Several system combinations area available to fit most needs. My decision matrix takes into account he size of the venue, the number of patrons expected and the band’s mic down requirements. If the band leader desires a certain combination, I will be happy to accommodate. This is all high quality, pro-audio equipment. It does get loud and can cause hearing loss. If you have never heard PLX2 power amps driving QW tops and VR subs….it ROCKS!
The smallest system I would bring would be a Peavey 10 Mixer or a Yamaha MG-16FX, a Mackie FR-2500 amp and two Peavey SP-4Ti Speakers that will use 1400 watts & easily fill small rooms with lots of sound. This has been used in VFW Halls and backyard parties with a partial band mic down – usually vocals and perhaps the guitar.
Next up would be the Peavey 14 Mixer or the Allan & Heath MixWiz accompanied by a Peavey CS-4080 amp driving two Peavey SP-6 Speakers coupled with an Aux fed QSC RMX-4050 amp driving two Electro Voice 118 subs. This is a 5000 watt system and will easily fill most larger pubs & bars and is especially suited for kick, snare, bass, guitar & vocals. A very popular choice for most bands operating within a tight budget and they need to sound great in a venue in order to get invited back.
Going a step further into Pro-Audio, using the A&H MixWiz or a Mackie 32×8 mixer, I couple a pair of Peavey QW-3 Speakers over a pair of QW-218 Subs, tri-amp’d with 11,000 watts of QSC power to accommodate a several hundred patrons in a sizeable venue such as the WildWood Convention Center main room. I have also used this system in larger pubs if management wants to fill the listening area as well as the rest of the bar. This is especially suited for a full band mic down. For longer throw requirements, I would use Peavey QW-2 tops.
For venues that require lots of coverage, I put four Peavey QW-2 Speakers over four Peavey VR-218 subs, again tri-amp’d with 22,000 watts. This system debuted at the WildWood Crest outdoor amphitheater with a Chicago Tribute band in the summer of 2010. Covered 3 city blocks and 2000 patrons, no problem.
If the band has In Ear Monitoring, that is readily accommodated. If not, monitor systems are equally scalable. We can go with one mix into two self powered wedges all the way up to a 5 way monitor mix into up to 10 wedges: six Peavey QW Monitors and four Wharfedales. With 5 amps driving this system, that can be a 9,000 watt monitor system with plenty of headroom. Obviously, we can do anything in between depending upon the band’s needs.