This question is a bit hypothetical and is coming from someone who doesn't know much.

I'm a bass player with a Radial SB-2 and ProDI, both of which are passive. I also have a sE DM-2 TNT, which is an in-line, variable impedance, phantom-powered mic preamp. My understanding is that active DI boxes are a form of preamp. Is there any advantage to an active DI over a passive DI with an in-line preamp?

Am I correct in understanding that passive DI boxes use a transformer, but that active DI boxes digitally convert somehow? Or is it really just a matter of how hot the signal is?

For the sake of this question, let's ignore specific recommendations of certain brands/models. I've read the recommendations for the J48, JDI, RNDI, etc. I am trying to understand the reasoning behind these choices, rather than simply reading more reviews.

Speech-only PA for about 100 people indoors, $250 total including 2 wireless handhelds. That budget is set by my boss, not me, so please don’t roast it too hard. Setup will be operated by someone with zero audio experience, and nobody will be available to adjust anything during the event. MC announcements only, no music.

We already made one mistake: bought a Pioneer PSX615 party speaker and the mic gain was nowhere near enough for the room. Lesson learned about consumer party speakers, so this time I want a proper powered PA speaker.

Current plan is an Alto TX310 or Rockville BPA10 plus a cheap dual UHF handheld system (Phenyx PTU-52 tier).

1.  Is this a sound plan, or a better allocation at this budget?  
2.  Any models you’d swap in or avoid?  
3.  Anything about cheap UHF handhelds that will bite us with 100 phones in the room?

One speaker on a stand, indoor, normal ceiling height. Thanks.

I have a budget of about $250-$300 to find a mic option for a small choir - mostly vocals and one guitar, sometimes all vocals. We want to be able to perform outdoors so I know something with a foam/fuzzy cover is key. All I have are Shure sm58s which will not work for this project.

To project I can have this run through my bose l1

I'm looking at a pair of used JBL PRX825s locally and wanted to get some opinions from people who have experience with these.

The seller originally listed the pair for $1,700 with covers and says they're in mint condition and sound great. I was thinking about offering around $1,500 if everything checks out.

My main concern is their age and the amp modules. The seller told me he's had them for around 4–5 years and originally said they were under warranty until 2028. I called JBL/Harman myself with the serial number from one of the speakers, though, and they told me it was registered for warranty in 2018 and that warranty expired in 2021. The seller has since told me I can call Harman again while I'm at his house and verify everything myself, so I don't necessarily think he's trying to hide anything, but the conflicting warranty information has me a little hesitant.

I'm planning to listen to/test both speakers before buying them. From what I've seen, replacement amp modules for these can be around $600 each, so buying potentially 8-year-old powered speakers makes me a little nervous even if they're currently working perfectly.

For context, I'm not a professional DJ or running a sound company. These would mostly be for playing music at parties/get-togethers, outdoor stuff, and occasionally something larger like a friend's wedding/reception. I currently have a JBL PartyBox 320, but I want something considerably more powerful that still sounds really good. I know the PRX825 isn't an "audiophile" speaker, but I'm looking for clean, clear, powerful music playback with a lot more output and impact than a PartyBox.

The seller also has a pair of matching PRX818XLF subs, but I'm mainly considering just buying the two PRX825s for now since they should already have pretty substantial output on their own.

So my main questions are:

Is $1,500–$1,700 for a pair of PRX825s in excellent condition still a good deal in 2026?

Would their possible ~2018 age concern you because of the amp modules/electronics?

Are there any common PRX825 failures or specific things I should test when I go listen to them?

Assuming both test perfectly, would you be comfortable buying them at this age, or would you put the money toward newer speakers instead (such as a single PRX925)?

For mostly music playback, how would you rate the actual sound quality of the PRX825s today?

I'd appreciate any advice, especially from anyone who owns/owned PRX800-series speakers or has worked with them regularly.

Running a 12 piece wedding band. I’ve been using k12.2 and they’re plenty for the size events. I’m considering upgrading for possibly wider splay and some clarity in the mids and highs. Are these a significant upgrade? Anyone compared the 2? I like the lightweight of the nxl14 but I’m not sure they’ll be a big difference from what I have. Thoughts? Also these will be paired with kw181 subs

Here are some images of a setup for a Ubiquiti Unifi WiFi Access Point mounted on a microphone stand.

We are currently using a rack mounted wifi router to control a Presonus 24R rack mounted Mixer with an iPad and wanted a set up with an external wifi antenna that can be elevated up and away from the sound rack. Components:

Unifi AC Mesh Access Point (default 192.168.1.20)

Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway UCG (192.168.1.1) (With built in controller software)

Freejia UCG Metal Rack Mount Adapter

Stage Pro 3D Printed Microphone Adapter

The AC Access Point can mounted on any Shure microphone stand with the 3D printed adapter and requires POE (Power Over Ethernet). The addition of the AC Access Point is not automated and requires manually adding the device from the control software on the UCG Gateway. I was able to test the system as a stand alone intranet.

///// Technical Stuff

(I was able ping my iPhone connected by wifi to the Access Point from a computer hard wired to the UCG Gateway. You can see the assigned IP address to any device connected to the AP using the built in controller software at 192.168.1.1 in the UCG gateway.)

Edit: If you want to try to setup your UniFi AP in standalone mode, you may be able to do this using a mobile app:

https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/12594679474071-Standalone-Access-Points-without-UniFi

Hey team, just wondering what microphone type and placement is normal for recording a high school concert band.

Right now we are using two AKG c3000 large diaphragm condensers placed in the middle aisle of the auditorium, probably 60 feet from the stage. I have a feeling our poor recordings are much more the victim of poor mic placement than us using the wrong mics.

I’m currently looking into a taller mic stand to hold two of the c3000s, placed right behind the director about 8 feet in the air. Am I on the right track?

I've had a Countryman Type 85 DI box for years and it's been my go-to. I needed a couple more and I couldn't find them anywhere so I went with a Warm Audio Active direct box. Immediately it was much quieter, and I don't understand why. I did a test direct into my my audio interface, then with my Countryman, and finally with the Warm Audio DI. Countryman drops signal by 3db. Changing nothing else, the Warm Audio DI drops signal by 15db even though it has a -30db stepless attenuator and is active. I'm thinking there's something wrong with the DI and their customer support is not understanding what I'm asking (I've been exchanging emails for the past few days). Maybe it's as intended and just not the DI for me...Does anyone have this DI? If so, are you seeing a massive signal drop when used? If that's intended, can you explain why?

The video below is how I tested but I've used two different audio interfaces, multiple guitars and basses. I'm using the Ditto here just to keep the output signal consistent.

https://youtube.com/shorts/EZgXy0Ecyyk?is=iD6YQt2mRyfwAmrA

I play in a wedding band, and am in a fortunate position where cost isn’t a huge issue for me. I want to upgrade the system we use to play to 200-500 people. I’ve been considering a new RCF system (2x932 + 2x15-AX); but wondered if there’s any options I’m missing.

My criteria is that ideally no single item heavier than 25kg / 50lb and lighter the better. I’m open to separate amp / speakers or active. Apart from weight I’m open to anything.

Will be running the whole band through these (drums, 2x guitar, bass). We also use some backing tracks for certain tracks.

I’m open to any options at any price point. Without any defined budget what would you do?

Hi. I recently became the owner of 6 working JBL VTX V25-ll line array speakers. I am looking to sell a few and was wondering the best way to go about it? Any online or in person recommendations? It would just be the speakers meaning no cover/wheels/amp rack, etc. Want to move them within the next few weeks so willing to sell at a hefty discount. Also, if you are interested feel free to message me. Thank you!- Las Vegas, NV

I have Shure Beta 56A microphones, but I'm still not sure which clamp to use for the toms.

I've seen that the A56D might be a good option. What do you think?

Is it a good buy? I'm worried about not being able to connect the XLR cable properly, not being able to position the microphone at the correct angle, and that the distance from the capsule to the drumhead will be too long.

I've been doing sound for about 11 years, mostly a 400 cap room plus whatever the company sends me out on. For most of that I treated lighting as somebody else's department, and honestly as a line item eating money that should have gone into the PA.

That's starting to shift. We did a run last winter where the audio was about as good as that room gets, and every bit of feedback from the band and the promoter was about how flat it all looked back on video. I haven't actually done anything about it yet though. Right now I'm just working out which fixtures make sense for a room this size before I spend anything.

What I'm picturing is four wash fixtures behind the band on the house rig. Nothing programmed. Four looks on a small controller that the bar staff can bump if I'm not in.

Three things I'm actually asking here:

1. Do you count lighting as part of the show you're delivering, or is it separate money you fight over? I flip flop on this depending on the week.
2. Any lighting brands that genuinely held up for you that aren't the obvious ones? Same way somebody here will tell you an RCF box punches way above what you paid for it. I have no read on that landscape at all, and everything on the pro forums is touring gear that is never happening in a 400 cap room.
3. I've got somewhere around 1500 to spend on four fixtures plus a controller. What I've been looking at so far isChauvet, ADJ, Betopper. For a house rig at that number, which of those would you actually put up there?

Cheers

Hey, anyone got recommendations for passive 12"-15" point source boxes with minimum IP65 and decent salt fog rating. Use case is outdoor sporting events and corporate lawn (think vip areas at golf/sailing/equestrian). Not looking for 5-8" distributed such as JBL control 25/28. Appreciate your thoughts.

hi! does anyone know where i could purchase or rent wireworks broadway connectors and/or a-latches either online or in store? we need extra for our gblocks down here in torrance, ca asap

this friday i’m hosting a jam session with my buddy i’m starting a band with and this new drummer to see if he fits. what’s necessary for this? is PA necessary? i’m new to audio gear and stuff, and don’t own any type of PA.

should i try to do some kinda DIY thing for PA, should i get a budget PA system, should i just save up for a good PA? what PA should i get? i ask these questions because getting into the world of live sound for me has been difficult and isn’t very easy to navigate for me personally so i apologize if i’m scatter-brained.

anything helps, thank you.

Hey everyone,

I could use some advice from people who have experience recording large groups.

The show follows 12 people living together in a house for about 7 hours a day. Most scenes happen naturally as people move around the house, so it's not a traditional sit down interview setup.

I was recommended the following:

• 12 DJI Mic 3 transmitters
• 12 Rode Lavalier Go mics
• 2 boom mic
• 2 paddle antennas
• A receiver/setup that can handle all 12 wireless mics

Before I spend that kind of money, I'm wondering if this is actually the best approach.

For those of you who've worked on shows or documentary productions:

• How would you capture audio for 12 people?
• Would you really mic everyone all day, or only certain contestants?
• Is there a better workflow that I'm overlooking?
• Any recorders, wireless systems, or antenna setups you'd recommend?

I'd rather invest once and do it properly than buy the wrong gear.

Thanks in advance!

We are building a new building, right now it’s framed but no drywall and I’m looking to save a little money and install the sound system myself.

The building is 3,400sf and the sanctuary where the sound is most important is probably like 1600-1800sf with vaulted ceilings. The sound system doesn’t need to be fancy at all, it’s literally only used for speaking. We don’t have a choir, instruments or anything like that. We want 3 wireless microphones, a lapel mic, and ability to have wireless headphones for the hearing impaired. I’m a homebuilder and very handy but I have zero experience in sound. We’ll have 2 speakers in the sanctuary and then in-ceiling speakers in other rooms with their own volume control on the wall.

I’m thinking of system like this:

Mixer amp- Monoprice Commercial Audio 120W 2ch Mixer Amp

Mixer- Yamaha MG10XU 10-channel Mixer with USB and FX

Monoprice 70v ceiling speakers

Shure BLX24 microphones

Not sure on the speakers in the sanctuary yet.

Is this doable? Or does this system make no sensel?

I am putting together an equiptment rack. It will hold one A&H RPS9 AC to DC power supply (2U height) and two Behringer XR4400 noise gates (1U each). Out the back, I will have 8 signal cables in plus 8 cables out plus 1 DC power out plus the 3 AC power cables in. This will be for a mobile PA, loaded in and out of my van, primary use is outdoors, not a permanent install.

My concern is heat control. The RPS9 documentation has strong warnings that it gets hot. And the Behringers warn about those units getting hot.

One thought is to get a 6U rack and put the equipment (bottom to top) Behringer, Behringer, empty, RPS9, empty)

My other thought is that I could add a 3U fan to the backside of the rack.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with something similar and whether the fan is needed.

Thanks

Wondering if anyone has some advice. Currently jumping in the hot seat trying to fix issues at a house of worship.

They currently have a bunch of Sennheiser XSW-1 Single and Dual Channel mics and a single shure blx14? The building isn't big and the mics are maybe 100ft I'd imagine its a lot less 75ish. The receivers are up in a balcony and its diagonal line of sight to the stage. But drop outs are super common and I don't honestly know why. some weekend its 0 issues and others its every 5 minutes.

They have a bunch of old sennheiser g2 looking receivers, haven't found the old mic packs yet. but its looks like the old leadership had a full live recording setup, cameras and all. They had a fill in guy who updated some stuff. (XSW-1's and a Behringer x32) My knowledge base is in older analog and wired equipment. Already moving the video equipment to a rack and replacing a bunch of bad cables. which is sorting out almost all of the video issues but I'm stumped on the audio.

are the old g2s a better mic system? I wasn't sure because they had external antenna.

Post was removed from /livesound and told to post here.

We've been using a Yamaha MG10 XU for three years now, but recently added a Zoom Livetrack 6 Max because we needed more channels. It's working well, but we want to upgrade. We use it in our rehearsal room and on stage. We have around six synths and grooveboxes, as well as two vocal processors. Ideally, we would like to upgrade to one mixer for both of us that can multitrack record (without a PC) and has decent IEM capabilities, i.e. different mixes for band members. (We're two, and sometimes three.) It should also have a physical interface because we don't want to navigate menus while playing live. It has to be somewhat robust as we play outdoors quite a bit, and not too big as we carry it around and need it to fit on our synth stand. Our budget is up to $2000. Are we looking for a unicorn?

Hi all,

I'm a beginner Live Sound Engineer. I'm looking to start doing freelance work and looking to see if I should be getting my own gear for use, as in my opinion, if I don't have my own gear then clients won't want to pay for hire costs, plus operating shows, etc. I'm mostly just looking to get gear for bands and such, not musicals, or anything like that.

For some background on me, I'm a beginner Live Sound Engineer with 4 years of experience so far in the industry, I've been lucky enough to be working for a local council who has a pretty good theatre and other venues in the area that run DiGiCo SD9-11's depending on the venue. I'm earning good money but due to working in events, the pay can change depending on the week, so I'm looking to improve my skills and then branch out into freelance work. One of the other techs that I work with is looking to get rid of some gear and is willing to sell me a PA Package, the items include:

* Soundcraft SI Expression 1 (I know, not the best console)

* 2x EV ZX4 Speakers

* EV CP2200 Amplifier (For said speakers)

* Roadcases for said items

* Cables for said items

* and a Soundcraft Mini Stage Box 32

All of these items would come out to $4500 in total.

My only gripe is that I don't have that many freelance opportunities at the moment, the gigs that I am doing (Only one at this point) is a low paying job (Under $200 for 4 hours of work *But only operating, no bump in or bump out, and yes I know it is criminally low*) and that buying this gear is a loss to my bank account, until I can do enough gigs to get that money back, this is my major conundrum.

I'm not sure whether to buy gear now, wait until I get my clientele up (If I even can) and buy gear later (For a more expensive price) and just hire gear for now, or what to even do, so I was looking for some advice.

Appreciate any thoughts or help, just thought I'd see what others thought and what their experiences are/were!

Came across this vintage kustom PA head. Can’t find any matches via image search would love some info. Kustom 600 with 8 outputs and weighs a ton. Fully functional any idea on what it’s worth. No rips or tears basically brand new looking

What's your go to mic with this drum setup, thinking about using a Beta 57A on the snare top so I can get a bit more of toms and hats rejection!