Passport 500

[Brad Little]

Anybody have any thoughts on the Fender Passport 500? I'm in the market for a small PA. It would be for use in places up to about 50 people, hopefully more cafe than outright bar. Up to 3 mikes and a couple guitars, although guitars could also go through a dedicated amp (I have a Strawberry Blonde). I've read some comments that the speakers are not real good, but wonder how the head would drive other speakers. I do have an old set of PA speakers, 15" with a horn, IIRC, that always sounded good with my old Yamaha PA head (I'm talking 60s-70s). I'd rather not have to use them because at my age and with my back, it's getting harder to shchlep stuff around. Anyhow, 13% off until midnight at MF, so I'm hoping for quick feedback.
Brad

 

[skinny]

Brad,
This maybe a little late but..
A buddy of mine has been using an older Passport (250?) for the last five or so years professionally.
He travels the country playing music at retirement communities as a solo act. He's a woodwind player and (depending on the room) he mics up a couple of horns and a vocal mic and plays/sings over his recorded arrangements of '40's WWII classics.
I know he likes the Passport for the all-in-one portability, and by now, the durability. His is beat up but still ticking loud and clear.
But he is using it for "captive audiences", unlike a cafe with the din of possible back round chatter etc.
I myself can say I've played through some really crappy PA's at nite clubs / bars that sounded horrible compared to that little
Fender Passport.
Hope this helps. Oh, and find out what the MF return policy is on PA equipment :wink:
Happy hunting!

skinny

 

[Brad Little]

Skinny,
Thanks for the feedback. It turns out there was no hurry as the MF 13% off sale didn't apply to Fender products (fine print), so I'll wait until I actually have a need for one. I'll probably go for the Passport 500, if only because it has a USB port and the capability of recording .wav files directly onto a flash drive.
Brad