Yamaha Stagepas 400i - best starter PA?

iqmdublin

http://www.gear4music.ie/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Yamaha-Stagepas-400i-PA-System-and-Free-Speaker-Stands-Bundle/UAV

Looking at this, wondering if there's somethin else yiz would recommend for the €600-€1000 price range.

I'm using a mic, acoustic guitar, and stomp box (so need something that could handle that). Pubs, weddings sort of thing.

Any help would be great!

iqmdublin

Also, I asked thomann, they said this

http://www.thomann.de/ie/behringer_pmp_4000_speaker_bundle.htm

Gaspode

The Stage pass would be much more manageable (<20kg weight) for a 1-man band scenario, but at only 400watts it's a little limited volume wise - in that if the room has a lot of people and therefore noise, you could be drowned out. You've very little scope to increase your volume to compensate.
The Behringer is solid & reliable (I've been using a PMP5000 for about 10 years now), has more scope volume wise, and lots of additional inputs if needed. I cant speak for the stagepass but the sound quality of the Behringer is good. However the whole package is more cumbersome (over 60kg) to move on your own. With the Behringer one on Thomann you'd also have to buy 2 speaker stands & add them to the cost & weight.

Gaspode

The Stage pass would be much more manageable (<20kg weight) for a 1-man band scenario, but at only 400watts it's a little limited volume wise - in that if the room has a lot of people and therefore noise, you could be drowned out. You've very little scope to increase your volume to compensate.
The Behringer is solid & reliable (I've been using a PMP5000 for about 10 years now), has more scope volume wise, and lots of additional inputs if needed. I cant speak for the stagepass but the sound quality of the Behringer is good. However the whole package is more cumbersome (over 60kg) to move on your own. With the Behringer one on Thomann you'd also have to buy 2 speaker stands & add them to the cost & weight.

Strings.ie

You can't really go wrong with Yamaha, they make proper gear for musicians. I'd steer clear of Behringer, junk.

Gaspode

My experience with Behringer would not bear the junk opinion out, but I'd agree that Yamaha would have a reputation for good quality gear.

iqmdublin

Ah, thanks for he advice, I'm not afraid of most brands really, only just cheap stuff and poor quality : /

It seems maybe the Stagepas 600 is a better option. But I'm looking at the Bose L1 as well now. Confusing!

https://www.bose.ie/IE/en/home-and-personal-audio/speakers/portable-pa/l1-compact-system/

The_g-man

It seems like you want three inputs for now, it would be no harm to have a couple of extra inputs for long term, and to swap cables over to the spare inputs if any channels act up during a gig.

The Stagepas 600 does have more respectable output and eq options than the 400. But neither seems to have a separate monitor mix, you can only send the same sound as the main mix to a monitor. This would be useful to have the option for a later time, rather than have to change your setup again.

http://www.thomann.de/ie/samson_mixpad_mxp_144_fx.htm

http://www.thomann.de/ie/rcf_art_310_a_mk_iii.htm

It may be worth trying out the Bose speaker in a store to hear if suits you.

This may be another option in the Bose style:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/turbosound_ip2000.htm

You may still need to use a mixer with these, there are only two inputs.

iqmdublin

Thanks for the tips!
Just bought a Stagepas 600i in Xmusic today, they did a price match for me.

Didn't realize about the lack of volume control for the monitor! so basically I need an active monitor anyway, is it?
Is it a big deal you think to not be able to adjust the monitor?

( I'd tried the Bose unit, just wasn't blown away by it! So that's why I opted for the Stagepas)

The_g-man

The sound from a Bose style speaker, now that a few brands are trying to emulate them, may take some getting used to.

I had played with a group that had the 400 series before, it sent power to the main mix speakers, but we did need an active speaker for the monitor sound.
In each of the channel dials, the 600 has an extra mid EQ dial, as well as just the hi and low on the 400.

The mixer I had linked to had an extra dial for each channel to have an independent volume in the monitor mix. For your use based on the original post, this is probably not needed, you should be fine for almost anywhere.

Take a while to get used to your new system, and see how you get on before spending any extra on a monitor. There is a feedback suppressor button on the bottom right of your mixer. Couple that with some careful positioning of the mic and the speakers, and the EQ dials, you very well may be fine without the monitor.

iqmdublin

Ah ok, thanks. Just for future reference, is it an active or passive monitor/ sub woofer I'd need for the mixer I've got?

The_g-man

Active monitor, and active subwoofer. The weight of many subwoofers will be more than the two main speakers and mixer you have combined. There are some that are more manageable, but that is worth keeping an eye on if you were to add on later.