Tried two CM-30's in stereo last night at a gathering of about 50. It was at a venue I play often. Really not satisfied with this set-up. I do a lot of walking left-hand bass and need more bottom, especially using the Nord Electro and a drummer. May be good for a single using an arranger at low volume. They're keepers as monitors, and I often play jobs back-to back using two setups.

Good little units, but not right for me in the above application.

Russ

Key word "low volume" as ALWAYS stated in previous posts, second key words use the "right tool" in the "right application"


I've use the CM30's on over 50 "small gigs" with great results or they would have been dumped long ago...I know what they can do & their limits......but when I need more power/bottom on most of my bigger gigs I bring out the Mackie gear...It's simple, dont try to push more then you can with gear....just use whats appropriate for the job & room...all gear has its limits.
For a $175.00 unit they are more then worthy, the sound & convenience in the right situation makes it the best bang for the buck hands down.

Russ, that's understandable when you describe how you're using them. Not every shoe fits every foot. Like Donny, I've been happy with them for smaller gigs, and the very easy transport.

Hi, Steve. I have a small dinner party Sunday, and I'm going to use the two CM-30's and a digital piano. Should do fine for that application. No need for volume or strong left-hand bass. Donny's right (damn, I hate to admit that)...the application determines the appropriate equipment. Still glad I have two units. Have even been using them for mini portable sound systems for small company meetings. Do fine for groups up to about 50.


R.

Russ, I think your opinion of the CM-30's fits right in with what other owners have been saying. I can see where the CM-30's would not be a match for a live drummer and the need for more bass. Once again, I suggest that for more bass, one might consider a sub-woofer. I did use a sub with two CM-30's and played my keyboard and used SMF's full-blown along with two other band members singing and playing. Lastly, these are not going to work for everyone in every situation. I think the situation you mentioned is one of those, for sure.

Used the two CM-30's last night as a single with a digital piano. They are great monitors but I personally won't be using them as primary amplification again.

My smallest rig will be my Carvin 100 watt green three channel, with a hotspot non-powered monitor. It's one small box with two effects generators, a 12 and a piezo with a volume control. Over twice the money, but well worth it.

Still plan to use the CM-30's for monitors and for mini sound systems for meetings, but not as a main power source for any live music.

Not at all sorry I have them...it's probably just personal preference, but didn't like the sound at all.

(So there)!

Russ

To each his own, I use them for small gigs and people love the sound. Maybe it's the arranger I'm using, because I certainly can distinguish good from mediocre.
Bernie

Duly noted and accepted.

Russ, I was starting to think I was the only ones that didn't like the sound of these speakers. Your opinion is exactly like mine.
DonM

I used them for two 4 hr gigs Sunday 65PP & 75PP... they can cover the room more then adequately for me..they are hard to beat "IN A SMALL SITUATION" where you dont have to "BLAST" away...I have other sound reinforcement gear for that for sure.....
CM30's best bang for the buck hands down.
Oh did I already say ..they are hard to beat "IN A SMALL SITUATION"

I used them Saturday and Sunday at 2 new NHs I've never played before. They certainly do justice to the PA800. One NH was in a ballroom I'd estimate 80feet by 40 feet with about 50 people. Some folks were even out in the lobby across from the ballroom were listening. Everyone loved what they heard.

I suppose I'm just old and obstinate, but I didn't even like the way they sounded in the music store with 3 people there.
However, I'm glad they are working out for some of you. Different tools for different jobs.
I have a particular "sound" that I hear in my head (WOOOO) and I constantly try to find it.
I can get it with the Bose, and with Barbettas, and even Logitechs, with the Roland G70 and the Ketrons.
I'm fairly happy with my S900, and the audiences seem very pleased, BUT I'm missing that "sound".
G70 is too heavy for me, so that leaves . . .
Ketron. SD1 is too old and (now) overpriced.
Midjay is missing a few features I want, so SD5 or, preferably, Audya will most likely be next. I will listen again to Korg PA800 because so many people I respect think it sounds great. Maybe the one I had was just a lemon? At least it sounded like a lemon.
In the long run, none of this makes any difference to anyone except us.
DonM

Don I wanna hear more about "That Sound"...please elaborate.

It's kinda like that certain girl, you know it when you find it. :}
I want to heard solid bass, able to crank it up when needed. I want to hear crisp high end, and clear, distinct mids. The smaller and lighter the package the better.
When someone walks into the room, I want them looking around to see where the drummer and bass player are sitting, and not looking for a DJ booth, or stand, or whatever they use.
The Ketrons do this best for me. Roland G70 is close second. Bear in mind this is for ME. Everyone has the right to their own opinions and I respect that. (As long as they agree with me).
DonM

I tried out a pair of the 30s in the local music store, connected them to MY PSR-3000, and within five minutes I disconnected them, thanked the store's owner for allowing me to test drive them, then went loaded the keyboard back into the van.

For ME, the 30s lacked a lot of sound quality. While the Logitech Z-5500 takes a few minutes longer to set up than a pair of 30s, to ME, the sound quality was far superior. By the end of this week I hope to have made several modifications to the Z-5500 system for use in smaller jobs. Don't get me wrong--I still love the Bose L1 and the sound quality is beyond belief. However, this year I'll be 68 years old, some of the equipment seems to be considerably heavier, and that 32-pound base unit of the Bose feels like it doubled in weight in just a single year. The Z-5500 is much lighter, it really sounds good, and I hope the modifications I make this week will make life a bit easier.

This getting old stuff sure ain't fer whimps.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Gary I'm anxiously awaiting your redesign for the z5500s. I know you'll come up with something good!

Black & White

Hi,
Like Gary, I'm growing long in the tooth, and I've tried just about all of the systems alluded to on the forum - plus. I went back to the Barbetta Sona 31 for small gigs and still use the Bose L1+B1 for larger venues. I play regularly in a small restaurant - seats 120 - and the Barbetta seems adequate, certainly not the same sound quality as the Bose, but it does very nicely. I have two Barbettas but only use one for the restaurant gigs and have it only about 3" off the floor. The tables right in front of me get an earful but no complaints so far.
Ciao,
Jerry

I dumped the Barbettas & the old Bose PAS & now use Mackie Sound reinforcement gear
www.mackie.com

Fran & I actually demoed a Sona 31 w/ 2- 8"/tweeter in the store last week nice little package Tony Barbetta is manufacturing....only thing I dont like is the humming of the interior fan. The Bose although a nice sound, I got rid of mostly for the design & carrying around 4 pieces of speaker, 1 Sub, 2 speaker poles, large round base, no stereo etc ...The new Bose design is a bit trimmer & has angles pole speakers , mixer etc ....but I wont waste my time trying it again, Dave actually uses it with great results for his jobs. All speaker systems sounds different due to the music & type of gear that is played through them & how & where they are played.....there is no standard solution, or definite right opinions in peoples minds.
Bottom line close your eyes & LISTEN.

Have Fun