Even mega-congregations have uses for smaller, more portable systems. If you've been to live shows inbig venues, you've seen the large versions of these hanging above the stage. Singer-Songwriter Systems Bose has put a lot of thought into how to make you sound great without having to spend time fiddling with settings. In this guide, we'll look at the best choices for a range of uses, from the best PA for a band, both for live performance and for rehearsal, to the best portable PA system for small gigs, small venues and even for taking your act to the streets to do some busking. Most importantly, you probably would love something that's extremely easy to use. The big sibling of the Bose Pro8 system we covered in the singer-songwriter section, the Pro32 with Sub 2 quadruples the number of drivers and ups the size andpower of the subwoofer. Control is easy, with the freeQuickSmartmobile app, which can control all aspects of the system from your smartphone or tablet. In the meantime, here's a quick rule of thumb to mixer choice: Figure out how many inputs you would need if you were to mic everything in your band/group. Whether you're a venue manager or a band looking to bring your own gear to gigs, high-end live sound hardware is a critical part of the equation. No matter the season, there are always parties of all sorts going on. Sound for the House of Worship You can also get great information from our store associates and the associates at our call center. Another plus is that, if your need for inputs grows, you can simply add on a BoseToneMatchmixer to expand the system. Fall and winter bring all variety of holiday parties, and, of course, there are the parties that get thrown just because you like parties. Its light enough for one person to carry and set up in one minute. STAGEPAS Editor is STAGEPAS 1Ks dedicated remote control application, allowing you to adjust volume and EQ at a distance via Bluetooth during rehearsal or performance. We're recommending pairing these with QSC's groundbreaking KS212C K Cardioid subwoofer. Play On With Guitar-A-Thon Deals and More, Special Financing Offers (Open in new window), The Beat Goes On | The Enduring Legacy of the LinnDrum, Looping Back Around | A Deep Dive on Line 6's DL4 MkII, AlesisNitro Mesh 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set, JBL SRX906LA Dual 6.5" Powered Line Array Loudspeaker, Gemini GPSS-650 Battery-Powered PA System, Harbinger LX8 8-Channel Analog Mixer With Bluetooth, FX and USB Audio, Harbinger LX12 12-Channel Analog Mixer With Bluetooth, FX and USB Audio, Harbinger MLS1000 Personal Line Array Speaker System, Mackie Onyx24 24-Channel Premium Analog Mixer With Multi-Track USB And Bluetooth, Shure SLXD14/98H Combo Wireless Microphone System Band H55, Shure SLXD2/B58 Handheld Wireless Transmitter With BETA 58A Capsule Band J52, Electro-Voice RE3-HHT420 Handheld Wireless Mic With RE420 Head 488-524 MHz, Bose L1 Pro16 Portable PA System With Bluetooth, QSC K12.2 Powered 12" 2-Way Loudspeaker System With Advanced DSP, Bose S1 Pro Multi-Position Powered PA System With Battery, Harbinger VARI V2312 12" 2,000W Powered Speaker With Bluetooth Black, Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT 12" Powered Speaker With Bluetooth Black, Harbinger VARI V2318S 18" 2,400W Powered Subwoofer, Electro-Voice EVOLVE 30M Portable Line Array System, Harbinger M200-BT Portable PA With Bluetooth and Custom Carry Bags 10" Mains, Livewire Essential XLR Microphone Cable 50 ft. Black, Proline SPS502 Speaker Stand 2-Pack With Carrying Bag, On-Stage SMS6000-P Near-Field Monitor Stand (Pair), Gator GPA-TOTEPRO12 Professional 12" Speaker Tote Bag, Gator GPA-TOTEPRO15 Professional 15" Speaker Tote Bag, Livewire Advantage 24x4 Snake With XLR Returns 100 ft. Black. "pageName": "" Bose's legendary audio engineering has produced a full-range system that will run for hours on a full charge. If you have a larger band and/or start playing larger venues, you will grow into needing gear that's outside the immediate scope of this article. But,we think you'll find that owning your own sound system paysitself back, both in long-term cost and in the sheer amount of fun. Much of the time, all you really need is some amplification for vocals and perhaps for instruments thatcan run direct, like electronic keyboards or acoustic-electric guitars. This makes these systems much more efficientthan they might look if you're more used to seeing giant stacks of PA cabinets. Looping Back Around | A Deep Dive on Line 6's DL4 MkII, Making Connections | Numark NS4FX 4-Channel DJ Controller Introduced, Play With Pride | Liv Slingerland, Emily Wolfe & Caroline Kingsbury, Podcast Like a Pro | Focusrite Unveils Vocaster Interfaces, Cover drops, spills or cracks with Pro Coverage, { Another key consideration here is the coverage pattern of the EVOLVE family. The CP8 and CP12 are lightweight (just a little bit over 20 pounds) and versatile enough to be used as your main PA speakers, floor monitors, or easily hung for a permanent installation in a restaurant, bar or coffeehouse. Spring and summer mean graduation parties, BBQs, family reunions, pool parties, house parties, blockparties and more. This system is great for the mobile DJ who does some gigs with serious club music where the audience demands that they feel the music. The lightweight subwoofer base provides ample low end with its 12" driver. If you change the Ship-To country, some or }, The Beat Goes On | The Enduring Legacy of the LinnDrum, AlesisNitro Mesh 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set, Customs fees and VAT calculated at the time of order confirmation, Guaranteed international shipping prices (no additional fees upon delivery), All-in-one convenience; compact, portable design, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming, Detachable 8-channel powered mixer with 400W peak output, Single-knob EQ functionality; built-in feedback suppression. A system maybeneeded in the main sanctuary or gathering space one day, set up in a smaller space the next or taken along for a church picnic thenext weekend. Sound for the Mobile DJ You might talk to Guitar Center Rentals about what systems they have available, so you can give one a test run before you make a final decision. The 12" subwoofer base provides deep, powerful bass response, yet it still achieves the smallest-class cabinet on the market for a subwoofer of this size and power. The 120 horizontal dispersion and 1,000 watts of peak power means that a single system can cover most small to medium spaces. Clients and audience will pretty much expect enough low end to rattle a few folding chairs around, even if you're just doingan oldiesset for someone's retirement party. There's alsoanAUX stereo out that can be used for recording or to drive another set of speakers. Harbinger VARI V2310 10" 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker With Bluetooth, DSP and RCF ART-912A Active 2,100W 2-Way 12" Powered Speaker Black, Electro-Voice EKX-15P Powered 15" 2-Way Speaker, JBL PRX415M 15" 2-Way Stage Monitor and Loudspeaker System, California Transparency In Supply Chains Act. The second thing you'll notice is that there is an eight-channel digital mixer with pro-level mic preamps, Bluetooth audio streaming and built-in effects integratedin the body of the system's subwoofer. What does "cardioid" mean here? Pictured:Bose S1 Pro Multi-Position Powered PA. Systems for mobile DJs have fairly stringent requirements. Here are systems that you can carry into a venue, along with your instrument, set up quickly and help you sound great. Pictured:American Audio KPOW 15BT MK II Powered Speaker. Both systems support Bluetooth audio streaming, so your backing tracks can play wherever you are. A popular choicefor on-the-go mobile DJs has been, and continues to be, the QSC K.2 Series of powered loudspeakers. Whether you want to serenade your backyard or hit the local park, you'll sound great, wherever you set this one up. This brings the coverage capacity of the system into the medium to large venue level while maintaining the extreme portability L1 systems are known for. If you have your own system, you'll start thinking of more reasons to throw a party, whether it's in your backyard, at a park or beach, or in a local banquet hall space. all of the items in your cart may not ship to the The white ELX200 tops are available in 2-way cabinets that range from 10" to 15", and the subwoofers are available as 12" or 18". With built-in delay, reverb and chorus effects, you can add a sense of space and texture to your sound. As with most systems of this type, we recommend one subwoofer per pair of tops. You will not be charged until the item ships. If portability is at the top of your personal list, the Bose L1 Pro32 system with the Bose Sub2, either singly or as a pair, is a solid choice. Harbinger VARI V2308 8" 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker With Bluetooth, DSP and S JBL EON ONE MK2 Battery-Powered Column Speaker, California Transparency In Supply Chains Act. Everything is easily controllable from the free EVOLVE app you can download to yourmobile device. EV'sQuickSmartDSP makes it quick and easy to get the system in balance, no matter where your show may be. You may just be doing coffeehouse gigs showcasing your songs, playing weekly at your church, or out playing clubs or DJingevents. A key for this type of system is portability and ease of setup. }, The Beat Goes On | The Enduring Legacy of the LinnDrum, AlesisNitro Mesh 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set. From the build-up before the show to the sound of your music filling a venue and the crowd cheering after a set, everything about it is rewarding. That's what we're all about in this next section. The ELX-200 family packs more than ample power in a box with EV's legendary drivers and cutting-edge DSP. Musician's Gear Stage Snake 24 x 4 50 ft. Harbinger VARI V2315 15" Powered Speaker With Bluetooth, Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT 12" Powered Speaker With Bluetooth, Electro-Voice ELX200-18SP 18" Powered Subwoofer, Electro-Voice ZLX-15BT 15" Powered Speaker With Bluetooth, QSC KW152 Active 1,000W 15" 2-Way Loudspeaker, Harbinger VARI V2312 12" 2,000W Powered Speaker With Bluetooth, Bose L1 Pro8 Portable PA System With Bluetooth. Harbinger VARI V2308 8" 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker With Bluetooth, DSP and S JBL PRX835W Powered 15" Three-Way Full-Range Main System, Harbinger VARI V1015 15" Active Loudspeaker. Second is variously called a line array or linear array. If you're in need of a bigger speaker that will deliver more sound, or want to expand the system we just talked about, the American Audio KPOW 15BT is a 15" two-way system that won't break the bank. new destination. While a fair number of larger venues have their own dedicated sound systems, many don't, and it's up to your band to provide your own for a gig. Whatever it is, you want to be heard and heard clearly. Pictured:Bose L1 Pro32 Portable PA With Sub2. Or, go busking with its big sibling, theRoadTrip100, which features more power, inputs that are switchable from mic to line to instrument, and a built-in USB charging port to keep your mobile devices topped off. Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer With Bluetooth connectivity, intuitive control and impressive sound quality, this all-in-one PA system builds on the STAGEPAS legacy of providing everything you need to transform any environment into your own personal stage. "siteSection": "", Bluetooth also allows you to stream music directly to the PA system from a compatible device, such as a smartphone. Onboard SPX digital reverbs, 1-knob master EQ with virtual bass boost, 2-band channel EQ and built-in feedback suppressor let you get your sound dialed in perfectly every time. With four mic/line inputs, balanced TRS stereo input, 1/8" stereo AUX input and Bluetooth streaming, that's seven separate inputs. While traditional black cabinets are fine, and even preferred, for adark stage, a system for a house of worship needs to be more integrated with its surroundings. Another big plus is ease of use. Thereare a huge range of choices available in the world of sound reinforcement today, as you've seen, and we know that sound system is a serious investment for any musician or band. You can go with the ZLX 12P for a focus on vocals, or the 15P for increased low-end response, as you might want if piano is your instrument. Karaoke Systems Yamahas own Twisted Flare Port technology reduces port wind noise that can occur with compact bass-reflex subwoofers. The addition of Bluetooth for streaming audio and added control, has only made it a smarter choice. While it may not have quite as much volume as our other options in this category, that's more than made up for by the flexible I/O of the powered mixer. Another nice thing about this system is the ease of expansion as your needs grow. Our last selection in this category is the Alto Uber FX. Harbinger VARI V4115 15" 2,500W Powered Speaker With Tunable DSP and iOS Ap Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker, Electro-Voice ELX200-15P 15" Powered Loudspeaker. "siteSection": "", restrictions. Because there's so much to choose from, the first step to picking out live sound equipment is to narrow the options down based on your needs. Or try a few and see which is the best fit for you. Small Systems for Small Venues The STAGEPAS 400BT's 8-channel powered mixer delivers 400 watts of peak output through its pair of 8" full-range speakers for room-filling sound. Unlike small venue systems or systems for singer-songwriters, everything always goes through your sound system. The first category of sound system we're going to look at is one designed to provide decent stage volumes for small bands and small venues. Each of these functions can be set via a single knob, and have simplified many of the tough tasks, like EQ and compression, to get you great sound quickly. Pictured:QSC K12.2 Powered 2-Way Loudspeaker. In addition to TRS 1/8" inputs, the stereo connections support playback with Bluetooth devices, as well as a wide range of input sources, from instruments to CDs, PCs and smartphones. Of course, if you're only throwing the occasional party, owning a sound system just for parties may be more than youwant right now. These are perfect for the newcomer, since they offer pre-assembled kits of gear that's chosen specifically for how well it works together. Pro tip: You'll get the best overall audio balance if you follow the rule of thumb of one subwoofer per speaker pair. For a more in-depth look at live sound mixers for these systems, you can browse through our comprehensive selection of mixers and read our guide to compact live sound mixers to see some solid recommendations. Either way, they're both lightweight and easy to setup and tear down. With outstanding flexibility, the 5-channel digital mixer makes it easy to sound your best. The capacity to stream Bluetooth audio makes it easy to blend pre-recorded tracks into your performance or provide music when you're offstage. The cabinets are designed to run as pole-mounted mains, or as floor monitors. A unique feature is a wireless stereo link, which makes hooking up a pair for a party even easier. Put simply, most subwoofers, and low frequencies in general, are omni-directional, filling a full 360 degrees. Combining a pair of either the ELX-200 12P 12" speakers or 15P 15" powered loudspeakers with the ELX-200 18SP 18" powered subwoofer will cover almost any medium- to large-sized room, as well as any outdoor gigs where you need to supply a sound reinforcement system. Whether you're playing a wedding reception, party, corporate event or a dance set at a local club that doesn't have their own sound system, portability and ease of setup are more important when there's only you to haul gear and get the system set up and ready to go. With a pair of independent mic/line inputs, 16 built-in legendary Alesis effects and seamless switching between Bluetooth streaming audio or a hard-wired AUX in, it's ready to make music wherever you are. Many of them have directly used the gear, and they can point you in the right direction to find the system that you'll be happy with. Once you start having to add instruments to your mix, you'll probably also want a subwoofer (or two) for the added impact. The L1 Pro8 features an astounding 180 horizontal dispersion pattern, so the sound is extraordinarilyeven, everywhere in the audience. This oval-shaped speaker is capable of pumping out as much or more low-frequency information as traditional woofers, while maintaining ease of transport due to its compact size. And we do mean anywhere. new destination. The STAGEPAS 1K has a 1,000W Class-D amplifier module. This system is more than capable of handling large rooms and sizable outdoor events. The original Bose L1 pretty much put portable, personal line array systems on the map. Just turning on the Gemini PA-15LMKII, withitsbuilt-in light show, can be enough to get the party started. Harbinger VARI V4115 15" 2,500W Powered Speaker With Tunable DSP and iOS Ap QSC K10.2 Powered 10" 2-Way Loudspeaker System With Advanced DSP, Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker, Electro-Voice ETX-18SP 18" Powered Subwoofer, Electro-Voice ELX200-15P 15" Powered Loudspeaker, Electro-Voice ELX200-12SP 12" Powered Subwoofer, JBL PRX818XLFW Powered 18" Self-Powered Extended Low-Frequency Subwoofer, Electro-Voice EKX-18SP Powered 18" Subwoofer US Cord, Harbinger S12 12" Compact Powered Subwoofer With DSP. The built-in mixer features a pair of mic/line input channelswith phantom power for condenser mics, a versatile AUX in and Bluetooth streaming audio. Best of all, it's easily expandable for larger spaces, with balanced XLR left/right stereo outputs on the rear that will hook up to any powered loudspeaker system like theoneswe've covered elsewhere in this article. That means big time savings on your part: just get the whole bundle at once, plug it all in, and you can expect great results with no teething pains. You can find more information about international deliveries on our website. There's ample I/O for music sources: Bluetooth, analog line-in and USB audio/video in. As always, feel free to use the handy Table of Contents to jump ahead if you want to get straight to specific recommendations. And so will the show, as Queen told us it must, when you've got solid gear backing you up. Choose the small but powerfulRoadTrip25, which includes a microphone and cable, and built-in reverb. Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer In fact, all the mixer features are available through the app, so it's super easy to keep everything under control, even in the middle of a song. Play On With Guitar-A-Thon Deals and More, The Beat Goes On | The Enduring Legacy of the LinnDrum, Looping Back Around | A Deep Dive on Line 6's DL4 MkII, AlesisNitro Mesh 8-Piece Electronic Drum Set, Used Electro-Voice Evolve 50 Sound Package, Used Harbinger M200-BT Portable PA Sound Package, Used Fender Passport 300 Pro Sound Package, Used SHS Audio Pm8300 Complete PA Sound Package, Used Kustom Profile System One Sound Package, Used Kustom PROFILE SYSTEM ONE Sound Package, California Transparency In Supply Chains Act. It Ain't Nothing But a House Party If you are seeking a more traditional look and setup, perhaps to expand from an existing system your ministry has outgrown, or just have a larger congregation to cover, the Electro-Voice ELX200, which we discussed above in the section on larger venues, also comes in white to better suit a house of worship environment. The linear array's 40 vertical coverage pattern keeps the sound focused on your audience, not spraying the floor and ceiling where, unless you have an extremely rambunctious audience, no ears are likely to be listening. If you fall into that category, hey, call the folks at Guitar Center Rentals, and they'll hook you up with the right-sized system for whatever kind of party you're throwing. Looping Back Around | A Deep Dive on Line 6's DL4 MkII, Making Connections | Numark NS4FX 4-Channel DJ Controller Introduced, Play With Pride | Liv Slingerland, Emily Wolfe & Caroline Kingsbury, Podcast Like a Pro | Focusrite Unveils Vocaster Interfaces. A pair of EVOLVE 50 arrays bracketing the band will provide plentyof coverage and excellent clarity, especially important if your group strongly features vocals. { Whether you need a system you can tote in one hand or one that needs a little more setup, we'll get you started with choices from manufactures like Electro-Voice, QSC and Harbinger. As a final word, don't forget the cables, stands, spare mic clipsand other accessories that you'll need along with your new sound system. Yamaha STAGEPAS 1K 1,000W Portable PA System. It features one-knob EQ for optimized, multi-band equalization and industry-standard SPX reverb. The Bose L1 Pro8 Portable PA with Bluetooth is the latest iteration of this concept from the company that started it all. First is the traditional speaker box with a large (8-15") low-frequency speaker, or woofer, and a high-frequency driver, or tweeter, frequently attached to a radial horn to direct the sound. But the need for solid full-range sound is equally critical. The portable versions we'll be talking about usually come with an integrated subwoofer that also serves as a stand for the vertical array. "pageType": "", Optimized DSP settings for all those different positions and uses are quickly selectable from a rotary knob on the back of the speaker. They're also great for playing backing tracks, if you use them. If you're looking for a little more punch across the whole frequency spectrum, the QSC CP family may be just what you need. EV's asymmetrical waveguide, with a 40 vertical dispersion pattern, is great at getting the sound where you want it. Harbinger VARI V4112 12" 2,500W Powered Speaker With Tunable DSP and iOS Ap Electro-Voice EKX-12P Powered 12" 2-Way Speaker US, RCF Art 745-A MK4 15" Active 2-Way Speaker. The KS212C uses some sophisticated engineering and DSP to negate most of the bass that would normally be coming out of the rear of the cabinet, where you don't want it, while supplying solid, punchy bass out the frontside. For instance, if you're searching for a projection upgrade to really rock the house, the best place to start is with PA speakers and stage subwoofers. Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer A quickword on mixers: Most of the following systems will need a dedicated mixer to utilize the system to its fullest. "pageName": ""