The time has come for me to install some speakers in my function room . Its not the biggest in the world but about 6mx18m with about 3m ceilings. The dance floor is about 6mx4m. At present I have no name 15" tops with 15" homemade subs which sound ok but great room for improvment. The problem being it tends to blow the sound down the room and I would like to say fly speakers over the dance floor, keeping sound over the people less bodies to absorb the noise and hence relatively quieter for a given level. I have seen both Alesis ProVenue 1501 and Alto Elvis 15`s for around £300 the Alesis being polycarb with fly points and Alto particle board with only top hat fixing. Oh quick note I use a Quantum amp delivering 400w rms into 8ohm, so plenty of go for the size room. I intend to add better subs when finances allow and parrallel them up. Both speakers have a similar spl of 98db so will kick the skytec bunch into touch at 91db. Any comments or advice would be most welcome as I intend to take the plunge this weekend. Sorry for long post and thanks for taking the time to read it. Best regards Andy.

I have been using the Alessis 1501 speakers for over a year and so far
no complaints or problems.

It's the same story from everyone I know who uses them.

I recently upgraded to EV Eliminators (subs and full range) but have
kept the Alessis for smaller events. I did think about selling the Alessis
but have been really pleased so decided to hang onto them for a bit.

Added plus - they keep their value well - possibly not as well as the
more expensive brands but certainly better than the others in the same
price bracket if you buy new (I had a couple of offers when friends knew
I was upgrading).

All the best and I hope this helps, Chris.

Hi,

The Alto seem to have a good reputation on the forum, i've never used them personally but the general feedback seems to be positive from several people. You can get hardware kits to convert general cabs to be flown, however make sure that it is done correctly and securely - the last thing you want is for your speakers to become part of your dancefloor .

Flying full range or mid and top speakers is good advice and will make a big difference but bass bins or subs need to remain at floor level. Some venues build the cabs in to the wall space, others just keep them around the dancefloor but what you choose to do with these obviously depends on the venue layout.

Keeping the main volume on the dancefloor is again the correct thing to do, however if you find that the seating area is too quiet, or the sound echos then a good idea is to build around the seating area some good quality background music speakers - the JBL Control range are very good for this sort of application. Pipe them from a seperate low wattaged amp and you'll be able to keep your seated audience in touch with the disco but at a suitable level to allow them to talk.

You may find that you don't need to install smaller speakers because of the overspill from the dancefloor is adequate but it's just an idea which works well if the dancefloor is some distance away from the seating area, or the sound is muffled because the main speakers are pointing away from them.

Yes got the Alesis pros and they rock but need to find some flying hardware Possibly some generic u brackets..any help guys.. I will be suspending from three 10x4 rafters so about four kgs on each screw mount. Best regards Andy

missed my manners thanx for all the prompt replies