Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Economy Sound Equipment

This is topic Economy Sound Equipment in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Bhaskar Dhungana (Member # 1283) on 02-01-2004, 03:26 AM:

Hi,

I'm trying to make a package of sound equipment for a real economy job (mostly used equipment). There are lots of equipment around but I don't know what to select. I need surround sound but digital is not necessary.

1. Which processor should I choose?

2. Which used amps and speakers available in the market would give me a decent sound?

Bhaskar

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 02-01-2004, 05:39 AM:

I am great fan of the Dolby CP55. Sounds good if carefully aligned, near bulletproof design and easy to use. Can be upgraded for use with Digital too. CP65 would be on the list too.

As for speakers, your choice there depends on the job itself, size of the room, available space behind the screen etc.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 02-01-2004, 10:49 AM:

I'm with Pete and am a big fan of the CP-55/65. The 55 can also be upgraded as your funds permit you to do so. Expect to pay alot more for aused 65 as they already ahve everything you'd need.

As for speakers it would all depend on what you can get in that part of the world. Your government is not famous the world over for allowing alot of outsourced equipment into its country! Perhaps they've loosened up a bit though. I like JBL alot and the 4675 is hard to beat and is sometimes available used. Beware though of the older hf drivers not sounding nearly as good as the recent drivers do. Any high quality amplifier will work fine but if reliability is a big issue go with QSC or Crown equipment.

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 02-01-2004, 11:28 AM:

I guess some people have different notions of "economy." I'm surprised that no one has suggested a Kelmar 50 watt all-in-one mono system with a Voice of the Theatre speaker behind the screen. This combination can actually sound OK if the room acoustics are good.

For Dolby Stereo on a budget, the CP50 is hard to beat, considering that they can be had for ~$500 with upgraded matrix and EQ cards or a bit more with SR cards. With upgrades, these can sound just as good as the CP200 and better than CP65s with "fake SR" (cat 222 SR/A) cards. Not easy to use with digital, though.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 02-01-2004, 11:28 AM:

All of the above suggestions are on the mark, but for real economy I've gotten some very decent mono sound using a PA amp with mic input and a decent PA speaker. I guess it's all a question of how you define "economy"!

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 02-01-2004, 11:51 AM:

Good point on what some people consider "economy." For example, the original post mentioned surrounds, but not necessarily three speakers behind the screen. A 'mono surround' system (hi SG!) would certainly not be my first choice, but if it sounded good and that's all the money I had....

It's hard to make any real recommendations without knowing about how big the theater is and what kind of money is avaiable. I understand a buyer doesn't want to, 'tip their hand' but my suggestions would be very different if I knew the buget had $3000 or $10,000.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 02-01-2004, 12:28 PM:

There is lots of good equipment on the market at a very reasonable price. It is a matter of taking suggestions like the gentlemen above have offered, and equally important is to shop around and ask questions like you have.

However, on the flip side of the coin, there is some equipment you should stay clear of. Some of the equipment may ge very good, but overseas field support may be absolutely deplorable.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 02-01-2004, 02:08 PM:

Gentlemen.....Where................ Here [uhoh]

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 02-01-2004, 02:18 PM:

How about this?

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 02-01-2004, 02:19 PM:

Field support in some parts of Asia puts us to shame with well trained techs with full service gear. Besides JBL there is KRIX of Australia, P audio of Thailand, SAAT of Korea, with some audio gear in the region.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 02-01-2004, 03:11 PM:

Beima also is a source of amplifiers and speakers that I have been told is very good

Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 02-01-2004, 03:39 PM:

John Eickhof has an ad under EQUIPMENT WANTED/FOR SALE in this
forum. His list is extensive and is available from him via
email. Just 'click' the WHO Icon and you will find his address.

fjn [Roll Eyes]