Comments on: How To Power Your Busking & Gigging Equipment Outdoors

By: Belinda

Belinda — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:09:50 +0000

Hi Kier, thanks for the quick answer! .. Yes, it isn’t a pure sine wave – so it may not be suitable. Just wanted something neat – I’ll have a look around for battery amp solution – I did look at the deep cycle/inverter combination – but it was going to cost at least twice as much for that set up. (We probably need one of the Halford things anyway, just for general purpose use, so I’ll let you know if it’s of any value just for short term use which is what we want it for at the moment .. i.e. an hour or so somewhere)..

Thanks again, Cheers, Belinda

By: Kier

Kier — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:33:00 +0000

Hi, I believe the Halfords power packs have a modified sine wave inverter included, which to be honest, may work, but is not the best thing to run a keyboard from due to the electronics involved. It may suit for a gig or two but I wouldn’t want it as a permanent solution. Whatever you do, if you buy it, make sure you test it at volumes first to ensure it works and doesn’t create excessive noise/fuzz etc. through your speakers… and ensure you can take it back if you’re not happy. The compressor is for pumping up tyres.

If you are going to spend a lot on that, you may want to put in an extra few pounds and find a permanent solution such as ready made all in one battery amp or pure inverter setup etc. . There are a few recommended on these busking pages.

I hope that helps a little..

Cheers

By: Belinda

Belinda — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:30:21 +0000

Hi Kier, thanks for the great information…. my daughter has just begun live performances (indoor and out!) and so have had to do research on portable equipment and found this site invaluable.

I have a quick question for you, we have a portable pa (street cube) – but we’ve to do a small show in a shopping center next week – and where our ‘charity’ group are .. there’s no power supply being given – Daughter has a Korg SP-250 stage piano – 12v Dc input and I think it eats about 42w or so.. I was wondering .. would a “Halfords Power Pack 200 with Compressor ” (not sure about why I’d need a compressor… ??) – rather than go to the expense of an inverter and deep cycle battery? Also .. it looks handier … Thanks..

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:59:03 +0000

Thanks Kier for the advice. And Harding, I’ll be considering that one, it sounds good for its price.

By: Harding

Harding — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:38:45 +0000

Kathryn,

Peavey Solo battery powered busking amp. http://www.peavey.com/products/proaudio/publicaddress/solopa/index.cfm/item/93630/Solo%20PA.html Can be found second hand on ebay for under £40. The best and most practical cheap busking amp in my opinion.

By: Kier

Kier — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:42:00 +0000

Hi Kathryn, it all depends what type of guitar you are getting and where you intend to busk$. If you get an acoustic, there is every chance you’ll be able to busk and sing without an amp if you’re in a typical town street situation. With an electric, you’ll need an amp and maybe some fx to help your sound. The amp you get depends on your budget so I’d wait until you’re good enough to busk and have some cash saved before you splash out on a good busking amp. If you haven’t got much cash I’d go for a second hand cheap amp bought from the local paper or internet until you are clear about what you need it for. i.e. acoustic, vocals, electric etc. Check out some amp reviews online to see which one is best suited and most affordable for your needs.

Cheers

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:43:20 +0000

I’m 12 years old and I really want to start busking. I sing by myself and I’m getting a guitar for christmas that I’ll want to use. I don’t have an amp, but I do have Singstar microphones. Would they work? I’m on an extremely tight budget. I can’t figure out what type of amp would be best for my situation, but I know I won’t be able to go busking without one. Could you suggest some to me?

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:32:08 +0000

To all Sound Engineers/Audio techis

I do a lot of outdoor parties. What would be the best battery/Generator setup to cater to 20 ppl at a distance 10 ft?

My setup

We play a lot of progressive and trance music. so the current setup includes a 40 watt RMS 4000 PMPO low power 2 channel amplifier which is connected to a AC rechargeable car battery. Two 8inch 50 watt 2 way speaker are connected to the amplifier. We are able to achieve 14 – 16 hrs of continuous backup when playing at 3/4 volume on the amplifier.I am only able to achieve reasonable amount of sound. I want to achieve more loudness,more bass and a good thump at a distance of 10 feet while not compromising much on the battery. Now my questions are

How much more sound can the amplifier support.
Is it better to use just one monitor instead of two 8 inch speakers
If yes what would be the configuration( I.e Ohms, Impedance, Watts, RMS )

Budget is also a concern. Max 300$ and we rent the battery
Also if possible forward me links which I can read on as there is very little

By: Seam

Seam — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:10:46 +0000

I am part of a acoustic duet who is looking to start busking with my partner. What rig would best suit 2 vocals, and an acoustic guitar? Thanks

By: Kier

Kier — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:00:39 +0000

Hi Tom, as I always say, your set up depends solely on your individual requirements and cash outlay. Take a read of all of my guides as linked in my comment on the 23th and hopefully that should help you choose the best way to go.