Your Questions: Which Is The Best Portable PA System?

Digital DJ Tips reader DJT writes: “I’m 16 and have been doing gigs for about two years. Although I’m pretty pleased with my current set-up, everything is too big and heavy. I have a Numark 4trak that I can carry, but my speakers are a different story! I own 2 JBL Eon 615 Speakers which are light for their category, but are still tough for me to pick up.

“I’m not the tallest guy and have a mild case of cerebral palsy in my left leg and arm. I’ll be going to college in the next couple of years and I need an easier set-up to carry around when I’m on my own (mum won’t always be there…).

“The weight of the JBLs are 39lbs, so anything less than that would be awesome. I don’t mind the woofer size (8, 10, 12, or 15) as long as it sounds good. If possible, I’d love to get a speaker that doesn’t require a sub. I’ve looked at the Bose L1 Compact System, but I’d like some other options.”

Digital DJ Tips says:

When you need a combination of portability, enough power for 50 to 100 people with sufficient low end in a “sounds bigger than they look”-package, you should be looking at either 2.1 or 2.2 systems.

The 2.1 systems will have one (sub)woofer – frankly I don’t think of them as subwoofers, just the low end in a separate box – and two satellite speakers. In most cases the amp(s) will be in the subwoofer with or without a small mixer, the satellites just passive. LD Systems Dave (with 8, 10 and 12″ woofers) are one of the relatively lower budget sets, HK Audio Lucas (300 and 600) are at the mid-range spectrum. Both sound way bigger than they look, have plenty of “oomph” for a small party, take up very little space in transport and when set up (a bonus in living room environments). Another slightly beefier option is the Proel LT812A for example.

As far as 2.2 goes, if you have the budget to burn, the German company Fohhn makes the Linea Focus series as an example. They have VERY high sound quality and excellent build-quality. And a 4ft high speaker weighs only 20lbs. They have 8x 4″ speakers with an 8-channel 8×100 RMS amp and DSP. This is a truly awesome sound system with a small footprint (although the 4ft length can be a bit of hindrance in a regular car). Two subs and two LF120 speakers will give you plenty of power for 250+ people by the way. This is a serious PA of sorts. Price is matching the quality of course.

But based on your needs I’d go for one of the 2.1 systems.

What portable PA might you advise our reader to go for? Any experiences with any of the above? Please share your thoughts in the comments.