BFM system review.

[vlad335]

Last night we set up the full system and did a soundcheck prior to the gig we have tonight. I wanted to get the system in a large room as opposed to the basement to see what it could do. Snapped a quick pic as soon as the PA was hooked up.



The absolute first thing I wanted to try was the kick drum. Let me tell you, I am very surprised. Had the drummer hitting the kick and brought up the slider and DAMN! Bass drum instantly filling the room. So much so that it startled me initially and a ceiling tile crashed to the floor. I shit you not! (Everyone in the band got a big kick out of that.) However, I can't say the same for the bowling league nextdoor. They immediately sent someone to tell us to turn down and soundcheck was on hold for awhile.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is two power amps. A QSC RMX 1850HD running the highs and a QSC PLX1202 on the subs. I used to have a system a couple years ago with 5 power amps and we are talking bridged Macrotechs into 4 carvin 18's. This system kicks it's ass!

The Titans V-plated in the center are incredible. It's almost inconceivable to get this much output from two 15" speakers. Surprisingly, the band didn't give me any trouble about setting up this way either. In fact, everyone said that they thought it was cool and very unique. Also, everyone seemed to be drawn to standing in front of them while I was playing CD's. Pure clean bass!

I need to say something about the Omnitops as well. Very efficient and crystal clear. I walked out in front while playing and you could hear every instrument clearly defined. I could even hear the tips of the drumsticks hitting the highhats like I was standing right next to them! I have often stepped out right in front of the PA but have never heard anything quite like this before. What you read on this forum is true, piezo arrays are amazing!

I am looking forward to tomorrow night. Actually I'm pretty hyped up and can't sleep right now. Wow! Didn't even get a chance to dial in the room EQ and it still sounded amazing.

Will post a follow up after the gig.

[Mikey]

Be sure to bring a crow to the gig ... I want to see a picture of the drummer eating it!

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

As cool as they look there the T48s would have done just as well next to the wall on the left under the stack. Perhaps even better. Rule of thumb with subs, keep them less than 3 feet or more than eight feet from walls. You probably didn't need both OTop sets either, two 2x12 would have been enough, maybe even just the two 1x12. Once the new toy effect wears off and you get used to what they can do you'll start thinking more about using less, especially around 2AM.

[David Robinson]

Looks good! Glad to hear the band was impressed. I'm anxiously awaiting the post gig review.

Just a thought...maybe y'all need to invest in some lighting ...

[vlad335]

As cool as they look there the T48s would have done just as well next to the wall on the left under the stack. Perhaps even better. Rule of thumb with subs, keep them less than 3 feet or more than eight feet from walls.

Thanks Bill. I actually thought about that when we first arrived. Going back over to aim the lights this afternoon so I am definately going to move them. (Should have read the placement sticky again.) Should I aim them at the wall or just slide them over with the back of one T-48 about 16" from the wall? We have time today to mess around with placement.

You probably didn't need both OTop sets either, two 2x12 would have been enough, maybe even just the two 1x12.

I do have to point out that the pic is deceptive. This room is huge. What's pictured is probably about an 1/8 of the total area.
This is a new way of thinking. Too much PA? I have never been faced with this delinma before. (Nice problem to have.) Before, it was always been never enough using direct radiators.

Once the new toy effect wears off and you get used to what they can do you'll start thinking more about using less, especially around 2AM.

Haha! New Toy Effect is certainly in play here. The PA speakers are no big deal to me but I am going to have to get a different mindset for sure. The PA speakers weigh nothing compared to what I used to use. The big problem at 2AM is those damn lights! Also, if you look to stage right, the retarded huge bass rig I'm using. It sounds great but as I now know how efficient your designs are, it's getting moved up the upgrade list.

[vlad335]

Be sure to bring a crow to the gig ... I want to see a picture of the drummer eating it!

He hasn't said a word. I'm not bringing anything up either as we haven't actually played the gig yet.

[Sydney]

maybe y'all need to invest in some lighting

It looks like you have about 24 of those PAR heaters.
Together they probably use more power than your PA and instrument amps.
I guess if I was starting from scratch for a lighting system I'd look long and hard at LED lights for a cooler more efficient system.
Is it always assumed that bands in Latrobe area have to provide lights?
I've noticed bands in different areas don't - for instance some NYC bands don't carry lights or PA equipment - they plug to house stuff.

[Mikey]

Be sure to bring a crow to the gig ... I want to see a picture of the drummer eating it!

He hasn't said a word. I'm not bringing anything up either as we haven't actually played the gig yet.

Given how much he had to say about it before-hand, it'll be interesting to see if he's man enough to come forward on his own, admit he was wrong, and apologize.

The system looks really sweet. You did a great job.

if you look to stage right, the retarded huge bass rig I'm using. It sounds great but as I now know how efficient your designs are, it's getting moved up the upgrade list.

O15TB?

[SoundInMotionDJ]

I've noticed bands in different areas don't - for instance some NYC bands don't carry lights or PA equipment - they plug to house stuff.

Given the size of the clubs, and the constraints on parking - it's not a surprise that the venue would provide the PA system. House systems can be flown, and not take up floor space. Band PA tends to be floor mounted. Parking anywhere in NYC is at a premium...so a band that had to bring in a trailer or van would have a hard time finding somewhere to leave that while they were playing.

I was *stunned* at how small the Manhattan clubs were...but they were still crammed with people. There is *no way* that would have passed muster with the fire marshal in Texas.

--Stan Graves

[vlad335]

It looks like you have about 24 of those PAR heaters.

20

Together they probably use more power than your PA and instrument amps.

THats another reason that BFM speakers were such a Godsend. When I used to use the stupid Direct Raditor PA with all the poweramps, it was a constant worry.

I guess if I was starting from scratch for a lighting system I'd look long and hard at LED lights for a cooler more efficient system.

I have checked out the LEDs and am definately headed in that direction in the future. what better way to complement the efficiency of a BFM rig?

I bought most of this system on Ebay from a guy in Philly. $800 pickup only. 6hour drive one way. Loaded the lights in 10 min... 6 hours back. Awesome deal!

Is it always assumed that bands in Latrobe area have to provide lights?

Yep.

The big lighting rig is all me. I think if people are paying a cover you should entertain them and give them something to look at as well as hear. Granted... It's a major pain in the ass to setup and tear down but everyone loves it. Thats what it is all about.

[SoundInMotionDJ]

if you look to stage right, the retarded huge bass rig I'm using. It sounds great but as I now know how efficient your designs are, it's getting moved up the upgrade list.

O15TB?

T39 + OT1x12? (Since, according to Bill, you may have two "spare" OT1x12's that you don't need for PA... )

--Stan Graves

[vlad335]

The system looks really sweet. You did a great job.

if you look to stage right, the retarded huge bass rig I'm using. It sounds great but as I now know how efficient your designs are, it's getting moved up the upgrade list.

O15TB?

Thanks!

Going to persue the bass speaker upgrade next. That cab is high on the list.

Well off to the venue!

[David Robinson]

I guess if I was starting from scratch for a lighting system I'd look long and hard at LED lights for a cooler more efficient system.

.

I have checked out the LEDs and am definately headed in that direction in the future. what better way to complement the efficiency of a BFM rig?

The big lighting rig is all me. I think if people are paying a cover you should entertain them and give them something to look at as well as hear. Granted... It's a major pain in the ass to setup and tear down but everyone loves it. Thats what it is all about.

We jumped on the LED bandwagon this year. We use two of the rectangular panels in the back for a wash and four of the smaller round panels up front (two on each side). The lack of heat is indeed a welcomed blessing, as is the size. The entire rig (minus stands) takes up less pack space than a bar of four Par38 cans. No gels, no blown bulbs to worry about either.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

As cool as they look there the T48s would have done just as well next to the wall on the left under the stack. Perhaps even better. Rule of thumb with subs, keep them less than 3 feet or more than eight feet from walls.

Thanks Bill. I actually thought about that when we first arrived. Going back over to aim the lights this afternoon so I am definately going to move them. (Should have read the placement sticky again.) Should I aim them at the wall or just slide them over with the back of one T-48 about 16" from the wall?

Aimed at the wall should give the best result. Aimed away the system mouth will be in that 3-8 foot zone where you don't want it to be.

[vlad335]

As cool as they look there the T48s would have done just as well next to the wall on the left under the stack. Perhaps even better. Rule of thumb with subs, keep them less than 3 feet or more than eight feet from walls.

Thanks Bill. I actually thought about that when we first arrived. Going back over to aim the lights this afternoon so I am definately going to move them. (Should have read the placement sticky again.) Should I aim them at the wall or just slide them over with the back of one T-48 about 16" from the wall?

Aimed at the wall should give the best result. Aimed away the system mouth will be in that 3-8 foot zone where you don't want it to be.

Arghhh! Thats exactly what I did! Going to run back over and switch it the other way. Thank you Bill.