equipment: PA/Amp question??

[El Santo]

hey folks...
when I finally finish up with the stuff I'm working on currently...I'm probably going to expand my horizons a bit...and focus more on the indie/electronic/post-rock sort of thing. At some point that might involve me playing keyboards quite a bit. I've actually thought about trying to form/join a project on keyboards. It might be really fresh for me.

Now...I'm already planning on buying an Alesis Micron for really raw synth sounding stuff. That would give me 3 boards that cover all of the ground that I need them to.
My main question is though....I really need some sort of way to amplify all of them. Should I be looking at a PA of some kind?? This would be nice because I might need it for vocals as well. Should I be looking for one of those keyboard amps with a few inputs?? A guitar amp isn't a good idea because they have their own qualities that alter the input a bit. I just want something that will amplify the keyboard signal in the clearest way possible.

[Macho]

I don't know much about this. They do have specific keyboard amps. But if you need a PA for vocals, I'm figuring using a PA for the keys could work. May not be the ideal option... but again, I'm not totally sure. The main reason for me chiming my ignorant ass in on this thread is to suggest you incorporate a looping pedal into your rig. I could see you doing cool things with that-- layers of (esp. heavily affected) guitar, keys, etc. I know Boss makes some good units. Also Boomerang is supposed to be a great option as well. Just a thought.

[1973]

Mrs. 73 has a keyboard amp that also has a 4-track PA built into it...no effects, though you can add an effects loop into it. From what I take, keyboard amps are pretty similar to bass amps (hers has a 15-inch speaker), so that may not be the best bet for vocals.

[El Santo]

Macho: I've thought about a looping pedal for a bit. The only reason I never considered it before is because I really don't play in any sort of a live setting where I would need one. I've been overdubbing for literally the past 5 years non-stop and I've just been in that mode. I'm really thinking about setting up something with other humans....something chaotic and free and without limits/overthinking it. Maybe a loop pedal would be nice. Can you SAVE things with one of those?? Like...set your loops and then save the actual track so that you can access it later when you play the same song?? Maybe I'm thinking of like...a laptop.

'73: I looked briefly the other day...and a lot of the keyboard amps had a mic input...and they seemed to indicate that it was for vocals...and not just a mic line-in sort of thing. I'm not really sure.

I think I might go with a PA. I mean...and PA is just meant to amplify for the most part (and EQ a bit) not necessarily add a whole lot of texture to the instrument...which is just fine. The keyboard has all of the texture needed. Then I would also have something for the live vocals as well...which I may desperately need in order to do a live thing.


the next problem....
other band members. Finding people on craigslist/myspace is pretty much a waste.

I can't find any people that sway from this formula
- top 40 classic rock OR
- hardcore/metal/pop punk
- want to play gigs IMMEDIATELY. (for the social aspect only. To be seen/out in public)
- not even the slightest mention of any kind of formal/informal recording of any kind. Just farting into the wind.
- they always say they have their own gear though! (I think this is odd because...what is a musician without their own gear?)

[suttree]

your best bet is a self powered PA speaker, and a small cheap mixer, they will typically run $500-$1000 per speaker, but can be used as a vocal/keyboard monitor, or a small PA in a small gig. A keyboard amp will run you about the same, and be powered to about 100w, vs a good active PA speaker's 250-500w for the same money. more flexible and louder for the same bux. my personal fav is the EV SXA280, but many other great options are available depending on the budget. the JBL ones are great too.

[Mack]

Jesse,

A friend of mine bought this portable PA. It retails for less than $600. It is really versatile, and it sounds surprisingly good.

We used it as an outdoor PA system in a pretty big park, and it carried vocals well. Then we popped an iPod in for music. My only complaint was that the reverb levels were a little shallow.

The speakers can also be used for monitors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx0r3j9XU38
http://www.samash.com/p/Expedition-XP308i-Portable-PA-System_-49954568

[KnobTwister]

the next problem....
other band members. Finding people on craigslist/myspace is pretty much a waste.

I can't find any people that sway from this formula
- top 40 classic rock OR
- hardcore/metal/pop punk
- want to play gigs IMMEDIATELY. (for the social aspect only. To be seen/out in public)
- not even the slightest mention of any kind of formal/informal recording of any kind. Just farting into the wind.
- they always say they have their own gear though! (I think this is odd because...what is a musician without their own gear?)

This will be the hardest thing you do in music. It will take time and you never know where you might find a good player who makes a good fit.

I have used this service - but it only covers my hometown - but I've found some good contacts through it. I would check to see if you have anything similar in your area. http://cleveland.backpage.com/MusicianWanted/