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
The newest addition to the GB Series ideal for churches and small venues.
Anaheim, CA (January 3, 2008) -- The highly-acclaimed and successful Soundcraft GB Series has added another new member, the Soundcraft GB2R.
This 19-inch rack-mountable mixer is designed specifically for smaller installations in churches and performance venues, or for small portable PA systems.
As always with Soundcraft consoles, emphasis has been placed on operational simplicity, clear and intuitive layout, and the highest possible audio performance. The Soundcraft GB2R inherits both the GB30 mic preamplifier and GB30 equalizer designs from the larger GB4 and GB8.
For ease of installation, the connector section is contained in a rotatable pod, allowing cable access from the top of the mixer if sat on a tabletop or from the rear when mounted in a 19-inch rack.
On the stereo inputs of the 12.2 model, connectors are provided for both mic and line inputs. With mic signals routed to the local channel, the line inputs are available as stereo returns to the main mix bus. Two stereo returns and a two-track (CD replay, for example) input are provided, which means that the GB2R-12.2 model can offer up to 26 inputs to mix in a mixer just 19 inches (485mm) wide.
Every input has a pre/post switchable direct output for recording or effects sends, while an internal universal voltage PSU avoids external power supply connections.The whole GB Series boasts quality engineering and design as one would expect from this high-end manufacturer. Careful attention has been given to the mechanical construction, to ensure reliability and ruggedness under strenuous conditions, with all input modules being constructed with individual vertically-mounted PCBs fitted to the steel chassis front panel with individually-nutted potentiometers.
For more information:
Soundcraft