I'd like to echo what Andrew said, and offer a couple more thoughts based on our now 9 months of experience in PAS-land.

First, your guitarists will be the toughest sells. Even if they're using PODs or whatever already, the frequency response curve of the PAS is very different from the low-midrangy sound they're probably used to. Get the guitarists sold on the idea and you're 3/4 of the way there.

Second, as Andrew said, you have to forget the idea that you're going to sound onstage the same way you've gotten used to sounding. You're now gonna sound like what the audience hears, which is something totally different. And, if you're clever, you're going to be a lot quieter than you've been in the past. We just don't need to play as loud as we're used to playing. The PAS projects a reasonable SPL into the audience from reasonable stage sound levels, unlike standard systems. So, turn down! This will let you hear your fellow players a lot better and should improve your dynamics, interplay, and other factors.

The PAS environment is more than just an equipment upgrade. It is an entire paradigm shift in onstage operation. It doesn't come easy for most of us, particularly old timers like me who've been having their pants legs blown around by floor wedges and guitar amps for 30 or more years. You've gotta look at the big picture and adjust to the whole change of environment.

And, as you grow older, you'll really appreciate the size/weight thing. If I never haul a double-15 cabinet anywhere again in my life, I'll be happy. It's kinda like when people put B3's and Rhodes pianos into boxes (synth modules). How many B3's do you see folks hauling around these days?

- dennis62, July 30, 2005 -

full thread here