We are just gettin a band together and I don't know shit about PA's. Is there a place I can go to get educated. Basically I've played guitar for a long time and I'm steppin in front of the Mic for the first time. Advice on what to look for would be awesome.

Great.
Check out FOHonline.com
And try searching live sound.

What info are you wanting to know. Maybe I could help.

I would suggest getting some thing with 300 watts and up if you really want the vocals cut threw a loud band. Also look to see that it has good reverb. Reverb helps make the vocals sound a lot better.

Don't get a powered mixer. If you're playing a rock show, much less metal. Get a full fledge PA. Mics. Mixer. Amps. Loudspeakers.

A pa that can handle up to 300 watts might cut through on quieter parts but you cant guarantee the fans in the back would hear your vocalist. You try to push the amps more than what they can handle and you lose not only your amps but your loudspeakers too.

It wouldn't be worth the money if you're going to get a powered mixer. If you got the money, buy a good pa. It wouldn't be surprising if you spent up to ten grand for a PA that would cut it. Mics, stands, speakers, amps. Your looking at a big chunk of cash. But if you're serious, do it. The world needs more sound guys that are musically inclined. You don't know how many front of house guys know shit about mixing MUSICALLY, much less the mechanics of a PA.

Do research.

You really need to be specific if you're going to get any information. What exactly do you want to know?

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a good book is the "Yamaha sound rienforcement handbook"