Hello,

I am thinking of buying this PA. Has anyone worked with this or have an opinion?

http://www.happieamp.com/gmc100.html

Looks like it's got everything! I know a few local magicians who use the Happie Amp's smaller size for parties and libraries and they are extremely happy with it. I have used a Sound Tech that is about the size you are talking about here. (10" woofer and 3" tweeter) but it is listed at 100 watts. I find it sufficient for all but larger outdoor shows. So the size you are talking about should easily accomodate a gym of 350 kids sitting on the floor.

Thanks Tony! I really appreciate all your advice. I have a small PA system now but it does not have the features like this one does. Plus I was not even looking for one. I came across an ad that someone was selling their GMC 100 for $250. Thought it was a pretty good deal.

By the way, I am leaning towards the Confusing Crayon trick. That seems fun to me.

johnny

I was at a church banquet room tonight. They had a small QSC K-series 8 speaker. It was amazing! The gain was set at half and there was plenty of sound. The highs were crystal clear. (I actually heard someone wad up a piece of paper about 3 feet from the microphone and it came through very clear). And the bass was amazing for an 8 inch woofer. Wow!

It had plenty of inputs but doesn't have the batteries (I don't think) nor the built in mic.

http://www.qscaudio.com/products/speakers/K_Series/series_specifications.php

The Fender Passport is another good system.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=fender+passport

The first version of the Passport was not that impressive. But I believe they started putting in a better quality speaker (Bose?). The Passport is NOT as portable as the GMC and probably not as loud. I just tested out a Mackie SRM 150 last night in a gymnasium. Had to turn it up all the way and it stayed clear at full volume. It is ultra compact. Disadvantage: It is unidirectional. Passport has two 75 watt speakers so you can aim at different parts of the audience.

I purchased the Mackie SRM150 from my brother. It will do a school gym at full volume (kids on floor, not bleachers) and did not distort. Not as strong as I hoped but good for 90% of my shows.

We use the Yamaha StagePas500 system for our mobiles and inhouse PA and it is PHENOMENAL!!!

The soundboard/amp fits in the back of one speaker and all your cords fit in the back of the other! It's so handy for travel!! And the sound is very rich and robust!!

cc

I have a friend with the Yamaha 300 system. Not real portable, but a great sound! Wish it had luggage wheels.

i did mobile dj work back in the 90s and theyre so much lighter than the old rig i used to lug around ...so i was pretty happy...hahaha

they do sell luggage bags for them with wheels...but thats an added expense...

cc

I did a medium sized (250+) gig once and the speakers were ultra sharp and clear. filled the Hall.

I was surprised to take a look and see that they were much smaller than a breadbox. I asked the guy who brought then in what they were. Any guesses?

They were Car speakers.

I think fate stepped in and saved me from making a mistake in getting this PA. I had bought a used one from a place called Comedy Mayhem (which is a whole other story) anyway, the PA was never shipped. I went to the Happie Amp website and was looking to get a new one. I noticed the company discontinued selling them. I emailed Brian (The Owner) and asked why. He responded back and told me the replacement cost for the battery on the GMC 100 was $150.00. He also told me that noticed the quality on the PA system started going down. The company that supplied the PA to his company was not providing good quality control. So if you are interested in purchasing this PA, please do your homework and decide if it is truly best for you. For me, it was not.

Johnny