Column Array vs conventional Point Source systems?

cass

Does anyone have experience or advice for using column array systems vs point source for a gypsy trio doing small venues? Thanks, Cass

JSanta

Both myself and @geese_com have been using the Electro-Voice column PA system and have been really happy with the results. Setup is easy and it makes running my own PA a breeze live. That being said, while Gian has purchased a monitor, I still need too. That's my only critique is that it can be difficult to hear the band on stage with just that. I'll be adding one of EVs wedge monitors later this year (crossing my fingers for a sale around the holidays), but I absolutely recommend the EV 50m system I have.

cass

Thanks for the advice! I’ve been looking at the EV Evolve 50m and 30m. I already have a EV zlx12 for a monitor.

richter4208

The nice thing about the EV and RCF (which i have) is they provide a much better frequency response than an amplifier if you want to use a mic on your guitar. They are capable of making that setup sound really good! An amp really can't do that justice at all in comparison.

pdg

It's not only the players' preference but also that of the audience members. The "point source" conventional amp speakers can be irritating to people sitting near them, whereas the column speakers disburse the sound more evenly.

geese_com

We frequently get compliments on the sound of the EV. I have used it in coffee shops, 200 seat rooms, senior center auditoriums, on a boat in a middle of a lake pointing towards the shore, outdoor stage, outdoors in a park, and lots of other places. I would guess that I have used it in close to 100 gigs now.

The EV supposedly has 120 degrees of coverage so the sound is spread out and covers a lot of space.

We all use some type of preamp before going into the EV. With the trio, we all plug into the EV and then one input is for the talk mic.

One thing to consider is the amount of time saved using an all in one system. In my trio, we can get set up and ready to play in 15-20 minutes and that includes setting up mic stands, the extra monitor speaker, music stands, tip bucket, etc. Multiply that by however many gigs you play and you have saved a lot of time.

I use a foldable cart to transport my equipment for gigs and I can do everything in one trip (EV, extra monitor speaker, bag with stands and cables) which is a big plus for me.

Here is an example of us using it outdoors at a botanical garden. Beforehand the venue wanted to make sure that it can still be heard in the back of the garden which was more than 100ft away from the stage diagonally and sure enough it worked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJHe3zyYhgY

cass

Thanks so much for the support. I think I’m sold on the EV evolve! I may go with the 30m since it’s a little lighter than the 50m.

littlemark

I wonder how much feedback rejection there would be if you put it behind you. I saw that in one of the promo photos.

More of a thought experiment. 3k CAD. Is a lot.

geese_com

https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/123107#Comment_123107

It does surprisingly well with feedback rejection. The issue with having it behind you is that you are standing in front of the system when you have it set to be loud enough for your audience to hear. After about 15 minutes it gets to be too loud. I tried it the first time I got it and it was too loud to be in front of for ~2 hours.

JSanta

I had the opposite issue at a recent gig where the PA was basically lined up with the band. My AT mic squealed terribly if I moved wrong. Lessoned learned from that experience. But I absolutely love the PA. It can push out a ton of volume without feeling overwhelming for the listener. Massive thanks again Gian!

geese_com

https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/123117#Comment_123117

I use the piezo in my Dupont, so that is probably why I do not have feedback issues compared to the AT mic. I have also played through it using a DPA 4099 mic with no problems (with the PA being in front of me).