Engine14
PA System

The PA system is primarily for vocals. It consists of the PA amplifier, speakers, monitors, and microphones.

For many years, the band relied on Jeff's trusty Behringer PMH880S powered PA head and fine-sounding Peavey SP12M floor monitors for rehearsals.  In loading gear for a recent gig, while carrying the monitors upstairs from the secret Engine14 subterreanean practice studio, Jeff was reminded that each of those speakers weighs 48 lbs.  The next weekend, the monitors and PA were off to a new home, courtesy of Craig's List, and Jeff began researching lightweight, even higher quality replacements.  A Peavey PV10 10-channel mixer and a pair of Electro-Voice ZxA1 800-watt powered PA speakers now support the band's rehearsals.  The ZxA1s provide a significant improvement in vocal clarity, and are used as floor monitors during gigs. 

We usually use Patrick's pair of reliable and high-performing Carvin powered PM15 15" speakers for our Front-Of-House (FOH) mix, although he too has now acquired a pair of ZxA1s which we're using for FOH in smaller venues.  Patrick supplies a compact Yamaha MG124CX passive mixer for on-stage mixing of the band's vocals. 

 

PA System

This is the PV® 10 compact mixer the band uses for rehearsals. It gives us easy-to-use features and fine sound in a small, lightweight, but sturdy form factor. Reference-quality mic preamps with a low 0.0007% THD make the PV 10 mixer excellent for live sound as well as for our rehearsals. The PV 10 mixer includes three-band EQ, effects send and monitor send on each channel. With six mono and two stereo channels, the PV 10 offers a total of eight inputs, plenty for Engine14's vocals, Patrick's acoustic guitar, and Jeff's Yamaha electronic drum kit. The master section includes 48 volt phantom power so Jeff can use his condenser mic with it, built-in digital effects, effects send and return, assignable tape input and a unique master contour EQ that helps sweeten the mix. Dual XLR and 1/4 inch outputs allow the PV 10 to easily connect with other equipment. It also is more colorful than most other mixers!

This is the PV® 10 compact mixer the band uses for rehearsals. It gives us easy-to-use features and fine sound in a small, lightweight, but sturdy form factor. Reference-quality mic preamps with a low 0.0007% THD make the PV 10 mixer excellent for live sound as well as for our rehearsals. The PV 10 mixer includes three-band EQ, effects send and monitor send on each channel. With six mono and two stereo channels, the PV 10 offers a total of eight inputs, plenty for Engine14's vocals, Patrick's acoustic guitar, and Jeff's Yamaha electronic drum kit. The master section includes 48 volt phantom power so Jeff can use his condenser mic with it, built-in digital effects, effects send and return, assignable tape input and a unique master contour EQ that helps sweeten the mix. Dual XLR and 1/4 inch outputs allow the PV 10 to easily connect with other equipment. It also is more colorful than most other mixers!

Primary speaker duties, called "FOH" or Front of House speakers by sound reinforcement professionals, are handled by Patrick's Carvin PM15A powered, bi-amplified, two-way loudspeakers. These speakers contain their own internal amplifiers, meaning they can significantly boost even a low power input signal. The Carvins are elevated to roughly head height by sturdy "Ultimate Support" tripod stands.

Primary speaker duties, called "FOH" or Front of House speakers by sound reinforcement professionals, are handled by Patrick's Carvin PM15A powered, bi-amplified, two-way loudspeakers. These speakers contain their own internal amplifiers, meaning they can significantly boost even a low power input signal. The Carvins are elevated to roughly head height by sturdy "Ultimate Support" tripod stands.

Microphones complete the PA setup. Patrick and Jeff each use Electro-voice N/D767a supercardioid microphones like the one pictured. Very popular with professional performers, these mics use a neodymium-based magnet structure, and offer an unusually wide frequency response of 35-22 kHz to ensure vocal clarity. Jeff sometimes uses a Audio-Technica ATM-710 condenser stage microphone. While providing superior clarity and sound quality, condenser mics can be tricky in noisy environments - they can promote unpleasant feedback in some situations.

Microphones complete the PA setup. Patrick and Jeff each use Electro-voice N/D767a supercardioid microphones like the one pictured. Very popular with professional performers, these mics use a neodymium-based magnet structure, and offer an unusually wide frequency response of 35-22 kHz to ensure vocal clarity. Jeff sometimes uses a Audio-Technica ATM-710 condenser stage microphone. While providing superior clarity and sound quality, condenser mics can be tricky in noisy environments - they can promote unpleasant feedback in some situations.

Initially, the heart of our P.A. system was Jeff's Behringer PMH880S 10-channel stereo powered mixer. One of the most powerful of its type available, it offered some very useful features, such as two independent effects processors, dual graphic equalizers to fine-tune our vocals, and a feedback detection system. We used the Behringer for practices and live performances until it moved on to a new home in August, 2010.

Initially, the heart of our P.A. system was Jeff's Behringer PMH880S 10-channel stereo powered mixer. One of the most powerful of its type available, it offered some very useful features, such as two independent effects processors, dual graphic equalizers to fine-tune our vocals, and a feedback detection system. We used the Behringer for practices and live performances until it moved on to a new home in August, 2010.

The band is now using powered ZXA1s as floor monitors and as house speakers (instead of the heavier Carvins) in smaller venues. The ZXA1 is powered by an 800 watt amplifier module derived from EV’s world-tour-class Tour Grade series – amplifiers with audio quality and reliability proven at the very highest levels. It has a professional-grade 8” woofer and 1” titanium compression driver and weighs less than 20 lbs.

The band is now using powered ZXA1s as floor monitors and as house speakers (instead of the heavier Carvins) in smaller venues. The ZXA1 is powered by an 800 watt amplifier module derived from EV’s world-tour-class Tour Grade series – amplifiers with audio quality and reliability proven at the very highest levels. It has a professional-grade 8” woofer and 1” titanium compression driver and weighs less than 20 lbs.

Rob uses a Audix OM-2 microphone, which handles sound pressure levels of as much as 140db, making it a perfect complement to Rob's powerful vocal style. With a frequency response of 50-16 kHz, this hypercardioid mic captures Rob's singing, while rejecting the very low and very high frequency sounds that emerge from his drums and cymbals.

Rob uses a Audix OM-2 microphone, which handles sound pressure levels of as much as 140db, making it a perfect complement to Rob's powerful vocal style. With a frequency response of 50-16 kHz, this hypercardioid mic captures Rob's singing, while rejecting the very low and very high frequency sounds that emerge from his drums and cymbals.

The MG124CX is a lightweight and portable stereo effects mixer that offers 12 channels, four buses, and a wealth of advanced features. It features pre/post switchable AUX sends on all channels as well as EFFECT send controls that adjust the level of the signal sent to the mixer's internal multi-effect system. The MG124CX is small and light enough (only 2.9 kilograms) to be tucked under an arm and set up just about anywhere.

The MG124CX is a lightweight and portable stereo effects mixer that offers 12 channels, four buses, and a wealth of advanced features. It features pre/post switchable AUX sends on all channels as well as EFFECT send controls that adjust the level of the signal sent to the mixer's internal multi-effect system. The MG124CX is small and light enough (only 2.9 kilograms) to be tucked under an arm and set up just about anywhere.
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