When you are a singer who plays an acoustic instrument as accompaniment, you need a sound reinforcement system that is not cluttered with unnecessary equipment that degrades your music’s quality and essence.
You need a lightweight system that is easy to set up and provides excellent sound quality so that your audience can hear, enjoy and appreciate your performance. Therefore, it is important to choose the right pa system depending on what it will be used for.
With the vast selection of PA systems available in the market with different price ranges and sonic characteristics, how do you know which one is the best PA system for acoustic guitar and vocals?
If you want the short answer, the best pa system for acoustic instruments and vocals are:
- Bose L1 Pro8
- Fishman SA330x Performance Audio System
- JBL EON One Compact
- Bose S1 Pro
In the following article, I will explain why these choices are the best. First, I present a few aspects that are vital for choosing the right system. Then I review each system in more detail to have a clear understanding of what they offer. Let’s get started.
The Best PA System for Acoustic Guitar and Vocals – Buyer’s Guide
Several factors need to be taken into consideration when selecting a PA system. Still, to make this article straight to the point, we will focus only on four factors: tonal accuracy, sound linearity, tuning, and build quality.
Tonal Accuracy
This term is widely used in the recording industry and the car audio industry because it’s used to measure the sonic quality of an audio system.
In simple terms, it can be defined as the ability of an electronic sound system to accurately reproduce a live performance or recording without coloring the sound and changing it.
Of course, the quality of the microphone being used and equalization play an important role in how a performance sounds. Still, a key factor would be how the system was designed and constructed to have the ability to reproduce a sound as accurately as possible.
The best pa system for acoustic guitar and vocals should have the ability to reproduce the performance as detailed as possible.
Sound Linearity
Sound linearity is an important factor that needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a PA system.
It refers to the balance a sound system has at low, medium, and high volumes. For a system to have good linearity, it must reproduce sound accurately at all three loudness levels.
When a professional sound reinforcement system is installed in a stage or arena for a concert, sound engineers have the challenging task of installing the system so that there is linearity throughout the space of the concert hall.
This is because people sitting close to the front where speakers are located will be blasted away with high volume levels. In contrast, people sitting in the back will not be able to hear the music clearly. Therefore linearity is needed so that sound waves can be evenly distributed throughout the space.
It is important to keep in mind that sound levels tend to decrease in the outdoors because sound reflections decrease.
This is why it is important to have a PA system that can project sound evenly and with enough loudness (SPL) to fill the venue.
Tuning
When a PA system is designed, many elements could impact the quality of the sound. The materials used to build the enclosure and the circuitry’s design can have repercussions on the sound.
When designing the system, the speakers, audio components, equalization, and amplification circuitry are tuned to meet specific audio requirements.
For example, headphone manufacturers such as Bose tune their products to reproduce music with balanced bass, mid, and high frequencies, emphasizing higher frequencies.
In contrast, Beats headphones are tuned to be bass-heavy, regardless of the music you are listening to.
There are different preferences when it comes to sound. Some people might enjoy heavy bass sounds, so for them, a system that delivers higher emphasis at the lower frequencies would be considered the best sound system.
Others who appreciate the detail in sound might prefer a system that can deliver more detail in the mid and high frequencies.
Build Quality
When choosing a PA system, you need to pay attention to the build quality. The better the components the manufacturer uses, the better the overall quality of the equipment will be. This fact is important when choosing a portable system.
The system should be Strong, lightweight, good-looking, and easy to set up. Appropriate for all kinds of situations.
Bose L1 Pro8 Portable Line Array System
Are you ready to wow your audience by delivering high-definition, detailed sound in your next performance? If that’s the case, you need the Bose L1 Pro8 portable line array PA system.
It is lightweight, easy to transport, and best of all, it takes only a few minutes to set up and tear down.
Plus, it gives you the freedom to control the unit from the L1 Pro Mix App.
Want to stream music from your phone or table? No problem, it can do that too.
If you are a singer/songwriter looking for the best portable PA system for acoustic guitar and vocals that delivers exceptional sound, look no further than the Bose L1 Pro8.
Features
- It distributes sound evenly throughout the venue thanks to the 8-driver, C-shaped array delivering a 180-degree horizontal coverage.
- This portable PA system delivers more bass in your performance without the bulk. The built-in subwoofer it’s a 7” x 13” high excursion driver, designed with a slim racetrack for a smaller footprint. Don’t be fooled by the small size of the subwoofer; it packs a pretty huge punch.
- The system comes with two Class-D amplifiers delivering a total of 300 Watts RMS. A 60-Watt amp powers the 8-driver line array, and a 240-Watt amp powers the subwoofer. This translates into a total loudness of 118 dB peak, making it ideal for small to medium venues.
- The Bose L1 Pro system comes with a 3-channel built-in mixer that allows you to plug in various instruments, microphones, and other audio sources. Plus, it can be controlled wirelessly from your phone or tablet via the L1 mix app.
- The mixer offers EQ, quality effects such as reverb, phantom power – for connecting condenser mics, along with a few ToneMatch presents for easy equalization.
- It also offers Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming
- With the Bose L1 Pro8, you’ll get a lightweight system with practical portability – breaking down into a few easy-to-carry pieces that include speaker array, array extension, subwoofer stand, and power cord. Ultra-portable,
- Tonematch port for easy mixer connection.
Specifications
High Frequency Drivers: | 8 x 2" C-shaped array |
Subwoofer: | 7" x 13" |
Input Channels: | 3 |
Phantom Power: | Yes +48V |
EQ: | 2-band EQ |
Inputs: | 2 x XLR-1/4" combo, 1 x 1/8" (aux), 1 x 1/4" (aux) |
Outputs: | 1 x XLR (DI) |
Bluetooth: | Yes |
I/O: | ToneMatch cable |
Total Power: | 300W – 60W Class D (array), 240W Class D (sub) |
Frequency Response: | 45Hz-16khz |
Control App: | Bose L1 Mix app |
Dimensions: | H 78.9" (includes array) x W 12.5” x 17.3” |
Weight: | 39.8 lbs. |
Pros
- You’ll get high-definition sound from a lightweight, easy to carry, easy to set up portable PA system
- Few cables to connect
- It offers phantom power, EQ, effects, and Bluetooth streaming.
- Easily fills small to medium-sized spaces
- Perfect for small outdoor events
Cons
- Some people complained that the spacer is a bit shaky
The Bose L1 Pro8 can be considered the best PA system for acoustic guitar and vocals. This unit delivers excellent flexibility, convenience, portability, and outstanding performance.
The product is excellent, the reviews are fantastic, and the price is just right. You should give it a try.
For a full, detailed review of the Bose L1 Pro8, click here
Fishman SA330x Performance Audio System Review
There are many PA systems available in the market today that promise a lot but underdeliver.
The SA330x is a rugged, lightweight, good-looking, and easy to set up PA system perfectly tuned for vocals and acoustic instruments, appropriate for all your acoustic amplification needs.
Designed by Fishman, this system is built around a uniquely configured 2-way line array speaker system that delivers crystal clear sound performance aimed for live performance of vocals and acoustic instruments.
It is the perfect solution for amazing sound in small and medium-sized venues, corporate displays, clubs, or similar sized venues with excellent sound quality.
The SA330x can be used alone for a solo gig, or it can be expanded as a part of a bigger sound reinforcement system.
It provides the flexibility of linking two or more SA330x together and adding the Fishman 300W SA Subwoofer specially designed for the SA330x PA system to accentuate the lower frequencies and provide a fuller sound.
If more than two channels are needed for an acoustic band, you can install your preferred audio mixer or use the Fishman SA Channel Expander/Mixer specially designed for the SA330x to add 4 more channels.
Sound Accuracy
The Fishman SA330x is designed using Six 4″ mid-woofers that reproduce midrange frequencies accurately thanks to its patented dual gap, high excursion design, with neodymium magnets.
To reproduce the high frequencies, this system uses one 1″ neodymium soft dome tweeter with its level control to fine-tune the high frequencies’ volume. The system’s frequency range goes from 71 Hz to 20 kHz.
The SA330x features a uniquely configured 2-way speaker system that delivers all the sweetness and definition of a great studio monitor, but in a live stage.
Fishman designed the speakers and tweeter to have a wide dynamic range and reproduce the full range of frequencies of acoustic instruments and vocals.
It Delivers a Balanced Sound
The six mid-woofers in the Fishman SA330X are installed in a modified line array configuration capable of filling the room with sound that can be heard loud and clear in the back row, without “blowing away” the audience in the front.
This system can deliver detailed sound at impressive volume levels while providing balanced audio throughout small to medium-sized venues for audiences between 80 and 160 people.
This PA system can also be used outdoors, delivering detailed crystal-clear sound to your audience.
However, even though the overall volume decreases, this system can still deliver good volume for venues between 80 to 120 people in outdoor events such as weddings, gatherings, etc.
Build Quality of the SA330X
Fishman designed the SA330x using modern industrial techniques. The enclosure is made of extruded aluminum, making it very strong and lightweight.
The speakers and tweeters use powerful neodymium magnets instead of regular ferrite magnets, making the system lightweight when compared to traditional systems that use ferrite magnets.
These magnets are smaller and lighter than ferrite magnets but have stronger magnetic fields, making each speaker smaller, lighter but delivering a lot of sound power.
Features:
- Portable PA system perfect for a gigging solo musician for small to medium-sized venues.
- With its modified line array speaker design, everyone in your audience from front to back will hear you clean and crisp, without overwhelming the front row listener with high volumes to fill the room.
- The Fishman SA330X is designed from scratch and accurately tuned specially for voice, playback, and amplified acoustic instruments.
- 2-way system with six 4″ woofers and one 1″ dome tweeter with a built-in tweeter volume knob to control the amount of brightness coming out of the tweeter.
- The speaker system is bi-amped meaning that it has two amplifiers inside, one for the mid-woofers of 280W RMS and one amplifier for the tweeter of 50W RMS for a total of 330W RMS driving the system.
- Capable of an impressive 113dB SPL at 1m.
- Built-in reverb effects.
- 2 mic/instrument channels with XLR/TRS combo inputs.
- 3-band EQ per channel.
- Phantom power available on each input channel to use it with any condenser microphone or instrument pickup.
- High-quality Fishman preamps for detailed, low-noise sound.
- Balanced XLR DI outputs for input channels and main mix.
- Footswitch input for controlling Channel Mute and Reverb Mute (footswitch not included).
- Phase and Notch filters help prevent feedback.
- Aux Stereo Input to make it easy to connect a music player.
- Includes tripod stand and padded carry bag.
- Input channels can be expanded via accessory port – Provides one-cable audio and power for the SA mixer Expand.
- Subwoofer output – Dedicated output optimizes system voicing.
Technical Specifications:
Input Impedance:
- 1/4” Input 5M Ohm
- XLR Input 3k Ohm Balanced
- Aux Input (stereo) 10k Ohm
Tone Controls and Anti-Feedback:
- Low ±12.5dB @ 50Hz (resonant)
- Mid ±10.5dB @ 750Hz (resonant)
- High ±12.5dB @ 10kHz (shelving)
- Anti-Feedback range -14dB @ 15Hz – 330Hz (Hi-Q resonant notch)
Channel 1 & 2 D.I. Output:
- Output Impedance 600 Ohm balanced
- Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated
Mix D.I. Output:
- Output Impedance 600 Ohm balanced
- Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated
Sub Output:
- Output Impedance 600 Ohm balanced
- Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated
Speaker System:
- Woofer Six 4” patented dual-gap with neodymium magnet
- Tweeter 1” soft dome, neodymium magnet
- Tweeter Level Up to 6dB cut @ 10kHz
- Crossover Bi-amplified with active crossover
- 100Hz High-pass filter when Sub Out connected
Amplifier:
- Woofers 280W RMS; 484W peak
- Tweeter 50W RMS; 100W peak
- Frequency Response 71Hz – 20kHz
- Power Consumption: 300W max
Physical:
- Dimensions: 41.4” H x 5.5” W x 6.7”D
105.2cm H x 14.0cm W x 17.0cm D
- Weight 20lbs (9.1 kg) without stand and carry bag
Pros:
- The SA330x gives the full, pure acoustic sound of miked acoustic instruments such as guitar, violin, harp, cello, mandolin, etc.
- Very quick and easy setup and breakdown.
- The complete system with a tripod stand and padded carry bag is a bit over 20 lbs, very lightweight. The upgraded system with added SA subwoofer and SA channel expander is less than 55 lbs.
Cons:
- The included padded carrying bag is not of the best quality and it doesn’t have the space for the tripod and power cable. Fishman offers a deluxe carrying case for $150 that has the space for all the accessories.
- Deluxe carrying case is expensive.
- It doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities.
Testing the Fishman SA330x by a Musician
Alternative PA Systems for Acoustic Guitar and Vocals.
If the the Bose L1 Pro8 and Fishman SA330x PA systems are outside your budget, here are three more affordable alternatives that deliver excellent sound and are portable: the JBL EON One Compact, and the Bose S1 Pro. Let’s take a closer look at each one of them.
JBL EON One Compact
The JBL EON One Compact is a Bluetooth PA system designed for optimal performance in the smallest possible package. It boasts a wealth of features, which are suitable for a variety of different purposes.
If you are a singer-songwriter performing indoors or outdoors, then this is easily one of the best PA systems for guitar and vocals.
This system is perfect for those that need something compact but still packs a punch with a healthy dose of sound.
The Bluetooth functionality allows you to hook up your mobile devices to blast music through the speakers. Honestly, for the price, you really aren’t going to get anything better than this.
Features
One of the reasons why this JBL is one the best affordable PA system for acoustic guitar and vocals is due to the massive number of features that have been packed into such a small bit of kit.
These features are more than enough to whet the appetite of both casual and professional users alike. Not bad for something that weighs just 8kg, right? Let’s go over the ones that we are 100% positive you are going to love the most.
One of the real thrills of the JBL EON One Compact is that you can take it pretty much anywhere you want. Despite the amount of power this bit of gear boasts, the lithium-ion battery will last a whopping 12-hours. More than enough to get you through a party or a big outdoor gig.
Has your battery gone? No worries! It charges up again in just a short 2.5-hours. Plus, the batteries are also swappable for the minimum amount of fuss during those more extended uses.
You can even ‘leech’ off of that battery life. The JBL comes complete with two USB3 ports. This means that you can plug in your USB devices and charge them. Perfect if you are taking your smartphone or tablet outside, ready to blast your music.
To hook up a guitar and microphones, this speaker boasts several ports, meaning that you can quickly hook up your instruments for brilliant outdoor performances:
- 2 x XLR/TRS
- 1/4″ jack for your guitar
- 3.5mm input
- Headphone output
If you use a condenser microphone, don’t worry because the JBL offers phantom to power all of your condenser mics. Phantom power, is incredibly rare in portable set-ups like this one. In fact, it is rare in most PAs at this price point.
You also have full control over the volume of each of the inputs (if you are using them all) for optimal sound mixing.
This means that you should be able to get the perfect balance on your acoustic instruments and vocals, which means your listeners can listen to the best sound possible.
Just because this is a portable PA, it doesn’t mean that JBL has skimped on the traditional PA features. It comes with several controllable effects built into the speaker for the ultimate crafting of your sound (reverb, delay, etc
It also comes with a companion app where you can store all your settings. Just pair the speaker via Bluetooth when you are setting it up, and all of those effects are saved, meaning that you can deliver the same sound experience time and time again.
This portable PA system works as both a vertical PA and a monitor too. So, you can get the perfect set-up no matter what you are planning to do with your JBL EON One Compact.
It is no surprise that many people pick up a couple of these speakers to pair them and get stereo sound.
Sound Performance
At the heart of the JBL EON One Compact, you have an excellent 8-inch woofer that can hit a massive 112dB. Honestly, you will be in awe at how something so small can get so loud.
This is more than enough power to fill up a small room with sound or even entertain 80+ people outside.
Get a couple of these speakers, and you will be able to enjoy loudness akin to some of the larger (and way more expensive) PA systems on the market.
If you love your sweet bass, you will love the fact that this bit of kit goes all the way down to 37.5 Hz. JBL claims that this is far lower than similar portable options on the market. Your music is simply going to sound better.
Of course, your acoustic guitar is unlikely to be able to hit bass levels like this, but it is still great to have the range. It ultimately means everything will sound better, and that is always going to be a good thing.
If you want the perfect companion to your voice and acoustic guitar, then this option is great if you have a smaller budget.
The maximum volume, and the crystal clear quality of the sound this pumps out, means that each note you play and sing can be heard. This is the best way to perform your music the way it deserves to be heard.
For a full, detailed review of the JBL EON One Compact, click here
Bose S1 Pro Speaker System
The S1 Pro PA system is a perfect match for soloist musicians using acoustic instruments. This fully loaded, rugged, easy to setup powered speaker is very lightweight, just 15.7 pounds (7.1 Kg).
The good thing about this speaker is that it delivers wide even coverage dispersing the sound not only through the front but on the sides of the enclosure filling the room with a rich, clear sound evenly distributed to an entire room.
It has two independent channels with EQ, reverb and Bose’s proprietary ToneMatch technology that helps microphones and guitars sound natural, while Auto EQ adjusts the system tone automatically for great sound in any position.
It also includes a third channel with auxiliary input and one-touch Bluetooth pairing to stream music from your devices. This system doesn’t have phantom power.
The S1 Pro PA system can be chosen with a factory-installed rechargeable Li-ion battery that gives you unmatched portability with a playback time of up to 11 hours depending on the volume. Its built-in handle makes it very easy to take it about anywhere.
For a full, detailed review of the Bose S1 Pro, click here
Testing the Bose S1 Pro Live by a Musician
Conclusion:
If you are a soloist that plays an acoustic instrument for accompaniment and is looking for the best PA system for acoustic instruments and vocals, make no mistake and get the Bose L1 Pro8 or any other option presented in this article.
These systems are specifically designed and tuned for vocals and instruments and they delivers a clear, loud sound that will impress you and your audience.
Thanks to its modified line array speaker system the sound is widely dispersed in the room providing a linear sound dispersion throughout the venue. This system will be perfect for small to mid-sized venues.
The build quality of this system is excellent and you’ll be assured that it is going to last for a long time.
Setting it up and tearing it down is fast and easy, for this and many more reasons the Bose L1 Pro8 is hands down the best PA system for acoustic guitar and vocals.