In a world where booming audio technology innovates at a rapid clip, choosing the perfect portable PA speakers often becomes confusing. Adding to this confusion are the myriads of PA options, some from well-known brands, and some from dubious brands.
So, before you shell out some of your hard-earned money for a questionable PA system model and brand, it will help to learn the essential factors to consider when buying a portable PA system and the most recommended PA system models in the market today.
A portable PA system, of course, is a system that reinforces sound. It is portable because it is easy to carry around from one venue to another, and if you’re looking for something portable, don’t look for something huge. (Just kidding).
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Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable PA System
There are different types of PA systems based on size. You’ll find personal PAs, medium-sized PAs, Full-scale PAs. If you’re looking for a portable PA system, you would probably be looking for a personal PA system. The good thing about mobile PA systems is that they are affordable. Besides, many come with a wireless microphone. So, given the myriads of options at hand, it would be better for you to check the following factors to consider when shopping around for a portable PA system:
How Loud Would You Want It to Be?
When buying a portable PA system or whatever PA system, the foremost question you would often ask is, “How loud would you want it to be?” Of course, the power requirement of a PA system varies depending on the situation and its usage. So, if you will use it to boost your acoustic guitar, you don’t want something with too much power. A medium-sized PA system needs 2,000 Watts to 20,000 watts. So, chances are, the portable PA system will require less than 2000 Watts.
It doesn’t mean that if your speaker has significant wattage, it will have more output; far from that. Wattage, of course, affects the volume of the PA system. Yet, it is its maximum sound pressure level (SPL) that serves as a better indicator of the speaker’s loudness.
Active or Passive?
Active PA systems are internally powered and all you need to prepare is your PA system that comes with dynamic speakers. Thus, powered speakers simplify your PA system.
The passive PA system, on the other hand, needs external power. As such, they are more complicated and require more hardware to set up.
Portability
It is preposterous to be buying a portable PA that is not portable at all. If you are a solo artist, for example, a preacher, or a teacher, portability will factor well in your choice of a PA system. You would need something very compact and portable enough to be carried around to any venue. Moreover, you should go for something that comes with wheels.
Battery Life
Aside from portability, you should go for something with a longer battery life. If you hit the streets with your portable PA system, you will need something with a long-lasting battery. It will also be useful to check the battery life of your prospective portable PA system to know if it can support your PA system needs.
Number of Inputs
PA systems come with many or few inputs. If you need to plug in a guitar or some other instruments to your PA system, you should check the available number of PA inputs that you would like to buy. You should also check the number of available XLR mi inputs to determine if the said PA system will satisfy everything you need in a portable PA system.
Budget
If you got an unlimited budget, you should always go for the best personal PA system in the market. Of course, your budget will dictate the type of PA system you can buy. Nevertheless, it is good to note that you got a range of options at hand with many personal PA systems available in the market.
Most Recommended Portable PA System with Wireless Microphone
After knowing the essential factors to consider, you are now a step closer to finding the right mobile PA system. Yet, to further speed up the searching process for you, you can check out the following most recommended portable PA systems in the market today:
1) Samson Technologies Expedition XP106w
Another great option if you’re looking for a portable PA system is the Samson Technologies Expedition XP106w. This PA system is an all-in-one, battery-powered PA system that is very lightweight at 16 pounds. It offers a loud dynamic sound from its onboard amplifier (100Watts). It also comes with a four-channel mixer with inputs for mics, musical instruments, and aux-line level devices, as well as a wireless microphone.
The Samson Technologies Expedition XP106w offers an exceptionally clear and balanced sound. It features a very durable design that could last for a long time. Thus, this PA system is worth investing in. It is perfect for gatherings of 300 people.
The Samson Technologies Expedition XP106w includes a USB Digital Wireless System. This wireless system consists of a handheld mic transmitter for cord-free performance. Its internal battery can also last up to 20 hours, so you need not worry about not having any nearby sockets at hand.
With its use, you can enjoy wireless audio streaming from any Bluetooth-compatible device. It also has a Music/Speech EQ switch for optimizing output and ensuring that your audio will sound best.
2) Behringer Europort MPA200BT
The PA system Europort MPA200BT is almost synonymous with portability or being lightweight. The reason is that it is incredibly light. So, if you are looking for a portable PA system, the Europort MPA200BT is your best option. Despite its being lightweight, it is very durable.
The Europort MPA200BT is an all-in-one PA system that comes with Bluetooth connectivity. It is easy to set up even if you’re not techy. It features a 200W PA system, powerful enough to intensify the sound you would like to boost.
The good thing about this PA system is its Bluetooth connectivity. You can stream your favorite songs during a party or any occasion using this PA system. You can also get your message across through its Bluetooth connectivity.
Moreover, you can control its speakers using dedicated apps for both Apple iOS and Android with its Bluetooth connectivity. Besides, you can run it on a battery uninterrupted for 12 hours. So, even if there is no power outlet nearby, you can continue enjoying the use of this PA system.
This PA system is ideal for parties, teaching sessions, corporate meetings, seminars, presentations, and many other applications. Besides, it is perfect for gatherings with a maximum audience of 500 people. It also comes with a high-performing wireless mic.
This PA system is ideal for parties, teaching sessions, corporate meetings, seminars, presentations, and many other applications with a maximum 500-people audience. It also comes with a high-performing wireless mic.
Furthermore, it comes with a built-in 2-channel mixer with mic preamps that offers ultra-low noise with high headroom. It also comes with a two-band equalizer with Bluetooth support for fast streaming of music from your smartphone. Lastly, its box design is perfect for rugged use and portability.
3) Hisonic HS420 Rechargeable Portable PA System
Hisonic is a brand name that has been here for a very long time. Hence, if you are a true audiophile, you will be familiar with this brand. Hisonic also has dipped its hand in PA technology, and one of its popular models is the HS420 PA system. The design of Hisonic HS420 is solid. Out of the box, you can play it, for it comes charged out of the box. Its Bluetooth connectivity is remarkable and seamless.
When you use a thumb drive, its system automatically prioritizes the music source. You can also load many music files on the thumb drive. This unit will allow you to toggle between files.
Hisonic HS420 provides excellent sound quality. Moreover, it is perfect for events like weddings, teaching sessions, speaking engagements, singing, and many other activities that require enhancement of sound. It is a powerful 40-watt speaker with a VHF wireless mic system.
Its wireless receiver comes with a belt-pack transmitter along with a headset. It also features a USB port that lets you charge this unit while you are using it. Moreover, it also comes with an SD card slot with remote control and FM radio feature.
Plus, it comes with two extra microphone inputs with one guitar jack to let you optimize the use of this PA system. It also comes with individual treble, echo, and bass controls. Its 12V lithium battery can back you up for eight long hours when fully charged.
4) Pyle 1600 Watt 15″ Bluetooth PA Speaker
Pyle 1600-Watt PA Speaker is a user-friendly portable PA system. It is easy to reset, and it features a wide-coverage speaker that offers high-powered sound. Its sound covers the whole audio spectrum with its 15″ subwoofer, titanium diaphragm, and 1.34″ tweeter.
This PA speaker is an amplifier speaker that can enable you to record audio as it streamed through its speaker or via an external microphone. Moreover, it comes with separate volume, treble, and bass controls. It is perfect for use in DJ, patio party, and crowd control.
Its speaker comes with USB/SD card readers with MP3 and WMA audio files support. It also features a built-in FM radio. Moreover, it comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty and a 30-day full refund if you don’t get satisfied with this product.
5) Pyle Wireless Portable PA System
The Pyle Wireless Portable PA System is a powerful 400-Watt powered PA System with an 8″ woofer. It is perfect for playing your favorite tracks loudly with style. It is also ideal for gatherings and DJ parties.
The Pyle Wireless Portable PA System is Bluetooth compatible for easy and wireless streaming of audio. It is working well with other devices like Android and iPhone Mobile phones, iPad, PC, tablet. It’s also perfect for outdoor and indoor use. With this PA system, you can instantly enjoy karaoke singing.
It comes with a box-type design with 2-1/4 microphone and 2-1/4″ instruments, guitar input. You can also connect three mics simultaneously if you want to have a karaoke party. Moreover, it comes with a dynamic mic along with 1/4″ aux and RCA audio cable.
Its design comes with a front control panel. You can adjust its treble, bass, and echo levels with its front controls. It also comes with a mic, guitar, iPod/MP3, and audio levels. Plus, it comes with a 35mm stand mount.
PYLE Wireless Portable PA System comes with a rechargeable battery. This battery is a 12V 7Ah built-in Lead Acid. This rechargeable battery can last for 10 hours when fully charged. Moreover, it comes with a telescoping handle, as well as caster wheels for easy and convenient portability. It is also very much affordable.
Conclusion
Before investing in any PA system, it will be useful to be cognizant of the abovementioned essential factors to consider and the most recommended PA systems in the market today. With a great PA system at hand, you can engage your audience without necessitating a complicated PA system. Moreover, with enhanced portability, you can bring your PA system anywhere and anytime you need it.
Another thing you need to consider when buying a portable PA system is its features. You can narrow down your choices, for example, into the most recommended PA systems and compare their features to zero in on the one that offers the best features for addressing your PA needs.
James Mann is a 36-year-old session singer and vocal coach who loves to share his singing and musical experiences online. Besides focusing on singing. Songwriting, music production, studio setups and vocal recording and mastering other musical instruments are his passion too.