Portable sound systems

[Twice Upon a Time Storytellers/Gene & Peggy Helmick-Richardson]

Does anyone have experience with purchasing and using portable sound systems? I've used some with awful sound and others that were great. But now that we are starting to consider getting one of our own, I'm really starting to pay attention. If you have one or used one that you really liked, what was it, and if you know, what did it cost? And if you have used one that was awful, can you pass that on as well? Who has the best prices and selection? Any heads up would be appreciated--I know very little about the subject.
Also, we need one that can deal with two mics.
Thanks! Peggy

[David S. Sharp]

Hi Gene and Peggy

The sound system I use came after some years of working as a musician and needing a quick reliable system. Much like a "Boy Scout Knife" with multiple uses and applications in a small package. I have two set ups my wife and I use for our storytelling and music or with the band.

The sound board is a 4 channel pre-amp and 4 channel stereo line-in board made by Mackie. The price has actually come down quite a bit, to around $200 or a little less. There are also some made by several companies that are knock offs with a 2 X 2 channel set up or half the number of channels as the other for around $80.

(You can look at things online, google search, from companies like "Musicians friend" and they have searches for keywords on their sites with consumer comparisions and product data.)

I use a mike and boom stand, but for storytelling I've been planing to get a wireless head set, since it frees me up for moving about the stage more. Since the board doesn't have an amplifier with it. I use a JBL Ion 10 powered speaker (110 Watts), but a smaller speaker would work just as well. I use only one speaker most times since space is a premium, but you can use two if stereo sound is that important. There are some small 200 Watt powered speakers by Galaxy that are small and very powerfull for the size. They typically have an 8" speaker, and are plenty big enough in diameter if your not planning to play the bass or something. A good dynamic (it doesn't need phantom power.) mic is a Shure 57 or 58, (around $80 to $100 each) they tend to be the industry standard for mics of their type, and the instrument mic is nearly bullet proof when it comes to being droped and banged around. (You can use it for vocals or PA as well, no matter what a sound geek will tell you.) And they reject off axis background noise better than the round headed vocal models. (omnidirectional)

If your going to a place without power some battery powered amp is a great help as well. The festival we worked this last weekend of the 9th, 10th and 11th, never did get the power to stage where we were working. My voice was loud enough but some of the instruments like the Celtic Harp or dulcimer have a delicate sound and need a bit of amplification. The only draw back is one input is a voice mike with an amplifier and the other is a line in instrument pickup. (not a good voice mike channel.) There are two models of our amp out on the market the "Taxi" (30 watts) and the "Limosine" (50 watts with efx reverb etc.) around $300. and $450 respectively.

One nice thing about having the basic sound gear is being able to hook into the house system for a larger audience. Our state arts council has had us on its performing arts tour and we would travel to remote parts of the state and perform. Often the sound crew would be the kids and the local community high school or someone in the community that knew little about our unusual instruments. We could rest happy in being prepared for any eventuality by bringing our own sound and setting up like we normally would. The stereo outs from the board we would send one to our Ion 10" speaker and turn it towards us for a monitor, and send the other line to the house and tell them leave everything straight up and just turn up the sound.

Hope that helps send an email if I can answer any questions,

Dave Sharp
Glastonbury
[e-mail]

[Twice Upon a Time Storytellers/Gene & Peggy Helmick-Richardson]

Thanks Dave! Your comments gave me a lot more information to work with. I'm a bit embarrassed to have worked with sound systems for so long to know so little about them. Will now have to save up to get this so it will be a while. You mentioned that you will be getting a wireless head set. If you find one you are really satisfied with, could you pass on the name please. We have run into problems several times with Gene's beard interfering with the clip-on mics.
Really appreciate you sharing this.
Peggy

[David S. Sharp]

Hi Peggy

I have a beard too, although not quite as cool as Gene's beard. (Just a Goatee) A headset would work better for me as well, and I'll pass on the info when we pick one out.

Take care,

Dave Sharp

[Stuart Nager]

Hi. I have a Fender Passport system. I love it. It is pretty all inclusive: A "suitcase" set up where the two speakers are attached around a very low tech sound board. There is a small storage space in the back for your mics and wires for the speakers. Now, the mic(s) that come with it are not the best quality, but for a beginner, they are fine.

There are/were two versions: a smaller, lighter version with only two mic jacks and a larger, heavier one, with four jacks. If you are singing and playing music (a lot), I strongly suggest buying a used Graphic Equalizer because the one failing of the system is it has a weak "middle" and the sound is tinny. For just speaking, it's been fine.

I purchased my system quite a while ago, and not sure of current pricing. I got mine on a store wide sale at Sam Ash, and had to add Mic Stands and Speaker Stands. Later on, I got rid of the mics and mic stands (well, I still have them, but don't use them) and replaced them with Samson Airline Wireless head mics. They are dual attena with dedicated frequencies, so you should not interfere with any system being used in the area, which is always a problem. What a difference they made in my performances: it allowed my troupe and I to really MOVE. Again, I got mine on sale (bought four at a shot and got a deal too) but they were listed at close to $700/each at the time (I paid less than half that).

I THINK my entire initial purchase (the Fender Passport itself, four mic stands, two speaker stands, cables, used graphic equalizer, and two upgraded mics to add to the two that came with the set) came to under $1100 (with tax). Yeah, I had the larger set. I don't remember, but the FP should be under $600 for the smaller one. Way under. And for the money: I've had the system for over ten years now. I have more than gotten my money's worth out of it.

The speakers, btw, don't always need the speaker stands. They tilt slightly up, when placed on a flat enough surface. to allow the sound to travel.

As I mentioned, I have felt that it was a great deal. I was able to use my system in small rooms where the acoustics were just dead and then use them in an open air show with an attendance of over 800 and the sound carried fine. I find it versatile for my needs. It's easy to carry around, allows you to "add on" as needed, and fits in any trunk or back seat of any car (unless you have a Smart car or mini cooper).

Hope this helps. Sam Ash is one place to check online.

[Penny Walter]

I have a passport too and it is Super Easy and Sounds GReat!

[Stuart Nager]

hmmm...don't know how to edit my post, but...I just looked on Sam Ash website.

Look under PA Packages...they have a listing of different systems.

The Fender Passports now come in six models, ranging from $400 to $1700 (wow..and I just saw that Deluxe one for a lot of money). Again, I waited until they had their annual storewide sale. For me, it's been great.

The JBL EON system sounded great when we looked even then, but the prices were just too high. They now have only one EON system, and it's listed at $1800.

I know there are many detractors of the Fender system. I'm not one of them. It packs a lot for what you need, in my opinion.

[Dianne de Las Casas, Author, Award-Winning Storyteller]

Stuart and friends:

I second Stuart's opinion about the Fender Passport. I LOVE it. I have the 250 but have also used the 150. The 250 weighs 53 lbs. while the smaller 150 weighs 35 lbs. I have speaker stands and use a Shure wireless headset. I use the inputs for a CD player and have had my Fender for 10 years too and it's still going strong. I bought my from Musician's Friend.

Warmly,
Dianne

[Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti]

Hi Peggy, I purchased a Peavey Escort a few years back (06) I use it whenever I'm in a school gym, or lunch room. I have used it for out door events as well. It is a very good piece of equipment. It weighs 80 lbs. Yes, I haul it myself in and out of the trunk of my car. Go to www.peavey.com or call 601-483-5365. They have a smaller version called the Messenger....and it is great as well.

If you work on a regular basis you need your own sound system. I can not rely on the host to have the proper equipment, or have someone their who knows how to operate it. It is a great investment and worth it.

Hope this helps,

Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti
www.woventales.com

[ashley hulsey]

I have a small portable sound system that I use sometimes in storytelling and singing. Call a musician friend and get them to lead you to the right thing. As storytellers we don't need fancy smancy equipment...we just need to be heard. I ordered mine for less than 100$ through musicians friend magazine. Just be sure to describe to the musician exactly what kind of spaces you will be using. You may need something with alot more amplification than what I have.