My small Carvin PA is just to big for my practice room. I'm looking for ideas on a Stereo setup of small powered speakers for my keyboards and Ipad playback.
I'm also thinking why not get something that I may actually use for a gig down the line.
My first thought is the old Roland CM30s. Stereo inputs w/ stereo linking and good for a monitor/mixer if I do a larger or duo / trio type thing. Enough Bass for and Arranger with the 6.5 speakers ?
Any reviews of the CM30's or suggestions for something else.
BTW- unsucessfully tried the search function of the site.

I had the CM30s....thought they would work in a pinch for small jobs,
not enough bass for me or power for KB/Vocals/....build is great but a Sub is needed..
call Frankie at AUDIOWORKS he'll do you right and set you up with what you need.

http://www.audioworksct.com/

Bill,


I have the CM-30's, and use them occasionally and more frequently as monitors.

A few months ago, i bought some Kustom equipment for a small school I support....a guitar club in Louisville.

When I got the equipment, i was shocked at how well it worked. I got a small PA-50 (2 channel, $99.00), a couple of small powered wedge monitors (around $60.00 each) and a neat little sub with a 12....also $99.00.

The stuff worked so well that I bought more, and use two of the PA 50's, the sub and one or two of the monitors when I have small jobs (up to 200 people) that are spread out.

Two PA-50's and the sub are $300.00...the same price as two CM-30's.

These are current units in Musician's Friend. Limited use, but neat and easy to use.


Russ


BTW, I use Carvin equipment too...several double necks (they stopped offering them years ago), 12" PA cabs and a neat 6 channel 200 watt head. I also have several one piece units...a 12', horn, there channels and a compensating switch so one of the channels can be used for either piezo or magnetic pick-ups.

Started using the gear after a factory tour in 1960, when they were in Covina, California. Also use a Carvin double-neck non-pedal steel all the time for recording.

Having tried the CM30s in a local music store, I was less than impressed. Keep in mind they are nothing more than practice amps for guitar players, and they are very low power. The 30-watt rating is peak power only - not RMS.

The biggest problem is that most PA systems that you would use on the job are either way too big for home use, and many of the smaller systems that are suitable for home use are way too small for gigging. For example, I use a Yamaha YST MS-50 at home. I connect it to my PC, and also have a connection for the keyboard. It's a neat, 80-watt, stereo amp with a pair of satellite speakers and a sub. I've had it for several years, it never has failed and I love the sound in my office/studio. However, I tried it on a small restaurant job and it failed to provide the needed coverage.

I'm sure you can find the YST MS50 for a good price, but I haven't looked around for it on the internet lately. If I recall, I paid about $200 for this system, new. http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/c...ound-cheap.html

Gary

Try here: http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/c-31-po...amp;pageSize=20

The Podium 8" and 10" powered are at least 'practice room' quality.

chas

Yea, I did look over at the Podiums again and I think a pair of them might be the best choice. I thing the Podiums are really good for the money, Had a pair for awhile and then sold them when I moved. Best used with an outboard mixer though.
I'm not looking ofr a "system" to take on a gig but I like the CM30 because if I hook up with a singer or sax player I can mix the mics with it, use it as a monitor, and send the signal to my JBL Eon's.

I don't get tired of recommending
http://www.thomann.de/gb/fbt_j5a_j_serie.htm
or
http://www.thomann.de/gb/db_technologies_k_300.htm

Both are very powerful, more powerful and of more clarity than a HK Lucas Nano 300, except for lower bass, which they don't have.

I prefer, any day, bi-amped monitor speakers over PA speakers. There are many good choices out there. That’s all I use, other than my Bose Compacts.