Featuring The Best Powered Speakers For Live Bands
When you’re on the hunt for the best PA systems for live bands, it’s easy to get drawn into all the specs. But, let’s face it, the bottom line is how does it sound? What kind of quality does it offer? And how portable is the system? These are all factors worth considering.
In this article, we present the best PA systems for live bands, taking into consideration the factors mentioned above in the form of powered speakers. We also provide you with their matched powered subwoofer option for extending the low-end frequency response. That way, you have a complete system selection giving you a clear idea of the ideal PA system for your band.
The Best PA System for Live Bands
The best pa system for live bands in the form of powered speakers are:
QSC K12.2 – 12” Powered 2000-Watt Loudspeaker
When looking for the best powered speakers for live bands, there’s no doubt in our minds that we need to point out the QSC K12.2 Active 12” Powered 2000-Watt Loudspeaker. They focus on a smooth performance with well-matched high and low-frequency drivers. Their quality and advanced electronics make for an overall satisfying powered speaker.
Features of the QSC K12.2
You’ll find it easy to use the settings and displays, along with quick-to-understand markings making this unit accessible to those just starting out or the experienced band. Factory settings offer you a nice mix of presets. This hefty unit comes in at just under 40 pounds and includes a 3.5mm jack for you to plug into easily.
The indicators on this QSC powered speaker makes it simple to see that signal is present, your microphone sensitivity, and more. You’ll also appreciate that the cooling fan is quiet. The unit itself comes in a sturdy ABS enclosure.
Sound Quality
When it comes to the best PA systems for live bands, QSC offers a reliable model that should easily meet or exceed your needs. With a Frequency response of 50Hz-20kHz, and DMT (Directivity Matched Transition) and Intrinsic Correction DSP, you’re looking at an undistorted and accurate presentation of your sound.
If crisp and clear is what you’re after, you’ll find it with the K12.2. You’ve got great clarity without distortion, even as you crank it up. The excellent wide dispersion with matched frequency response allows your sound to get to everyone in the crowd.
This is one of the best powered speakers for live bands at an affordable price. With high reviews across the board, this is easily a system to put on your shortlist.
Optional Companion Powered Subwoofer – QSC KS212C
The KS212C is the companion subwoofer for the QSC K12.2 powered speaker. It is a cardioid sub designed to “keep the bass in its place,” meaning that it blasts the sound in a cardioid pattern where most of the sound goes out from the front while less from the sides and back.
It is the perfect sub for complementing the powered speaker. It offers a 3600 Watt Class-D power module, dual 12-inch long excursion drivers with dual 6th order band-pass design.
Takeaways:
The QSC K12.2 speaker offers excellent quality, crystal clear sound, robust design, and shows a pattern of solid reviews across the board for customer satisfaction. Make it even better by adding the companion subwoofer to offer to your audience the best possible sound experience.
One thing to note is the bag used for portability doesn’t have a thick padded bottom for extra speaker grill protection, but a quick modification can resolve that. Also, some users feel there should be better grips for easier loading.
READ: Best Portable PA Systems For Outdoor Events
Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker
When you’re on the search for the best PA systems for live bands, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options available in the market. The bottom line is that you want a speaker system that can deliver the best possible sound, plus it can provide excellent quality and portability. The Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker does it all for you, in one compact unit. But how does it stack up? Let’s check it out.
Features and Sound Quality of the Bose F1 Model 812
It offers eight output drivers behind their woofer. One of the things that they point out is their crossover point is lower than other speakers. In doing this, they’re focused on the quality of the sound for a clear, crisp audio experience. That’s all well and good for speaking, but what about music?
The 1,000-watt speakers send out a strong vertical coverage, but what does that mean for a live performance? Is it enough? Yes. Because of what they call their “Flexible Array” sound, it’s versatile and easily adjusts for your needs.
So, whether you need your audio to slam up the bleachers, or to point down from the stage, or simply aim straight ahead, you’re covered. The automatic EQ takes the guesswork out of the gig, which is excellent for newer performers.
With a frequency response of 52 Hz – 16 kHz, a frequency range of 43 Hz – 20 kHz, and a normal dispersion of 100° H x 40° V, Bose more than meets your live performance needs. You’ll get a robust unit that delivers high-quality sound with clear, crisp clarity.
Optional Companion Subwoofer for the Bose F1 Model 812
If you want to extend the low-frequency response on the Model 812, you need the Bose F1 subwoofer, which is built purposely for the F1 812. This compact 1000-watt sub comes with two 10-inch high-excursion low-frequency drivers to ensure the low ends sound deep and punchy, filling up the venue with Bose sound.
Just like the F1 812, the sub also has its controls. It offers a Volume knob, Limit front LEDs, a polarity switch to adjust the subwoofer’s polarity, and a line output EQ to switch between Full Range and HPF (through a high-pass filter at 100Hz).
Takeaways:
This unit comes in at 44 pounds, and with a rugged, portable design, you’ll be able to set up in no time. Strong reviews make it hard to point out negatives, as people are in love with the sound quality of these units. But, we’d be amiss not to point out that Bose comes with a premium price tag. This is a great unit, but there may be something that suits your needs at a lower price point.
Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT
One of the first things you’ll notice about this selection when looking for the best PA systems for live bands is the price. It’s a remarkable entry-level speaker for those who can’t afford the premium prices of the Bose and JBL system. The best part? You won’t be disappointed.
The Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT is a model worth adding to your list when looking for the best powered speakers for live bands. Let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer.
Features and Sound Quality of the Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT
They offer clean, clear sound in a portable powered speaker that’s sure to get your attention. With 1,000 watts coming at you, the audio distribution has plenty of power to get the job done.
For portability, they’ve included three handles for ease of transport and movement. They tout their EV‑patented Signal Synchronized Transducers (SST) waveguide as being able to offer you the crisp sound you want, whether loading it up or sharing your acoustic performance.
When it comes to the numbers for audio fidelity, we’re looking at a Frequency Response of 65 Hz – 18 kHz, with a Frequency Range from 50 Hz – 20 kHz, and Maximum SPL of 126 dB.
This unit is also one of the lighter ones weighing in at just about 34 pounds, which is a good ten pounds lighter than the Bose F1.
Optional Companion Powered Subwoofer – The ELX200-12SP
Pair your Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT with an ELX200-12SP for extending the low-frequency range of your PA system. With this sub, your audience will feel the punchiness of the music.
The ELX200-12SP subwoofer features high-efficiency Class-D amplifiers that can deliver up to 1200 W of power with an SPL of 129 dB. It comes with integrated “QuickSmartDSP,” making it very easy to set up via three presets, sub/top system-match, five user-programmable presets, visual monitoring of limiter status, input level control and meters, and master volume control to optimize gain structure, all via LCD.
The LF transducer was designed and engineered by EV. The Low-Pass frequency can be adjusted to 80 Hz, 100 Hz, 120 Hz, and 150 Hz, respectively.
Takeaways:
The EV ZLX-12BT is an excellent entry-level PA system for those looking for a lower price point. Do note that there are some mixed reviews on the Bluetooth quality of this unit, so take a closer look and see if it will suit your needs.
This speaker would be suitable for smaller venues, and those looking for something with a strong value/price ratio. If you’re looking for a lightweight, reliable sound system and don’t have a big budget for buying sound equipment for your band, this might be the best choice for you.
READ: Public Address System Components – Everything You Need to Know
Mackie Thump 15A
Reliability and affordability is what Mackie brings with their Thump series of loudspeakers. Let’s see what it has to offer and if the lower price can still give you the crisp clarity you’re looking for in a speaker. When it comes to choosing the best PA system for live performing bands, there are a lot of options, but knowing what you’re looking for can help you cut through the noise.
Features and Sound Quality
With a solid 1300 watts, the Mackie Thump 15A is a big box full of funk and sound. They tout their low-end abilities and dual angled design and digital crossover. The entire unit comes in with a weight of 40 pounds, which puts it in the mid-range with the other models we’re looking at, but what really stands head and shoulders above the rest is the price.
It’s a great entry-level price for those starting out and looking for a solid piece of equipment. Also, it offers multiple inputs.
The Frequency Range is 32Hz-23kHz, and the Frequency Response is 39Hz-20kHz, while the Maximum SPL peak is 136 dB SPL @ 1m.
Optional Companion Powered Subwoofer – The Mackie Thump18S
With the Thump18S you can add deep, room-filling lows to your audience no matter where you play. This subwoofer features an 18” custom high-output woofer powered by a Class-D power amplifier that delivers 600 W RMS, 1200 W Peak. The maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) is 130 dB, with a frequency response of 30-132 Hz.
It offers 2 XLR inputs for mono or stereo applications, 2 XLR high-pass outputs for top speakers (Mackie Thump 15A), and 2 XLR full-range outputs.
Takeaways:
When reading through multiple reviews, one thing you’ll note is that people are happy with the clarity and minimal distortion, which is a good find on such affordable speakers. When it comes to the best powered speakers for live bands, there are some top brands with big money attached to them, so to find something with a great entry-level price tag seeing solid reviews is a nice bit of comfort.
Thump is about thumping, though some felt there was a tad too much bass boost, so keep in mind how you’ll be using them. Big, heavy thump your thing? Great. On the other hand, if you’re more of an acoustic sound, you might want to choose something different.
READ: 6 Tips for Choosing the Best Portable PA System for Live Music
Yamaha DXR12mkII – Powered Speaker Cabinet
Yamaha is a trusted, reliable name, and they’ve got a speaker you’ll want to check out. When it comes to the best PA systems for live bands, see why we’ve listed the Yamaha DXR12mkII to find out if it’s the right model for your band.
Features and Sound
One of the things you’ll notice right away is that this unit comes in different sizes if you need to adjust your pricing a little. We won’t be comparing them all, but if you like what you see and want to save a few dollars, consider the Yamaha’s smaller size units. With that in mind, we think you should first consider the 12” as it’s a good mix of what you’ll want in a powered speaker for live gigs.
Delivering an SPL (Sound Pressure Level) of 134 dB, Yamaha designed a Class-D amplifier with their transducers in mind, aiming to offer you crystal clear sound without distortion. The materials put into this model were chosen to help with this, to stop the vibration, rattle, and roll some units put out.
They also created them with not only durability but portability in mind. The 41-pound weight is half of what the JBL weighs, which makes for much easier transport. Also, they stand just under 2’ tall at 23.6”.
They are touted as having sonic integrity and keeping their sound solid no matter how loud these babies are cranked up. Lastly, you’ll enjoy the 3-channel mixer. Looking for more specs? How about a Frequency Range of 52Hz-20khz, and a Crossover Frequency of 2100 Hz.
Optional Companion Powered Subwoofer – The Yamaha DXS15mkII
The DXS series of powered subwoofers are the companion subs for the DXR series of active speakers. The DXS15mkII features a 15” driver with a 2.5” voice coil for delivering a deep, punchy bass response. An 800-Watt Class-D power amplifier powers the unit, pumping out a remarkable SPL of 135dB.
The enclose is designed as a cardioid mode for efficient onstage bass dispersion. You get the option of selecting the crossover frequency at 80, 100, and 120Hz, and its frequency range goes from 40Hz-150hz. It also offers 2 x XLR inputs and 2 x XLR (thru) outputs for connections.
Takeaways
Yamaha speakers offer consistent quality and a competitive price. While their low-end frequency response isn’t as solid as some other units, they hold up comparatively overall. One thing that I took note of is there aren’t a lot of reviews to see what others have experienced.
I like to look at a balance of experiences because it’s an excellent way to know how others are using their speakers and what issues they may have come up with. Regardless, the reviews we did check out were all positive.
JBL SRX835P – 15” 2000W Powered Speaker
Let’s look at what the JBL has to offer in the powered speaker category. After all, this is all about presenting to you the best powered speakers for live bands available in the market today, so it’s time to tackle another brand.
One of the first things you’ll probably notice is the steep pricing. It’s a lot higher than some of the others, but we’re going to tell you why.
Features, History, and Sound
This 3-way speaker is self-powered and ready to get your performance or party started. You’re looking at 2,000-Watts of power delivered by a Class-D Crown amplifier, a world-renowned brand of amps. The drivers are JBL’s patented Differential Drive® delivering the best sound.
They take audio seriously. In fact, in the 1970s, JBL was a big name in the professional recording industry. The pros trust them, and so can you. This is a company that not only focuses on audio, but they also invent it.
The “Academy Awards” and “Oscars” choose JBL. So, if that doesn’t get your attention, I’m not sure what will. That’s why they have a steep price tag. They’re pro, invested, and invented a lot of the technology and have been breaking new ground for decades.
As for the JBL SRX935P speakers, you’ll find them offering a Frequency range of 33Hz-21kHz, a Crossover of 330Hz, 2.4kHz, and impressive clarity. But, all that awesome sound comes at a hefty 85 pounds, making this unit hands down the heaviest option on the list. They are also a big speaker standing at nearly 40” tall. Portability, not as much as the others, but impressive sound and build quality, yes.
Optional Companion Powered Subwoofer – The JBL SRX818SP
The SRX series from JBL was designed to deliver excellent sound and durability. It’s powered by a 1000-watt Crown amplifier that translates in an SPL of 135 dB. JBL uses a patented driver that has a 3” voice coil and a lower mass ferrite magnet that reduces the overall weight of the unit while increasing its power capabilities.
This subwoofer delivers smooth, deep bass that can be heard and felt all over the venue. With the LCD and rotary control, you have access to 20 parametric EQ’s, speaker delay, and 50 available slots for programming your own presets. It comes with 2 x ¼ or XLR Neutrik inputs and 2 x XLR Outputs.
Takeaways
When you’re looking at the best powered speakers for live bands, this is truly a premium speaker, but you’ll need to lay out some big cash for them. If you’re just starting out, you may want something a little less expensive, but if you’re in the market for a total upgrade, you won’t go wrong with the JBL speakers.