I'm old school, I remember the days of hauling around 18" Cerwin Vegas... Never again! I run RCF J8's for all my private events.... not only are they compact, but they sound and look great!
I like this video and I also agree where you don’t need a big super duper sound system booming an event, I focus on the dance floor where people can get up and dance while others who want to catch up and talk sit further away and are able to talk to each other without screaming at each other, also it gives the bartenders more comfort understanding what someone wants to drink. I just got home from DJ’ing a double sweet 16 and the dance floor was enjoying the music and the rest of the people were in conversation. Thanks for the video.
Love The videos. You should do one when do djs should use Remixes! I like Ultimix Funkymix, etc. I used to use Them all the time in Bars and clubs in the 90's early 2000's. Not so much now.
My old system had passive speakers. Two tops with 8" woofers and two subs with 12". All powered from a 100W amp. I did well with 200 people and no one ever wanted me to crank it.
Great Video - you are so right - even coverage at a lower level is so much better for weddings where the older generation attend If you only have point source then sometimes angling the speakers down into the dancer floor is good - if people want to dance they go to the dance floor area - if people want to speak they don't go to the dance floor area - simples
With compact arrays used right, you can actually speak on the dance floor without screaming, yet hear the music loud & clear. I've tried to explain it in videos, but it's essentially not throwing sound out there that competes with the human voice frequency.
Some DJs have systems that are related to the size of the egos and want to be the center of attention that they forget about the people especially for weddings and social events.
I just wrapped up my work holiday party with over 400 people in a 7,000 sq. ft. room, powered by two QSC K12.2s and two QSC K112s-and it absolutely thumped!
I think it totally depends on the client and the conversation you have with them on what their expectations are. If they want a club atmosphere, then I would go hard in the paint. Multiple Subs and Tops if you have it. If they want to party, which to me would mean a combination of dancing and being able to talk to one another, I would keep it medium hot. Maybe 2 tops and a Sub. If you’re just there to set a vibe like a small gathering, I would swing one top and one sub and call it a day. Ha. I should watch the whole video next time before commenting. I agree wholeheartedly Brian.
I think what's more important than the number of people attending the venue but moreso the size of the venue (sq/ft if it's indoors) and the sound acoustics of that venue. Always good to have a choice of equipment suitable for that particular venue available.
I had a pair of RCF J8's that I used for years. I really liked the easy setup. However they did not blast as loud as my point source setup. I liked the J8 and was going to keep it but at a bar gig the owner wanted them. He offered me $200 more than I paid so I left them at the bar for him. I was all set to just do gigs with my point source setup. But last month I saw a great deal on the JBL PRX One. I am still testing it out but so far it's good. It's different from the J8 because it has lots of inputs for the mixer. It also has bluetooth. I use the JBL App on my cellphone and it works well. The mids seem much better and at loud levels less distortion. I love the small footprint vs a point source setup. It's easier to carry and faster to setup. I would say that the PRX One like the J8 is good for a 100 person wedding or bday party.
I love column arrays. I have multiple different brands/sizes in both white and black because they are my go to. I try and use them whenever I can. I don't usually feel like it's volume I'm missing but just bass because I like a lot of bass and a lot of what I'm doing is bass heavy music so my favorite combo is just columns paired with a sub. Usually just an EKX-18 or sometimes 2 depending on the venue and type of music I'm playing. Sometimes an 18" is overkilll so looking for a small portable sub and leaning towards a Bose Sub 2. I always always always get unsolicited compliments on the sound when using column arrays, and I can't think of many if any times I get those same compliments using point source. Guests notice the difference as well, I've had people mention it in online reviews as well, the most recent being: "Their equipment wasn’t obnoxiously loud and it was clear! "
ive got some old DB technologies Opera 12s. Did a room of 300 people and the hotel floor manager asked me to turn the bass down because the bar/restaurant downstairs was receiving complaints from hotel guests. good job I had no subs!
Point source speakers tend to drop off -6db everytime you double the distance. Line arrays drop off only -3db. So the line array can start off at a lower volume and they may be about the same level 25ft away. This explains why the point source need to be louder.
A Typical DJ doesn't really need much. Most of us do events with 50 to 200 people. A single Sub with two 10" or 12" speakers is plenty for these events. The need for an additional speaker for a back up or in some situations filler sound is plenty. For us Wedding DJs who need a smaller system for ceremonies and cocktail hour, add 2 battery powered small speakers, and THAT IS IT. THAT IS LITERALLY ALL WE NEED. For the Larger events, we can always rent a large set up for the few times we need large set ups. I have too many speakers in my storage that just sits too much, and know we don't need more than 3 speakers, a subwoofer, and 2 battery powered speakers in our arsenal.
@@HectorFabela-k6u I don't do raves. I don't know any DJs who do? In 24 years I did one single event that might be considered a "Rave" big outdoor event and that was in like 2004. We had a stage set up, and at the time rented a van, and used two JBL JRX Subs with JRX115 speakers all passive. Used two QSC Amplifiers piggy bagged via the banana plugs at the time. Had a Truss with old school non LED lights being used. Probably had 500 people at that event. Have only done a few school dances in large hotel ballrooms that were larger than that, and 4 speakers and 2 12" powered Alto Subs were used for those 600-750 student events, and they were fine!
@@djrickyb Interesting. I am running 2 15" tops and 2 18" subs and I just don't think it's hitting hard enough even in small spaces. Also, the rolloff on the subs is too high. I want some subs that will dig down to 30hz.
Great video, I always learn something new. Ie I didn't know that about the 12s. I have 2 questions, I admit I might be thinking about this wrong but. I want to buy into the evolve line. In your opinion would it make more sense if you are only buying one set to buy the 50 m and be able to turn it down for the smaller crowds and up for the bigger crowd sizes? Second question, I have a outdoor wedding in May. The client is in a band and has invited people world wide. So I don't know from 500 to 1000 plus maybe plus plus could be there. I was considering the etx line with a couple subs to match. Of course now you have me looking at those 12s, just wondering your opinion? Adding to this, sorry for any confusion. I am djing a wedding for a friend that is in a band. He has invited anyone that wants to come that follows his band. Mind you his band is not metallica, backstreet boys, david bowie kinda popular, but they have been touring the world the past couple years. With that i have no clue how many people could show up.
@@mikepowell5488 using kit as a band is a different kettle of fish It will depend on the venue, how many in your band, the type of music, the objective etc Are all 1000 people facing the band and wanting to hear you at your best? If so, then none of the column arrays will suit your need in my opinion You’ll be better off hiring in a company to get that right
sorry for any confusion. I am djing a wedding for a friend that is in a band. He has invited anyone that wants to come that follows his band. Mind you his band is not metallica, backstreet boys, david bowie kinda popular, but they have been touring the world the past couple years. With that i have no clue how many people could show up. I am the company he hired.
Before starting video, imo many think they need way more than is actually needed, and desirable to especially weddings and small bars and so on. Some times louder doesn't mean better. Play to EVERYONE, and by that I mean not everyone is there for face blast dance experience.
Us sound engineers use this formula: Size and type of room (like dead or lively on the reverb) x type of event (including type of music or speech) x amount of people = system needed. And I would only go 15" top if I wasn't using a separate sub. For everything with a separate sub INCLUDING live music I would've go larger than a 12" top (18" sub) or for smaller events a 8" or 10" top with a 12" or 15" sub. You could replace the 12" top with a double 10" top (and so on). Usually does wonders for voice intelligibility. Most important thing is knowing what your system is capable of and accordingly learning how to ride your master fader.
I use a German HK Audio Elements system that doesn’t seem to be available in USA. The Evolve system is very similar except the HK Elements system is designed to be scaled up with extra bass speakers and/or extra tops as required.
D&B Audiotechnic from Germany have the old PRO system with Q7 or Q10 top and Qsub With 18inch and digital amp and You can play really powerful and nice for 500+. In smaller events I like active speakers from RCF, EV, JBL and Yamaha but have 1-3 15subs just to hear and feel the low. The little crazy 15sub from Mackie was always with Me in the car and filled the room. If I have a small gardenparty at home I just take 1 JBL partybox 100 and play my playlists from spotify😁with BT connection.
Brian, great video, most of my events depending on size of venue and guests would dictate as to how much sound to use, 98% of the time i use my JBL SRX 812P x 2 (Tops) and JBL SRX 818P x 2 (Subs) plenty of headroom, the other 2% I use a pair of Top's JBL SRX 812P which work great. I have found that the column speakers once you start driving them with songs with Low frequency, they tend to clip speakers, and you can hear the speaker limiter activate constantly. I have often said that they are good for small events, example cocktail hour for a Wedding or Ceremony, House party, they sound good, but I feel they lack when you have to turn it up a notch.
Another great video Brian! Have a great holiday week! I am currently looking for a suitable Sub to compliment my pair of Evolve 30m speakers - just to give the teeny bit of extra punch for the 150-200 guest party - don't need to melt faces - just need to boost the bottom end a little. While 2 x subs would be nice, I am wondering if I can get away with one decent 15" sub to keep the space/weight etc down. Would welcome any suggestions!
Brian, do you have any issues with the Evolve 30 or 50 hitting thwir limit pretty easily? My fear is nweding that extra volume for peak hour and not having it.
Honest opinion Anything more than 250-300 people Unless you know what you are doing, bring in a professional company You can do some real damage trying to cater for that many people
Love you brother, your content is pure gold, keep going there’s always something to take home when you’re sharing your experiences
I'm old school, I remember the days of hauling around 18" Cerwin Vegas... Never again! I run RCF J8's for all my private events.... not only are they compact, but they sound and look great!
Well done!!
I like this video and I also agree where you don’t need a big super duper sound system booming an event, I focus on the dance floor where people can get up and dance while others who want to catch up and talk sit further away and are able to talk to each other without screaming at each other, also it gives the bartenders more comfort understanding what someone wants to drink. I just got home from DJ’ing a double sweet 16 and the dance floor was enjoying the music and the rest of the people were in conversation.
Thanks for the video.
Hollywood Dj is the spot! Great prices and they carry a huge range of equipment that isn't usually in stock at most local shops
As usual Great Video and thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!
Love The videos. You should do one when do djs should use Remixes! I like Ultimix Funkymix, etc. I used to use Them all the time in Bars and clubs in the 90's early 2000's. Not so much now.
My old system had passive speakers. Two tops with 8" woofers and two subs with 12". All powered from a 100W amp. I did well with 200 people and no one ever wanted me to crank it.
I’ve used 2 evolve 50 and 1 15 inch subwoofer for 220 people in a big hall. And it works really nice. The sound was full. No complain.
Great Video - you are so right - even coverage at a lower level is so much better for weddings where the older generation attend
If you only have point source then sometimes angling the speakers down into the dancer floor is good - if people want to dance they go to the dance floor area - if people want to speak they don't go to the dance floor area - simples
With compact arrays used right, you can actually speak on the dance floor without screaming, yet hear the music loud & clear. I've tried to explain it in videos, but it's essentially not throwing sound out there that competes with the human voice frequency.
Some DJs have systems that are related to the size of the egos and want to be the center of attention that they forget about the people especially for weddings and social events.
I just wrapped up my work holiday party with over 400 people in a 7,000 sq. ft. room, powered by two QSC K12.2s and two QSC K112s-and it absolutely thumped!
Allan at Hollywood DJ is the Man!
I think it totally depends on the client and the conversation you have with them on what their expectations are. If they want a club atmosphere, then I would go hard in the paint. Multiple Subs and Tops if you have it. If they want to party, which to me would mean a combination of dancing and being able to talk to one another, I would keep it medium hot. Maybe 2 tops and a Sub. If you’re just there to set a vibe like a small gathering, I would swing one top and one sub and call it a day.
Ha. I should watch the whole video next time before commenting. I agree wholeheartedly Brian.
Part of the issue is that some DJs are half deaf. 😂
Half??? 😂
What?
...and stand so close to the system and get tinnitus😂when put the level in the headphones higher just to hear the next track to beatmix.
I think what's more important than the number of people attending the venue but moreso the size of the venue (sq/ft if it's indoors) and the sound acoustics of that venue. Always good to have a choice of equipment suitable for that particular venue available.
I had a pair of RCF J8's that I used for years. I really liked the easy setup. However they did not blast as loud as my point source setup. I liked the J8 and was going to keep it but at a bar gig the owner wanted them. He offered me $200 more than I paid so I left them at the bar for him. I was all set to just do gigs with my point source setup.
But last month I saw a great deal on the JBL PRX One. I am still testing it out but so far it's good. It's different from the J8 because it has lots of inputs for the mixer. It also has bluetooth. I use the JBL App on my cellphone and it works well. The mids seem much better and at loud levels less distortion.
I love the small footprint vs a point source setup. It's easier to carry and faster to setup.
I would say that the PRX One like the J8 is good for a 100 person wedding or bday party.
I love column arrays. I have multiple different brands/sizes in both white and black because they are my go to. I try and use them whenever I can. I don't usually feel like it's volume I'm missing but just bass because I like a lot of bass and a lot of what I'm doing is bass heavy music so my favorite combo is just columns paired with a sub. Usually just an EKX-18 or sometimes 2 depending on the venue and type of music I'm playing. Sometimes an 18" is overkilll so looking for a small portable sub and leaning towards a Bose Sub 2. I always always always get unsolicited compliments on the sound when using column arrays, and I can't think of many if any times I get those same compliments using point source. Guests notice the difference as well, I've had people mention it in online reviews as well, the most recent being: "Their equipment wasn’t obnoxiously loud and it was clear! "
What column arrays are your favorite? You seem to be doing exactly what I am doing!!
I use Mackie. I never had any issues. Always great sound.
ive got some old DB technologies Opera 12s. Did a room of 300 people and the hotel floor manager asked me to turn the bass down because the bar/restaurant downstairs was receiving complaints from hotel guests. good job I had no subs!
I use them very good speakers
Picked them up cheap few years ago@@allancarter3930
Point source speakers tend to drop off -6db everytime you double the distance. Line arrays drop off only -3db. So the line array can start off at a lower volume and they may be about the same level 25ft away. This explains why the point source need to be louder.
good stuff....
Speakers are like lights. There are wash lights and spot lights. Use a point source to throw and a line array for close range.
A Typical DJ doesn't really need much. Most of us do events with 50 to 200 people. A single Sub with two 10" or 12" speakers is plenty for these events. The need for an additional speaker for a back up or in some situations filler sound is plenty. For us Wedding DJs who need a smaller system for ceremonies and cocktail hour, add 2 battery powered small speakers, and THAT IS IT. THAT IS LITERALLY ALL WE NEED. For the Larger events, we can always rent a large set up for the few times we need large set ups. I have too many speakers in my storage that just sits too much, and know we don't need more than 3 speakers, a subwoofer, and 2 battery powered speakers in our arsenal.
Totally agree
What are you doing for events like raves? People want that hard thump and killer base drops.
@@HectorFabela-k6u I don't do raves. I don't know any DJs who do? In 24 years I did one single event that might be considered a "Rave" big outdoor event and that was in like 2004. We had a stage set up, and at the time rented a van, and used two JBL JRX Subs with JRX115 speakers all passive. Used two QSC Amplifiers piggy bagged via the banana plugs at the time. Had a Truss with old school non LED lights being used. Probably had 500 people at that event. Have only done a few school dances in large hotel ballrooms that were larger than that, and 4 speakers and 2 12" powered Alto Subs were used for those 600-750 student events, and they were fine!
@@djrickyb Interesting. I am running 2 15" tops and 2 18" subs and I just don't think it's hitting hard enough even in small spaces. Also, the rolloff on the subs is too high. I want some subs that will dig down to 30hz.
Great video, I always learn something new. Ie I didn't know that about the 12s. I have 2 questions, I admit I might be thinking about this wrong but. I want to buy into the evolve line. In your opinion would it make more sense if you are only buying one set to buy the 50 m and be able to turn it down for the smaller crowds and up for the bigger crowd sizes? Second question, I have a outdoor wedding in May. The client is in a band and has invited people world wide. So I don't know from 500 to 1000 plus maybe plus plus could be there. I was considering the etx line with a couple subs to match. Of course now you have me looking at those 12s, just wondering your opinion? Adding to this, sorry for any confusion. I am djing a wedding for a friend that is in a band. He has invited anyone that wants to come that follows his band. Mind you his band is not metallica, backstreet boys, david bowie kinda popular, but they have been touring the world the past couple years. With that i have no clue how many people could show up.
@@mikepowell5488 using kit as a band is a different kettle of fish
It will depend on the venue, how many in your band, the type of music, the objective etc
Are all 1000 people facing the band and wanting to hear you at your best?
If so, then none of the column arrays will suit your need in my opinion
You’ll be better off hiring in a company to get that right
sorry for any confusion. I am djing a wedding for a friend that is in a band. He has invited anyone that wants to come that follows his band. Mind you his band is not metallica, backstreet boys, david bowie kinda popular, but they have been touring the world the past couple years. With that i have no clue how many people could show up. I am the company he hired.
Before starting video, imo many think they need way more than is actually needed, and desirable to especially weddings and small bars and so on. Some times louder doesn't mean better. Play to EVERYONE, and by that I mean not everyone is there for face blast dance experience.
Us sound engineers use this formula:
Size and type of room (like dead or lively on the reverb) x type of event (including type of music or speech) x amount of people = system needed.
And I would only go 15" top if I wasn't using a separate sub. For everything with a separate sub INCLUDING live music I would've go larger than a 12" top (18" sub) or for smaller events a 8" or 10" top with a 12" or 15" sub.
You could replace the 12" top with a double 10" top (and so on). Usually does wonders for voice intelligibility.
Most important thing is knowing what your system is capable of and accordingly learning how to ride your master fader.
I use a German HK Audio Elements system that doesn’t seem to be available in USA. The Evolve system is very similar except the HK Elements system is designed to be scaled up with extra bass speakers and/or extra tops as required.
D&B Audiotechnic from Germany have the old PRO system with Q7 or Q10 top and Qsub With 18inch and digital amp and You can play really powerful and nice for 500+. In smaller events I like active speakers from RCF, EV, JBL and Yamaha but have 1-3 15subs just to hear and feel the low. The little crazy 15sub from Mackie was always with Me in the car and filled the room. If I have a small gardenparty at home I just take 1 JBL partybox 100 and play my playlists from spotify😁with BT connection.
I use 1 12” EV Sub and 2 12” QSC tops for up to 225 to 250 guests because most venues here in NEPA are not that large.. Anything more is over kill.
Ev 50’s haven’t let me down yet! If I want some extra boom I just add 1 or 2 ekx 15p subs!
That’s a Huge Venue compared to what we have here in NEPA
All off demmmmm
Brian, great video, most of my events depending on size of venue and guests would dictate as to how much sound to use, 98% of the time i use my JBL SRX 812P x 2 (Tops) and JBL SRX 818P x 2 (Subs) plenty of headroom, the other 2% I use a pair of Top's JBL SRX 812P which work great. I have found that the column speakers once you start driving them with songs with Low frequency, they tend to clip speakers, and you can hear the speaker limiter activate constantly. I have often said that they are good for small events, example cocktail hour for a Wedding or Ceremony, House party, they sound good, but I feel they lack when you have to turn it up a notch.
Etx 35p are the tall 3 way Ev speakers 1:30
Go big or go home.
Another great video Brian! Have a great holiday week!
I am currently looking for a suitable Sub to compliment my pair of Evolve 30m speakers - just to give the teeny bit of extra punch for the 150-200 guest party - don't need to melt faces - just need to boost the bottom end a little. While 2 x subs would be nice, I am wondering if I can get away with one decent 15" sub to keep the space/weight etc down. Would welcome any suggestions!
Brian, do you have any issues with the Evolve 30 or 50 hitting thwir limit pretty easily? My fear is nweding that extra volume for peak hour and not having it.
Hi Brian!!
I normally run my 12” Sub at -3 very rarely do I put it at unity.
You always need 50 percent more than minimum it’s give you wiggle room. And a safety net for malfunctions
2 rcf a312's never had an issue with sound up to 250 people i want a 12 " sub
🎉
Honest opinion
Anything more than 250-300 people
Unless you know what you are doing, bring in a professional company
You can do some real damage trying to cater for that many people
Sounds like the 4 sub guy wants to rattle ballzzz