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Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby wweiss » 17 Aug 2020, 05:48

I've read on this website great reviews for a stereo pair of QSC K8.2 and was just about to place an order.
But I've also read and seen some good YouTube videos on the RCF Evox J8
Price difference is: $1,300 for a pair of QSC's $2,000 for the pair of RCF's In an earlier post I said I wanted to keep it under $1,000 but I'm willing to spend the extra $ for the best system.
I don't like buying used or B stock.
I'm playing acoustic gigs/small venues. I heard the RCF throws further with 120 degree coverage, but I don't think that will come into play in small venues. The RCF has a 12 inch subwoofer. My vocalist plays light percussion so this would be a plus. If anyone knows the weight of the sub by itself it would be greatly appreciated because of a back injury I can't lift 50 Lbs. I'm looking for the cleanest keyboard/vocal sounds. I know QSC has a great reputation for a crystal clear high end with incredible headroom, so wondering if RCF can beat it. I hate buying without A/B ing in the store but I don't think that's going to happen:(
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Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?


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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby cphollis » 17 Aug 2020, 16:57

I think the moderators would appreciate keeping everything on a single thread :)

When it comes to amplification, it's different tools for different situations. At least, this is what I tell myself as I have way too much amplification gear, even after selling a bunch!

Regardless of what you decide, just calling an online reseller and asking for a better price on "new, unopened" will still save you big money without getting into used or b-stock. I have had the best luck with DJ supply houses vs. music retailers. A ten minute phone call can easily save you several hundred dollars.

I think a pair RCF Evox J8s are going to be more than you need for most modest indoor gigs, especially if you're there as background music and not the center of attention. A pair of QSC K8.2s (or potentially CP8s) will sound great, provide plenty of coverage, deliver moderate bass thump, and are very easy to schlep.

Maybe at some point you add a small sub, maybe not. The "deep mode" of the K8.2s has to be heard to be appreciated.

If, however, the venue is larger (or you're playing outdoors) or you're part of a full electric band (lead guitar, enthusiastic drums, etc.), or maybe you want to be the center of attention -- the J8s will take you to the next level. In that role, the K8.2s are wonderful as floor monitors.

I don't have the J8s handy, so I can't weigh the sub component. Shipping weight is 52 lbs, so I'd guess you're right at 45 lbs for the sub unit. It's made of dense plastic, so not inherently heavy. Get one of those small folding hand trucks people use for their luggage, and weight won't be an issue.

If your situation is unlikely to change in the future, then I'd stick with a pair of QSCs (or similar) and go from there. If you're like me and play with a variety of bands in widely different venues, then you'll end up owning a broader collection of sound gear.

Best of luck!
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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby catosim » 17 Aug 2020, 17:35

I´ve tested both the RCF Evox J8 an QSC K8.2, and I prefer the QSC.
I did add one sub, to get the deep bass as well - and I'm super-happy with this audio set-up :D
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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby wweiss » 17 Aug 2020, 20:58

cphollis, I didn't think the K8.2 has a deep mode. They have a dance and live mode I believe. I read you keep yours on default for the most clarity, is that correct?
I've been reading your past blog and gotten great information, but I'm confused. Many posts you recommend a pair of QSC K8.2's and many people on this site took your advice and bought a stereo pair. Recently I read you are selling everything for a pair of RCF Evox J8. Can you go into more detail why the RCF betters the QSC? Have the RCF Evox's replaced the RCF TT08a? Again confused when you would use the TT08a's over the QSC pair in the same sized venue because I don't think the QSC's lack power. In a live situation can your band mates or your audience know when you use one instead of the other? Playing outdoors is not what I see in my future. 200 people Max.
Would one Evox better the QSC pair?

Also can you update your current Amp Stacking Ranking after you sold everything off. A lot of questions???
Trying to follow in your footsteps with your experience so I buy the right gear once and don't need to buy the next new/best thing in a couple of years.
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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby cphollis » 17 Aug 2020, 23:15

I've sold some stuff, but not enough to make a dent.

Current inventory includes (takes a deep breath!) 2 x QSC K8.2, 2 x RCF EVOX J8, 2 x QSC K10, 2 x Fulcrum Acoustic FA-12ac, 2 x RCF TT08a, 1x Bose L1 Model S, 1 x Bose L1 Compact, a small 5000w Behringer sub and a beefier 2000w 15" RCF sub. Oh yes, and the CPS SSv3 which still gets used. And a Motion Sound KBD unit that mostly gathers dust. We won't talk about a few Roland KC amps that folks have left behind at the studio -- nobody wants them.

Recently sold gear includes 2 x QSC K153, 2 x QSC K12, 2 x QSC K8 and maybe a few other pieces I can't recall. The RCF Evox J8s replace what the QSC K153s did -- decent FOH for outdoors etc. The K12s weren't getting used much, and the legacy K8s were replaced by the updated K8.2s.

For a midsized outdoor gig, I usually bring 2 x RCF Evox J8s for mains, and four of the 8" units for monitors. Sometimes I'll use the CPS SSv3 on stage, sometimes not. Same setup for a larger indoor gig. Depending on the material, sometimes the RCF sub comes along.

For modest indoor gigs (100-200) where we're the center of attention, I'll still go with the RCF Evox J8s and monitors, but no sub. Plenty of bass. For smaller indoor gigs, I'll use the RCF TT08a units as mains, and maybe 2-3 monitors. For teeny-tiny boutique gigs, it's one of the Bose columns strategically placed. For minimal schlep gigs, it's the CPS SSv3 if it's just my keys I'm amplifying.

Sorry, "deep mode" was on the legacy K series. Very effective. I think it's been replaced by "dance mode" on the newer K.2 series. Should be just as effective. I don't use any of the modes, as you state. I'll sometimes use the K8.2s as FOH to reduce wear and tear on the RCF TT08-a units.

The RCF Evox J8s are able to handle more volume and larger venues than the K8.2s or RCF TT08-as. The mini-line-array heads are quite effective, and there's usually enough low end for what we do. Except when the drummer wants his kick drum to stand out, so that's what the sub is for.

You say it's a small group, usually playing smaller venues and audiences. I am *guessing* that you are background entertainment for the most part. A modern pair of 8" speakers as FOH should do you quite well. I think the QSC K8.2s deliver impressive clarity for the $$$, but there are other alternatives.

I think a pair of RCF Evox J8s would be a bit inappropriate for a small, intimate gig -- or when you're background entertainment. If you went that way, one would be plenty. Two 8" speakers would deliver a more satisfying sound stage.

Similarly, if it's 50-200 people and you're the center of attention, you're going to want to deliver some impact, so I'd go with the J8s in that case.

You don't want to follow in my footsteps. I went through an expensive period of churning through amplification gear before I had a working set of equipment that could cover all the different situations my bands play in.

The stack ranking concept doesn't really work so well, as the best gear for a gig really depends on the venue, the audience expectations, the band and the material you'll be playing. What I bring to an acoustic trio in a restaurant isn't what I bring to a raging outdoor festival on someone's farm.

You're going in the right direction, none of your choices are bad. If you stay within what you've described, I think you'd be best served by a nice pair of modern 8" units like the K8.2s.
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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby FZiegler » 18 Aug 2020, 01:06

Sorry for being off topic, Chuck, but what's happened to your in-ear-monitoring experience if you say you're using between 2 and 4 8-inch monitors in your band setups?

I dare talking about monitoring as you, wweis, wanted to have one Evox J8 compared to two QSC K8.2s. Not only the audience is listening to the music, but I'm, too - and I like to hear my NS3C piano sounds in stereo! Which is another topic you can easily find on the forum (with pros and cons).
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Postby wweiss » 18 Aug 2020, 19:35

Was able to demo a single QSC CP8. Specs says it can go up to 124 dB. Typical clean QSC sound but at 105 dB it started to get harsh and clip light was on. No, I don't play at those volumes, but I want something with the extra headroom for the occasions in the future when the future Hendrix plugs in. Would make an
excellent monitor but it's out of the running for my needs.

cphollis, thank you for your responses. You mention you have a Bose L1 Model S. How would a pair of those compare to a pair of the RCF J8 or QSC K8.2 pair? I realize this would be a more expensive way to go than a pair or RCF J8's or QSC K8.2 pair.
At this point after more reading I do want to go with a stereo pair.
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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby cphollis » 18 Aug 2020, 20:17

FZiegler wrote:Sorry for being off topic, Chuck, but what's happened to your in-ear-monitoring experience if you say you're using between 2 and 4 8-inch monitors in your band setups?

I dare talking about monitoring as you, wweis, wanted to have one Evox J8 compared to two QSC K8.2s. Not only the audience is listening to the music, but I'm, too - and I like to hear my NS3C piano sounds in stereo! Which is another topic you can easily find on the forum (with pros and cons).


One band is mostly IEM. The other is most assuredly not. The more I play out in different situations, the more amplification gear seems to accumulate. Interestingly enough, a single NS3C with a weighted action below seems to be more than enough for whatever gets thrown at me: jazz, classic, soul, prog, dance, etc.

I, too, prefer stereo with one caveat: small, intimate acoustic gigs. Bringing a pair of anything takes too much space, has too narrow a sound field, etc. I bring one of the Bose columns to those, and place it behind us. Works great.

@wweiss, I wouldn't recommend a pair of Bose L1s although I'm sure there's someone out there who's doing it and loves it. The Bose columns for me have always been ideal as a single point source for duo/trio acoustic gigs. You put one behind you, so there's no need for monitors, etc. The L1 Compact is a bit low-end, the S covers decent-sized gigs and the full-sized L1 Model II is just too much for those types of gigs.

Yes, the Bose columns sound great, disperse well and it's well-made kit. Cons: pricey unless you buy used, proprietary connectors means you're hosed if something breaks, and they don't get loud enough to keep up with a full-tilt electric band.

If you want something that's loud enough for your keys to cut through a full electric band, it's the K8.2s. If you want something that can FOH a full electric band, it's the J8s. If you want something for intimate acoustic-level gigs where you're not the focus, consider a used Model S.
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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby wweiss » 18 Aug 2020, 20:41

OK
Full volume FOH, J8s
electric band- K8.2s
acoustic-Bose Model S Which bass module B1 or B2?
Where or when do you substitute the RCF TT 08a and the SSV3 ?
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Re: Dual QSC K8.2 or Dual RCF Evox J8?

Postby cphollis » 20 Aug 2020, 14:20

How about this list?

Full band, FOH larger venue -- RCF EVOX J8s with optional sub
Full band, FOH medium venue OR stage monitors -- QSC K8.2 or RCF TT08-a with optional sub
Acoustic act, FOH small venue -- Bose L1 Model 1S or Compact (B2 bass cab)
Pickup gig or jam session, limited FOH -- CPS SSv3
Stage monitors -- QSC K8.2 / RCF TT08-a / QSC K10 (up to six max)

Not accounted for -- Fulcrum Acoustic FA 12ac
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