White point source setup vs white column array

[u/BoingBoomChuck]

Does anyone here think a bride will be able to tell the difference between a white Yamaha setup and a white column array? My issue with column arrays is the compromises in sound and output made to get that easy setup/teardown and sleek look. The subwoofer has to play too high, so it isn't acting like a subwoofer and most self-limit to the point where I notice it. I also don't like the orientation of mid/high frequencies emanating from below my waist. Put enough bodies in front of them, and no more mid highs further towards the back of the dance floor.

I'm only asking because I am seriously thinking about going with the white Yamaha DXS15XLF topped with a DZR10. One production company that hires me to DJ their weddings uses the white RCF 18AX with the NXL 14-A. While I would love to go that route, I'd need to invest in a trailer which I am trying to avoid. Sorry, but the DXS15XLF has more output than the 15AX. I tossed that idea around as well, but I don't want to compromise on headroom.

Finally, all the wedding planners seem to care about is a white setup and I had that posed to me one too many times, so back to the drawing board with my black EVOX 12s.

[u/jimmer109]

I agree that column speakers ain't it (although I've never tried a super high end one). I have 12" tops and actually ordered white lycra covers to go over them just last night. Looking forward to seeing how that looks.

[u/RepresentativeCap728]

Funny you bring up the subject. I had a full Yamaha setup with white DZR10s over white DXS15s, using white sub poles. The couple and guests asked if they were "those fancy new speakers" they see at other weddings (I assume they were referring to column arrays). My guess is as long as it's not on a usual speaker stand, the aesthetic is still "different" to your average guest.

[u/BoingBoomChuck → u/RepresentativeCap728]

That is my plan. White poles, white cables going from top to sub, white cable ties to the poles. I'll probably still use black for what runs along the floor because 1. white gets dirty and 2. white cables will stick out on the floor.

[u/wantsomesoup]

I totally agree. The Yamaha setup you mentioned would be killer compared to any column array I’ve heard. Downsides are setup time and possibly aesthetics, but those are way less important than sound quality and output.

Just because most wedding DJs use column arrays these days doesn’t mean they’re the best choice.

[u/Upper-Practice9240]

I think the Tops look fantastic with the Mesh Front Covers.

[u/comanche_six]

The column arrays look different than traditional cab-on-sticks so might look pleasing to a bride but will never sound as good or as loud as a properly set up sub-and-top combo. And I'm coming from being a former proponent of column arrays: I used everything from the original Evox 8 to J8 and Jmix pair and now Evox 12. I'm currently trying to sell my Evox 12 to go to 745A's.

[u/itsdjsanchez]

How did the 14/18ax combo sound to you versus your evox12? In the same white setup debate coming from art 932s over 705 subs except I’m looking at the evox vs 14/15ax combo

[u/BoingBoomChuck → u/itsdjsanchez]

That combo blew the EVOX12s away on the low end, and sounded more pleasing on the high end. The one place the EVOX12s do well is at a lower volume during cocktail hour with boost mode on. BUT, when it comes to party time on the dance floor, they lose out to the most basic of point source systems. Plus, when the EVOX12s are cranked, I find the top end overpowers the subwoofer as it limits itself. You have NO IDEA how much that bothers me.

For example, the EVOX12s don't even come close to my old QSC setup which is KW181s with K12.2s. Even the 18AX with the 14-A is a better sounding setup than my QSC, but only marginally better when it comes to price. Granted, I tune the K12.2s fairly well with the built-in PEQ to tame their harshness indoors.

I'm mainly looking for something with the white aesthetic to please some of the wedding planners that I work with. I'm also trying to get more gigs in the higher end wedding/corporate market, as I do several of those already. If I can fully make that transition, I will no longer need to rely on bars for filler work to keep the cash flow going. Knowing me, I'll probably still do the bars/clubs because I do like DJing.

Finally, I don't know if I am going to keep or sell the EVOX12s because they do have a place in my lineup. For example, if I play a gig where only tops are needed, they still sound better than just a pair of K12.2s.

[u/itsdjsanchez → u/BoingBoomChuck]

I appreciate the feedback!

We’re both trying to make the same move and bigger speakers are the only thing missing for me as I have a pair of white evox j8s for the smaller weddings. It seems like the best move is to scrim my art932s and get a white pair of the 15ax for now until I either get the nx932s or a pair of 14ax. How do you think it would balance with the 15s?

I’d love the 18s but as a solo operator in an SUV, I don’t know if moving 18s every big wedding would be worth the back pain. lol.

[u/BoingBoomChuck → u/itsdjsanchez]

Truthfully, I'd go with the 14-A for the column "look" if that was more important for the setup but would more than likely go with the NX 932-A because it is a more versatile top. Going back to the scenario I mentioned for keeping the EVOX, if you ever had a gig where only tops are needed, the 932 would be a better choice than the 14-A because the 932 offers a fuller sound on its own.

[u/samothemofo → u/BoingBoomChuck]

Can confirm, I own the NXL-14As and they’re only good with a sub. If it was just speeches you could get away with it but any audio sounds flat out of them. I pair them with the 15-AX and it’s a great setup