Bluegrass performers have long experienced frustrations with stage monitors. Being able to hear yourself on stage is always crucial for a solid show, and not every quality picker and singer is a whiz when it comes to sound reinforcement. Many acoustic groups have moved into using in-ear, wireless monitor systems to get around this issue, but they can be costly for part time and semi-pro bands with more than 3 or 4 members.
Galaxy Audio, the folks who first introduced powered personal monitors with their Hot Spot and Micro Spot systems, have introduced a new product, GPS-8, which lands somewhere between the small, mic stand-mounted Hot Spots and their full-sized powered speakers. It is designed to function as both a powered, personal monitor and a scalable PA system for more compact rooms where setting up both house speakers and monitors isn’t convenient.
The wedge shape allows for floor use, or it can be mounted on a speaker stand and placed where both the audience and the performers can hear the output. The GPS-8 has an 8” woofer and a 1” compression driver, and is powered by a 200 watt, two way amplifier with a low end boost. They can be linked together using XLR pass through cables and have four built-in suspension rigging points for permanent installation.
A variable gain control and mic/line switch allows the system to accept most any input signal.
The GPS-8 sells in stores for $199.
More detailed specifications can be found on the Galaxy Audio web site.
