PA Size

[AcidQueen]

I'm in a 3-piece band, and we are looking to add vocals. We already have a Shure SM58 mic, but need a PA to run it through. We are currently using a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and a bass run through a Fender FM212 along with the drums. Would this be loud enough? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Live/Sound/Packaged/Systems?sku=632200

Or would we need something bigger?

[Aes820]

I think you'll be a lot better off getting something bigger and more profesional.

Something like that might be alright for practising at low levels with. Or for like acoustic groups.
But I think it will struggle to keep up with the rest of a band, with drums.

A PA is one of the bigger investments that a band will ever have to make. And it will be worthwhile to get something that will last.
Unfortunatley, this often will cost a fair amount of money.

Packaged setups are easy to use tho. And often include everything you need to even run vocals through them at small gigs.
Look for smething by Yamaha or Peavey. Maybe with around 2x 300 watts. Some of those setups are still fairly reasonably priced.

[MizouNut]

My old band had either that exact piece, or something very similar. Frankly put, it sucked.

We practiced indoors, drumset and all, and it never cut through. What we ended up doing was putting the vocals through a spare guitar amp to make them heard.

And yes, I know practicing indoors with a drummer isn't the best way to gauge something.. But the vocals weren't very audible with nothing else happening. It was sad, really.

[pitchfork]

Yeah anythings better than a guitar amp, especially if you are running bass through it.

[Loser Boy Jay]

Bigger is always better. My band is relativly small, playing house parties and such, but we have a 1200watt Amp with two Peavey 2x15 cabinets, an 8 channel board and 8 band eq. Of course the eq is not necessary but I would suggest something like this for anyone else starting out. One thing that can really ruin a show is your PA not being able to give what you need.

[PremierManiac]

Bigger is always better.
Um...No

Bigger (and/or louder) is not always better. Good sound quality is what makes a PA good, not sheer volume.

[thelemon32]

I also had that system in the last band I was in. Just like MizouNut said, it never cut through enough. I play drums and would try to play softer at times, but I still overpowered the sound coming out. Get a bigger one.