Rackmount System vs. Integrated

[rfolse]

David... or Anyone,

I am currently using an Alesis Studio 12R mixer, (2) QSC PLX3402 power amps (with rackmount EQs, effects, etc) to triamp an 18" woofer, a large midrange horn, and a smaller high frequency horn. This works great for my monitor keyboard rig... for live performances. I use this with our 8-piece soul band. However, when I am not performing with the band, I also play small clubs and restaurants as a single act. In doing so, I found this system quite large for many of these small venues, so I'm considering a small powered mixer to power a 12" woofer/1" throat horn combination using a "passive" (ugh) crossover.

There seems to be only 3 choices... Yamaha, Mackie, and Peavey. Not being a fan of Peavey (ugh), I was leaning toward the Yamaha (Yamaha 88S) because it could be bridged to provide up to 800 watts RMS @ 8 ohms. However, I am skeptical of the sound quality of any of these "all-in-one" powered mixers, particularly in providing a clean bottom end (20 - 20,000 -3db?? and the power rating given at only 1Khz @ .5% distortion!!!). Moving downward due to size is always somewhat "painful" and scarey.

The Mackie unit is rated at 2 ohms, and I'm certain not to be using enough speakers to reach such a low impedance to take advantage of this power rating.

Any comments or suggestions????

Thanks...

Ron

[David Klausner]

There are bound to be some compromises when you go to a powered mixer, but I have had pretty good luck with the Mackie gear myself. Another option would be using the Studio12R you already have and going either with self powered speakers (like the Mackie SRM450's) or with a clean power amp and some passive speakers. I think all 3 options will be fairly similar in price, but other than the convenience of the all in one powered mixer (and not having to unrack your Studio12R for the smaller gigs), either of the two latter options may give you better sound and more flexibility down the road.