| Everyone has a buddy that recommends something | | | | amazing efficiency and power output attained. There is |
| they have had or their buddy has. In most cases your | | | | also speaker efficiency. Almost everyone I've sold a |
| buddy is probably not giving you the whole scoop on | | | | speaker to, when looking at the speaker, says, "How |
| their selection. There are a few requirements when it | | | | many watts is it?" This is the worst question you can |
| comes to determining what speaker will be right for | | | | ask yourself. In general if you are talking to a salesman |
| you. Sound is entirely subjective. For example, "Oh | | | | in a Pro Audio Store (not to be confused with a "music |
| they wouldn't know they difference anyway." In some | | | | store" who sells instruments.) you should never need to |
| cases this could be correct, but chances are someone | | | | ask them how many watts the speaker takes. They |
| at the place you are playing is very critical of musical | | | | will be looking at the efficiency rating of the speaker. |
| reproduction. These are the people who will be giving | | | | This rating ranged from 88db/1watt to 109db/1 watt. |
| out your name and business to their buddy who will | | | | What this means is how much output at 1 watt will this |
| hire you at an upcoming event. Before you purchase a | | | | speaker produce. Obviously the higher the better, try it! |
| new set of speakers, lets look at four major | | | | Go take a speaker whose efficiency rating is low and |
| components of selecting a loudspeaker; clarity, power | | | | compare it to a speaker whose it high, and for the |
| consumption and output, and aesthetics. | | | | specs readers. Put down your manuals and go |
| Clarity should be the number one item on your list. It is | | | | actually listen to the speaker. |
| the single most important piece of the puzzle. Clarity is | | | | Aesthetics are a key component but is totally |
| not subjective!!! There is clarity in the speaker or there | | | | independent from the actual performance of a |
| is not. I would say only 20% of the DJ speakers | | | | speaker. This is where trade offs come into play. You |
| available have reasonable clarity, which is why you | | | | could take the best sound equipment to a show and |
| need to shop around and be very selective. When | | | | the people there will think it sounds awful because it |
| listening for clarity try to keep in mind the venue you | | | | looks awful. In general if you purchase a high-end |
| will be playing at. Always remember when you pile a | | | | quality speaker you won't have to worry about it |
| couple hundred people in a room their clothing acts like | | | | because they already did. |
| giant sponge. | | | | In conclusion, go with your instincts and go with your |
| Power Consumption and output- This is an opportunity | | | | own ears. Never trust a buddy in this industry because |
| for me to talk about efficiency. Efficiency is the | | | | of course sound is very subjective. Make sure you |
| second most important factor when determining | | | | look at buying a speaker as an investment instead of |
| speaker selection. Even in powered speakers. You | | | | a purchase. Keep in mind efficiency as will haunt you |
| must keep in mind that the amplifiers that will be | | | | when you have to purchase the big amp to go with it |
| needed to power your speakers take power | | | | which will tend to set you back another $500-$2,000 |
| obviously. In most places you will be able to find | | | | depending on the brand, but as always turn to a |
| enough power for your amplifier or speakers. I | | | | professional who deals with these three pieces of the |
| recommend QSC PLX2 amplifiers because of their | | | | puzzle everyday. |