I'm going to buy a new PA, and I guess a pair of EVs SXA360 will be a good choice, considering that sometimes I need high volumes.
I don't want to carry the weight of a active Subwoofer... but I know it would be a great thing to add to these speakers... I hope the speakers can handle well the bass range when at loud volumes.

I've been very curious about the Bose PAS, but I won't be able to test them in my country (Portugal) before March/April 2005...

Any other suggestions?...
Any kind of help will be very good at this time of making the final decision.

Thanks

Luis Santos

Luis, I have auditioned the SxA360's as well as the other PA speaker options (Mackie, Barbetta, Bose, JBL, etc) discussed on this forum, and also concur that the SxA360 an EXCELLENT choice. I myself plan to eventually upgrade (from my SxA100's) to the SxA360's as well. I'm really looking forward to hearing how much you enjoy your new SxA360's. I'm jeoulous.

Scott

Scottyee,
SXA360 are not cheap here in Portugal... but I think their size and weight is just perfect (coming from a pair of JBL passive speakers with about twice the weight of a single SXA360 each!!).

Uncle Dave is saying wonderfull things about the Bose PAS...
if you already auditioned it, what do you think about it? What's your opinion about the "Stereo to Mono", specially on the Grand Piano sound? I already read some posts were you mentioned that one of your main concerns is the sound of the Grand Piano (wich I also use a lot for piano solo + a female voice), so if you could share your opinion about this Bose PAS, it would be very nice!

Thanks!

Luis Santos

Luis, I had the opportunity to audition the Bose PAS thru my Yamaha Tyros on several different occasions (both in a studio setting as well as on a gig), and even after attempting to tweak the EQ settings on the PAS, the Yamaha Tyros stereo samples (especially the Stereo Grand Piano) sound terrible : very thin & tinny. The problem boils down to the simple FACT that mixing a stereo sample (which also incorporates effects) down to mono results in phase cancellation and unacceptably poor sound because the effects are missing in the process. If you can afford purchase TWO (not just one) Bose PAS speaker ( $4,000 )then I'm sure the Bose will sound impressive, but ...



If you're wanting to use a single Bose PAS unit ($2,000) to play a Yamaha arranger thru, I say (to quote the phrase DNJ likes to use: ForgetaboutIt! The EV SxA360 is the CLEAR WINNER!: smooth response from top to bottom with a solid bass which can easily hold its own, and you get TWO speakers for the price of a single Bose PAS unit. I look forward to the day I too will be able to upgrade to the EV SxA360's, as in my comparison tests, heard a big improvement in sound between it and my EV SxA100's as well, and well worth the sharp price difference as well. To top off this, the EV SxA360's are lighter, and even more ergonomic to transport than the SxA100's (or other current comparably sized PA speaker competition (Barbetta, JBLs, Mackies, etc) as well. I guess you all know now that I'm really sold on power output & sound quality of the SxA360's.

Scott

I love my Bose.
All summing does not induce cancellation.
Louder EVs do not cover more than efficient Bose PAS. They just make more sound up close.
I don't love the Yamaha grand piano sound ..... even in stereo, so I use edited versions or EPs.
I sold my second tower and use only ONE exclusively now. That's all that's really needed to cover any room size I encounter.

Mileage may vary. Boyd where prohibited.

Perhaps not, but with Yamaha stereo keyboard samples, it most definitely 'does'.



Uncle Dave, sorry but I have to disagree. As an acoustic grand piano (Steinway) player as well as arranger keyboardist, I honestly think the Yamaha Tyros' stereo 'Grand Piano' voice to sound quite impressive for a 'sampled sound' if kept output to stereo. - Scott

You CAN'T disagree ! It's my thoughts only. I said "I" don't love it. Surely, you can't disagree with what I don't love !

(...sure I can, and don't call me Shirley !)

I just don't like it. The tone is nice, but it doesn;t have as much playability as some others I've owned.

I guess I'm finnaly going to order the EVs...
Anyone has another suggestion?

Thanks

Luis Santos

Louis,

If I were in your position, I would talk with owner of the music store and ask if you can A/B the various sound systems during a time when it's convenient to him. If he or she is agreeable, take the keyboard and vocal setup to the music store, then let your ears be the judge. Everyone has their own opinion of what sounds best for them--but it may not be what you're looking for. Additionally, take some good midi files with you, and allow them to play while you walk around the store in various positions and listen carefully to how they sound.

Play the same midi files through each system and do not do a lot of tuning. Set the EQs to a flat setting, and don't use any effects at all. This is important. This will tell what the system sounds like without lots of tweeking. Some sound good after lots of tuning, while others will not. The one that sounds good with a flat EQ will likely sound fantastic when tuned and tweeked.

Good Luck,

Gary

How about the Mackie SRM450's??? And while you're at it save around $900 (on 2) in the process. PS: Even if you've got money to burn you still couldn't do better than the Mackie SRM450's for 12" Monitors vs. the SxA360's or any other Make or Model (comparatively speaking - similar price range, etc.) IMO.

My 2 cents

Best regards,
Mike

PS: You asked for opinions so I'm giving you mine.

Mike,
I looked for your email address to do this in private but you haven't shared that with us so here goes:

You give a lot of advice on stuff that you never owned or tested, and while I DO respect your opinion to chime in .... you're not helping anyone by spewing out info that anyone can gather right here on the net or in a manual.
You're a nice guy with a polite, concerned attitude and always uses proper decorum, but in this place ....... I doubt your qualifications to be throwing statements around, like the one I quoted in this post.
Have you ever owned or performed with the new EVs to make that statement? Have you had the Mackies either? I have, and to tell the truth .... I loved 'em, but they had severe shortcomings in certain situations.

I think this BBS is a wonderful haven for advice, companionship and venting, but I strongly advise against quoting books or specs when giving advice on products or techniques that you do not have FIRST HAND experience with. Many folks, with extra time on their hands seem to have lots to add in these discussions, but from where I stand ( and read ), few have the real world "know how" to acurately advise on the subjects.


(this is for ALL OF US, myself included)

Please - refrian from RE quoting others advice or making judgements by specs alone when someone is looking for help. I have very little free time, and I choose to spend as much of it as I can right here with you people, trying to increase the database of knowledge and expertise of the musicians represented. I love to share info that can make the lives of musicians easier and our audiences happier! We all learn from each other, and unless I'm mistaken ... we can ALL read(or listen) and do google searches. Let's leave the tough comparisons and questions about specifics to those who can share experience from the trenchs, ok?

I'm not attacking YOU Mike, just making a point about how often you quote advice with nothing to back it up. Your intentions are good, but you're not helping the education process unless you quote from actual experience.

Like I said ..... I would have done this direct if you posted an email address.
Annonimity is your right, but in this business ..... we should all be approachable. Heck - it could lead to work!

Peace.( and I mean that )


[This message has been edited by Uncle Dave (edited 10-10-2004).]

Uncle Dave,

Of course mike is only giving his opinion, so he's not the master of the thruth, as it happens with any other person. I even don't agree with his opinion about the Mackie SRM450. SRM450 are heavier, less powerful and bigger than the SXA360...

But I do agree with you, UD, when you say we shouldn't talk about any equipment as we owned it, without ever testing it in first hand.

Speaking for mysfelf, I already tested (only for a small time) the SRM450 and liked it. Here I live I'm unable to test the SXA360 and that's why I'm asking for help from anyone who owns it.
I've also read about the overheating problem of the SRM450, and I can't take that risk because what we do (at least in my case) isn't a game, but a real professional "job".

Luis Santos

Gary,

I also like to test the equipment, specially speakers, before buying it. What I think is when you hear a speaker on a musicstore, it's a completely different room than the rooms we are used to play in!... That's why I'm never 100% sure of that test, but as you say, when A/B comparisions, it sure helps on the decision. The "perfect" speakers also should sound good without any EQ or effects, you're right, but I prefer taking a very knonw CD and compare the sound of the speakers to the sound of my studio professional speakers, trying to achieve the minimal difference (of course our "sound memory" has to work here!).

Doesn't a good pair of speakers have to sound good with any keyboard, even if with a little EQ? So why take the keyboard to the store when probably within the next 6 months I could trade my keyboard? Same with microphones...
That's why I insist and prefer the CD test.

My concern is, here in Portugal, I don't live near any musicstore where I could try those SXA360. They're also too expensive here, and that's why probably I'll order them from another country.

Thanks for the help

Luis Santos

[This message has been edited by Luis.Santos (edited 10-10-2004).]

Uncle Dave,

Did you ever think of quitting your day job and take up writing?

What you ask of everyone is reasonable and sensible. When I first found the BBS, a long time before I wanted to be officially a part of it, the first thing that became obvious was the amount of people with information from first hand experience or having information from a reliable friend's experience. I do get mail from manufacturers of music products and nobody shows bad specifications or the downside of a product. So, keep the facts of experience coming. I, personally, need that.

Here's another option of speakers. How about the FBT Maxx 4A. They weigh about 35 lbs and have 400 watts and are pretty clear. I also have the Mackies SRM-450 (a little heavy) and the BOSE PAS, like Uncle Dave, which is light and has a crystal clear sound. Remember one thing - after you walk away about 3-5 feet, the stereo effect becomes obsolete and your audience hears it in mono anyway so why not lighten you load.

Good advice Firehead, expect that there is a problem with the Yamaha arrangers in particular in that they just don't sound nearly as good in mono as stereo. I suppose, as many have said, that the problems is in the panning of effects or layers, but it does exist. If it weren't for that, mono for live performance would most likely be the best option, since it would be easier to cover the room with the full sound.
DonM

No need to guess, Luis... it will be a good choice. I also auditioned the SxA360 and found it to be an excellent sounding speaker, with plenty of volume and light weight (37 lbs). Yes, expensive, but IMO, worth the price.

Originally posted by keybplayer:
Even if you've got money to burn you still couldn't do better than the Mackie SRM450's for 12" Monitors vs. the SxA360's or any other Make or Model

Dave, you forgot my notorious "IMO" in your quote of my quote.



The reason I removed my email address from my SZ Profile was I was getting annoying SPAM from troll's who have nothing better to do than to deviously fill my Inbox with muck and mire. Not that I regard your flame as such UD. PS: You can find my email address if you look for it btw. Home is where the heart is I always say. Hint hint...

Although I have not heard the EV SxA360's I have read about them from people who do own them. They don't get the rave reviews I expected from such an expensive speaker[s]. They do weigh less than the Mackies which is a big bonus but for the $$$ savings alone I (as in Me) would go for the Mackies. Everywhere I (as in Me) look, it seems the Mackie SRM450's are the big ticket item. Bands love them for their great sound and 'affordability'.

I have honestly never seen a Band using the ElectroVoice SxA360's btw. One reason being it would seem is they are overly priced and hard to find and another reason may be (possibly the biggest reason of all) is that they don't offer any advantage sonically over the very popular SRM450's??

GC used to carry EV. They no longer do. GC also used to carry Kurzweil. They no longer do. >> Do I see a trend here? Btw, if you didn't know, Kurzweil was bought out by Young Chang, makers of less than stellar (cheap lower end) Pianos. Young Chang recently filed for bankruptcy protection. Both may be goners.

Best regards,
Mike

Yes, but how many Bands have you seen that play the Yamaha Tyros, Korg PAX1Pro, or Ketron SD1 either?



I myself 'have' auditioned the SRM450's 'side by side' with the EV Sx360's and find the Sx360's more sonically pleasing (less hyped) to my ears and for my style of music: acoustic pop/jazz standards. I recommend to everyone NOT to lend much creedance to PA speaker popularity contests (as everyone's style of music & taste differs), but rely on your very OWN ears instead.



Mike, "there you go again". Just because GC not longer carries EV products doesn't mean EV is going out of business. There are many top rated brand music products GC don't carry (including Ketron & GEM). Does this mean these are less than stellar products, or companies on the verge of bankruptcy as well.

That said, I myself continue to appreciate my EV (SxA100's & 757 mic) and look forward to upgrading to the SxA360's & 767 mic in the near future.

Scott

I sold my Mackie SRM 450s because they were harsh in the highs and muddy in the mids. They were also a pain to move. The EV SXa360s I bought are much cleaner, smoother and fuller sounding. I paid less than $900 (tax free) USA for each.

[This message has been edited by alfredo (edited 10-10-2004).]

Louis,

It's going to be a difficult decission at the very least, and I wish there were some way I could be of more assistance, but because of the logistics, this is next to impossible. As you are probably aware, I traveled about the east coast of the U.S. for two years listening to a number of performers and systems. In the end I settled for a pair of Barbetta Sona 32-Cs, which I consider among the best. Unfortunately, they are not available outside the U.S..

Though it can be difficult to determine how a system sounds when you're inside a small music store, it will provide you with a general idea--especially if you A/B the systems using your keyboard. The main reason I recommend using your keyboard is because they all sound different, and they frequently sound different using another amp system. I hooked up a friends Roland to the Barbettas one evening and they did not sound remotely close to the way it sounded going through his Peavey. Both amps were EQ'd flat, but even using the same size speakers, the Barbetta's had a better mid range piano sound. Additionally, I feel that if the keyboard's piano, sax, trumpet and guitar sounds are not crisp, clean and natural sounding, this is not the amp for me.

Again, good luck and I hope you are successful in finding an amp that will fit your needs.

Gary

These were the same exact sentiments I too had when comparing the Mackie SRM450's with the EV SxA360's side by side. I found the SxA360's ergonomics (weight distribution & balance) far EASIER to lift & transport as well. - Scott

Do you find the SXa360s to have a linear frequency response? specially on the bass range?
And do you use them by themself? or are you using a sub?
I ask this because I have no intention of buying a additional Sub. I'm used to a pair a JBL 15" speakers (TR 125) so I'm expecting the SXa360s to fill that required bass range as my JBL 15"s do...

Thanks in advance.

Luis Santos

Bose PAS will not be avaiable in Portugal before March/April 2005, and even knowing it could be a good choice I can't wait till that time!

About the "Mono vs Stereo" issue, do you think that it's better to use two speakers playing exactly the same thing? or use Stereo when using two speakers, as usual?
I don't like the Acoustic Piano sound on Mono at all...

Luis Santos

Louis,

If you're performing using any of the newer Yamaha boards, stereo is the only way to go. To most of us, there is no comparison between mono and stereo. The stereo sounds are clean, full and fill the room with incredible sound. While the mono sounds OK, the difference is significant.

Gary

Hi Scott.

That is not what I meant when I said GC no longer carries EV. My point is possibly GC stopped carrying EV because they were 'overly priced' (again, my opinion) and offered no real advantages over more moderately priced Speakers such as the Mackie SRM450's. Same with Kurzweil. They were/are IMO overly priced and hyped and offered no real advantage IMO to other Keyboards or Workstations. Their quality control and innovation has suffered, especially since Young Chang has now taken over Kurzweil Music Systems in that Young Chang just recently filed for Bankruptcy protection as I mentioned. And possibly GC booted them for the same reason, i.e. "no real advantage, features, or innovation above and beyond other Brands that do possibly a lot better for "much" less $$$.

PS: If you think the EV SxA360's sound better to your ears Scott, you may want to go ahead and get them. But in NO WAY take a second mortgage on the house to do so, okay?

Best regards,
Mike

Luís: Try "Vimusica", in Guimarães. They usually have all the EV stuff and they'll make you (at least) a 20% discount over the "official" price. -- José.

[This message has been edited by Route 66 (edited 10-11-2004).]