Perhaps this is apple and oranges- I'm very green when it comes to sound system.

my venues range from 20-75 people for the most part. Which of the two would be ideal (yamaha stagepas 300 or the mackie srm150)? I've also heard good things about the portable PASO unit, but have never seen it in action.

Any thoughts?

thanks,

john

John:

My best suggestion is to go to a musical instrument store and take a first hand look at the equipment.

Chris

I've been to the music store, but they don't carry the small portable systems. I have seen the Yamaha system:

www.yamaha stagepas 300 or the mackie srm150

The yamaha looks good, but am wondering what the comparison is like. For portablility you can't beat the Mackie 150 or the Mipro. But is the quality there too??

J.

Fender Passport 150 PD Plus is great !

John -- If you can list what features are important to you, I'm sure other Café' members will provide their recommendations.

For example, do you need wireless mike capability? Do you need cordless (battery) capability? Do you perform inside or outside? Is portability an issue (i.e., how much weight are you willing to lug around)? Do you use music with your show? Do you need a mixer or an equalizer? Do you need one speaker or two? You get the idea.

And since you mentioned the PASO, from my experience, I would say it is a good, small, very portable (12 lbs.) unit that is excellent for people who need cordless and wireless operation, and have an audience of no more than 50 people. This is a 30-watt unit which does an acceptable job of sound reinforcement. It will run for about 4-5 hours on a full charge, but can be modified to hold a larger battery which will provide a longer running time. There is also a 100-watt PASO unit, but I have no experience with that one.

But if you will ALWAYS have access to AC, I think there are other better options than the PASO, because the rechargeable battery feature adds about $100 in cost and perhaps 5 pounds in weight. Why pay for something you don't need and won't use?

I'm sure that if you explain what features are important to you, you'll get good specific advice. SETH

2 speakers will always sound better than one.

but for a venue that small you could even consider a crate limo or carvin stagemate.

or the crate taxi for that matter.

I bought a crate taxi for my small outdoor (busking type) shows and the size is wonderful and it's all battery. And CHEAP. $129.