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rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Hey guys,
I've decided to get a Fender portable PA system at the end of this year. For what I do now (audiences under 200) the PD150 would work just fine, but I'm wondering if I should put out an extra $200 and get the 250. I would like something to grow into, but don't want something that is too powerful for the smaller groups I work now. Any suggestions. Thanks, Richard |
Marshall Thornside Inner circle chicago 2016 Posts |
I like my 150 and I recently added a mobile cube to my list
for smaller venues. I adore both.
you will remember my name
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Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
Personally, I own the PD-150 and it has served its purpose very well. I have used in in School Gyms for over 400 people and about 100 or so were sitting way back in the upper bleachers. These people were almost 150 Ft. away and nobody had problems hearing me or the music. Plus the 150 is way much lighter than the 250. The 250 will break your back. One thing is to get a good wireless mic with this system. It comes with a Handheld but it is not wireless. If you are interested in what I use as far as a wireless mic is concerned just PM me and I will share that information with you. Also I will share which company I purchased this from as they Price Match as long as it is a reputable dealer. I purchased mine for a lot less than what others were offering.
RJ
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Richard,
I think like you so I bought both, sold my older 150 and got the newest 150 with CD player. (Mistake..Player ate the CD, so don't go for the CD Player deluxe model). The new 150 works great. Still haven't used the 250. The only place I can see it's use is in a large fair setting. Not worth it. RJ said it is a backbreaker, and he is correct about 60 lbs vs the 22 lbs of the 150. Go for the 150 unless you have some real every day use for the 250. I use the Mackie 150 for most of my venues. The 150 is if I am the sound board man for a complete program. (And I still use the 150 as a backup and introduction to the acts.)
Dennis Michael
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Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
I love my PD150 and use it for most all venues. I've had no problem filling a gym ... in fact, someone told me it was too loud. It's worth investing in speaker stands as they'll make a big difference where you need the volume.
Dan. |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Thanks everyone. My instinct told me bigger would be better, but then again, if I were a goose my instinct would probably have me spending Christmas in Canada wondering where everybody was. I think I will go for the 150 and spend the extra money on some good speaker stands.
Another question: I have an OK wireless set up, but will probably need to upgrade that soon, too. Does anyone have a good suggestion for a reasonably priced wireless mic and receiver? Thanks, Richard |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I think the PD150 + speaker stands will do for just about any gym show.
The bass is not great and the system suffers for outdoor venues of any large size but it's a nice system overall. I like it. I switched to the Carvin StageMate + extra speaker because it can run off batteries if you choose, and it's a better sounding system. Faster setup/take-down too. Another nice thing about the Carvin is that for a smallish show you can just use 1 speaker which even saves more time. Just walk in, set it somewhere, hook up your mic, and you're done. I've set it up at one near corner of the audience and directed it toward the far opposite corner, up high on a speaker stand and it worked very well. No cords, no wires, no nothing to connect except the microphone. So, as nice as the pd150 is, I like the carvin better for: sound, smaller shows, bigger shows, speed of setup, takedown, battery power. The fender weighs less and takes up less room. If you stick with Fender, I would definitely get the smaller of the 2.
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rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
I didn't consider the battery option. That could be a great feature. I checked out the Carvin website and it looked pretty good. Now I have to think some more . . .
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Fender also has a battery option, HOWEVER, it's a clumsy-time-consuming-to-set-up-expensive-additional-charge offering, an after-thought, and it shows.
Not worth considering, in my opinion.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
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Donal Chayce Inner circle 1770 Posts |
Z have a 250, but only because I got a too-good-to-pass-up deal on it. If not for that, I would have (eventually) purchased a 150.
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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1239 Posts |
Second vote for the Carvin Stagemate. I've had mine for years without any problems. I installed the second battery for longer battery life. It's a bit heavier, but it's worth it...
Ken |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
I'll third the Carvin StageMate. I've been through a bunch of PA systems over the years. (I even owned the original Fender P-150 and P-250 - not the PD versions.) There's no doubt that the PD-150 is very practical. Small, lightweight and sounds pretty good but it can sound a little thin in a large room and outdoors (the lack of bass Frank was talking about.)
I still own 3 PA systems: the Roland CM-30 for birthday parties/small libraries, the StageMate and extra speaker, and a pair of JBL Eon G2 10 speakers with a mixer. The StageMate gets used the majority of the time. It's just so convenient and sounds really good. The JBLs sound better but it's whole lot more work to set them up! If I only owned one PA, it would definitely be the StageMate and extra speaker. (I only use the extra speaker in larger venues.) Michael |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
I have the PD-250. I like it a lot! I am a musician, so I needed and wanted the extra power. Having too much power is not a problem. The only drawback is the higher cost and weight is the 250 compared to the 150. For me it is worth it, but if I were only doing magic shows I could get by with the smaller Passport system about 80-90% of the time. I have a huge PA system too, so I am covered if my 250 is too small. It would be nice to have a really small syetem for some of my magic shows, so I plan on getting a Carvin Stagemate one of these days. The battery power option would be nice too!
Regan
Mister Mystery
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Jimeuax Regular user 199 Posts |
Good News! If you have too much power, if it is too clear , and too loud, there is a little button on the front marked "Volume" turn it to the left, and it will not be as loud. Glad I could Help!........Cheers!........LOL......JIMO
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
That's cute. But if it's so big you never end up taking it with you cuz it's a pain in the @ss then it's not of much use. Something to think about. Glad I could help too!!! Cheers! LOL!!
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Jimeuax Regular user 199 Posts |
Hey I thought you were on my side?? LOL....I guess I could mention this other new thing someone has come up with.....its called "The Wheel"...instead of carrying heavy things you Rolllllll.............No?.......Still just trying to help.....Jimeuax
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Jimeuax Regular user 199 Posts |
Quote:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On 2009-06-16 09:03, Dennis Michael wrote: Another issue is weight. The ... blah, blah, blah, trips to the car, blah, blah, blah... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Wit: Good point and... That is one very good reason I opted to buy a good wireless microphone first and then the proper amp for the job. As I mentioned many times, more often than not, I never even unload the amp. Just my minuscule (battery operated) wireless at less than 1 lb. I believe you are the guy that wrote the above......no?....oui?......Jimeuax |
TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-11-12 00:09, Jimeuax wrote: This is a good point. If I am carrying my large PA then I use a Rock-n-roller mini cart. They are FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!
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