| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | Our Top Pick | JBL JRX 212 |
| Check Latest Price |
2 | 2 | RCF NX12-SMA |
| Check Latest Price |
3 | 3 | Turbosound Flashline |
| Check Latest Price |
4 | 4 | Electro-Voice ZLX-12P |
| Check Latest Price |
5 | 5 | Yamaha DBR Series |
| Check Latest Price |
The 5 Best High-End Monitor Speakers for On-Stage Performance
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
- Reliable brand
- Minimizes distortion when playing at high volumes
- Affordable high-end option
- Includes tripod stand
What We Didn’t Like
- Very heavy for an on-stage monitor
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
- Excellent high-end option from a reliable manufacturer
- 700-watt internal power amp
What We Didn’t Like
- One of the higher priced options out there
- Does not include a tripod
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
- Well-respected manufacturer by the music community
- Lightweight compared to other monitors
- Sleek design helps the audience see you perform
What We Didn’t Like
- One of our higher-priced options
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
- Powerful internal amp ranking at 1,000 watts
- And affordable option compared to other monitors
- LCD display with single knob preset control
What We Didn’t Like
- Only way to return product if there is a problem is directly through the manufacturer
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
- Reliable monitor from a reliable brand
- An affordable option compared to other monitors
- Comes with a 7-year warranty
What We Didn’t Like
- Casing can scratch easily
- Some users wish they were louder
Four Things to Consider Before Purchasing an On-Stage Monitor
Brand
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.
