Which powered speakers should I buy

I am looking to buy some powered speakers, here is what I need.

mic in, with volume control
line in, with volume control

Link out line level
Link out to a second passive cab.

Bass and Treble controls

12" +1" drivers, with top hat fitting for stand mounting.


What can you suggest. I have been looking at the LD systems cabs, as they seem good for the money, but I have not heard them in action yet.

Main use will be speech and background music.

I would also look at anything from the Proel Stable. There are a couple of brands they cover. FBT, Proel etc.

Thanks Tony,

I am just thinking ahead for next year. I have a few bookings already where this sort of cab will be really useful.

Like all gear, there is good and bad. If you're buying new, it will be easy to get it demo'd. I've never had any equipment like that, so I don't have a useful opinion about them, apart from only wanting to buy the best.

Studiospares own brand are supposed to be very reliable.

I would personally avoid Ecler. I specced a system with RCF powered speakers for a local school earlier this year and due to budgetary restraints, and without checking with me, they went for Ecler (PhiloS?) instead. When delivered and set-up they sounded (just) OK but within 2 days of light use the HF on one cab had gone. It's replacement was totally mismatched to the original remaining cab - I measured 6db down on it's partner @ 100hz (really noticeable - as they decided on no subs as well) and I didn't think it was worth the bother testing elsewhere on the spectrum. One fault I can accept but two faults from three speakers is unacceptable - IMHO shows poor quality control, and I couldn't trust using recommending them again.

Just my 2 pence worth.

Merry Xmas,
Jazomir

+1 on the studiospares range, had 10" / 12" versions for a couple of years no proplems.

Steve

Funny about the Ecler. Back in the day I've seen their amps dripping in condensation night after night in Ibiza, never missed a beat. Sign of the times...

I never realized that studio spares did speakers, in spite of having their catalogue. I guess they went and bought a reasonable chinese OEM range. It's unlikely Studio spares had anything to do with their creation. Still if there ok, that's all that matters.

They use Soundking Tony. £80 odd for a not bad JBL clone 18"driver. Annoying thing is there were better drivers they could have copied, their version a little easy to blow below 60hz, just like the originals.
Somewhere on SP I posed the T&S which SK very helpully translated and sent over. The Studio Spares passive crosovers are damn lovely, very well built and available separate. Some of the 15's are a little ineficient though. Like Thomman, Studiospares are up in prices now, due to the pound.
Proell seem to have great resale value, can't match Mackie though, people just bid and bid on them...bit like Berry 2500's, Ebay madness.

www.studiospares.com/PA-Speakers ... nvt/248630