Peavey TriFlex System

This is a small mono PA designed for FOH applications using a sub-and-satellite arrangement. The sub uses 2 x 12" speakers in an enclosure in which the horn ports double up as storage for the satellite speakers in transit making a fairly compact portable system. The speakers are heavily built in 3/4 ply with vinyl covering and corner protectors. Crossover is 2 way passive, fitted in the back of the sub, with outputs for the satellite units. The satellites have their own passive crossover for the HF units.

Power rating for the system is 150W rms. the HF units had blown when I acquired the unit so they are replaced with peizos which work well. Connection is by jacks, which seem reliable although XLRs would be easy enough to retrofit. The size if the whole box is about 1m long and 600mm wide/deep.

Overall I'm very impressed with the performance, vocals are crisp, bottom end is solid and the 'throw' of the bass unit is considerable. I usually run vocals and a DI'd bass through the system although it's also been used for brass sections and general music service and in all respects it's delivered.

I fitted castors and extra handles to the unit otherwise it's difficult to manhandle on your own in and out of vans. The satellite speakers are small and light, similar to hi-fi units and can be positioned easily to focus the sound. Frequently we fly them from convenient positions using cable ties. The spigot for the satellites is 16mm, not standard, so you have to make up an adaptor if you're using standard 25/35mm stands.

This system has done hundreds of shows, indoor and outdoor, and has never let me down. Peavey were so ahead of the game in 1987 with the sub-satellite arrangement, a topology which has since been adopted in principle at all levels of the pro-sound industry. For small venues the sightlines are greatly improved and the overall audience experience is enhanced.