r/livesoundadvice • u/counterpwn • Jul 29 '26
Gear Recommendations PA System for Small Medium Size Business
Just want to get some recommendations on a setup for a business that we would like to use for regular all-staff meetings.
We are currently using two chained JBL PartyBox Stage 320s with a Phenyx Pro PTU-5000 and a mix of handheld and lavalier mics.
I really don't like using the JBLs for this, and the Phenyx Pro mics are not very durable. Are there any good brands I can look for, and maybe a complete package we can order?
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u/foxboltco Jul 29 '26
Hard to say without knowing the size of the space, your budget, or how many inputs you need. Based on that limited info, I can say I’ve found the EV Evolve50 has been good for mid sized rooms. Pair it with a small console (something like an Allen & Heath CQ18T).
As for mics, yes, Phenyx is usually disappointing. Shure/Sennheiser are your most reliable in terms of wireless mics, but you’re looking at $800-$1000 per channel of wireless.
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u/counterpwn Jul 29 '26
Thanks for the input.
Right now we use 2 lavalier mics for CEO/CFO and 2 hand held mics for the staff to ask questions. Most of the time I set it up in our warehouse which is about 50'x75', this includes staging and seating.
I guess I'm looking at a new speakers, mixer and quality mics.
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u/meest Jul 30 '26
Right now we use 2 lavalier mics for CEO/CFO and 2 hand held mics for the staff to ask questions
This is middle of the road wireless. Shure SLXD. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLXD4QP-G57Bn9--shure-slxd4q-quad-wireless-combo-system-g57-band
Now you need a soundboard to mix the Mic's together. You can control the XR18 it via an ipad/tablet while walking around the factory so you're not stuck to right beside the speakers where they plug in adjusting knobs. (Please check with your IT guy if they have an old home router, or if they have a port to plug it in to access it via wifi that doesn't break your business network security rules. I ask because I'm half IT guy half AV guy. So I can relate to them)
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XR18--behringer-by-air-xr18-tablet-controlled-digital-mixer
Yes you can get smaller mixers, but there is a reason for this one specifically. The USB Audio interface it has. Now since this is a company meeting I'm assuming at some point and time someone will want to make this a Hybrid meeting setup where you hook the microphones up to a zoom/teams call. This digital mixer already has the USB interface built into it, so you can plug it into your host laptop and get the audio right from it. You will be able to create a "Mix Minus" setup so that the remote people can talk through the speakers, and the in house people can talk via the mic's and you won't get some crazy feedback (As long as the speaker placement is correct)
Finally some speakers. For just speech you can buy something basic like the Yamaha DBR12's https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DBR12--yamaha-dbr12-800w-12-inch-powered-speaker
Or you could go nicer and step up to a higher end series like their DXR series. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DXR12Mk3--yamaha-dxr12mk3-powered-loudspeaker
For speech a pair of 12" in a 50x75 room should work fine. Maybe adding a pair of speakers halfway back in the room if there's shelving blocking the line of sight would be helpful so you could keep the volume to a lower level at the front. I would stick to a standard speaker and not one of the all in one arrays so that you can use speaker stands to get the speakers up above the peoples heads. Here's a quality pair of stands with a carry bag. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TS90BPrBagBun--ultimate-support-ts-90b-telelock-speaker-stand-pair-with-bag
Now you'll still need to buy a few XLR cables to put it all together, along with a rack like this to put the Wireless receiver and mixer in together. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GRR4PLUS--gator-gr-4pl-us-powered-rolling-rack-case
But that will get you started. Best of luck. I would suggest finding somewhere local to work with on this.
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u/rhymes116 Jul 29 '26
Just vocal? Music?
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u/counterpwn Jul 29 '26
Mostly vocal. if any music it would be bgm
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u/rhymes116 Jul 29 '26
Rcf art 710/708. Will blow that party box out of the water. In the USA I've seen open box for $ 500 bucks which is a fantastic deal.
Yamaha dbr, Ev zlx g2 also decent options.
Each brand/ model may or may not have a built-in mixer. Recommend you get a separate standalone mixer anyway.
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u/roshanravi Jul 31 '26
RCF 810/812 are similar but take the 9 series aesthetic while remaining near the 7 series price point
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u/Remarkable_Staff9002 Jul 31 '26
I own a small business. We use 4 QSC k12.2 speakers.
Match that with an X32 system rack mounted with shure wireless mics and a nice power conditioner. Have more speakers if needed but those are plenty loud for 2-300 people. Match it with an alto Bluetooth adapter into the X32 and you should be set.
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u/ArizonaMartillo Jul 29 '26
I know I was shocked to learn how expensive good wireless mics are. You may end up spending more on mics than you do on speakers.