Small PA for acoustic sets

Hi guys,

Can anyone recommend a small PA for gigs in small to medium pubs.

Two acoustic guitars, a vocal and a laptop for Ableton and samples.

I have got a little Mackie 1202 VLZ3 mixer which I can use.

I have been studio based for 15 years and have absolutely no idea.

Any help, brand names, prices, output size or anything would be marvellous.

Thank you in advance.

Dan.

Have you checked this on the web?

This looks like a useful link. Also are you able to post what budget you have to work with?

Personally I would recommend against the small "PA package" systems, and instead suggest a Class D powered speaker or two combined with your passive mixer.

I use and really like the QSC K series. I've gotten away with a single K8 for small acoustic sets, and otherwise use two K10s and either a QSC KW181 or York LS200P subwoofer for larger one- and two-man band shows with backing tracks.

The 2xK10 + KW181 setup was even enough for a 200-person indoor event with a full band including drums - though it was a quietish Beatles tribute, not a huge metal show with 100-watt backline.

Electro-Voice also has the ELX112P, and there are several other manufacturers who make a comparable active speaker at a similar price. In my experience, I've found that even small kit of 'high-end amateur/low-end pro' quality like the K-series or ELX usually outperform something like a Fender Passport (including the biggest ones) in terms of clarity and loudness.

I hope that helps -

Matt