How Do You Determine........

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ahoustondj

ahoustondj

Mac Daddy DJ
Aug 13, 2007
20,235
3,465
Texas
How would you determine how much gear and power is needed for the following. Assuming that you already have source music and processing, we are referring to just Active Crossovers, Amps & Speakers.
There is no need to really name brands and what you have (Thats optional). If you had an arsenal of gear from which to choose, what would you use for the following gigs/dance parties. Just add your answers next to the questions.
100 - 200 People
System Type: Full Range, Two Way Active, Three Way Active, Full Range with sub(s)?
Amp(s) Power:Watts per Channel?
Passive Speakers (With Mids/Highs): 12", 15", 18"
Speakers Powered (With Mids/Highs): 12", 15", 18"
Subs: 12", 15", 18"

200 - 300 People

System Type: Full Range, Two Way Active, Three Way Active, Full Range with sub(s)?
Amp(s) Power:Watts per Channel?
Passive Speakers (With Mids/Highs): 12", 15", 18"
Speakers Powered (With Mids/Highs): 12", 15", 18"
Subs: 12", 15", 18"
300 -500 People

System Type: Full Range, Two Way Active, Three Way Active, Full Range with sub(s)?
Amp(s) Power:Watts per Channel?
Passive Speakers (With Mids/Highs): 12", 15", 18"
Speakers Powered (With Mids/Highs): 12", 15", 18"
Subs: 12", 15", 18"
 
DJ Ducky said:
In my opinion, it all depends upon the venue.
Click to expand...

:sqrolleyes: In this case lets suppose its Party Halls. Each one designed to accommodate the different capacities. We are not talking wedding and old folks sitting in front of speakers here. Party Hardy folks will be attending and gear would be pushed to its limits.
 
I have found in my experience that having head room is always a good thing... Most DJs don't have access to more than one system I think, they might bring 1 sub instead of 2, but in my case I do.. so with those choices I break down

0-250 people my BOSE system, 2 L1's and 4 B1's

250-500 I bring my EV Zax5's (2) and 2 Mackie 1501 subs that I borrow from a DJ bud. Or my agents bring in the local PA company to do that event. (that is more likely)
 
A good starting point for 'party' is roughly 4 watts per person. I use that figure as a 'starting point' and add subs on top of it for 'mobile nightclub' type events.

Wedding ceremonies where everyone is seated and quiet, then you can drop to 1-2 watts per person because the noise floor is negligible (we just have to get over the 'surf' and wind noise for beach weddings in most cases).

Other events tend to fall in between, with outdoor events sometimes requiring more because there isn't any reflective surface - which can be helpful (but also a hinderance).

So far, the 4 watts per person has been a good 'starting point' with minor tweaks to account for venue size, setup, etc. It's also given me PLENTY of headroom if necessary to push more volume, or unexpected head count increases.

For example, a pair of Behringer 212a's, at 400 watts each (IIRC) is 800 watts total and suitable for groups of up to about 200-250 people. You might need to add subs as you approach that higher end figure or play more 'bass heavy' music.

Keep in mind that there ARE ways to cheat the numbers. Flying arrays for example allows you to maintain coverage and reduce the overall wattage - but the expense and time involved (not to mention the complexity) are gross overkill for 'smaller' events and venues.

But remember, MORE sound could be needed for unusually shaped rooms, dense crowds, and the like.

For example, if you're playing a school dance with 800-1000 kids, packed tightly on the dance floor, you'll need sound at head/dance floor level, but also above their heads to play to/reach the back of the room. This sort of application is perfect for flying arrays but that's rarely something that people would consider doing for a school dance.

Remember, as you add people, they 'soak up' the sound. The numbers still work, but the setup likely has to change as a result.


As for power requirements, I ask for a single 15 amp circuit, free of any other loads. I typically have room to spare for my events.

If I'm doing a lot of lighting then I require an additional circuit - and perhaps 2 or more - depending on the scale.

A typical 15 amp circuit has about 1800 watts of power. As it's extremely rare that you will draw full load from an amp - and you need overhead on that circuit (I like to use 80%) - you can run an awfully lot of sound on a single circuit. As I don't use amps regularly, others can probably give you a better idea of what you can put on a circuit.


As for what I use?
90% of the time I use 2 Bose L1's with 4 B1's. Doesn't matter the size of the event. I do weddings almost exclusively though.

But I have 'alternatives': ;)

<100 people
Fender PD-250
Optional: 10" sub

100-200
2x Behringer 212a's (400 watts each)
Optional: 10" sub
Optional: 2x Community 18" subs + Mac Alto 2.3 Amp (maybe it's a 2.4... can't remember)

200-300
2x Bose L1s/4 B1's
Optional: 2x Community 18" subs + Mac Alto 2.3 Amp (maybe it's a 2.4... can't remember)

300-500
2x Bose L1s/4 B1's
Optional: 2x Community 18" subs + Mac Alto 2.3 Amp (maybe it's a 2.4... can't remember)

Actually, for events of up to about 1000 people, I'll use a pair of Bose L1's (provided it's just a big square room). The trick is that if you get more than about 300-400 people, you need to elevate the Bose about 2-3 feet (.6-1M) off the floor. This gives you the additional 'throw' you need to cover the space. I'd add more sub, including folded horns if I'm playing to more than about 400-500 people though - and depending on the event, before that point.

On a side note, I rent subs if I need more than the 2x18" Community Subs I already have.

And if I'm playing to a large group of more than 800-1000 I hire the sound done. In other words, I know EXACTLY what my limitations are and stick well within them.
 
Depends on room and event.

150 People or less. I use 2 Mains and 1 Sub. I use 12" tops - I hate how 15" sound. I have Turbosound 18"s and Peavey Low Rider 18"s

150 to 300 Same but add additional 18" sub.

300 Plus. I will use 4 Subs and dual 15" tops.

I match amps to speakers. My Turbosound 12"s get 600 watts at 8 Ohms. Subs get 1600 watts each. Dual 15"s get 1600 watts each.
 
DJ Cam said:
I hate how 15" sound.
Click to expand...

if you heard my JBL scoops you would not be making that statement. However, to each his own. My 15" scoops have both thump and rumble. That is because they are JBL 2205J 16ohms each, each pair couples with a jumper cable to give a parallel circuit to equal 8 ohms when used as a pair on each side.
 
ahoustondj said:
if you heard my JBL scoops you would not be making that statement. However, to each his own. My 15" scoops have both thump and rumble. That is because they are JBL 2205J 16ohms each, each pair couples with a jumper cable to give a parallel circuit to equal 8 ohms when used as a pair on each side.
Click to expand...

DJ Cam doesn't like 15" tops. I have to agree with him even though I own 15" two ways. I'd rather have 10 or 12's. Better sound in the midrange frequencies and even more so when the bass frequencies are crossed over to a subwoofer.
 
MIXSIRS said:
DJ Cam doesn't like 15" tops. I have to agree with him even though I own 15" two ways. I'd rather have 10 or 12's. Better sound in the midrange frequencies and even more so when the bass frequencies are crossed over to a subwoofer.
Click to expand...

Oh! He is referring to "tops"! I thought he meant woofers. :sqrolleyes:
 
ahoustondj said:
if you heard my JBL scoops you would not be making that statement. However, to each his own. My 15" scoops have both thump and rumble. That is because they are JBL 2205J 16ohms each, each pair couples with a jumper cable to give a parallel circuit to equal 8 ohms when used as a pair on each side.
Click to expand...

I've been using a new DNC (Digital to Neuron Converter) I designed, which sends the signals directly to the appropriate brain receptors.

Saves a lot of weight, as I don't have to bring speakers or amps. In fact, I don't even have to be there :)


Has more thump than silly old scoops... :sqlaugh: :rofl:
 
My "base" rig is (2) coaxial tops a 3 1/2 hi freq driver with a 2" exit horn
And a 15' for the "mids"
Hi's get about 300 watts a piece, And the mids are about 1,000 watts per driver
(Rmx 850 on Hi's) And a PLX 3402 powers the mids.


And (2) double 18 subs. Subs get about 1,200 watts a box.

I use this in the smallest bars, up to the bigger places i do.

The speakers are really good at getting loud with "normal" wattages .

I can also double up the system if needed..(4) tops and (4) double 18's
 
MIXSIRS said:
DJ Cam doesn't like 15" tops. I have to agree with him even though I own 15" two ways. I'd rather have 10 or 12's. Better sound in the midrange frequencies and even more so when the bass frequencies are crossed over to a subwoofer.
Click to expand...

I've actually never run 12's i've only ever used 15's for my highs, But I just bought out a live sound companie's live sound rig and included in all my new gear, is a nice pair of 12's. They're Peavey ( most of the equipment i aquired is Peavey, but nice Peavey ). Never thought i'd own this much Peavey equipment seeing as i'm an EV guy, but i never pass up a great deal. And it came with a 32 channel mackie board, including meters which i've been waiting to get my hands on. But anyways the subject on hand, i was thinking about running the 12's crossed over into one of my EV dual 18's for karaoke/bar gigs, to switch it up, and to see if i get better mids that way. What do ya think?? The Peaveys have the black widow drivers in them, I'd have to look tomorrow to get the exact specs on the model of the speakers, but they're a moulded 12 and they say they have a 1200 watt peak each, that's what i remember off the top of my head.
 
Just put a boom box in the middle of the dance floor and RUN!!!
 
DjDennis said:
Just put a boom box in the middle of the dance floor and RUN!!!
Click to expand...

House lights fade, only remaining light is a spot on the boombox which starts playing Pat Travers - Boom, Boom Out Go The Lights. After the first verse a poof of smoke comes out of it, then my system belts out the rest of the song with lights chasing all around the room and the party begins! :bouncy:



Scott
 
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