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 |
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2 | 2 | Bose S1 Pro |
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3 | 3 | EV Evolve 50 |
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4 | 4 | Bose F1 Model 812 |
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5 | 5 | JBL Eon One Compact |
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The Five Best Portable PA Systems for Live Music
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
- Amazing sound quality
- Easily transportable
- Simple to set up and use
- Reliable brand
What We Didn’t Like
- Can be difficult to obtain replacement parts, if needed
- This option is considered by some as not very budget friendly
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
- Top of the line sound
- One of the most trusted brands
- Super easy to transport
- Easy to set up, easy to use
What We Didn’t Like
- Higher in price than similar systems
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
- Higher in price than other units
- Open bottom of the system can be exposed to the elements
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
- Amazing sound quality
- Easy to transport
- Reliable brand
- Simple to set up and use
- Suitable for any PA uses
What We Didn’t Like
- Higher in price than other units
- No Bluetooth capabilities without adapter
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
- Reverb control cannot be set for a single channel
- Not all tripods can be used with this unit
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a mobile PA system?
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?
Are all of the units reviewed easily transportable?
Are all of the brands listed trustworthy in the audio world?
Can these units be used in conjunction with other, off-brand equipment?
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.
