Early in my career as a bandleader, I decided that I would eventually need my own sound system for concerts and venues that did not provide one. I had targeted park districts and festivals as my market, since they were reasonably funded and the concerts were during the day or early evening.

A sound system powerful enough for 300 or more was going to cost nearly $2,000. I set out to buy it in phases, using gig proceeds. First, I got a Mackie 1402 mixer and Fender powered monitor speakers. I made that decision because I could get a lot for the money that way, and the most expensive component, the speakers would be purchased last. However, I bought a passive mixer, meaning that the speakers would have to provide their own amplification, in other words, they would be powered speakers. Had I known then what I know now, I would have gotten a powered mixer, meaning that I could buy less expensive and less heavy speakers.

Once I had the mixer and the monitors, I got mikes for the band and myself, then adding wireless mikes for myself.

During this time, most venues had sound systems or were willing to provide them. The ones that didn’t, I was able to get along for a while with my Fender monitor speakers, and the amps of the bass player and guitarist. Together, these were enough for crowds of up to 100.

Then, Munster (IN) Parks and Recreation wanted to book me and wanted me to provide sound. The gig wasn’t going to pay enough for me to lay out $1200 for a pair of Mackie powered speakers, the minimum necessary, so I contacted a store my bass player recommended to see what a system rental would cost.

With me providing the mikes, I could get a system that we thought would be powerful enough for 300. The system included 2 each of Yorkville Y115 and Y150 speakers, stands for the Y115, the Yorkville powered mixer M-810 and a few mike stands and cords, enough to get me through. It was going to cost under $100, which I could afford. I provided the mikes and the monitors; my son was the sound guy for a reasonable fee. Once I figured all that out, it was easy to sign the contract Munster Parks offered.

The Y115s were there to provide better treble; the Y150s handled the bottom end. The 4 speakers were set up, 2 on each side of the stage. The Y115s were on speaker stands and were easy to set up, weighing less than 40 pounds. We were in a moderate sized park with 300 people expected. During the sound check, I ran my CD through the system. The sound was clear and loud enough throughout the area where the audience would sit. There was good fidelity at low, moderate and high volumes.

In the gig itself, the audience seemed attentive through the gamut of volumes that we played. There were musicians in the audience and they commented during the break on how well the sound was.

The gig ended a big success. Everybody played up a storm, the Munster Parks Director, who was present, loved it, the crowd loved it, and I sold a decent amount of CDs off the stage. Being able to rent a great sounding set of speakers at a reasonable price was crucial. Without this system, it wouldn’t have happened.

The Y115 has 1 inch and 15 inch speakers, with 200 watts output. It requires being powered by a powered mixer or amplifier. The frequency response is 60 – 16,000 Hz; the front dimensions are 15 x 24.5 inches. Other features include a strap handle, plywood box and stand mounts. The inputs are 2 1/4" jacks and make this a stereo speaker.

I figure the speakers are durable or else the store wouldn't be renting them.

This model was a passive model. Musiciansbuy.com shows it for $259. The powered version is listed at $479.

This set of speakers did a great job. I would happily rent them again for a similar sized gig. For what the powered speakers would cost, there is no reason for me to buy them, particularly since my mixer is not powered. If you already have a powered mixer, these speakers would be an excellent choice.

5 stars.

Thanks for reading. God bless!
Please check out my reviews of the rest of my sound system and items I use in performance:
Fender 1270P Powered Monitor Speaker
Shure SM-57 mike
AKG C1000s Twin Pack Microphones
Audix 0M3 mike
Audix D4 mike
Sony CFD-G500 Boom Box
AMT Roam 1 wireless mike
Audio Technica Pro-35x wireless mike
Gator 2W Case for 2 Wireless Mikes
Band In A Box 2007 Megapak for Windows
Roland Dr. Beat DB-66 metronome


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 99 rental