Portable (and reliable) 'Line-Array' Column PA recommendations

by **vadim9687** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 6:06 pm

Primarily For Outside Wedding Ceremonies.
atleast 3 inputs.
(2 mics, one playback)

currently using old Yamaha StagePAS300, but prefer something more portable.

considered:
JBL EON ONE: but read too many complaints about them failing,

Turbosound IP1000: really really like its wireless control ability,
but 2 mono inputs is not enough.

so looking something similar to these but more suitable to my needs (and reliable)

by **Mike Stranks** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:23 pm

Welcome!

Where are you? UK? Europe, States?

What's the budget?

by **Bob Bickerton** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 9:11 pm

If it’s just for wedding ceremonies, amplification of vows, maybe some playback, I’m wondering about the Bose S1 which has received favourable responses around here. Three channels, two mics and one stereo input or Bluetooth, and battery driven so no cabling. You can add a second speaker for a stereo pair. Here’s the SOS review: https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/bose-s1-pro

Bob

by **Hugh Robjohns** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 9:47 pm

Yes, I was going to suggest the same... Although a pair may be considered to be quite expensive, I'm really impressed with both the sound quality and the volume and coverage. A friend borrowed mine for a large garden fete and reported very favourable reactions from the audience.

H

by **Wonks** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 10:20 pm

The S1 isn't quite a 'line array' style system though, as asked for.

Does it need to be a line array style, or just light, portable and loud enough?

by **Sam Spoons** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 10:40 pm

vadim9687 wrote:currently using old Yamaha StagePAS300, but prefer something more portable.

There isn't much that's more portable than a Stagepass 300. Even a single Bose S1 that has been suggested is not that much smaller/lighter. Probably the best option though, I'm very tempted to buy a couple myself

by **vadim9687** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 10:43 pm

Mike Stranks wrote:Welcome!

Where are you? UK? Europe, States?

What's the budget?

U.S. , budget $600

by **Bob Bickerton** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 11:03 pm

Well you'd have $1 to spare if you bought an S1 from Sweetwater ;)

As Sam has said the Stagepass PA300 is a light and pretty portable system - I had one for years and used it hundreds of times. The only downside was under certain circumstances the fan noise was audible, which I, if no-one else, found annoying.

But tell us if there's a specific reason why you want a line array/column system and we'll try and help. There would be a lot more faffing around with something like that than an S1. So what size of venues are you thinking? Is it just for wedding ceremonies (vows/playback during a service)?

Bob

by **resistorman** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 1:42 am

+1 for the S1. I use it for my synths, wife uses it for weddings... harp and vocals.

by **DanR** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 11:17 am

vadim9687 wrote:
currently using old Yamaha StagePAS300, but prefer something more portable.

That’s pretty portable, especially if you have the case for it.
Stereo too and good coverage with 2 speakers.
Only thing is that you need speaker stands for larger events and the benefit of column or line array style is that they have the stand built in.

Not sure if there’s much around in the column style for $600 with 2 mic ins.
Depends also whether you want stereo or mono.

by **Sam Spoons** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 6:43 pm

resistorman wrote:+1 for the S1. I use it for my synths, wife uses it for weddings... harp and vocals.

Just bought an S1 (today :D ) and it's very impressive.

by **Hugh Robjohns** » Thu Aug 22, 2019 10:03 am

Yes, it really is, isn't it? :D I've used mine as a practice amp at home, a keyboard back-line amp at small gigs and personal foldback at larger ones, and in a pair as a compact PA for a variety of things ranging from an open-air trio at a garden party, to lectures and presentations. And it copes remarkably well and gets a lot of praise for the sound quality.

The only slight negative I'm aware of is that some early units appear to have a problem with the battery draining itself when not used for a while (and not left plugging into a mains supply). Not a problem for me, but I can appreciate it could be a frustration to some.

https://www.bosepro.community/g/portable/topic/s1-pro-battery-draining-when-not-in-use?reply=40442221528412738#40442221528412738

H

by **Sam Spoons** » Thu Aug 22, 2019 4:27 pm

Thanks I shall pay particular attention to that as the one I have, while new, is display stock. I don't think it's particularly old stock as it has the battery included which, I believe, the original ones didn't.

I bought out from my local dealer who I know well, if it exhibits that trait I'll return to for exchange.

SOUND ON SOUND

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Portable (and reliable) 'Line-Array' Column PA recommendations