Boo, Don, and U.D.
Generally speaking you are right about the Yamaha powered mixers. I have the 3 amp one Don mentioned. The effects are almost useless. That being said, I use it with our
bigband and for solo jobs. I run all mics (including mine from output 3 of the x1) out of the monitor channel amp. I run my x1 out of the mains L & R. I pan my bass pedals totally out of the side 'L' going to a Traynor 15" cabinet and I use a 10" Traynor cabinet on the right. I use a pair of Peavey speakers for the vocals coming out of the monitor amp.
For solo work this 15" & 10" L & R combination gives me great bottom end without the need for a sub. The 15 is a pain to carry though. I don't use the Peaveys for solo or trio work.
There has been more than enough power for any of the clubs that we play (Moose, Elks, Country Clubs, VFWs and American Legions).
With the volume slider on my X1 at 3/4 this amp is LOUD.
The amp does all this for me in one package and I paid 589 dollars for it.
My criticisms of the amp are: poor input sensitivity (you need a strong input signal, my EV767 works very well, thanks for the recommendation on that one U. D.), poor effects, it is awkward to carry, there is no easy way to store the power cord.
I would buy it again for my type of use. Now for you guys with all your heavy metal sounds and your huge venues I'm sure you need MORE POWER. For me at the country club playing a little Satin Doll it works fine.
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Thanks,
Tom