I need speaker help!!!!

Hey Eliezer,

I am a big fan of my current PA. I listened to and tested a boatload of systems before committing to them. Like you I am a wedding, private/corporate event DJ mostly and I need to carry gear places. My vehicle is bigger than a regular car, but smaller than a real van. I had 15″ speakers and did not want big ones like that again. Just too ungainly. The advantage of 15″ speakers is that if you use them without a sub you get REAL bass. Since that same 15″ has to do all the low-mid to midrange as well, it kinda takes away from the oomph, but still better than 12″.

My original plan called for 2 12″ speakers to be augmented (in two steps) by 2 15″ subs. Generally the 15″ don’t go as low (might be 2 or 3 Hz difference), but sound tighter. 18″ has a tendency to get wobbly when played loud. Also, fitting 2 15″ subs in with the rest of my gear for transport would be pushing it, two 18″ would never fit.

I went to my favorite store that had almost all speakers setup that I was considering. Listened to the RCFs, QSCs, EVs, JBLs, TurboSound, Mackie and a few others.

The Mackie came out on top, the TurboSound a close second with the rest trailing behind. I liked the RCFs as well, but didn’t think they offered any audible advantage while being a lot more expensive. Since my initial budget was for the two 12″s, I left the subs out of the comparison (bad decision, but I got lucky and it all worked out in the end).

I ended up getting the Mackie HD1221s (but there is a HD1521 too and even a 3-way HD1531 but those are BIG). 800W RMS in a digital bi-amped version. Wooden cabinet (can’t help it, think they still sound better than the ABS versions) and they pack an awesome punch while sounding great. Speech clarity is unparalleled, especially in contour mode. My version had a switchable EQ with normal, monitor and contour (speech) modes. The new version has an actual 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mid. If you like fiddling with EQ’s that is a nice feature to have.

No money has been spent on mixers and other stuff you don’t need in a straight PA set. Just an XLR in/Loop Out, EQ on/off switch, the EQ knobs and the switch to turn the trademark blue Mackie LED on the front on or off.

It’s no frills but performs just great. One tip, when calculating your budget ALWAYS count on having to buy covers. This will keep your speakers looking better so much longer (especially true for wooden cabinets).

After a short while (couple of months) I wanted to get my first 15″ (HD1501) sub to add some low end to the setup as I had planned from the beginning. I went to another location of the same chain of stores where they had a sale and both the 15″ and 18″ subs setup on their test stage. I asked to hear the 15″ (one) with the same two 12″s I had. We ran it up on volume and while pretty strong sounding, I felt it was getting in trouble just a tad at full throttle. Nothing really bad, but I could notice. Mind you, this is still 600W RMS dedicated low end blazing at 131dB SPL!

The salesguy asked if I wanted to try the 18″s also. I was sort of declining the offer, but his words and the fact that I was there anyway led to my trying it after all. And wow, tight, tight lows. No trouble when pushed to the brim and – yeehaw! – no wobble in sight. 800W RMS at 133db SPL it made a hell of a racket. And the balance between 2x 12″ and 1x 18″ was so good I knew I would never need a second sub (my back jumped with joy at the thought). Obviously one 18 is cheaper than 2 15s and they were on sale and I got them to throw in the caster wheels (a must have imho). Took one home and never looked back.

I actually play with the sub turned down 3-6 dB in most smaller venues. It’s pumping bass.

Now, PA is highly personal as is most DJ gear. So this is just what works for me. All the brands you mention have good gear. But even good brands have better and worse gear. I know some pretty good JBL speakers, but the EONs I listened to sounded like someone had his/her head in a bucket compared to the Mackies (and the Turbo’s and RCFs).

So, use your ears is the best advice I can give you. But I would certainly include the Mackie HD-series in your search for a new PA. The 1221s run about 800 USD at Sweetwater and the sub at 1000. Total set somewhere around 2600. Might be able to find lower prices but you’ll have to shop.

Finally, there is a new SRM series out, including the SRM550 (12″-800W RMS-600USD), SRM650 (15″-800W RMS-700USD)and a matching sub (18″-800W RMS-900USD) Total setup with 2x 12″ and one 18″ sub is 2100. Not sure what those really sound like yet. Heard them at a show and they sounded fine, but a tradeshow is hardly a place to get a true listen.

Hope that helps some and didn’t add to the confusion 😀