Give me advice on equipment I have got: Mackie, Gemini, QSM, KAM, etc.

angela

angela

angela

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Hello Guys, basically I have got all this equipment from place I have bought (owners didn't need it and left it) and don't know what to do with it, not sure if all is working...

Here are Models:

- KAM KWM1930-2 UHF Radio Microphone Set x 4 microphones
- QSC RMX2450a Power Amplifier
- Gemini XPM 1200 Amplifier
- Mackie SRM450 Speakers
- McGregor 212 4 speakers (2x big, 2x small)
- Some cables, Stands and small accessories

Not sure if there are enough cables to set this all up and wire. Done bit of google research and I think it can make good sound system for small gigs, BD parties, etc.

- What should I keep from above if I run small gig, event or BD party (for example in small hall, outdoors like house garden, etc.)
- Which from above will work together (with laptop to play music from)?

Any noob guide, advice and general opinion will be good, Thank you!
 
You've got part of a system. What you are lacking is some source equipment (DJ decks or a PC with music library) and a mixer to bring the whole lot together.

KAM, Mackie and Gemini are all brands I'd associate with bedroom DJs and starter-level/small venue sound systems. They're okay as long as you don't push them past their limits. The QSC amp is a cut above those in quality. It's sort of the intermediary step between Gemini and buying a serious professional amp from a company such as Crown. My guess is that the McGregor speakers are a small step up from the active Mackies, but that is a guess as I don't know the brand that well.
 
Out of the Mcgregor (Mytek) 212's and Mackie 450's (not that Mackie is 'bedroom DJs' gear, you'll find it, not the SRM range granted, in a lot of big venues/clubs), the Mcgregor's will be the better sounding lot; although with the Mackie's being 'active', they're generally a bit easier to deal with for small functions.

I suspect the QSC (better amp out of the two) would have powered the Mcgregor tops (small box) and bottoms (big box); no idea where the Gemini amp comes into play, unless it was a spare.

The KAM radio mics are a bit 'meh' but they'll do a basic job.

As Lucid mentions, you'll need an audio source and then either use a mixer/desk or you could feed the amp directly (it'll have unbalance connections) - just make sure you switch on clip protection on the amp (generally there'll be a button or dip-switches to activate it) and don't run overdrive the output of your source.
 
Thanks for reply guys, I also found Electro Vision Lights (update with picture later) and forgot to mention that There is Mackie DFX12 Mixer.

PC/ Laptop with Music isn't problem as I've got them, can I use Mackie SRM450 + Mixer + Laptop for music play and Shure SM58 Microphone all together, in that case I do not need amp as Mackie has got built in?!
Is it still possible to use together with QSC or it won't make much difference?
and how do I connect KAM if I want to use wireless microphones?

Thanks
 
angela said:
..in that case I do not need amp as Mackie has got built in?!
Click to expand...

Yes, the SRM450's are active (rather than passive) speakers, with each speaker having it's own built-in amplifier - you just need to feed each speaker a source signal (usually from a mixers master/main outputs) via the balanced XLR (3-pin plug/socket) or unbalanced jack/phono connections on the back of the speakers - use what ever connection is available to you.

angela said:
Is it still possible to use together with QSC or it won't make much difference?
Click to expand...

Active speakers don't need external amplification; so they're of no use when using the SRM450's.

Useful to have an amp for passive speakers though ;)

angela said:
....and how do I connect KAM if I want to use wireless microphones?
Click to expand...

Again, the KAM will either have balanced XLR or unbalanced jacks/phono output connections; connect it to a pair of (mono) channels on your DFX12.

Note, some wireless receivers have a summed/mixed output; you're better off connecting each channel individually to your mixer as you have greater control of each mic.
 
I have 4x Mackie SRM450's but they are used with 4x SWA1501 bass bins in a PA system.
Only 1 450 in this picture but I now have two each side if I need them.

mackiepa.jpg
 
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Thank you guys, what sort of wires do I need as I found only two which are 3 pin (microphone type).
Do Mackie use same power cord as PSU/ Monitors, as There are none but I have got some spare from my PSU's?
 
The Mackie above all use XLR (3 pin).
Most pro mixers also have XLR outputs but one I was messing with at the weekend had phono outputs so I had to make some conversion leads for the bloke.
The powercords will be the same although check the fuses are correct.

Without Googling the amplifiers you have could have a variety of inputs/outputs but remember that you do not feed the Mackie's with another amplifier.
 
XLR to XLR, Jack to Jack, RCA/Phono to RCA/Phono and Speakon to Speakon (used between your amps and 212's) cables will cover you for most situations.

I suspect the majority of your gear will use 'kettle leads'/IEC C13/C14, although it's worth checking your mixer and wireless mic receiver as they might use PSU's.
 
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