Scott -

I have read how you rave about the EV SxA100's. I think that's the way I'm going to go. I just wanted to ask if you use a mixer, or could I just connect my PSR2000 directly, since my mic goes through the keyboard anyway? (using the keyboard as an overall mixer, in essence) Thanks!

Angelo

Scott,

Based on your experience, and recommendations with the various brands of PA's, I purchased the EV's. I couldn't resist the new price at GC. They will arrive from another location within a few days.

I would appreciate your recommendation for cables into the mixer, and also out to the EV speakers. ( length of cables, type ((balances/ unbalanced)), brand etc.

I hope we are not being too musch of a pest, but your experience will help us neophytes from making too many mistakes.

Thanks,

Jerry

Hi Angelo. Yep, most of the time I don't use an external mixer. I plug my mic (EV757) directly into the 2000 and just plug the SXa100's into the kb's 1/4" outputs and control the overall volume & mixer balances right from the kb. Sounds GREAT! I put the speakers on 'Ultimate Support' aluminum (black) tripod stands. For smaller venues I can usually get away with just one speaker. I take 2 speakers for the medium-larger wedding/corporate party gigs where wider coverage and/or stereo is required. Angelo, please let us know which PA you actually end up getting and how it works out for ya. - Scott

Jerry,

Whether plugging into an external mixer or directly into the kb, here are some (20-25 ft) speaker cable (1/4" plugs at both ends) options I'd recommend:

Monster Cable Performer 500 Speaker Cable: http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=p.MONP500S20&z=1475280238387

Conquest 16-Gauge Speaker Cable http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=p.CNQHPT1625&z=1475280238387

CBI 14-Gauge Speaker Cable: http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=p.CBISC1425&z=1475280238387

All the above should work fine though the Monster Cable may provide a slightly better quality & cleaner signal, but costs more.

Another cheap inexpensive alternative is using Hoya brand 1/4 "cable, but I (personally) do NOT recommend going this route as I've found them not durable enough to withstand the continous beating of gigging (plugging/unplugging). I have experienced a lot of unexpected signal problems which are definitely what you don't want, especially during a gig.
Better to spend more money for road worthy cables which are dependable and will offer the cleanest sound quality possible within your budget. Hope this helps. - Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 09-04-2002).]

I prefer the sound from my EV's when I use an external mixer. The option of leaving the mixer in the car is great as a time saver, but when I want my best sound - I bring in the mixer. It adds alot to the overall package.

The SXa line is really a terrific value, but at those closeout prices - it's an aoutright steal. GC is selling below dealer cost on a current item. Unheard of. (smart...who knows?)

Did you know there is a larger model that has more power and a 15" speaker too? It's a little heavier but still pretty small.

For me - the 2 EV's are all I need for 95% of my work. When I need more "ooomph" I just add a bass amp to round out the bottom end. I never need more power for the tops than the 100's put out. Extreme DJ/dance situations really need that extra bottom end - because the "life" comes from the low end, since the music is canned and there is no life from the performance. The "sizzle" comes from air movement, and you need speaker area to do that. 24" of paper cone just won't cut it at higher volume levels.

If you keep a bass rig as your "reinforcements" .... you'll have all you need for any type of sound requirement.

Scott, Dave:

Thanks for the input to my questions.

It really helps me to make the right decisions.

Uncle Dave - I wish I would have gotten your advice on the Bass Amp earlier. I had just sold my Bass Amp, I had it for years (from my Cordovox days). It didn't cut it with the PSR 2000, so I sold it "cheap" to a young kid starting out.

Now I may have to re-invest in one again. I'll see how the EV's do the job. Altough you are right. "Dancers respond to bass."

How do you hook up the amp with the speakers? Through a mixer?

Jerry

Jerry,
There are several way to do this.
1) take a line out from one EV and run it INTO the bass amp directly .... roll off the highs and pump up the bass. The overall balance will be controlled by the bass amp knob, but the volume will change in proportion to the EV if the mixer signal changes.

2) Use a dedicated crossover. This will give you the MOST efficient use of power and clarity. Bi-Amping is a great way to increase presence without making the WHOLE signal louder. Here's what you do:
Without a mixer - Run two wires from the keyboard INTO the crossover inputs (L&R). Run the HIGH outputs into the EV's. There will be a summed low output that can be routed to the input of the bass amp. If there is NO sum, then just use a "Y" cord to get the signal from both channels into the single bass amp. You DON'T need two bass amps. One will be fine, because bass is NON directional. The human ear doesn't really know what direction the real low notes are coming from. I'd use a x-over point of about 180Hz. No higher than 250, or you get into the directionality range. Stay with under 200 if you can.

3) WITH a mixer -
If you want to avoid a dedicated x-over - a monitor send can act as a poor man's x-over too. Roll off the bas a little on the KB channel, or if you have a graphic EQ - take it down there. Then use the monitor send to feed the bass amp, and roll off the highs(at the amp's controls).
This method works great because you can add more bass to any signal in different amounts, by turning UP the monitor send on that channel.