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<\/a>Personal P.A.s cover a wide range of small to mid-sized music concerts and events. Featuring six speakers and an integrated subwoofer, the JBL EON ONE is modular system based around a mini speaker array tower.<\/p><\/div>\n
P.A. 101 Personal P.A.s <\/strong>cover a wide range of small to mid-sized music concerts and events. They can be self-contained, single-speaker systems such as the JBL EON ONE Compact<\/a> all-in-one rechargeable P.A.; they can be modular systems based around mini speaker array towers, such as the JBL EON ONE<\/a> and EON ONE Pro<\/a>, which each feature six speakers and an integrated subwoofer; or they can be built from individual speakers, such as the JBL EON600 Series<\/a> family of powered two-way speakers and subwoofer. Smaller, self-contained personal P.A.s are ideal for use in caf\u00e9s, street performances, small speaking engagements and fitness classes; larger personal P.A. systems, which can include stage monitors and extra speakers, are often used in bars, houses of worship and mobile DJ rigs.<\/p>\n Full-Scale P.A.s <\/strong>are professional systems designed for large venues and events; these are the systems you see at music festivals and in large concert venues. Full-scale P.A.s can be temporary installations or permanent fixtures; they\u2019re usually passive systems and are built from discrete components including speakers, amplifiers, processors and network control hardware and software. Here, we\u2019re focusing on personal portable P.A.s, but it\u2019s always a good idea to think about your sound system in terms of meeting your needs now and in the future.<\/p>\n Systems such as the JBL EON ONE Compact include one-touch presets that take the guesswork out of sounding your best.<\/p><\/div>\n All-in-One Versus Build-Your-Own Systems All-in-one portable P.A.s are designed with plug-and-play simplicity in mind: They can be set up in minutes\u2014even by users with no audio experience\u2014and usually offer a suite of convenient features including USB charging ports, phantom power, EQ and reverb effects and Bluetooth streaming. Systems such as the JBL EON ONE Compact<\/a> and IRX Series<\/a> models even include one-touch presets that take the guesswork out of sounding your best. These systems are ideal for presenters, singer\/songwriters, fitness instructors and anyone who doesn\u2019t require amplification of a large number of sound sources. (And, you\u2019ll often save money when you purchase bundled equipment.)<\/p>\n More experienced users such as club DJs, touring bands and rental houses can take advantage of advanced functions in customizable systems such as the JBL EON600 Series<\/a>, PRX800 Series<\/a> and SRX800 Series<\/a>, which offer sophisticated EQ and feedback management<\/a>, system-tuning presets and network control.<\/p>\n Systems such as the JBL PRX800 Series offer sophisticated EQ and feedback management, system-tuning presets and network control.<\/p><\/div>\n Powered Versus Unpowered Systems For professionals seeking the flexibility to build or expand passive systems, JBL PRX400 Series<\/a> and SRX800 Passive Series<\/a> loudspeakers, stage monitors and subs deliver the power handling response and coverage necessary for demanding audio environments, incorporate tunings for Crown<\/a> amplifiers and dbx<\/a> signal processors and offer user-configurable DSP and network control.<\/p>\n How Loud Is Loud Enough? It\u2019s not easy to place hard numbers on power requirements, but desired volume level plays a big role. A folk act performing in a medium sized room might only require 60\u201380 watts of amplification, whereas a dynamic heavy metal band playing the same space might need a 2,000-watt system.<\/p>\n Consider your physical performance environment. Large rooms with high ceilings require more power than smaller spaces with lower ceiling.<\/p><\/div>\n Consider your physical performance environment. Large rooms with high ceilings require more power than smaller spaces with lower ceiling. (You can hear the difference just speaking in these spaces. Your voice sounds different when it\u2019s colored by the space.)<\/p>\n Will you be using your P.A. system indoors, outdoors, or both? Because sound is reverberant indoors and dissipates quickly outdoors, you\u2019ll need more power and output to play outside than you would for an equivalent indoor show.<\/p>\n Portable P.A.s balance power and portability. In general, the more powerful the box and more rugged the enclosure, the heavier the weight: For example, the 2-way, 15-inch, polypropylene-enclosed JBL EON615<\/a> weighs just 39 pounds and puts out 127 dB, while the 2-way, 15-inch, wood-enclosed SRX815P<\/a> weighs 63 pounds but cranks out 137 dB\u2014that extra 10 dB translates to a tenfold increase in acoustic power and a doubling of perceived volume.<\/p>\n Battery-powered P.A.s offer unmatched freedom to play anywhere. The JBL EON ONE Pro delivers 118 dB of crystal-clear sound, thanks to its 6-speaker mini column array and built-in subwoofer.<\/p><\/div>\n Outdoor Gigs: When You\u2019re Ready to Cut the Cord Battery-powered P.A.s offer unmatched freedom to play anywhere<\/a>. The JBL EON Family includes two battery-powered P.A. systems: The tough-and-tiny, 17.6-pound EON ONE Compact<\/a> self-contained P.A. features an 8-inch speaker that outputs a robust 112 dB, with an extended low-end response down to 37.5 Hz\u2014nearly an octave lower than other P.A.s in its class. Its bigger sibling, the EON ONE Pro<\/a>, delivers 118 dB of crystal-clear sound, thanks to its 6-speaker mini column array and built-in subwoofer.<\/p>\n How long will you be performing? The EON One Pro operates for 6 hours on a single battery charge, while the EON ONE Compact operates for 12 hours and offers the ability to swap its battery.<\/p>\n What kind of mixer capabilities do you need? Do you already own a standalone mixer, or do you need a system with a self-contained mixer? The EON ONE Compact offers a 4-channel mixer, while the EON ONE Pro has a 7-channel mixer. How about effects and remote app control? If you\u2019re looking for more audio conveniences, the EON ONE Compact is the way to go. If those functions aren\u2019t as important and you prefer more power and headroom, the EON ONE Pro fits the bill.<\/p>\n If you need more sound coverage, simply add more P.A. units: EON ONE Compact and EON ONE Pro P.A.s can be daisy-chained together using their built-in Pass-Thru I\/Os. You can even control and stream Bluetooth audio to four EON ONE Compact units from a single smartphone using the JBL Compact Connect app.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re playing large outdoor gigs with access to power, consider a system such as the JBL EON600 Series<\/a>, PRX800 Series<\/a> and SRX800 Series<\/a>. Systems that access fixed power offer more headroom and greater overall volume.<\/p>\n JBL IRX Series gives you the ability to stream background music and other recorded program material from mobile devices. Watch to learn more about IRX.<\/p><\/div>\n How Many Input Channels? Raise Your Voice Many JBL portable P.A.s\u2014like the PRX800 Series\u2014can be controlled wirelessly via control apps, which let users check sound from anywhere in the room while diving deeper into effects and other features<\/p><\/div>\n Remote Control The Freedom to Go Wireless Slim, low-profile, fully self-contained systems like the EON ONE Compact are perfect for ceremonies, presentations and houses of worship.<\/p><\/div>\n Keeping a Low Profile Add Shimmer and Sparkle Ultra-compact portable P.A.s such as the EON ONE Compact are designed to be set on a surface or pole- or stand-mounted (and can save quick recall presets for different scenarios).<\/p><\/div>\n Versatile Configuration Options UNDERSTANDING THE SPECS Specs shouldn\u2019t be the only factor informing your P.A. choice, but they can give you objective idea of system performance<\/p><\/div>\n Dynamic range:<\/strong>\u00a0The difference between the loudest and softest levels in an audio signal, typically measured in decibels.<\/p>\n Frequency response:<\/strong>\u00a0The spectrum of frequencies produced at a P.A. system\u2019s output. The range of human hearing is 20 Hz\u201320 kHz; ideally, full-range speakers provide even response across most of that range, though they can be supplemented on the low end with subwoofers, which are more efficient at reproducing low frequencies\u2019 longer waveforms.<\/p>\n Continuous power handling:<\/strong>\u00a0This indicates the power level, in watts, that a speaker can handle over an extended period of time.<\/p>\n Peak power handling:<\/strong>\u00a0The maximum power that a loudspeaker can handle in short, instantaneous bursts. (While this spec can be impressive, continuous power handling is a better indicator of real-world performance.)<\/p>\n Sensitivity:<\/strong> Measures how well a speaker converts amplifier power to acoustic energy\u2014in other words, how loudly a\u00a0speaker\u00a0will play at a given electrical input level.\u00a0Sensitivity\u00a0is measured in decibels per 1 watt per 1 meter, shortened to a decibel rating.<\/p>\n Maximum sound pressure level measures a speaker\u2019s acoustic output (in decibels) at a distance of 1 meter. This metric directly relates to a speaker\u2019s sensitivity rating and maximum power rating.<\/p><\/div>\n Max SPL:<\/strong> Maximum sound pressure level measures a speaker’s acoustic output (in decibels) at a distance of 1 meter. This metric directly relates to a speaker’s sensitivity rating and maximum power rating.<\/p>\n When it comes to speakers, it\u2019s important to consider individual specs in the context of system design and overall performance. Don\u2019t confuse power for output; a P.A.\u2019s wattage rating alone is not an accurate indicator of output potential, because an efficient speaker driver system will deliver a higher output at the same power rating than a less efficient design. Always consider power ratings in combination with max SPL output.<\/p>\n Evaluate loudspeaker coverage in the context of power: A powerful speaker with narrow coverage may be an ideal stage wedge, but a speaker with less power and broader coverage may a better main speaker.<\/p>\n In it for the Long Haul You\u2019ve probably noticed that we haven\u2019t talked about budget. The fact is, you can pick up a simple portable P.A. for a couple hundred dollars or drop thousands on a fully loaded monster system. Setting a budget will naturally narrow your choices, but by working through the considerations outlined here, you\u2019ll end up with a clear idea of the systems that best fit your needs\u2014whether your priorities are control, customizability, adaptability or sheer output. Then, it\u2019s all about honing your chops, dialing in your perfect sound<\/a> and putting on an unforgettable show!<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>A sound reinforcement system, at its simplest, has three components: A way to get audio into the system, such as a microphone, instrument input or Bluetooth stream; an amplifier to raise the signal to a level that can power a loudspeaker; and a loudspeaker, which converts electrical energy to acoustic energy. From there, P.A.s vary widely in inputs, mixer capabilities and processing and control features. Systems fall into two general categories:<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Portable P.A.s comprise mix-and-match components or serve as all-in-one systems that house everything including speakers, mixer, amplification, inputs and effects. In these self-contained systems, everything is designed to seamlessly work together; just plug in your sound sources and you\u2019re good to go. Or, go all in with a P.A. like the JBL EON208P<\/a>, which features a detachable 8-channel mixer with built-in effects and an AKG microphone.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Portable P.A.s are available in powered (or \u201cactive\u201d) versions, which include onboard amplification, and unpowered (or \u201cpassive\u201d) versions, which require external amps. Here, we\u2019re focusing on powered P.A.s, which provide perfectly matched components, are significantly easier to configure and can be set up and torn down faster since they eliminate the hassles of dealing with dedicated amp racks and extra cabling. And, because they are able to stand alone, it\u2019s easy to expand your system with additional powered speakers.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>To determine how much power you need, consider the types of venues you are playing in and your potential audience size. As audience and venue size increase, the amount of power (measured in watts) and SPL (measured in decibels) necessary for effective sound reinforcement increases. (It\u2019s always better to overestimate than underestimate.) Think about room size and dimensions, music genre (rock bands usually require more power than folk acts, for example) and band instrumentation. (Playing with a drummer? You\u2019ll need higher output to be heard.) Factor in a healthy amount of headroom, which is the power to handle peaks without distorting.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\n<\/strong>If you perform outdoors a lot, will you have access to power? If the answer is no, you\u2019re limited to two choices: A battery-powered P.A., or a P.A. with a generator. And, let\u2019s be honest, a noisy generator does nothing to enhance the enjoyment of your music.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Most portable P.A. systems offer at least two audio input channels, which cover most public speaking and singer\/songwriter scenarios; P.A.s with Bluetooth streaming capability<\/a>, such as JBL IRX Series<\/a> and EON ONE Series systems, expand their flexibility with the ability to stream background music and other recorded program material from mobile devices. Bigger systems offer up to 12 inputs and can be expanded with standalone mixers. (Using condenser microphones? JBL EON208P, EON ONE Compact and EON ONE Pro P.A.s feature built-in phantom power.) To get even more functionality out of your P.A, consider adding a Soundcraft Ui Series<\/a> remote-controlled surfaceless mixer, which effortlessly transitions from the studio to the stage<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>For presenters and instructors, speech intelligibility is priority number one. JBL portable P.A.s all offer EQ for shaping the sound of your voice, and JBL EON ONE Compact<\/a> and IRX Series<\/a> models feature convenient one-touch ducking<\/a>, which automatically lowers background music when speech is detected, so you\u2019ll always be heard, loud and clear.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Many JBL portable P.A.s can be controlled wirelessly via control apps, which let users check sound from anywhere in the room while diving deeper into effects and other features. JBL EON ONE Compact<\/a>, EON ONE Pro<\/a> and EON600 Series<\/a> systems are controlled over Bluetooth while JBL PRX800 systems can be controlled over wi-fi.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Dynamic performers, presenters and fitness instructors need to be able to roam the stage or room; AKG offers a range of secure, easy-to-use wireless systems<\/a> that support handheld mics, in-ear monitors and instrument beltpacks.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>In scenarios such as ceremonies, presentations and houses of worship, bulky audio gear can distract from the message. Slim, low-profile, fully self-contained systems such as the JBL EON ONE<\/a> and EON ONE Pro<\/a> provide 118 dB of sound reinforcement without competing for visual attention.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>When it comes to audio quality, power and clarity are hallmarks of every JBL P.A. system. But if you want to take your sonic presentation to the next level, audio effects can really add polish, whether you\u2019re aiming to dial up the drama or just sound your best in any space. JBL portable P.A.s feature built-in effects ranging from one-touch presets to sophisticated, studio-grade EQs and reverbs to advanced feedback protection.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Ask yourself if you need to set up your system differently for different applications. Ultra-compact portable P.A.s such as the EON ONE Compact<\/a> are designed to be set on a surface or pole- or stand-mounted (and can save quick recall presets for different scenarios); larger, modular P.A.s such as the EON600 Series, \u00a0PRX800 Series<\/a> and SRX800 Series<\/a> add industry-standard suspension points.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Specs shouldn\u2019t be the only factor informing your P.A. choice, but they can give you objective idea of system performance. Let\u2019s look at a few key measurements.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\n<\/strong>Investing in a P.A. system is an investment in your performing career, so as you\u2019re weighing your options, consider how your system will be able to grow with your needs. You can expand your system in many ways, from adding stage monitors and secondary mains to increasing capabilities with a standalone mixer. Look for I\/Os that can connect additional speakers, media players and recording devices.<\/p>\n