Here’s a look at portable PA systems that’ll handle any throw-and-go gig you might have.
Never underestimate the power of portability—especially when you need to provide the PA. This roundup includes 8 options that aim to balance power, portability, and features along with all the inputs and outputs you might need for a quick-hit gig.
Bose L1 Pro16
This uber-portable line array offers a whopping 16 articulated 2" neodymium drivers to offer maximum coverage without sacrificing low end. The included app also allows for deep EQ control.
$1,899 street
bose.com
Electro-Voice Evolve 30M
This PA can handle up to six inputs, including stereo Bluetooth and RCA connections. It cranks out 1,000 watts and has over 30 different effects you can add to your mix.
$1,399 street
electrovoice.com
JBL PRX ONE
Armed with 2,000 watts of peak power, this PA creates a wall of sound via a dozen 2.5" drivers and a 12" woofer. It also allows you to save 8 presets and includes two USB charging ports.
$1,750 street
jbl.com
Yamaha StagePas 1K MkII
An all-in-one powerhouse of a PA with a 5-channel digital mixer as the heart of the system. It’s fed by an 1,100-watt, class-D power amp along with 10 line-array speakers and a 12" subwoofer.
$1,232 street
yamaha.com
LD Systems Maui 28 G3
This column array includes 12 midrange drivers and two tweeters, and features a cardioid design promising controlled midrange and up to 18 dB rear attenuation.
$1,599 street
ld-systems.com
Turbosound iNSPIRE iP1000
This PA delivers powerful 1,000-watt sound with custom-engineered subwoofers and neodymium drivers. It’s also packed with Klark Teknik DSP, Bluetooth streaming, and iPhone/iPad control.
$849 street
turbosound.com
Mackie SRM-Flex
This portable PA, with a peak output of 1,300 watts , features a 10" LF driver and a 6x2" column array, a 6-channel mixer, and Bluetooth/aux inputs. It also comes loaded with reverb options, sound presets, and remote control via an iOS/Android app.
$899 street
mackie.com
Anchor Audio BEA2-XU4 Beacon 2
A portable PA system that delivers 120 dB of sound thanks to eight 4-inch top speakers and three 8-inch subwoofers. It sports a pair of universal microphone jacks, plus 3.5mm and 1/4-inch aux inputs.
$3,999 street
anchoraudio.com