Bigger isn’t always better in the world of live sound!
Portable PA systems have come a long way in recent years. There are now plenty of compact systems that punch well above their weight in terms of SPL and low‑frequency extension, while still being small and light enough to appeal to gigging musicians. Column‑type systems are a particularly tempting prospect to many, with their minimal footprint making them a great choice for tight performance spaces, and their lightweight design meaning they’re often far easier to transport and set up than their more traditional counterparts. Some feature typical two‑ or three‑way point‑source designs housed in a compact enclosure, while others are able to behave as a line source, making some of the benefits of large‑format line arrays — tightly controlled dispersion and less volume drop‑off over distance, for example — available in a much more portable and affordable package.
Typically, the base unit houses a subwoofer, whilst one or more column arrays covers the midrange and treble. You can’t expect portable systems to offer the same level of control you get from huge PA hangs, but a well‑placed column system can still provide more even coverage than a point‑source equivalent while occupying significantly less space, and being easier to carry in! Most of the major manufacturers have something to offer in this category, so let’s take a look at what’s available.
Alto TSC Series
Alto’s newly introduced TSC series includes two models. The first, the TS108C, pairs an eight‑inch subwoofer with a 6x2.75‑inch column array, and includes a built‑in three‑channel mixer that features two mic/line input channels (fitted with XLR/TRS combo sockets) with a two‑band EQ and reverb; there’s also a dedicated playback channel equipped with a 3.5mm mini‑jack connector and Bluetooth connectivity. An XLR output is provided for linking multiple systems. The system has 300W RMS power available, and includes a selection of four EQ profiles: Normal, Live, DJ and Custom. Stepping up, the TS112C offers increased playback levels and extended low‑end performance thanks to a 12‑inch subwoofer and a total of 600W RMS on tap, along with two additional mixer channels: an additional mic/line combo input and a wired stereo line‑level input channel.
$499.
From £379 including VAT.
www.altoprofessional.com/series/tsc
Behringer C210
Behringer’s sole offering in the world of compact line arrays comes in the form of the C210, a 200W system that combines an eight‑inch subwoofer with a 4x2.5‑inch column. Its three‑channel mixer features a pair of mic inputs on quarter‑inch TRS sockets, while instrument and line‑level signals can be connected to the third channel via an XLR/TRS combo socket; the master section includes a two‑band EQ, and there’s also a mix output for driving additional speakers. As for playback, the C210 offers Bluetooth connectivity, and will also play files from an SD card or USB drive.
$239.
£188.50 including VAT.
www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0302-ACW
Left to right: Alto TS108C, Behringer C210, Bose L1 Pro 32, dB Technologies ES 503.
Bose L1 Pro
There are three models to choose from in the Bose range: the L1 Pro8, the L1 Pro16 and the L1 Pro32. All three are paired with the company’s Sub1 subwoofer, and the Pro32 can be purchased with the larger Sub2 for some additional headroom and low‑end extension. All three employ two‑inch neodymium drivers that deliver 180‑degree horizontal coverage, and the naming convention reflects the number of high‑frequency drivers that make up the system’s column element. All of the L1 Pro models feature a built‑in three‑channel mixer equipped with a pair of mic/line inputs on XLR/TRS combo sockets, along with a dedicated playback channel that includes quarter‑inch TRS and mini‑jack inputs along with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. The first two channels feature Bose’s ToneMatch EQ, which offers preset curves aimed at different sources — presets and custom profiles can be accessed using the company’s mobile app. There’s also a line output for feeding additional speakers.
From $1499.
From £1199 including VAT.
dB Technologies ES Range
There are four options in the dB Technologies ES range: the ES 503, 802, 1002 and 1203. The ES 503 pairs a 12‑inch subwoofer with two 4x3‑inch arrays, and has a three‑channel mixer that features a mic/instrument channel, a pair of line‑level channels and a Bluetooth receiver. The larger ES 1203 steps things up with a dual‑12‑inch subwoofer, two 4x4‑inch columns and a five‑channel mixer with one mic/instrument channel, two mic/line channels and a Bluetooth receiver. The ES 503 and 1203 systems can both be run in stereo mode, where the top half of their columns can be detached and mounted on its own tripod. The ES 802 combines a 12‑inch subwoofer and single 8x3‑inch column, while the ES 1002 pairs a dual‑12‑inch subwoofer with an 8x4‑inch column; both are equipped with a single mic/line input rather than an onboard mixer.
From $1596.
From £617 including VAT.
www.dbtechnologies.com/en/products
Electro‑Voice Evolve
E‑V’s Evolve line‑up comprises five systems. Each offers 120 degrees of horizontal coverage, with the maximum SPL and low‑end reproduction increasing as you move up the range. Two of the models (the Evolve 30M and 50M) have a built‑in mixer, which offers four mic/line channels with XLR/TRS sockets (one of which also includes a Hi‑Z instrument input), a stereo line‑level channel with XLR/TRS, RCA and mini‑jack connectors, and a dedicated Bluetooth playback channel. Some onboard effects are provided, too, and everything can be controlled remotely from a mobile application. The Evolve 50, 70 and 90 have fewer onboard connections, and feature a pair of mic/line inputs and a stereo playback channel (wired and Bluetooth wireless).
From $1499.
From £1169 including VAT.
products.electrovoice.com/ap/es/portable-speakers
HK Audio Polar / Elements
HK Audio’s Polar and Polar Mk2 families both form part of the company’s current line‑up. The Polar 8 pairs an eight‑inch subwoofer with a 6x3‑inch column, while the Polar 10 and 12 feature 10‑ and 12‑inch subs respectively, along with a 6x3‑inch column; all three feature a built‑in mixer with a pair of mic/line inputs, an instrument input and a playback channel with both RCA and Bluetooth connectivity. The upgraded Polar Mk2 is available in 10‑ and 12‑inch variants, and boasts improved wireless connectivity thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 with True Wireless Stereo functionality, a built‑in USB‑C charger and higher SPL capabilities. All Polar Mk2 systems can be expanded using subwoofers from the Sonar series.
For those who want to future‑proof their setup, there’s the Elements range, a modular system that comprises the E835, an 8x3.5‑inch column, and the E 115 Sub D, a 15‑inch subwoofer that offers DSP‑powered EQ, limiting and delay. As well as allowing you to combine multiple E835 units, the Elements range can also be expanded using units from HK Audio’s Linear family.
From $929.99.
From £599 including VAT.
Left to right: Electro-Voice Evolve 90, HK Audio Elements, JBL PRX One.
JBL PRX One / EON One Mk2
JBL’s flagship column system is the PRX One, which pairs a 12x2.5‑inch‑driver array with a 12‑inch bass‑reflex subwoofer capable of playing down to 35Hz. Horizontal coverage is quoted as 130 degrees, and the company say that thanks to sophisticated crossover management, the system boasts a smooth, uniform response throughout the entire frequency range. An onboard seven‑channel mixer offers four mic preamps with a pair of line‑level channels and a dedicated playback channel; built‑in Lexicon DSP effects are included, and the system’s channel encoders offer hands‑on control over the likes of gain, EQ and effects sends. There’s also the EON One Mk2, which combines an eight‑driver array with a 10‑inch subwoofer and includes a built‑in five channel mixer with three mic/line inputs (XLR/TRS), a line‑level input (TRS) and an aux input that features both wired (mini‑jack) and wireless (Bluetooth) connectivity. It’s also capable of running for up to six hours on its built‑in battery.
From $1549.
From £1249 including VAT.
jblpro.com/en/products/prx-one
jblpro.com/en/products/eon-one-mk2
LD Systems Maui
LD Systems Maui 5 GO
There’s no shortage of options from LD Systems, whose Maui range includes a staggering 20 models to choose from! The entry‑level system is the Maui 5, an ultra‑compact 800W system with a built‑in mixer that accepts mic, line and instrument sources along with wired (3.5mm mini‑jack) and wireless (Bluetooth) playback. The Maui 5 is also available in a GO variant that can run on battery power. The Maui 11, 28 and 44 then deliver increasing amounts of low‑end power and higher SPLs, with a choice of options available for each model. All three have G2 and G3 options, the latter of which feature cardioid columns with the option of adding a second subwoofer to extend the cardioid behaviour to the low end; the Maui 28 and 44 feature line‑level inputs and are designed to be paired up with an external mixer, and the 28 is also available in a MIX variant that includes a built‑in four‑channel mixer.
From $829.
From £435 including VAT.
Mackie SRM Flex
Mackie SRM Flex
Mackie’s offering comes in the form of the SRM Flex, a compact system designed to cater to audiences of up to 100 people. It combines a 10‑inch subwoofer with a six‑driver column, and has 1300W of power on tap. It includes a built‑in six channel mixer boasting two mic/line/instrument inputs with a two‑band EQ and a reverb send, a wired stereo line‑level channel (dual quarter‑inch TRS sockets) and a dedicated playback channel that offers both wired (3.5mm mini‑jack) and wireless (Bluetooth) connectivity. Its master section includes Music, Speech and Live EQ presets along with a choice of three reverbs, and it’s possible to pass a signal on to other speakers or systems thanks to a mix output. Along with its local controls, the SRM Flex can be operated remotely using a mobile app.
$899.99.
£749.99 including VAT.
mackie.com/en/products/loudspeakers/srm-flex/srm_flex.html
Peavey LN
Peavey’s LN 1063 is a compact unit that consists of a column of six 2.75‑inch drivers placed atop an eight‑inch subwoofer. Its built‑in mixer features a pair of mic/line/instrument inputs (XLR/TRS combo sockets) with a two‑band EQ and reverb, along with a stereo line‑level channel and an aux input equipped with mini‑jack and Bluetooth connectivity. Despite its compact footprint, it’ll play down to 55Hz and boasts a maximum SPL of 120dB. If you need a bit more of a kick, the LN 1263 ups the column’s driver count to 12 and opts for a 12‑inch subwoofer, taking the maximum SPL to 127dB and extending low‑end performance down to 35Hz. Its mixer gets an upgrade, too, and features two additional mic/line/instrument inputs along with per‑channel compression and a selection of EQ presets.
From $999.
From £639 including VAT.
peavey.com/product-category/pro-audio/portable-pa-systems/column-array-pa-systems
QSC KC12
QSC’s KC12 (or K Column) aims to squeeze the performance and sound of the company’s K Series line‑up into a more compact system. Unlike many column‑style speakers, the KC12 follows a more typical three‑way design, combining a pair of four‑inch midrange drivers with a one‑inch compression driver, but thanks to the company’s own waveguide design, the system still offers 145‑degree horizontal and 35‑degree vertical dispersion. As for specs, the KC12 measures ‑6dB at 45Hz and 18.5kHz, and will deliver an SPL of 132dB. In order to cater to stage and floor‑mounted applications, the column can either be mounted directly to the 12‑inch subwoofer, or spaced out with an additional pole. An onboard mixer accepts two mic, line‑level and instrument sources, as well as offering wireless playback via Bluetooth.
$1999.99.
£1750 including VAT.
www.qscaudio.com/products-solutions/loudspeakers/portable/powered/column/k-column
Left to right: Peavey LN 1063, QSC KC12, RCF Evox 12, Samson Resound VX8.1.
RCF Evox
There are six options to choose from in the RCF line‑up. The Evox J8 kicks things off with a 12‑inch subwoofer and 8x2‑inch driver column, and delivers up to 128dB whilst covering a range of 40Hz‑20kHz; the Evox J9 swaps the column drivers out for a 6x3‑inch array, and offers a increased maximum SPL of 130dB. Both the J8 and J9 have a MIX variant that comes equipped with an eight‑channel mixer providing four mic/line channels with EQ and compression (the fourth also accepts instrument signals) and a pair of stereo line‑level channels, the second of which features Bluetooth connectivity. The flagship Evox J11 then boasts a 12‑inch subwoofer and 12x3‑inch column array that deliver SPLs of up to 132dB and span a frequency range of 37Hz‑20kHz.
From $999.
From £825 including VAT.
www.rcf.it/en/products/by-family/details/-/of/serie/EVOX/3/24
Samson Resound VX8.1
Samson’s lightweight Resound VX8.1 is said to be an ideal solution for singer‑songwriters and mobile DJs in search of an easy‑to‑carry PA system. It pairs a 12‑inch subwoofer with a column of eight 3.5‑inch drivers, and the column is made up of two units that can be arranged in‑line for 120‑degree horizontal coverage, or rotated left and right to cover 200 degrees — a mode switch on the subwoofer ensures the tonal response remains consistent in both configurations. The Resound VX8.1 has a built‑in three‑channel mixer equipped with mic/line and line/instrument channels — both feature XLR/TRS combo sockets, and the latter is also equipped with RCA connectors — and a dedicated Bluetooth playback channel. Music, Live, Speech and DJ EQ profiles are available, and there’s an XLR output that can carry either a full mix output, or pass on the signal from channel 1.
$999.99.
£979 including VAT.
samsontech.com/products/portable-pa/resound/resoundvx81
SubZero / Gear4Music
Gear4Music have a selection of options in both their SubZero and G4M line‑ups. First up is the SubZero L48, which combines an eight‑inch subwoofer with a 4x2‑inch column, and includes an onboard mixer with two mic/line channels and a wired (3.5mm mini‑jack and RCA) and wireless (Bluetooth) playback channel — a battery‑powered version is also available. The L410X then features a 10‑inch subwoofer and features a two‑channel mixer with line (RCA) and mic/line (XLR/TRS combo) channels and Bluetooth connectivity, while the L12 offers a 12‑inch subwoofer and a five‑channel mixer with two mic inputs, line‑level and instrument inputs and a dedicated aux/Bluetooth playback channel. Lastly, the G4M Modular Column system comprises a 10‑inch subwoofer and a 12x2.75‑inch column, which as its name suggests, can be configured in a variety of sizes to cater to different venue sizes and SPL requirements.
From £189.99 including VAT.
Turbosound iNSPIRE
The iNSPIRE range comprises four compact systems that draw on the technology found in Turbosound’s large‑format line arrays. The smallest, the iP500, pairs an eight‑inch subwoofer with a six‑driver column, while the iP1000 steps things up with a dual‑eight‑inch subwoofer and nine column drivers. Moving up to the iP2000 increases the column driver count to 17 and bolsters low‑end performance with a 12‑inch subwoofer, and the flagship iP3000 takes things further still, pairing a dual‑12‑inch subwoofer with an 18‑driver column. All four models feature a built‑in digital mixer, and come equipped with a pair of XLR/TRS combo sockets that’ll accept mic and line‑level signals — wireless playback is provided by Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also some onboard Klark‑Teknik DSP that analyses the incoming signal and adjusts the system’s EQ, crossover, compressor/limiter and amplifier settings to help deliver the best possible performance. Helpfully, everything can be controlled remotely from a mobile app.
From $539.
From £589 including VAT.
Left to right: SubZero L48, Turbosound iNSPIRE iP3000, Yamaha Stagepas 1K MkII, Yorkville YXL Tower12.
Yamaha Stagepas / DXL1K
There are two options in the Yamaha range: the Stagepas 1K MkII and the DXL1K, which at first glance appear to be all but identical. Both are 1100W units that combine a 12‑inch subwoofer with a 10x1.5‑inch column array that offers 170 degrees of horizontal dispersion, produce up to 125dB SPL and cover a bandwidth of 37Hz to 20kHz. The key difference lies in their mixing capabilities: the Stagepas includes a built‑in five‑channel mixer, while the DXL1K simply features two inputs — a switchable mic/line channel and a line‑only channel. Opting for the Stagepas gets you a mic/line channel along with two mic/line/instrument channels (on XLR/TRS combo sockets), all of which are equipped with a one‑knob EQ and reverb, as well as a dedicated stereo playback channel that supports both wired (dual quarter‑inch TRS and 3.5mm mini‑jack) and wireless (Bluetooth) devices. Link and monitor outputs are provided, and the obvious choice for those looking to pair the Stagepas with a second system is, of course, the DXL1K!
From $1229.99.
From £1052 including VAT.
Yorkville EXM / YXL
Yorkville’s EXM and YXL ranges both include two options in the column PA field. The EXM400 features a 10‑inch subwoofer and a pair of 2 x 3.5‑inch speakers. A built‑in three‑channel mixer includes mic/instrument, mic/line and line‑level inputs — the first two are on XLR/TRS combo sockets and feature a tone control and reverb, while the third accepts quarter‑inch TRS and 3.5mm mini‑jack connectors and sports a two‑band EQ. There’s also a dedicated Bluetooth channel. The EXM Mobile Tower then offers a three‑way design with similar mixer specs, and has the advantage of being able to run on a built‑in battery. Both EXM units can be run in pairs for increased power and channel counts. The YXL range then includes the Tower10 and Tower12, both of which feature a column loaded with four three‑inch midrange drivers and a 0.75‑inch high‑frequency driver; the latter offers extended low‑end performance thanks to a 12‑inch subwoofer. Their onboard three‑channel mixers accept mic/instrument, mic/line and line‑level sources, and wireless playback is provided by Bluetooth. It’s possible to link up to 16 YXL units, and up to three of their onboard mixers can be active within the linked system.
From $999.
From $999.
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