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Kurt Fischer · Post by **Kurt Fischer** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:55 pm

I am trying to decide on the speakers or PA for the Korg Kronos 88. I will be playing in smaller clubs and at home. I'm thinking about a pair of QSC K12s or Peavey Impulse 12D's. I'm leaning toward the Peavey's. Would these be OK? Anybody have experience with the Impulse 12D's?

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:35 pm

Kurt,

After just a quick review of online stuff (you tube, reviews, comments) the Peavey is not looking like "first choice" quality, especially if the list price of close to $800/per is current.

Apparently there are many QA/QC issues with Peavey products built to spec in China vs. US built (for many years Peavey's claim to fame).

On the other hand QSC's power amps, if nothing else, have a very good rep for build quality and roadworthiness. If their designs are part of powered speaker its a pretty safe bet that the amp section at least will stand up to some abuse.

One thing I'd advise, particularly if you plan to do any solo work where you'll be doing other parts (drums, left hand bass, or playing KARMA combis) is that you consider bumping up to a 15" rather than a 12" to get better low-end thump. Otherwise you may find yourself wishing for a powered sub in the long run, which is another $800.

Personally, I've had really good experiences with the JBL Eon line - the Generation 1 was low powered for some applications at only 300W total, but mine have run for 10 years or more without crapping out - I own two G1 Eon-15, a G1 Eon-10, and a G1 Eon 15-PAK (piano and keyboard).

My only other comment would be to really avoid anything that used a piezo type tweeter for the high end -- that's found in many low-cost speakers and some "keyboard" oriented combo amps.

BB

johnnydr · Post by **johnnydr** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:43 pm

I use a pair of K-12s for my rig, and I gotta say, They Kick Azz!!!

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 10:00 pm

I have to disagree with you Bill, if you get the right speaker, there is no need for a sub unless you're doing extreme disco stuff and then you'd need a sub anyways. I have a single RCF722A and if anything I would say it's actually too heavy on bass, though I think in reality, many keyboard presets in general are just overly pimped on highs and lows to compensate for bad speakers in the shop.

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 11:20 pm

@ sanderX

I'll grant you that with 750 watts (500W lows, more than double the EON's 200W) and the tuned ports on the RCF722A that your need for bass freq's is a non-issue. Maybe the Powered-Sub ass-kick is only needed for a comparatively underpowered set-up, which I admit mine is, even if it seems pretty loud in a confined area.

Still, a separate pwr-sub is useful at moderate volumes where you want the big bass without having to run the mids+highs just as loud.

That also may be an "old" Eon problem because there's no EQ built in - but there doesn't appear to be one on the Peavy either; just the same ON & IN that's on the Eon: so, sub? Maybe.

The QSC has what looks like a limited set of parametric switches that can control the output tone, including a bass boost and what looks like a crossover for a sub allowing tri-amped operation. Much more "tuneable" than the Peavey. At 1000W I don't think there's any doubt that you could liquify Granny at 50 paces if you turned it to eleven. $3600 a pair tho... 5 times what I paid for my wimpy Eons.

BB

jimknopf · Post by **jimknopf** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 11:37 pm

QSC 1000 Watt speakers for small clubs and home???

You get the Mackies 450/2 at not much more than half the price, and the RCF ART 312-A MKIII still below 500€. I can hardly imagine you need more for your purposes.

Darmin De'flern · Post by **Darmin De'flern** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:23 am

I'm personally thinking of getting the KSR(or is it KVR lol) Powered 12' Yamaha speakers some great reviews on youtube and pack a punch at 1k watts.

Spacenorman · Post by **Spacenorman** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:25 am

jimknopf wrote:QSC 1000 Watt speakers for small clubs and home???

Don't get sucked into the amp wattage "numbers game". No matter what the wattage - these powered cabinets are still just a single 12" and well matched horn. Looking for something with lower wattage might save you a couple of bucks - but when it gets right down to it - you'll love the headroom the bevy of power speakers like the JBL PRX612s, QSC K12s, Yamaha DSR112 and Yamaha DXR112s bring to the table.

I use a pair of Yamaha DSR112s with my rig (which I run in stereo) - and absolutely love them. My only regret is that I waited so long to upgrade my amplication - my rig has never sounded so rich !!!!

fjs714 · Post by **fjs714** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:03 pm

Hi,
I have the QSC's. They sound great. They're made of wood so you really get a deep bass sound. Sometimes they are a little too bassy. Did anyone experience that?
Frank

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:50 pm

Not directly, no, but I can tell you that bass is the first thing to get sucked up once bodies are in the room. So more bass, especially if you can adjust it a bit - and it appears you can either roll it off or at least de-emphasize it using the switches on the QSC - is better for most live applications. In a PA situation I think it would be less a problem and more of a feature.

That bass over-kill is probably only a problem in a relative near-field application; like pointed directly at your head as a stage monitor or in a small room. JimKnopf had a point in that these are excessive in a home situation unless you practice really loud.

For the small room that most of us have for a dedicated studio space, and the distances involved (speaker to ear) in our set-up you'd probably get more mileage out of a hi-qual set of powered monitors ~4" to 8" woofers (hey, stereo mix, yes!) or even decent computer speakers with a sub unit.

BB

mathieumaes · Post by **mathieumaes** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:56 am

If money wasn't an issue, I'd check out these babies:
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/sho ... /index.jsp

I also have some experience with those speakers:
http://www.soundprojects.com/i/1612

I used those for both monitoring and FOH, in combination with a sub:
http://www.soundprojects.com/i/1424

jamsire · Post by **jamsire** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 12:43 pm

I'm just chiming in as a guitarist that leads a Jazz Ensemble at a college.

We have the basic guitar and bass amps, and a keyboard amp that we used to put a mic through. I bought and donated a Fender Passport and all our problems were solved. Mics, guitar inputs, and keys in one unit with great speakers for a rehearsal room.

Again - it's a suggestion.

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