Guide to Portable PA Speakers That Top the List in Stellar Sound & Ease of Use

Jay Cunningham

Navigating portable PA systems is no small feat. Performers, audio engineers, venues, promoters, and rental companies all require tailored solutions to solve unique needs. While different applications might seem similar, they often demand distinct PA setups. This guide to portable PA speakers simplifies finding the right products for some of the most popular portable PA needs.

INTRODUCTION:

  • In the second installment of our guide to identifying ideal portable PAs, we contrast the two of JBL’s more popular “ONE” series speakers – the IRX ONE and EON ONE Compact. Both are regarded for delivering stellar sound and ease of use.
  • In part one, we took a deep dive into the EON ONE MK2 and the PRX ONE all-in-one systems that can both be managed by the powerful and free JBL Pro Connect app (iOS and Android), offering enhanced levels of control and flexibility.

PORTABLE PA SPOTLIGHT #1:
JBL IRX ONE: “Sounds Great and So Easy to Use”

  • A hand manages the JBL IRX ONE Portable PA's controls.

    Check out this in-depth JBL Tech Talk with Brandon Knudsen, Product Manager discussing the simplistic, anyone-can-use manageability of the JBL IRX ONE and get all the product details.

    KEY APPLICATIONS:

    • For bands playing small venues, parties or weddings, PA systems need to be easily transportable and capable of moving audiences with rich and powerful sound. The IRX ONE is perfect for these scenarios.
    • Likewise, if you are a speaker addressing a corporate audience or a house of worship, your portable PA needs to convey your message with absolute clarity.
    • In both cases, the IRX ONE delivers crystal-clear clarity and a wide sweet spot with seamless front-to-back coverage, perfect for small concerts, houses of worship, corporate presentations, and more.

 

  • STANDOUT FEATURES:

    • Featuring six 2” high-frequency drivers and concert line array-inspired directivity results in a custom-tuned, C-shaped array.
    • Additionally, easy to carry with one hand; the IRX ONE sets up and tears down in seconds and the carry handle minimizes wrist strain.
    • The “anyone-can-use” design features a 3-channel mixer that supports the most popular connections, including ¼” and XLR inputs with included 48V phantom power and ¼” balanced mix-out.

 

  • DJ AMy Francesca and the JBL IRX ONE

    CASE STUDY: DJ AMY FRANCESCA

    • Check out this quick clip of Amy doing what she does best and taking control of the power and ease of use that only the IRX ONE delivers.

 

  • WE ASKED THE DESIGNERS: 

    We asked Brandon Knudsen, JBL Portable PA Senior Product Manager, what makes IRX ONE a unique choice in the market:

    • “What truly sets IRX ONE apart is its plug-and-play simplicity. We’ve heard from so many education, hospitality and music professionals looking for a pro-grade system that not only sounds great but is really easy for anyone to use.” 
    • “With the IRX ONE, this system does just that. Just plug in your mic, instrument or Bluetooth-streamed audio source and let the music or the presentation do the talking right away without a complicated setup getting in your way.”

 

PORTABLE PA SPOTLIGHT #2:
JBL EON ONE Compact: “Battery-Powered Versatility”

  • KEY APPLICATIONS:

    • If you’re singing in front of 50 people or speaking at a corporate conference, it’s vital your PA is sufficiently powerful to get your message across clearly without being too loud.

      Image of JBL Pro Connect App.

      JBL’s EON ONE Compact is easily managed with the powerful JBL Pro Connect App. Watch a quick overview, product walkthrough and learn more.

    • For those scenarios, a great place to start is the battery-powered EON ONE Compact, which can be carried easily in one hand, yet packs a punch well above its weight.

 

  • STANDOUT FEATURES:

    • Featuring an 8” woofer that extends low-end response to 37.5 Hz, it is capable of hitting an octave lower than other products in its class.
    • Its built-in headphone jack enables users to rehearse privately or dial-in presets before performances.
    • Two high-power USB 2.0 ports also allow high-speed charging of tablets, phones, and select devices such as wireless receivers.

 

      • Transmoto organises team-based endurance events for everyday dirt biking enthusiasts.
      • Officials needed an audio system for announcements and communication with wide enough coverage to reach every racer. The EON ONE Compact came through.

 

    • Why They Liked It:

      EON ONE Compact at Transmoto Enduro

      Marc McAvoy, Director of Be Productions shared: “In terms of sound, the speech intelligibility is very good, and they absolutely cut through. The output is very impressive for a battery-powered unit.” Check out the case study.

      Marc McAvoy, Director of Be Productions:

      • “..Covering the huge sites with audio systems for communication, announcements and the race call is a challenge. The trickier issue we had was to get audio to the camping area 300 metres away, where they did not want the constant hum of generators.”
      • “The charge on the battery was very reliable. The first day, we were running full whack and didn’t have to swap batteries until that evening…”
      • “In terms of sound, the speech intelligibility is very good, and they absolutely cut through. The output is very impressive for a battery-powered unit.”
      • “I’m very happy with their coverage, and I’d say the EON ONE Compact is the way forward for us in these applications.”

 

  • WE ASKED THE DESIGNERS:

We asked Craig Lambrecht, Global Director of JBL Portable PA about the demand for the level of portability and control found in products like the EON ONE Compact:

    • “The appetite for advanced control has grown considerably over the last three or four years both physically at the loudspeaker and remotely via app and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy – a power-conserving variant of Bluetooth).”
    • “Users are not only expecting a greater level of control, but a level of control and features that are easier to use. That’s why we set out to develop this loudspeaker ecosystem managed by the JBL Pro Connect app.”
    • “Inspired by our Soundcraft UI24 interface, the Pro Connect app delivers advanced DSP and system control in an easy-to-use product experience that wasn’t possible in previous all-in-one PA systems.”
    • “We are now offering a great deal of technology and value from our HARMAN brands under the hood while still keeping them easy to use.”

 

Thanks for exploring your interest to find the right professional portable PA solution to best support your needs. As a next step, we invite you to dive deeper into all of our support resources as you continue your journey – we hope we can be of help.

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Jay Cunningham

Jay Cunningham is Retail Marketing Lead, EMEA for HARMAN Professional Solutions.

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