Today's will be the Maiden Voyage with Mackie SRM 150 & S-950 Arranger KB combo I've already played this room with just the S-950 alone so this can only add to the sound in a small package,.....I picked up one of these cool little powered speakers for my very small gigs like I will doing today a small luncheon with about 10-15 people.The versatility of this speakers system is just what I need,...so may things can be done with it combined with the speakers of the Yamaha S-950 in a small room will be more then enough...watch the video demo.



I will report back l8tr...

carry on

MACKIE SRM 150

good luck Donny we are always looking for the best sound on stage .

Thanx Ron sometimes the big guns are just over kill on a gig...this should work out fine in this situation....and it easily mounts on a Mic Stand also....... I know guys using two of these little wonders with much success too...dont let the size fool you.

I've a pair of these for monitoring on stage in a band situation.

TBH, I wouldn't use them for FOH. They deliberately (because lows for monitors is not a good idea!) have next to no lows, and aren't really flat by any stretch of the imagination.

I doubt they will sound better than the built-ins on your S950, but I'll be interested in hearing your experiences.

Unless I added a small sub, I wouldn't use mine, that's for sure.

Wrong again Diki ...I just got home from the gig and the SRM150 sounded fantastic in the small glass room atrium I was playing in,.....it filled the room just right for the small amount of people there ...I was very impressed and will definitely add it to my arsenal.....it gave the right amount of projection I thought it would....a very kool piece of gear.
And my back thanks me too .....bringing the DXR12's into a room little this and a few others I perform at would have been such overkill it ain't funny...this little gem on a mic stand is the ticket. It's a keeper for sure.

Did you look at the Behringer version (B205D) of the same thing? Less expensive. Used 4 of them for monitors on stage with the band. This is one thing Behringer got right.

I always thought stage monitors pretty much emphasized mid and high range sounds, and lows were almost non-existent. At least all the monitors I had many years ago were that way.

Donny, why not just stick with one sound system that does it all? That way you can either turn it down, or turn it up, depending on the venue. Makes perfectly good sense to me, a lot less expensive, no adjustments to make after the initial setup, it's a win-win situation.


Gary

Gary... I think I have to agree with Donny on this one ... we know he has a LARGE set-up for his BIG gigs, so if he can use a small monitor to add 'just enough' additional sound for small gigs, why not ... less to carry and set up ...sounds right to me ...
Perhaps if Donny liked the BOSE system he wouldn't have to be concerned about this, but that's why they make vanilla and chocolate, and BOSE and Mackies and etc. ...

Yes sparky I saw it but I was always a Mackie guy......Behringer anything doesn't do it for me ... they might look the same but the SRM 150's are different in quality.

You nailed it Tony......
besides I don't like BOSE anything sorry learned that the hard way.

I was about to ask if you had tried the roland CM30. I like the stereo link function that it offers and look what I found.

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/222293/Tried_the_Mackie_SM_150_and_th


Do you agree?

I had two CM30's a while back...I liked them initially but sadly down the road they didnt work for my needs....

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/206202/Cassp_hows_the_Roland_CM30_so_

while searching the store I noticed a Pa800 on top of a Tyros 2 ......which was nice, it wasn't there 2 weeks ago...it did have OS1.51 too....right next to the KB's there was a ROLAND CM30 cube monitor.
http://www.roland.com/products/en/CM-30/index.html

This unit was another item Ive been wanting to demo after I have discussing it with Cass who has been very happy with the sound, & after plugging in to one in the store with the pa800 I can certainly see why! It really has a robust full spectrum sound, I was quite surprised, I also had the sales man bring out a Mackie 150 which is another unit I wanted to check out too.....well let me tell you there is no comparison sound wise it was like
Night & Day....the CM30 really sounds good and full, I tried several different selections of styles thru them & it really showed no sign of breaking up but instead exhibited only a nice TIGHT bass projection & with the dual cone speaker the highs really stood out with nice coverage all out of this tiny package. On the other hand the Mackie 150 although crisp and clean sounding could compete with the full bodied sound of the CM30. I would say the that the Mackie would be very satisfactory in an acoustic Guitar/Vocal scenario for sure as it was intended....but lacked the diversity of a full frequency sound required for Arranger Keyboards & Vocals. The Cm 30 could easily cover a small venue gig, NH, Cocktail hour, Small restaurant diner job....& having on-board speakers will only add to the coverage. Dont be fooled by the "NUMBERS" game manufacturers play
30 watts vs 150 etc etc ....its all how its allocated and I dont know about you but My ears are the best judge. I would urge you to go try one and see for your self.....if your in need of a nice SMALL amp for those certain gigs Roland has done it again for sure with the CM30.....using Two in stereo would be a beautiful thing also for sure
I bought one & took it home

These are your words and you go on in the thread to really promote the CM30.
Just curious, what changed your mind?

Bill I always get enthusiastic with new gear....but my grueling gig scheduled will be the real test and sometimes it takes a few weeks to realize a piece of gear isn't going to work for my needs & you made a mistake buying it,..it has happened many times as with the BOSE systems L1 & Compacts I had also, & many other PA systems,...and not with just speakers. Maybe I hear things others don't, but I know what is right for me .....as I recall the CM30's would break up sometimes and just didn't deliver in the sonic range I wanted for my strong vocals and arranger instruments solos, etc,... they are quality built as all Roland gear that I have performed with but the CM30's for me didn't cut the mustard if you get my drift. no problem i just keep moving on...take care.

Logitech Z2300, perfect for NH jobs.

New buyer enthusiasm, I can appreciate that. As you said, working with something for awhile is the real test.

Back when I was changing boards a lot it took me a good 6 months of steady gigs to feel comfortable with a new keyboard.

FBT Jolly 5 BA are absolutely incredible, 7 pounds and 80 W RMS per speaker, I haven't ever had more efficient speakers. And they do have warm upper bass frequencies. The Mackie is stated to start from 100 Hz, the FBT from 80 Hz. I have accompanied a classic soloist for operettas using symphonic sounds (strings, woodwinds, french horns, piano) with these speakers alone for an audience of 50 people, absolutely clear, warm and loud.
Now, the successive model has been released, FBT J5A.

No problem, Donny. Glad they worked out for you.

You and I must have a VERY different idea of 'flat' though!

Donny, what ever happened to your HK Nano system? I thought that was gonna solve all those problems for you. And, no one mentioned anything about Donny buying a Bose - we all know he doesn't like them, even though he's in the tiny minority. Donny tends to change gear more often than most folks change their underwear - ever notice that. I'm absolutely amazed he still has the S-950 after nearly a year - A NEW RECORD!

Gary

That's funny - I just decided to buy a HK Lucas Nano for medium-sized gigs for which I need a little deeper bass. So I'm also interested: what are your experiences with the HK Lucas Nano?? Reviews at thomann.de are very positive.

Diki they are a bit flat I agree by design, BUT, ....for the purposes and flexibility that I need them for in very small situations and the fact that the full sound from the KB speakers offsets the flatness...& that the SRM150 give the projection in a very small gig situation works out well for my needs the once in a while that I'll use it..will work with my phone MP3 player on a MIC STAND also for SMALL wedding cocktail hrs, etc, when Im setup in another room and need to manuver around fast also...

I've had the same speaker system for about 25 years...two Yamaha MS-60S with the then newly developed AST ( Active Servo Technology).

If I need a huge or bigger system, I rent one, usually a pair of Bose L1 with subs or a Stagepas 600i/500 and add the rental in my fee. I can also use the MS-60S's as monitors if I wish.

I have feeling the Tyros4 is a long term keeper, but maybe not 25 years.

Ian

Rosetree, I only got to hear the HK Nano once and it sounded pretty good, but didn't provide the clarity or coverage the Bose L1 provided so I stuck with the L1, then later went to a L1 Compact, and for larger jobs a pair of compacts.

Don Mason will be switching to the HK Lucas Nano soon, so he can probably provide you with more detailed information.

Gary

Anybody recommend a SMALL powered sub that would be appropriate to balance a pair of SRM150's? 2-300W into a 10" or 12" ported sub should be enough to balance the Mackies. Most of what I find are big 1000W types.

Smaller the better...

Roland KCW1


it did a good job with my two Mackie SRM350's & SRM450's

50lbs and an 18" cube for a 10" speaker seems a bit over the top....

Anything smaller/lighter?

Check out Yamaha 6" subwoofer at Bestbuys

Link dead, Fran. Got a model#?

Powered sub woofers at best buy

I traded DNJ my Roland E50 for his HK Nano last summer. I love it. Getting another so I can have twice as much power and for backup. One, in stereo, covers the room I normally play very nicely. Around 75 people. There is a lot of headroom left. I haven't really cranked it all the way up. I like the nice warm tone a lot.
Not better than the Bose, but different. I just like to change things up sometimes.

Oh NO!!! your complaining about weight ?

Roland KCW1

I've always wondered what that KCW1 sounded like with just a 10" speaker. Did it really keep up with those Mackies?

Bill.....It was a nice setup with the SRM powered 350's I just got tired of lugging three pieces of PA around plus the other stuff...otherwise it sounded pretty good good highs....deep bass for med size gigs.....actually I acquired it in a trade deal from my Uncle Dave if I recall correctly?

I really like the NANO. For $299 GC blowout, they offer incredible stereo with little setup. I think the cubes (mono) on the woofer is perfect too.

The 150s crackle at any hint of bass, but are nice other than that.

Nano for 299???? Tell me more!

GC had that deal for a couple weeks and they were sold out in no time at all. Now they're asking $1,100 for the system, and over $600 for a blemished model.

Gary

I already have a Mackie SWA1501 for the main PA. Don't really need ANOTHER big, heavy sub.

I'm a little cautious about retasking home audio stuff for pro use. Had a fair bit of it blow up or fart out when brought up to gig volumes, but I'll look into those Best Buy alternatives.

I'd really like something akin to the Bose subs for the L1 system, that's about the form factor and weight point I'm looking for...

The sub on the Logitechs (and the entire system) have shown outstanding longevity and durability for me. I had a couple of Z2200s for maybe 8 or 10 years. Z5500 almost that long. One 2200 is in my office now and I still use it daily for computer sound and practice system. The 5500 is in the living room for surround sound.
I screwed a handle on one of the 2200 subs for easier carrying. The satellites fit on converted folding music stands. I think Gary made the connectors. Got it used from him or DNJ, used it a long time off and on for small jobs and backup. Now Dean Mathis has it for NH jobs, and it is still going strong. It all fits neatly in a small overnight back from Walmart.

I believe the sub with my Logitech Z-2300's, a more recent model, is pretty much the same as that with the Z-2200. It's very capable.

Ian

I agree, toys not big boys time, play your ipad through it thats the limit

Do you have ANYTHING constructive to say Tony?

Or is it lonely over there?

That's rich coming from you Diki, I will post that mirror to you!!

Post some playing tips, Tony. Make some suggestions about arranger improvements.

Or just sit and snipe every post.

Your choice.

So do you believe the technical specifications in this case? The Mackie SRM150 is supposed to have 150 W, I suppose RMS, anything else ("PMPO") would be idiotic as a specification. If it does have 150W RMS, how could it be no stronger than the on-board speakers of the S950, which are rated 2 x 15 Watt? Maybe it has less bass, ok.

All these magical wattage output numbers etc, are mostly BS, manufacturers use as bait to make people buy,....I instead only use my ears when I buy speaker gear, .....if it sounds good to me and fits MY needs I buy it,.......down the road if it don't,....it's gone in a minute no big deal it's only gear.

http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/casearch.aspx?SearchTerm=sub

http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/p-613-m...2srm150set.aspx


http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/c-106-active-speaker-sets.aspx

20 pages of subs...Hurry!!

OTOH, few of us crank our gear up to the maximum, and really listen to how it sounds. It can get painful, and few of us have the ears to really test how distorted it's getting.

The SRM's may 'peak' at 150W, but even according to their spec sheet http://www.mackie.com/products/srm150/pdf/SRM150_SS.pdf they are 100W sustained power. But the really telling specs are, it's 10db down at 60Hz, 3db down at 100Hz. And there's a high frequency rolloff, too.

Like most hotspots, it's DESIGNED to emphasize the vocal range of frequencies, to help you hear your voice clearly on stage in a band. It's not designed to be a flat speaker system for full range sources. At what it is designed for, it's a great product (I have a pair!). And, TBH, compared to the built in speakers of most arrangers, it is quite comparable, except for maximum volume.

But that's more an indictment of the built in speakers, than a ringing endorsement of the SRM150's!

I have yet to hear ANY built-in speakers that were even CLOSE to flat, they ALL emphasize mid-range frequencies... This is why you'll find the mastering EQ's and compressors in arrangers are set up to CUT mids, and boost bass and treble. Take all that stuff off, you quickly hear what they actually sound like! Thing is, all that EQ quickly chews up your headroom, and things start to get ugly as you bump against the power amp ceiling and the design of the cabinets.

There's a REASON studio monitors are not tiny flat little 4" speakers! And there's a reason PA speakers aren't tiny little flat 4" speakers!

And, if you have the ears to hear, play your arranger through a full range stereo system at home, as loud as you can stand it, then play it AT THE SAME VOLUME through the built-ins, it's going to get ugly!

Not just the bass, but the top end gets shrill, mids get distorted, it basically just craps out. But what do you expect from 10-30W? LOL

10-15pp....low volume....= SRM 150 success!

On the whole, I have a feeling the Nano's do a better job of being flat for a quiet gig than the SRM's. Not even a whole lot more expensive (a pair of SRM's will cost you about $500, plus stands), FAR better at the low end and top end.

Donny, if you still had the Nano's, would you still preferred to go out on the low volume gig with the SRM150's?

Diki ...the Nanos are way overkill for what I do with 1
SRM 150 so convenient to use. ..... the Nano is great for small 25-7pp gigs, versatile too...but a bit of a pain to set up.. for my needs one or two DXR12's cover just about any room I perform at 100-400pp....anything bigger I just borrow a sub. for that gig.

You can leave the Nano's little speakers attached if you want a simpler setup, right? Same mono you'd get from just one SRM..

How did you set up the SRM? On a stand? I just don't see what is less complicated about the SRM than a Nano.

I guess, for me, I don't want three or four different systems. Something small enough to cover small rooms, one for big rooms. Done and done!

But I'd like enough bottom that, if things get frisky at the party (you never know!) I got the lows covered, and the SRM's simply can't do that. I am afraid I've never even been tempted to use my SRM150's for FOH, and I've had them years!

But a pair of them will keep up with almost the loudest drummers and bands! However, for stage monitoring, you don't WANT those lows!

I guess, it all depends on what you get used to... I don't use arrangers with built in speakers, so I've never really got used to that type of sound. I imagine the SRM's are in the same ballpark, simply louder! What I'm surprised at is, everyone says how good the S950's built-ins are, why, for a really small event, do you need anything more?

Diki, the built-in speakers actually have great bottom end, at last Yamaha does - don't know about the others, though.

Gary

Only problem with using most on-board speakers is that they are facing mainly towards, and intended for, the player.

I most always took a small stereo system with me...usually my MS-60S.

For the sake of a few minutes more setup, it was worth it, in my opinion (and experience).

The PSR-S950/S750 do have a nice full sound, nonetheless, the speaker system being new to these models, and for personal use they lack nothing.

Ian

Mackie SRM 150 GIG #2 done!! and this time I put it on the MIC stand using the supplied adapter,....I couldn't ask for better in this small room situation with 18 pp today,....with a little EQ on my KB to boost low/high it really filled the room clear as day with music and crystal clear vocals,....

Good enough for me. One on order!

Donny, I thought of putting it on a low mic stand in front of the keyboard. Where did you position yours?

BTW, Genelec is releasing a new mini studio monitor, the 8010. It looks like a twin model of the 6010, but has the double wattage. This is no model for the stage of course, but I had a pair of 6010 for a while, which was loud enough to accompany a soloist in small churches. The sound quality is really suberb, the best 2.0 computer speakers I know - the 8010 will even be better.

Hi Graham,....putting in front of your KB will hinder your personal monitoring by you being behind, instead I put the SRM150 for this gig on a low mic stand using the included adapter 3 feet to the left of me parallel to my ear so I can hear both speaker & the KB the default tilt angle is perfect also,...I'm seriously thinking of getting another one also for certain situations. Good luck with yours. I keep the master and channel 1 vol both at o'clock & use the line input button OUT,.

Gary, on the whole, I'm afraid we play and do such utterly different approaches, I can't honestly take any recommendation you give. For YOU, that built-in on the S950 might be great low end. For me, it has no depth, no projection.

But the vast majority of my gigs are probably MUCH louder than yours, and built-ins can even BEGIN to compete with a sub and satellite system. I have had a PSR S950 at my house, played it through its built-ins, then through my studio monitors. Night and day!

You play very softly, sing very softly, and play music that is at least a generation older than most of my playlist. I'm afraid what works for you is simply not going to work for me (or many of us here still playing at volume).

Donny, do you have a small powered sub? Try that with the SRM150 at home, see if it isn't better...

Diki, I wouldn't expect you to take any recommendation from ME, or anyone else for that matter. And, I can almost guarantee that you play much louder than I do - but that has no bearing on what I hear in the overall sound spectrum. When I was using a 10-inch, long throw sub there were times when I considered it overwhelming and lowered the sub volume in order to achieve a more balanced sound. Works for me, and obviously, lots of other performers on this forum.

Gary

doesn't anyone understand 10-15pp people only ?

Yep, I do, Donny.I play a fair number of private, living-room parties and family room parties throughout the year. Don't need to blow someone's head off with subs and the like. But, hey, Diki plays BIG jobs, YOUNGER audiences, and he plays LOUDER than we do. So, it's his way or the HIGHWAY!

Gary

at his age he is still playing bar gigs I assume in FL ?.....after all these years I think we both know what WE need for sound reinforcement....no use even arguing about it....just do what you think sounds good. enjoy, I know I do.

The sub isn't to make the overall sound louder....but better..

That Mackie 150 goes down to 100...that is no bass response for music..The S950 maybe goes down to 90..those 10-12 people aren't hearing any bass...just you the player..and it is still poor, but you are use to it..

A sub just makes it fuller, you don't have to thump it...just get under 50 for real natural bass range..

No offense, but you guys make equipment recommendations all the time, without bothering to point out how low you play, or the type of crowd you play to. All I'm trying to do is point out when what you recommend has a limited usage, before someone that needs more takes your advice!

And, as Gary pointed out (no idea why he thinks that no-one but him has the sense to turn down a sub that may be too loud!), no need to blow anyone's head off, but for me, at least, a STRONG need to remain full and flat no matter what venue or volume I'm playing.

Gary, you mean to tell me, you disconnect the "sub" from your Compact on small jobs?
Of course not, you don't have to blast it..to get the full sound..

Donny, If you know what sound you need...why are you still searching for the right system?

I'm done arguing I Know what sounds good for me ...carry on.

Huh?...I have the right system now the DXR12" are perfect for my needs......and now I have acquired the srm150 for specialized situations and have no complaints so far, ....but then again you hate the Yamaha sound also so it doesn't matter either way?...this is getting silly we all are bickering in a condescending manner about what know one really knows what the other is doing out there gig and sound wise amazing isn't it? ..

You guys listen to Fran...he always knows what he's talkin' about...

No, Fran. I just turned the sub volume down when it sounded overwhelming. Sometimes it was just the style itself that produced the problem, and I lowered it with the keyboard.

Gary

Hey, I always liked Yamaha sound systems...and Yes..I like the Tyros4 too.....I just can't use them "for my needs"

In the smaller, more intimate settings ... like house parties, cocktail receptions, where you would only be making about as much sound as an acoustic piano ... you don't need lots of bass. You're not doing a dance thing, and you're providing background music for listening and to promote, and enhance conversation. (adding elegance to the affair) In this scenario - the music is just icing ... "musical wallpaper" to add beauty and energy. Years ago, when a piano was the go-to choice for these parties ... the instrument often faced the wall, so the player didn't even make eye contact with the audience. It was strictly a voice "in the room" and not a show.

With today's arrangers ... the sound that comes from the internal system is very often full range ... at a certain volume. All you need to do to fill a little more area is push a bit more air into the room. The midrange is where the vocals and melodies usually lie, so that little Mackie should do great. If Donny gets a second unit, and starts pumping even more sound out .... I fear that he'll miss the full range of sound and actually take a step backwards. If space and volume are the priority ... I sometimes just add a bass amp for fullness. Since I use the Bose compact for my main work ... the smallest situations are still in it's repertoire by simply not extending the poles. Sometimes, I even take the top speaker OUT of the enclosure ... just to add a touch of bass. The KB speakers handle the rest. If the room needs more ... I just put the poles in and add the top speaker - back in business at full strength. Remember, the most important element of the ensemble (my voice) is still facing the crowd and projecting at a pretty strong volume on it's own.

I've been on virtually every size stage I can imagine, from the Academy of Music to Veterans Stadium and everything in between. I've learned to recognize when the "performance" is priority and when the "performer" is. HUGE difference, and for the latter .... sometimes, teeny, tiny coverage is all you need. Some of my favorite memories are parties in someone's house or office that would have been compromised greatly by setting up a large speaker on a pole. The visual is important too. Some party planners are so fussy that they drape my speakers, make me face them to the rear, or even cover over logos and names that are printed on things. It's a competitive world, and unless it's YOUR party - we can't always decide what's best for the room. We are still in the service industry, and our job is to provide WHAT'S NEEDED. For some situations ... what's needed is just a tiny bit more to fill up the dead spaces.

And, now you know why Uncle Dave is among my many heroes on this forum.

Shux, Gary ... you make me blush.

Trouble is, you start buying different gear for each and every different application, you end up with a ton of gear you use quite seldom...

I'm looking for basically TWO PA's... I already have a big loud system, Mackie SWA1501 powered sub, two Yamaha 15" and horn passive cabs and a Yamaha 2X1000W powered mixer. Covers all but the largest outdoor gigs no problems, full band, you name it.

Now I want ONE more system, to cover everything smaller. I want stereo, and I want decently flat, so my setups into the big flat system sound the same into a SMALL flat system.

SRM150, even two of them, simply can't do that... maybe a powered sub added would be OK, but there's little with the size I want that would work well with the SRM150's, and they don't all clamp together and will be much tougher to move around quickly, compared to the Nano system.

Thing is, I am hearing a lot about VOLUME from these tiny built-ins or Donny's single SRM150 idea, but little about them being flat. Just think in terms of a decent home stereo. OK, you can turn it up, you can turn it down... But the BALANCE doesn't change. You go from a full sub and speakers big PA to the built-ins on any arranger, or something designed for vocals like the SRM, and not only the volume, but the BALANCE changes radically too.

Most of us, when we turn down the volume of our home stereo's, we don't turn down the lows radically as well, and boost the mids a bit! We just turn it down.

I think that's what I'm looking for. I think that's what my clients want. Now, were I to turn up with a middle-y little speaker, maybe they wouldn't complain, but personally, I think they deserve better. And don't forget the pickiest listener in the room!
Me...

diki are you playing for 10 pp in a nursing facility lately?...
just sayin....and why do you start most of your replies with "trouble is"....when there ain't NO trouble at all?

Trouble starts when you want the same sound out of different gear. If you and your audience are fine with a completely different sound using different gear, no problem at all..!

And no, I am doing my level best to make sure I NEVER end up playing to 10 people in a NH unit!

The thing about this whole issue that strikes me is, the entire Nano system can be carried with one hand, and doesn't need to be unhooked if all you want is small, low volume mono reproduction for a small gig. But it CAN be unhooked, set up for stereo, and able to be flat at a MUCH higher volume should you want it. Double duty from the same piece of gear. And a much fuller, flatter sound at ANY volume.

It is always SO hard to take your recommendations to heart, Donny, as you go through this ever revolving door of different gear, and tend to only gush about what you currently have, no matter how short your time with it. Tell the truth, Donny... If you had still had the Nano system (and I fail to see how you can give such a glowing recommendation about something you sold!), and could pick up the Nano or the SRM as you went out the door, which would you have taken?

To be frank, if you had chosen the SRM, I would be concerned about whether you would pick convenience for you (and only a very slight convenience, at that) over good quality sound for your audience...

there you go again diki putting down what other successful performers do out in the real world making a living as an entertainer....I couldn't or wouldn't give too hoots what YOU think as I am successful and happy doing it my way, and obviously so do all my clients years after year......and it's amazing all this without YOUR guidance What I use & how I use it is no concern of yours, why does it bother you so much?...
I tried the nanos...didnt suit me, ...dumped it,...big deal,...nothing is permanent, I like it, it stays....I dont down the road it goes bye bye,.. I might like it in the beginning ....but later on dislike it for who knows why..
so what?and guess what?.....I'll be doing that for a long time coming and still be successful .....now let me finish my homemade chicken soup...carry on.

So what makes the SRM so good, that the Nano's weren't?

YOU were the one to bring up the NH bit, as if whether I play to 10 people in a bar or ten people in a NH makes any difference! I bring my A game, no matter what.

You might also consider the many times you put down playing in the 'animal zoo' bars and clubs (and in live bands), before you get worked up about someone that would prefer to play to people that can leave if they don't like it, and aren't so starved for entertainment, they wouldn't care if you played your arranger through a tin horn!

ok you win diki......I'll step away from your baiting maneuvers.....everyone can just read between the lines.

Thank you again.

Maybe, if instead of just trying to score points, we could stick to the ACTUAL topic, things might get better round here...

So...

Overall, I'm interested in whether you would have picked the Nano or the SRM if you had BOTH to choose from.

In a comparison between the Nano and a single SRM150 it's no contest. The Nano will sound fuller and push more sound into a given space. As for comparing the convenience
between the two: The Nano is self contained, but may still need the extension to get the best coverage. In Donny's situation, I believe he just needs a teeny bit of projection for his voice and leads ... the bass is never a factor with older aged audiences, unless they are dancing. The Yamaha speakers (built in) put out a pretty nice, full range sound on their own ... that little "extra" that he gets from the 150 just fills the room a little more. The main sound is still being noticed from his acoustic voice and the KB speakers. The Mackie is an aux.
In your situation, Diki, since you have no internal speakers ... the Nano is a runaway hit, I'd think. It's pretty compact, lightweight and sounds darn good. Most of what you want. I'm not sure I'd call it "flat" response, as I recall it being a tad "bass" colored, but with proper EQ at the kb end ... maybe you can find a happy place.
You won't find a lighter sub ... even as a stand alone unit.

Love the Nano. Loved the Bose. Nano fits better at this particular time.

Sounds like a Nano might be in my future...

Donny, you want to buy one and try it again, so I can buy it off you?

I'll buy an HK Nano shortly, too. And the new FBT J5A, which are certainly better (with deeper bass) than the Mackie SRM 150. Beyond that, I still have the Bose Sounddock portable for mini gigs. It's like a Matrioshka system of speakers for every gig size :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Russian_Dolls.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:First_matryoshka_museum_doll_open.jpg

Sent you a PM.