMS Vocal Management System and what do they think of it?

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 30/07/2009, 00:08 (GMT)

+1 for Soundsavers. If you give them a call they are great on providing advice.
Do you need a 12 Channel? What are you putting through the PA, is it just a Vocal mic and Backing Tracks or do you play keys/guitar etc.?

# Posted by Anthem - 30/07/2009, 09:06 (GMT)

try SAI in Chorley, some very good quality second hand stuff in there.

# Posted by Captain Trubshaw - 30/07/2009, 10:07 (GMT)

My God...Are SAI still going?....My mate still has a pair of SAI speaker bin things (thats what they look like) in his garage, we used them for PA speakers 20 odd years ago....Thought they had shut up shop years ago.

# Posted by jeni - 30/07/2009, 10:20 (GMT)

Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 30/07/2009, 00:08 (GMT)

I would only be putting a mic and backing through the amp but want sommat with decent power.

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 30/07/2009, 14:14 (GMT)

Hi Jeni, You probably don't need a 12 channel mixer then. Something like a Spirit Folio would do. A couple of Powered Speakers, leads etc and Robert's your uncle.
A couple of things to bear in mind.
Powered Mixers tend to be really heavy
Power Amps are also pretty heavy so Active, (powered speakers), especially in plastic enclosures are easier to handle.
We have a couple of RCF Active speakers that pump out 350w per speaker and you can carry one in each hand. Dear though at around £700 per pair.
We also have a 1.4Kw power amp that gives you a hernia.
I reckon a couple of Active speakers shoving out 300 - 500w and a small mixer will do you.
Factor in Speaker Stands and cables and off you go.
The great thing about Active systems is that if you need more power, add more speakers.
I would have a chat with Sounsavers and see what they can offer.
if you then get back here with their suggestions and I am sure you will get some useful feedback.

# Posted by jeni - 30/07/2009, 14:37 (GMT)

Cheers for the advice guys, i really appreciate all the comments and input. Is the Shure 58 still the most used mic or is their a better one on the market these days?
jeni x

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 30/07/2009, 14:50 (GMT)

The Shure IS the most popular, but I have been using a couple of Samson Q7's and am very impressed.
If you go for the Shure watch you don't get one of the Fake ones.

# Posted by delete 79 - 30/07/2009, 15:01 (GMT)

hey jeni the samson q7 is a VERY good mic as well. i recently bought one of rob from hair of the dog and i already want another. somehow it just puts my sm58 to shame! clearer, less prone to feedback, just a better sound overall!

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 30/07/2009, 15:15 (GMT)

And you'l get 2 Q7's for the price of 1 Shure.
Purple Turtle Music in stockport are doing them for £29.95. Either from store or e-Bay.

# Posted by delete 79 - 30/07/2009, 15:20 (GMT)

oh nice one i didnt know that! definately gonna get a couple on order just a back ups!!!

# Posted by jeni - 30/07/2009, 16:51 (GMT)

R the Q7's good for male and female vocalists? Also, what's the best radio mic?

# Posted by Bad Horsie (Mick) - 30/07/2009, 21:36 (GMT)

I don't have a great deal of knowledge about radio mics, but Sennheiser get great reviews.

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 31/07/2009, 09:36 (GMT)

I rate the Q7's full stop. I don't know of any mic's that are better/worse for a female vocalist.
We had a female vocalist who used a Sennheiser Freeport. this one.
http://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/shop/view_product.php?product=senfp35
They were only £99.00 until recently. If you get one don't forget rechargeable batteries and charger and a religious system of changing them.
No fun if a battery goes flat mid song....
Unless you are planning on wandering about, i wouldn't personally go that route.

# Posted by Rumble Fat Band - 01/08/2009, 12:46 (GMT)

Hi Jeni,
Here's a mixer bargain. Spotted in Loot when i was looking for a Bass Player job.
http://www.loot.com/advert/yamaha-aw16g-/21935640

# Posted by jeni - 01/08/2009, 16:49 (GMT)

Cheers guys, much appreciated!!!
jeni x

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