Reasonably Priced PA System Suggestions

[rharris07]

I am looking to purchase a reasonably priced, maybe even used PA system I could use for DJing. I don't do it often, but when I do its usually for a local high school when they have dances. I don't have any speakers or mixer or sub, so I need all of that. I am running everything off PC software, which will change next month to a Mac but regardless the source is a laptop.

The kind of music will be top 40 c**p - especially hip hop, so I need something that can handle those low ends without cutting out. There will also be some of the newer pop country music, so the highs need to be a bit clear and crisp. The crowd size is roughly 200 to 400 people in an auditorium.

I don't want to spend a lot, I typically only get paid about 500 each time and it might just be twice a year so its nothing special (though I suppose I could do more once I have real gear for it). Does anyone have any good suggestions on what to get for this sort of deal?

The last time I did this I had to rent a system, which I believe was maybe two 15" two-way speakers, a mixer, some kind of unit that helped out with the bass, and then a sub (and thats whats killing me I cannot remember the size of the sub!). Some how I faked my way through the whole dance and everyone thought my mixes were amazing, sooooo I guess this time I should know what I'm doing/talking about before I get up there on the stage!

Thanks to anyone that might be able to suggest some units to look at or some hints/tips I might could use to start shopping with!

[Stab Frenzy]

If you're only doing it twice a year it'll take you a few years to get your money back on your investment, and you'll need to store it somewhere in the meantime. If I were you I'd just keep hiring one unless you start doing a lot more gigs.

[rharris07]

well i would put myself out there to a couple of other schools to DJ for, which would possibly mean 4 to 8 times a year without doing anything else. i could probably get in some different parties as well, i have a few contacts that throw large parties for different groups so i'm sure i could work in more events, i just haven't tried at all simply because i've had to rent equipment and the equipment currently is costing me about 400 per rental, and thats just too much when i'm getting paid 500 each time - i'd much rather spend money and have a system all my own than pay someone else to use theirs!

[meatballfulton]

If you do it all on a laptop with DJ software you don't need a mixer, just a DJ interface (has two audio sends so you can cue). NI makes one that's about $100.

Bass enhancement can be done in software.

Then add powered speakers and sub. New that will run you $1500+. Used you might sneak by for less than $1000.

Here is a JBL system currently just a hair under $2000 after rebate (you add speaker stands and cabling)

[Stab Frenzy]

Yeah I would go with the Eons as well. Yamaha also have some good value for money systems. For a room that fits up to 400 people I'd want two subs, especially if you're playing bass-heavy music. The driverack has EQ built in as well so you can get a decent sound up pretty quickly even if you don't really know that much about using a graphic EQ, which is a very handy feature.

[k5k]

yeah jbl! and the dbx systems are damn handy etc.
the wharfdale evp range are good too, if you wanna spend less.

[rharris07]

Here is a JBL system currently just a hair under $2000 after rebate (you add speaker stands and cabling)

Thank you for this suggestion and showing me the deal. I called guitar center and told them about the rebate, they checked it out and pulled the entire thing for me and printed out the rebate. I pick up the whole thing on Saturday. Can't wait to play with it!

Thanks so much again for your suggestions and help...I just hope it ends up being loud enough for this upcoming dance party!

Ryan

[dr.sine]

i'm sure it will be. JBL is some good stuff.

but remember, it's not all about being LOUD. you want clarity. you cant just crank everything up to 11 and expect gold to come from the speakers.
you want everyone to be able to hear the music evenly throughout the room (i recommend getting there early, setting everything up and walking around the room whilst playing some tunes from your mix. then adjust your speakers, volume and EQ accordingly. this is where speaker stands are something you definitely want in your rig.), you want it to be clear not over bearing.
if your djing in places like school gymnasiums and such you have to remember that those kind of places were not built with acoustics in mind. they can be rather difficult to get a "comfortable" mix in.

best of luck!

[rharris07]

If you do it all on a laptop with DJ software you don't need a mixer, just a DJ interface (has two audio sends so you can cue). NI makes one that's about $100.

Bass enhancement can be done in software.

Then add powered speakers and sub. New that will run you $1500+. Used you might sneak by for less than $1000.

Here is a JBL system currently just a hair under $2000 after rebate (you add speaker stands and cabling)

i finally had my first DJ experience with this system after receiving your suggestion on buying it. i have to say it went extremely well, the system sounded amazing and there were more people dancing this year than last according to the party planners, so i'm quite pleased. i had to say thanks one more time for the suggestion!

[Stab Frenzy]

Great, I'm glad it went well for you.