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What is the Best Portable PA System for Live Music?

As time goes on, the options that exist in the marketplace to allow for portability of live music equipment is ever-growing. The options become more affordable, thus giving musicians and anyone in need of a portable PA the ability to buy a great option that lasts for years to come. And they will sound great, too.

One of the important points to remember when it comes to sound equipment, is that you will typically get what you pay for. Although it’s not necessary to completely break the bank, choosing an option that isn’t at the very bottom of the pricing spectrum may not be the best option. But choosing an affordable option with a great reputation is the way to go.

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
Our Top Pick	Our Top Pick	QSC K12.2 Powered Speaker pair w/ KS Cardioid Sub, Stands, Covers and Cables	Features: – Powerful active PA speaker – Factory presets can cover you for just about any uses you need the PA for – The parameters can be easily adjusted by any user for changing the sound to your peferences	Check Latest Price
2	2	Bose S1 Pro	Features: – Considered to be the ultimate in portable PA’s for soloists – A lightweight option that weighs in at just 15 pounds – Can function excellently as a floor wedge monitor or playback system	Check Latest Price
3	3	EV Evolve 50	Features: – Considered the perfect choice for Dj’s, mobile entertainers, singers, and more – Provides excellent, sleek quality of sound that EV products always provide – The electro-voice audio quality is superior to other options	Check Latest Price
4	4	Bose F1 Model 812	Features: – High-impact, composite materials provide added durability – Delivers wide, reliable sound coverage that is always consistent with Bose products – Dramatically better sound than conventional loudspeakers while providing extended bass	Check Latest Price
5	5	JBL Eon One Compact	Features: – Can be played anywhere due to its battery powered option – Includes a built in 4 channel mixer – Bluetooth enables you to stream audio straight from your mobile device	Check Latest Price

The Five Best Portable PA Systems for Live Music

QSC K12.2 Powered Speaker pair w/ KS Cardioid Sub, Stands, Covers and Cables

The look of this PA system alone gives you the confidence that this setup will give you not only amazing sound, but it will also provide great volume without sacrificing the sound quality. With an ability to create clear sound for crowds of five hundred or more, the QSC K12.2 is a portable PA setup that is widely used by many musicians, DJ’s, speakers and more.

Whether the person holding the microphone is singing or simply speaking, everything is produced in a clear tone that makes the experience enjoyable for the user, and the audience. Nothing is more frustrating than being in an audience where the PA system creates a muddled, mixed sound (and not in a good way). That is precisely why so many customers in need of a PA system trust QSC. They know the market well and they have an ability to create a machine that is going to leave people happy with the result.

Couple the system with a great microphone and you are all set to go.

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

Bose S1 Pro

Portable is the name of the game with this setup. And it’s made by Bose, which is a win, win. Bose has always provided musicians and anyone else in need of a PA with top of the line equipment that is easy to setup, as well as easy to use. You can just about plug this bad boy in and you’re about read to play.

The great characteristic when it comes to Bose products is that you will never have to worry about the sound quality. Their company has been trusted for years by many and for great reason. The S1 Pro looks like it couldn’t possibly generate enough sound to entertain people in the hundreds, but lo and behold, this PA truly puts out amazing sound. The tonality is crystal-clear and you can pump up the volume without having to concern yourself with the mix becoming muddy.

This little number is so easily portable and is almost deceiving in regard to the sound it puts out. There are tons of reasons to trust a PA from Bose, so one can’t go wrong when buying their equipment.

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

EV Evolve 50

The EV Evolve 50 is a uniquely designed PA with a sleek look that allows it to fit nicely in any room, venue, or setup that you desire. And the positives don’t stop there, this PA truly puts out excellent sound. It has been a reliable unit by many musicians, artist, motivational speakers, and more because of the great experience most people have.

This PA also has Bluetooth connectivity, so if you have anything that you would like to stream through the speaker, you will have no issues there. Musicians and Dj’s love this system because of its great sound and easy transportation. A lot of people consider this to be the solution for stage performance. It’s a great option in the world of PA systems.

What We Liked

Amazing sound
Reliable technology
Bluetooth capable
Easy to transport
Simple to set up and use
Sleek design allows the unit to fit in anywhere

What We Didn’t Like

Bose F1 Model 812

This PA is used by many different musicians and artist, all have recommended the unit highly. It generates excellent sound and everything can be heard clearly without having to worry about poor sound quality. This PA can easily be the answer to the dilemma of which system will be a trustworthy choice.

Like its counterpart that we’ve also reviewed, this is a Bose product. Bose is reliable and provides sound equipment that people have loved for many years. They are a name that everyone in the audio game recognizes and typically trusts. There is a lot to be said about everything they’ve manufactured over the years and the F1 Model 812 is no exception. It’s easy to transport and simple to use like many PA options that we’ve reviewed.

Although this unit is pricier than other PA’s out there, the extra money spent on the unit can easily be heard in the exemplary sound quality.

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

JBL Eon One Compact

When it comes to the ultimate in portable PA systems, this is the granddaddy of them all. With an ultra-compact design, this PA is deceptive to the eye. On the surface, it looks like the volume of sound this unit will produce would be lackluster. But it’s not. This little PA puts out a lot of sound. Solo artists love this unit because it is so simple to take with while providing great sound.

The Eon One Compact is very easy to get set up and even easier to use. The sound quality provided by such a small unit is impressive and isn’t lacking. Whether you’re using the unit indoors or outdoors, it will still provide the same, excellent quality a customer would look for in a PA system. And the product is made by JBL, another great, trustworthy name in the audio industry.

What We Liked

Small, easily transportable unit
Affordable price
Excellent sound quality
Easy to set up and simple to use
Bluetooth capable
Reliable brand

What We Didn’t Like

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a mobile PA system?

Small- to medium-sized venues sometimes use portable PA (public address) systems to augment sound. These systems are portable and self-contained. Speakers, a mixer, amplifiers, and occasionally wireless microphone systems are generally included.

What parts make up a portable public address system?

Typical components of a mobile PA system are:

– (Active or Passive) Speakers
– Mixer (with channels for instruments, microphones, and other audio sources’ inputs)
– (Separate for passive speakers or integrated into active speakers) amplifier
– Wireless or wired microphones
– accessories and cables

What distinguishes active speakers from passive ones?

Active speakers need power to operate since they feature built-in amplifiers. Since passive speakers lack internal amplifiers, they require an external amplifier to operate.

Are all of the units reviewed easily transportable?

Yes. Although each has its own design, each PA can be transported to your location fairly easily.

Are all of the brands listed trustworthy in the audio world?

Yes. Some brands are more sought after than others, but at the end of the day your personal preference will typically win out over other choices.

Can these units be used in conjunction with other, off-brand equipment?

Absolutely. Personal preference plays a part here as well. But combining different pieces of equipment to create a PA that is right for you is always an option.

Buyer’s Guide When Choosing a Portable PA

Keep an eye out for these four components when choosing your portable PA for live performance:

Pricing

The money you spend will always be an important factor. Make sure you’re getting the best bang for you buck. Buyer reviews are always super helpful when choosing a unit, because you can get a glimpse of what other musicians are saying about these options.

Sound Quality

Some brands are going to give you a different sound quality than others. That doesn’t necessarily make an option better or worse, but it boils down to the type of venues you play and the sound that you’re looking to get. The brands we’ve chosen all provide unique sound quality and we want you to get exactly the tone you’re looking for when you play.

Weight/Portability

You will have to lug around your new PA, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But depending on how much you have to move the unit around by hand may give an added incentive to buy a lighter unit. If you don’t mind the heavier options, then you will have no trouble looking through our choices to find something. But some of these PA’s are super light and easy to move, which can be a great added bonus.

Brand

When it comes to PA systems, brand can definitely have an impact. Again, that’s not to say one brand is better than another, but preference counts. Some people always rely on Bose, some people love JBL, and so on. Refer again to some other reviews to get an idea of what other musicians are saying. You may completely fall in love with a specific brand and you will be all set to go!

Conclusion

Although the Bose S1 may be higher in price than other PA systems, it is going to be the top choice. The cost will certainly not break the bank either. It is simply a situation of paying a little more to get a higher quality system that sounds amazing and you can also take it anywhere to play. In reference to the sound quality that Bose products provide, they are at the top of the food chain. That is not to say that the other options on our list aren’t great. Again, personal preference is important.

What are the Best High-End Monitor Speakers?

Monitor speakers are an important, key element to any on-stage performance. As a vocalist, I like to add that they can be especially paramount to the performance because the sounds emanate from our body. And if you cannot hear yourself, you will instinctively push harder and potentially damage your vocal chords. Having in-ear monitors is a special benefit for any musician on a stage, but not everyone can afford a legitimate set. So, having some amazing, high-end monitor speakers will create an environment where everything will be heard crystal clear. And that goes for any musician jamming out a gig on stage!

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
Our Top Pick	Our Top Pick	JBL JRX 212	Features: – Power: XLR – Weight: 43 Pounds – Range: 175 Feet	Check Latest Price
2	2	RCF NX12-SMA	Features: – Power: XLR – Weight: 42 Pounds – Range: 175 Feet	Check Latest Price
3	3	Turbosound Flashline	Features: – Power: XLR – Weight: 39 Pounds – Range: 150 Feet	Check Latest Price
4	4	Electro-Voice ZLX-12P	Features: – Power: XLR – Weight: 34 Pounds – Range: 150 Feet	Check Latest Price
5	5	Yamaha DBR Series	Features: – Power: XLR – Weight: 21 Pounds – Range: 100 Feet	Check Latest Price

The 5 Best High-End Monitor Speakers for On-Stage Performance

JBL JRX 212

JBL makes amazing speakers, and on-stage monitors are no exception to the rule. For years they have been a reliable brand that gives musicians the crystal-clear sound they need to hear themselves while performing on-stage. The JRX 212, like many on-stage monitors, can also double as a speaker in a pinch. Most monitors will have a hole on the bottom to fit speaker tripods in case you want to turn it upright and use as an audience speaker. Whatever purpose you so choose for your JRX 212, it’s going to put out some sound. And JBL speakers put out amazing sound without creating distortion. You can set up your stage with a few if you’re working with a bigger environment and pump out some amazing sound while you perform.

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

RCF NX12-SMA

Our next option is by RCF. The NX12-SMA is a fantastic option for on-stage monitors and it should be. This thing puts out some amazing sound, whether playing low or high. Tone from these monitors will leave you astounded to use them; they are a professional option that many use for on-stage performance. This happens to be the next evolution of the RCF monitor line with a new, 700-watt amp to put the power behind the sound. You can actually use it as a portable PA system, as well, if it suits your purposes. And that’s a great benefit. Grab a nice tripod to hoist it, or if it’s a more intimate setting you can even set it upright on the floor and have no issues. There are some great possibilities to be had with this speaker, so don’t wait! We consider this to be the best option on our list.

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

Turbosound Flashline

Turbosound is considered to be one of the more well-respected manufacturers in the game. And why shouldn’t they be? They certainly do a great job with on-stage monitors and speakers. The Flashline is considered to be a two-way monitor for touring applications, so stages be ready! With a Turbosound Flashline (or multiples) directed at you with their beautiful, pristine sound you are going to have an awesome time next time you get on stage to play a gig. Nothing helps a performance like being able to hear yourself clearly, and to take it a step further, having monitors made by Turbosound will further elevate that sentiment. They even have a low-profile design to assist the audience’s sight lines!

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

Electro-Voice ZLX-12P

And now we have the heavyweight when it comes to power and sound. The ZLX-12P by Electro-Voice brings on the sound with a custom-built internal power amp that ranks at a whopping 1,000 watts. This thing has got some amazing sound backed by a lot of power to put it out there. This is an excellent two-way option that doubles as an audience speaker and is perfect for larger stages or venues. By having an ability to put out the sound with higher power than other options, you will have an experience on-stage with some booming sound. These are great for rock performers or any musicians who want to put out the sound in a room that is bound to be loud with screaming fans.

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

Yamaha DBR Series

And of course we had to have at least one Yamaha option on our list! Yamaha has always been reliable in the music gear game, and their DBR series of on-stage monitors holds up to the competition. Yamaha has always been an excellent, affordable option. Especially when it comes to new musicians who are just getting started in the performance world. And seasoned pros are cool with Yamaha too! If you have to stack your stage with a bunch of monitors and want a great option that will save you some money in the end, this is the option for you. If you’re new and need a monitor for your practice space, these are great too. And like many of our other options out there, this one doubles as a speaker too. This is another 700-watt option, so you know that the power is not lacking. These speakers do an excellent job providing clear sound while putting enough power behind it to give a full, gratifying tone while you play.

What We Liked

What We Didn’t Like

Four Things to Consider Before Purchasing an On-Stage Monitor

Brand

Although brand is a recurring theme in a lot of articles, it should be! Having a product from a reliable brand makes all the difference because if you have a great experience with one piece of gear, another from the same company will have a better chance of giving you what you need. The brands that we have included in our list are reliable and bring a lot of excellent products to the table.

Price

You will typically get what you pay for with on-stage monitors. That’s not to say the cheapest options are by any means bad whatsoever. They’re great, too, but having a higher-priced option will give you an even better result. As you will see when you do some perusing of price tags, some of these options have a wide variance in price. You will be able to see what best suits your needs because affordability is a factor. But we want you to get a great monitor no matter what, so any of these options are excellent.

Weight

We included the weight of each option because this can be a major component dependent on the use of your monitors. If you’re a touring musician and have to take each piece of gear with you, then weight is a factor. Not only in determining how much weight your hauling, but also the fact that you will have to carry each item inside when you load-in (the easy part) and then load it back out (the not easy part). It’s tough lugging equipment into the vehicle during a load-out, so do yourself a favor and grab a lighter option if you need to.

Power

How much power is your internal amp putting out? Do you have a separate amp to power all the speakers? The power is a factor because it determines how much backing the sound is going to have when it comes through the speakers. If you typically play larger venues with more people, then more power is going to be suitable. And for smaller, intimate settings? You won’t need as much power. Find an option that fits just right!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of the options powered by XLR cables or do some options run on AC/DC?

The options we have included run on XLR, so all you have to do is run the monitor through your existing setup and you’re good to go.

Do all the options double as two-way speakers?

Yes! You can use any of our options as both a floor monitor on-stage or as a speaker for the audience.

Are these options suitable for touring musicians?

Yes, these options are suitable for touring purposes. Just check out the specifications to determine how much weight you’re willing to travel around with.

Conclusion

There are plenty of options out there in the on-stage monitor world with tons of different prices, specifications, and brands. We just want to narrow things down and make the process easier. Because if you’re anything like us, you want to spend less time figuring out what to buy and more time playing! Suit up your next performance with an awesome on-stage monitor and have yourself a rad time.