I put the 330 directly behind me, about 5', tilted up. I ran the volume about noon, with the eq set at 1:00 or so. I had the bass at noon also. No fx was used because I go through my 800. I also had my 800 speakers on, as they throw out such nice stereo volume and act as great monitors of course. (A side note, I could never play without my key speakers).

The unit was a bit to get used to at first vs Bose. It wasn't as crisp and defined and the ears had to adjust accordingly.

In summary: IMO

1. Good enough volume to handle what the specs say (100 max)
2. Great mid range and punch
3. I heard my voice very well over the mix
4. Bass was more than adequate for my size rooms
5. Wonderful inputs and the stereo sound I felt was much better/fuller.
6. Not 'boxy' like I thought it might be
7. Not as crisp as Bose.

Summary: I don't mind missing the Bose definition. I think it is very close and will have to adjust some things as the days go on. I think my pianos and instruments sounded much fuller than Bose and it could be because it's more an amp sound than a true PA sound. It's kind of like that Yamaha 'polished' sound vs the Korg 'lively' sound.

The crowd was super pleased and it was a success - everyone came up and complimented the performance. This was a retirement facility and good ears too! Good enough for me. The price and features make it a no turning back.

Jim, a couple comments...When you used the Bose Compact..it was extended , and the crispness you refer is probably because it was ear level...You may want to try the BA330 on a pole..and see if you think it lacks crispness...I believe just the opposite...the mids/highs of 4- 6 1/2" speakers and 2 tweeters are ideal for crisp vocals and the full range speakers are excellent for today's keyboards...

I usually keep my master EQ at 1:00 bass and 1:00 treble....

Where did you use the "tone" control(channel)..was it 12.noon..If you want to accent the crisp highs try adjusting more to the treble..maybe 1:00....keep in mind this will cut the bass a bit...but you can adjust the overall bass at the master EQ..

Personally I also like to keep the BA330 on the floor with the tilt stand active...

Did you run the channel volume and the master volume..both at 12:00?

I prefer to keep the channel and master volume at 2:00...this allows plenty of head room..

I think it is more important to maintain the volume level control on the BA330, and rely on your keyboard speakers as a monitor..

Great points Fran and things to consider. Yes, the Bose was elevated - a big difference I didn't think about.

My master eq and treble was a bit lower than you suggest - will try that.

Will put the master at 2:00, but it seems that I'll need to really tone down the 800 volume to less than 1/2 slider! It's a powerful PA for sure. Maybe I'll try it to the side instead of behind me.

Can't wait for tomorrow to keep moving forward. Definitely a keeper.

I use both the BA-330 and the Bose Model II. But, at the present, I prefer the new EV powered ZXA1 speakers for what I do. To me, they each have their pluses and minuses. For the most part, the type of gig and how far I have to tote the gear determines which I use. I'm not wedded to any of them. I'll change tomorrow, if I find something I like better.

So Zuki hows the ba300 so far?

Great - full sound, stereo, portable, powerful. Best yet and no turning back. Much better than the Bose and 1/2 the price. I've played in many places and it fits extremely well. Anyone who doesn't think it has power/bass, should have their ears examined.

Great to hear Zuki.....Fran wouldn't steer you wrong ....good luck ..I love mine I use it for so many gigs..love the portability & Flexibility also, works nice for Small DJ jobs also....if you use it correctly in the RIGHT situations it will serve you well.....for anything beyond it's limits, I just take more powerful gear to cover the room, makes for a great arsenal piece!

I am using my BA330 currently at the CrabTrap, Somers Point , NJ.

It is a perfect match for this venue...Nice clear, full sound, with plenty of volume and control for this room..

The CrabTrap has a very large bar to the left of the dance floor, and a large dining area to the right..followed by two additional dinning rooms...
The music primarily covers the bar, the dance floor, and the first dining room, but can be heard in the second dining room as well..

To state the coverage for this room is misleading we are playing to around 400 people or more...and we struggle with keeping the volume down..even with a BA330..

I also think the BA330, is the best small unit I have ever used...for sound, mixer, and routing..it can't be beat....once you get past the price..

And don't forget it's STEREO also

Enough of this comparing the BA330 to the Compact. I'd like to know how it compares to something else, say the Roland CM30's. I started out using my 30's and then switched to the Compact. I don't have the opportunity to A/B the BA300 with anything, but Donny, and maybe Fran at one time tried the CM30. So guys, how would a pair of them match up to the 300, especially in tonality - do they sound similar enough or is there a difference in sound.

Cass, the BA330 has 4 6 1'2" speakers and two tweeters....The sound is fuller and stereo compared to the CM30 (single speaker)..

I am tempted to pick up another BA330 to use a pair..The BA330 has routing's that will allow them to run in "true" stereo via link connections..

Cass no comparison to using to CM30's....much more power and fuller sound range STEREO in one package all around....not to mention the flexability, tilt, pole mount, great COSM Vocal EFX, Anti-feedback,and hookups it gives you.
AC powered or Battery also....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afzkkXvRFIg
http://www.roland.com/products/en/BA-330/



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-07-2010).]

I understand that Donny, but if I were sitting out in the audience would a pair of CM30 sound pretty much like the BA330? I guess what I'm really asking is if it has that distinctive Roland sound, which is much different than Peavey, Mackie, Bose etc.?

Not to color your answer, but I liked the CM30 until I tried the Compact. The sound was much smoother. For me, all the Roland amps I've ever played are a little harsh, even rawer than Peavey. Mackie seemed an acceptable middle ground but I didn't find anything I wanted to lug around. And as has been discussed, it is one portable, stereo unit. Stereo is not a biggie for me, but I concede it is a big selling point.

Cass go try one asap....Stereo will change you mind....and yes it definity sounds better then 2 CM30's....great unit for your NH gigs and beyond for sure.
Don't the output numbers game fool you..

Cass,

Never tried those other Roland you mentioned, but the 330 is really remarkable for the price. I think it has a full sound and can be as mellow as you eq it. I like the 'body' it gives my overall sound. Bose, to me, was very good, clean, crisp, etc, but I do believe (at least my ears) that the 330 is better for the keyboard player that runs stereo. I'd imagine two units would be incredible, but unlike one Compact, one 330 is enough. And I'm not bashing Bose......

Zuki have you had the BA330 up on a POLE yet for a gig? Nice covererage ... The only thing I had to do was buy a longer standard AC power cord 8' to compensate for the height to remedie the hanging AC adapter...works great. BTW I love my custome made cover with large pocket also....makes in & out a snap now...

I've used mine for over 2 months now...about 50 jobs, with satisfying results. When I use left-handed bass exclusively, I bring a second amp---usually, a little SWR, for that.

About 30% of my jobs are for crowd of 200, plus, so I still use a conventional PA and 4 cabinets, plus a little CM 30 for a powered monitor.

I have an old Roland Jazz chorus I've been using for over 20 years without a problem, and 60 and 30 watt cubes.

for weight and price, these are good units. Still love my tubes, when practical, but these are good "working stiff" units.

Glad Fran turned me onto them. Just ordered a 2nd 330 to permanently install at one of my house jobs, lined out from the lounge to the dining rooms. Works GREAT!


Russ

Russ why not use the BA330 for your monitor..I have been using it as a monitor when I use my "big" guns...

I actually use it as the monitor and the mixer with line outs to the Big guns.....You can control the volume of the BA330 (master) without affecting the line out signal to the main sound system (big guns)...The volume to the big guns is the individual channel controls on the BA330..

I played an outside private party tonight at a lake front home - absolutely beautiful. The 330 covered the crowd great. I can hear my voice so much better and it gives me more fullness. I'm so pleased with this unit.

They took me on a long pontoon ride and fed me drinks afterward. My wife called wondering where in the hell I was

Zuki did you get the cover also?

I've got my CM30's up on eBay right now http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200505973176&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

Then I'll see if I can find a unit nearby to demo. Damn, you guys are always getting me to try different things - and I'm happy with my setup as it is now...

Good move Cass....you'll enjoy the sound, flexability & ease of use with the
ROLAND BA330 for your needs....
& don't forget all in STEREO

I sold a pair of CM30 Cube Amps (which I liked) to help finance the BA330, and have never looked back. I love it for my smaller gigs.

That's 'cause you're listening to the experts

I'm waiting for the guy to get in touch with me, but he's really busy I hear. Holding out, but the roller one from Roland might be good too, since I carry the thing a lot.

Zuki dont you use a R10 Rock & Roller cart?....
http://www.rocknrollercart.com/

I would NOT leave my house without it...

http://www.nextag.com/Triple-Trolley-Utility-Cart-65419272/prices-html

This is what I currently use.

I use an R&R cart also. It's so easy to get around with you can do 10 laps on the track while pushing the thing.

But.....I also bought a MagnaCart in the Kmart for $25. It's a luggage carrier that folds flat and will support 150 lbs. Good for smaller gigs.

Lucky

ok looks kind of haphazzard to me especially in the snow....maybe you should think about an R10 they are super and so multi flexible. Every act around here has them....



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-09-2010).]

Fran, I am happy with the weight and performance of the CM-30 when I use an 8 channel Yamaha 400 watt system with 4 15 cabinets. That's when I do a "level two" single.

My big rig is 2 1000 watt Crowns with appropriate cabinets, including 18" subs. For that, I use up to 4 2 x 10" Carvin wedge monitors and a separate 600 watt power amp for power.

I am actually planning to use the 330 with the CM 30 as a monitor for an outdoor gig at a gig coarse this week-end.

Sometimes, I just grab the easiest to reach stuff. Other times, I let my kid, who sets up the equipment for lots of my gigs, just choose what will work.

Lots of times, for my singles, the trio or bigger jobs, I just show up. The equipment is all up and running. I just sit down, play and bitch about what my "roadie" has selected.


Man it's cool getting old and obnoxious!


R.

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-09-2010).]

Hey Zuki

I guess I'm one of the people that needs to have my "ears exmined". I sent my BA330 back. A/B'd it against a 12" PA cabinet w/yamaha powered mixer and then a 10" cabinet. Both blew it away in volume and bass. 220 watts for the Yamaha mixer and 30 for the Roland--simple huh??
No, not stereo and two pieces vrs. one but for small gigs who cares that much.
And as I have posted since I may give it another shot if I can locate one locally.
Perhaps you should consider the type of crowd and music played before making comments about others opinions. NH, cocktail party OK, but dance music??

Bill in NJ

Zuki,

Get the R-10 Rock & Roller cart. I've been using one for years, and I modified it with a second tier of my own design. It's quick, easy, safe and reliable.

Gary

Didn't think I aimed my comment towards you, but sorry anyway. Curious why you would even consider 30 watts if you play dance music? I sure wouldn't.

Watts is only a numbers game played by the manufactureres to make you buy...
dont believe what they say just use your own ears..

What type of gigs is everyone doing with this BA330? I know Fran pumps backing dance tracks and two strong singers through his system so I guess he considered the 30 watts, although I still would have to hear it to believe it. I will make it a point to get to the Crabtrap soon. The foods good too Fran -- HA!
Even on a NH gig I do stuff like "Just a Gigolo" with a layered piano/bass in the LH. When i had a BA330 I tried it and other similar tunes and you could hear the speakers strain or as we used to say "fart". The thing maxes out way too soon, especially for the price.
I also noticed Fran has a new $1000 amp for solo stuff and someone else brings a second amp for his LH bass stuff. sooooo?? The BA330 on a pole with a small sub (anyone know of a good one?) would be great but here we are back to two pieces. For the price of those two I would go for a SA300, If I could find one to test.

Bill in NJ

Bill, I auditioned the B330, but just in my office. I just couldn't see how it was going to handle much. To be fair, I didn't use it on a job. However, I didn't like to how it sounded. It's great we have so many good choices.
DonM

Why doesn't anyone understand the use for of this amp for "SMALL GIGS" in Stereo?....again many trying to make it do things beyond it's limits...I use it every day with fantatsic results on my
"SMALL GIGS" 50-80 pp......with no problem..

My Bigger gigs 100-400pp require Bigger gear....obviously. Roland IMO has a winner in the BA330!

I liked a lot of its features and it sounded pretty good in my small space. However, I already had several units suitable for small jobs.
I wouldn't dispute that it does a great job for any of you who use it as it is intended.
DonM

now you got it right!

secondly any amp by itself has no sound......it's what goes thru the amp that matters

Thanks Bill and Don M for your insights. Not having heard or played thru a BA330 I certainly have no opinion of its sound. I asked earlier about its sound in comparison to CM30 monitors and really only got Donny's opinion. Similar to Bill, I've found the CM30's to be rough and max out too early also. That was my concern.

Donny, let me just ask this - if I'm using and am happy with a Bose Compact, why should I go out and get a BA330? Are you saying you like the BA better than the Compact? I understand the difference in price, and that might sway me if I were buying into those class amps, but already having one kinda seems to cancel out the need to switch - unless there is a very big reason to switch.

Cass stereo, portability, features, weight and YES mid range sound loss were my main reasons I bought the BA330.....the Bose systems both of them compact & pas left a void in my sound to my ears I wasn't happy with anymore. BUT, Don't listen to me, what do I know playing in the trenches every night or anyone else here, go play one for yourself...& make a decision based on your what you hear. BA330 is a winner for me when Used Properly.

have fun

What I've found with the Bose is it does need to be EQ'd for every room. Since there are limited parameters on the unit itself, I EQ it through my keyboard and save the settings so when I go back there, it's ready to roll. If you play with that EQ you will get the mids you're looking for. There is also seperate EQ on the board for the mic. I'll go look at the BA330, but I'm still very happy with the Bose.

Joe



------------------
Songman55
Joe Ayala

Joe I forgot to mention the Rich Fullness of playing in STEREO

Cass, if you are happy with the Bose Compact, and it meets your needs ..why complicate things..just keep the Bose..If on the other hand, you would like the features the BA330 gives you, and you are selling off the CM30's...and the BA330 can handle your jobs in stereo and convenience of the built in mixer and effects..at half the cost of the Bose (and Bose is still marketable)....then make the change..

I feel straight up comparison between the BA330 and the Bose Compact...I like the sound of the BA330 over the Bose Compact, but the Bose is more powerful (not by much)..The flexibility of the BA330 is unmatched by Bose...Personally, If I already owned the Bose and was happy with it...I would stay pat...If I was a first time buyer of one or the other...easy choice for me...I would rather have the BA330..Exactly what I did..

Another consideration...you are doing nursing home type gigs...the BA330 is easier to set up and you can carry the whole system contained..unlike the Bose..but you need to find another place to hang your hat..

Hey Bill, come on down to the Crab Trap...I am using only the BA330 for my keys and vocals..I have the main volume at 12:00, and the channel volume (of keyboard) at 1:00
My mic channel is at 10:00..
The volume usually around 1-2:00 from my Prelude..
All this works out to about half the volume capability of the BA330...and covers this room fine..

The night you were at Alfies, I had three set ups I was testing that night...The Podiums (1204's) with Edirol mixer..My 25 year old Roland Cubes...and the BA330..

The retail on the Roland Cubes was $800 each in 1985..The Podiums are under $600 for a pair.. and the Roland BA330 under $600 street price..

If I had to only keep one system ..The Roland Cubes would be that choice ..as they have been for over 25 years..

The Podiums now belong to the band (I dumped them.. )..

The BA330 is my go to amp for the restaurant jobs..and small gigs..

When I use the BA330 with my Cubes...it is by far the best sound I have used or heard (I do use the Edirol mixer with the Cubes,..)

Bill I don't recall a $1,000 amp I used at Alfies..Did I mislead you or are you referring to the Cubes...or the Podium 1204's..?

As for left hand bass ..nothing touches the Cubes in that department (15")..

I have said from day one ..the BA330 will not handle real dance music by itself..(need to add a good 12" or 15" powered unit..Mids and highs ..even at 30 watts will cut the mix..Bass you need to feel in your chest won't come from the BA330...or the Bose Compact either..

You mentioned , that you like the bass feel just as I do...I want that big bass at times when I need it...that is why I carry a pair of Cubes with me..for the BIG outdoor gigs or the "dance" floor gigs..

AS mentioned we need to use the right tools for the right job, or expect compromises..

Yipppee....
someone that really "gets it" !!

Fran and all

Really, yes I really do get it. Th3 BA 330 is for small gigs! I just don't see the purpose of so many different systems. I'm caught in that bind myself and am getting frustrated. I now have a smaller vehicle I love, the Nissan Rogue, so space is really important. Add to that my advancing age, I'm over 39 HA!, and weight is a consideration. What I want is a modular type setup where I can have everything I need for a gig and but bring in just what I want and leave the rest. Not standing in my driveway asking myself, do I bring the big guns Crate KX220s, or will my Yamaha mixer and 12" Carvin LM's do it and if I bring the BA330 what do I bring for some backup if the rooms larger or more people are there ..... on and on and on.... I recently had a gig in NYC. Not knowing the room or party size I had to guess what to bring and know that unloading on a side street is going to limit me to one trip with the R&R. I did it with the Yamaha mixer/LM!2 combo but had the KX220 in the car just in case. BUT__ I had to park a long block away in a basement lot so if I needed the KX220 good luck. Last week I show up for a party and "Oh by the way, its upstairs, no elevator" Good thing I was real early. A pair of 330's would of been nice but I doubt if they would handle the DJ stuff i had to do.
Fran--The amp I referred to was the Yorkville KB4? you just bought for the small gigs because it is stereo. and what about those Podium's?? They seem perfect for the small gigs.
And on and on we go so I'll stop now. I'll keep looking for a solution.


Bill in NJ

Volume is overrated sometimes.

I played 2 gigs today - a very large, long hall with 75 people. I did a sound check before hand and the 330 was clear and powerful in the very back. The results were terrific. I did a special Luau, including my Beach Boys Medley, etc and it was danceable enough for the crowd.

I also played a small room tonight. They loved the experience. Elvis was there the night before and half the crowd left because he was too loud! What does that tell you?

If I ever need more volume, I'd go for two of these puppies in a heartbeat.

Zuki WTG!!!...I know your BA330 has paid itself off many times over for you .....having 2 units could be a very good idea using the "STEREO Link" feature when needed in bigger rooms & would sound great also.

good luck

btw did you buy the Roland wheel cover.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-12-2010).]

Again, all these positive reviews have got me thinking I did something wrong in my BA330 test although I can't imagine what. I really had high hopes for this amp. What I really wish but will never see is if Roland dropped the battery powered thing, which I believe very few people will use, and put in a real stereo amp about 150 watts a side. I'd love to have two of these and maybe a small sub. Then I'd be set for anything.
I'm going to check around and see if any local stores are stocking any 330's yet. I've got to try it again.
Went to Sam Ash and "Educated" the keyboard sales "kid" and the store manager about the BA330, SA300, VR700, GW8, and Privia 3. None of which they ever heard of. Pretty funny scene. I had them running to the computer at the check out to look this stuff up and all they could say was "Wow"
Maybe they'll give me a discount now???


Bill in NJ

Go in any NYC train station and you'll see why the battery power feature is so important to musicians

DNJ

Very funny but if your doing subway gigs you probably can't afford a BA330. In reality how many of you guys who love this thing ever see yourself relying on batteries for a gig. I hate batteries in anything,
I be nervous even doing an outdoor wedding ceremony . I have some many backup batteries with me I set off alarms

Bill in NJ

Bill....Fran has tested the battery power feature on the BA330 ...and believe me its the real deal....and can give you unbelievable time on one set of batteries as stated by Roland....I always use the Ac adapter ...but its a nice option when needed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvhrtt3WrFM&feature=related

PS....don't kid yourself there is some really talented musicians down in the subways making a very nice days pay .....
I retired from the NYC Transit Authority 15 years ago I know it all too well..



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-13-2010).]

Bill, there is a very large horse farm here in Kentucky, where many people do weddings, cook-outs and other events. Previously, we ran large extension chords or used outside generators. I have used this little guy on battery for 7 events of an hour or more, including powering a wireless mike for the event people,a vocal mike, guitar and keyboard
(used a small two channel-non-powered batery operated sub-mixer, too.

Neat little tool for some applications.


Russ

Russ sounds like some kool gigs......
I knew that battery power would come in VERY HANDY!!

Used mine on battery at an outaiide event at Keeneland racetrack yesterday. Started out with 50 people....grew to 150 before the four hours were up. Suspect I was just trying to get too much out of the system, but there may have been some "battery fade" near the end.


100 People max in a non-dance setting is my estimate of the best application. Coming out of this unit into a new 500 watt Carvin 6 channel stereo I just got, into 4 cabs with horns and 12's is ideal for up to 500 people. In that case, The little Roland serves as a monitor and a "filler" for the folks up close. the cabinets are scattered pretty widely.


That works great! And, check out the Carvin site for info on this new little 500 watt stereo unit. Only weighs 10 lbs!

Russ

http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=XP800L&cid=12

Capt. Russ

very interested to hear about your use of the new Carvin. I've had my eye on it for awhile for a smaller system. They had that amp with two 10" speakers for $499. How did you connect the Ba330 to the Carvin. My problem with the Carvin is there are no 1/4" stereo inputs even though its a stereo amp. Can't plug in a stereo keyboard with adaptors- which I dislike as much as batteries--HA!
Also how well did it push 4 speakers? Didn't think it could handle that much

Thanks

Bill in NJ

Hey, Bill. I've been using Carvin equipment, including instruments, since 1962-a wet behind the ears 15 year old. I visited the factory in Covina in the fall of 1962, right after I moved to Victorville. Still have 4 double-neck instruments, a two-neck, non-pedal steel on legs, several guitars and basses, a monster, 90's bass rig-400 watts, bi-amped-18" and 4 10's, the older model of the three channel 100 watt 12" combo and three little 200 watt 6 channel heads. I use them outside. They have been around $300.00 for years...for my application, disposable units. Up until this model, they were mono. I've had them left outside in the rain for a week-end, kicked into a swimming pool, etc.

The current mono one has been used 4 nights a week, 6 months out of the year for 10 years. The older (and bigger) one is the main Pa for a car show DJ operation I have with my son. It's about 15 years old.

The new little stereo one is 375 watts a side @ 4 ohms. I just connect 2 8 ohm cabinets to each side. I have lots of Carvin cabinets. Generally, I use 2 10's and 2 12's. I either daisy chain them, or, if the distribution is more spread out, I have two 1/4" into two 1/4" adapters I use for splitting the sound out of a guitar into two amps.

As far as using the 330, I simply do it in reverse...come out of the Carvin line out into a channel on the 330. Only interested in the monitor and fill, and that works fine. Sometimes, I just use the little CM 30, and, if it's close enough to me, that works fine, too. Generally, when I do a single, I just grab any little amp with a stand adapter. That includes a small Peavy Minx, a Peavy 2 channel keyboard amp, etc.

Understand your issue with 1/4" into RCA adapters...a pain in the ass.

Don't hesitate to get the Carvin. The old 200 watt mono heads are more than enough to play a patio with 600 people. The 500 watt new one with 4 cabinets is great for 1000 people-outside...all in a 10 lb package.

My big system has lots of Carvin components, too...a 36 channel Carvin board, a 600 watt monitor amp, lots of big cabs, etc.

Try it...you'll like it.


Russ




[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-24-2010).]

Capt.

Thanks for the info. I use a Yamaha 512sc head and tow Carvin Lm12's for my main system. Great for almost any application including DJ-ing. I think I'm going to go with the small Carvin system when it goes on sale again and put up with the adaptors


Thanks

Bill in NJ

Instead of using adapters, why not use 1/4-inch to RCA cables. They're available at some music stores, and I believe I saw them at Radio Shack as well.

Gary