Choosing the Best Powered PA Speakers for You

[@sweetwater]

Shopping for powered PA speakers? Sweetwater’s got you covered! Check out our expert buying advice and learn more about our picks here 👉 imp.i114863.net/DVDYay

[@alexdenton6586]

If some of them are of good quality as you say in the video, would it be worthwhile to take an active one that could also be used to broadcast music in the house in addition to other applications? Because I never wanted to buy one for fear that after I can't even use it for music and that I would be forced to buy a separate hi-fi system

[@ravichandel8690]

sir i want to do apprenticeship please provide email id to send resume

[@jintsuubest9331]

Timeline 0:27 What is PA system 3:33 Simple spec walkthrough 3:40 Pioneer xprs122 4:03 JBL prx8w 4:26 JBL eno712 4:58 QSC k12.2 5:20 QSC cp12 5:33 Electrovoice zlx12bt 5:59 Mackie thump212 6:23 Yamaha dbr12 6:55 Carry test 11:12 Simple volume test 14:47 Simple conclusion

[@MichaelOluwasholaCovenant]

Thanks 🎉

[@pracheerdeka6737]

Can you please test the some best line array output with db meter on.

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Thank you

[@abdiopia]

11:12 "Now let's try a real real world test" 11:51 JBL EON712 1300W 12:13 QSC CP12 1000W 12:35 YAMAHA DBR12 1000W 12:57 QSC K12.2 2000W 13:19 POINEER DJ XPRS122 13:41 ELECTRO-VOICE ZLX-12BT 1000W 14:03 MACKIE THUMP 212 14:25 JBL PRX812 1500W

[@CaptainJack2048]

There aren't a lot of KZbin channels that are at the same time interesting, informative, and entertaining, and you hit all three. Plus, great beats. 😄

[@squiresuzuki]

11:58 eon712 12:20 cp12 12:42 dbr12 13:04 k12.2 13:26 xprs122 13:48 zlx-12bt 14:10 thump212

[@shakarocks]

There are several of these that I wouldn't hesitate to buy but I went wth the K12:2. It's a touch louder, has good DSP, is excellent with or without a sub, and sounds amazing. Prior to owning I played gigs where they were used and was stunned at how well they did in everything from a gym to an outdoor gig wth 500 people.

[@jonnthangarcia]

Without a doubt the best point-source speaker out there

[@shakarocks]

@@jonnthangarcia I think it provides a lot of value for the money. I've had some good experiences with the Yamaha's as well.

[@Andrew-cz4vp]

What kind of and how many woofers? Also how many of the k12's were used for the 500 peeps outdoors?

[@gsonn18]

​@@shakarocks which model yamaha?

[@kevinperry3639]

This saves me a lot of research and gives me a few ideas. Great video, thank you 🤘

[@ChannelForty2]

Sweetwater, you're good, everytime I'm looking into some kind of new equipment you guys release a video about that exact thing lol. Plus Mitch rules!

[@robrobbins4906]

Would liked to have seen the Yamaha DXR12mkii instead of the DBR12. The DBR is less than half the price of the QSC and held it's own. The DXR and the QSC are closer in price.

[@PA-Freak98513RY]

My favourite PA-Speakersystems are from RCF🇮🇹&YAMAHA🇯🇵. I like active Bi-Amped 3-Way Fullrange Systems.I own the 2x RCF🇮🇹 NX 985-A & 2x YAMAHA🇯🇵 DZR 315 in Double-Stereo Mode. 🔊L🔴🔊 & 🔊🔵R🔊

[@sana-cm7oc]

Yamaha DBR12 12:36 Mackie Thump212 14:04

[@Immersed_Dimensions]

JBL EON712 Overall pure clean tone QSC K12.2 Louder Cleaner overall sound, especially louder with a touch of more midrange

[@jhunn061]

I like how the Eon712 sounds too. The Yamaha sounds brighter. K12.2 sounds good too!

[@jjrusy7438]

wow. great video. though not the loudest, the mackie thump seemed to be the "mean and clean" winner to me. that big qsc, now THAT'S the party speaker. that thing dominated, but it and the others all really had different colorations to the sound.

[@hermantansri4738]

You should include voice clarity test. Dba Loudness is useless if sound is blurry.

[@garycrase7068]

Great work....Really enjoy your delivery. Clear and consise....

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Mitch is a LEGEND

[@timoterror788]

Hmmm - liked the sound test a lot - my favourite in sound is the Yamaha, it was like removing a carpent from the pc speakers

[@MichaelRyanNewell]

💯 This is the most under-looked aspect of live music! Even if the song selection is fantastic, a poor PA system will be a sub-par night!

[@MichaelAChang]

Excellent content, as usual, and most informative.

[@Devilcity6275]

Good workout. No matter what , I just Love the EV’s.

[@MiguelLSilva-ef5is]

Great coverage of all aspects. Thanks!

[@MrTrio5]

QSC K12 🙌🏽

[@DanielSRosehill]

Thanks Mitch and Sweetwater. Fantastically informative, as ever!

[@abregadoatseri4974]

So for a 150 people in a church what watt should i take 450w or 1500w?

[@adambrown8867]

I don't call 50hz for the low end full range. In a small venue it could work, but you can run lower decibel levels overall if including a couple of matching subwoofers on a low pass around 80hz, so the treble doesn't have to be pearcing, because the main has to be cracked to get impact, or dull, from having to turn treble down with EQ. With a sub the main is not having to be cranked to get the impact you want.

[@BluesCat1980]

Well, they're full range in the sense that it can cover a decent amount of low-end. They can cover lows, mids, and highs. All a sub does is extend the low end.

[@BluesCat1980]

Believe it or not, my favorite choice is the EV Everse 8. That little battery-powered speaker is amazing! I have two that I use with an EV ELX200 sub. It's such an amazing full sound I get.

[@JHGurganus]

Wow thank you guys! Finally an SPL comparison with the same full range music using a variety of MI speakers that a majority of us may be interested in for our small to medium indoor and outdoor gigs. Seriously thank you that was great to watch I'm going to go back and watch it with headphones. The entry level Yamaha DBR12 appeared to hold its own SPL wise. Figures I just sold my pair to a buddy a few months ago. You know what's next...can you do Yamaha DXR, DZR and some others and also include some 10 inch boxes?! 😎

[@tonylancer7367]

1. QSC K12.2 - Sounds incredible, really liked how it sounded. 2. JBL EON712 - Sounded pleasant, almost felt the speaker was being too polite, but it was clear. The Yamaha DBR12 confused me with that kick sound, it also sounded a bit brittle for me, maybe people have a different experience? I was expecting so much from the Mackie Thump212, but it doesn't sound good at all. Really enjoyed this video, it's really opening my eyes to Powered PA speakers, would love to see a budget version of this (which tops and subs combos work well on a budget).

[@JHGurganus]

Yeah that's really weird. I just listened back a couple times with ears on and the dbr12 kick did sound different. I gotta say over never heard that sound outta my dbr12.

[@-azeR-]

yamaha is perfect for techno music

[@skip2mylou582]

What bout the ev

[@FriendlyHenry]

Such a useful and informative video. Thanks!

[@antoniovasquez497]

which one would be better for outdoor small parties?/which one has better bass response?

[@LiveBroadcasthu]

Thanks for this superb video!

[@teclairedikoume7266]

Very useful video Sir you did it so professionally and nice.Thank you

[@diiegopc]

Important specs: active or not, full range or not, frequency response, healthy max volume level, dispersion pattern, weight, enclosure material, mounting format, ergonomy. Common specs: power, power class, woofer size, driver, twiter, DSP, aditional feautures

[@koh9894]

Please edit the description to include all model numbers of the "contestants"

[@Truong-Nam]

Do you know which PA passive speaker has a frequency response of 20Hz -20kHz ? Thank you so much ❤

[@10djpro]

Mitch, as always professional! 10/10

[@dsg.believe]

This was quite helpful. Great job. Cool outfit too, Bro.

[@GuiSchwertner]

I don't need this video but I like Mitch's company.

[@stevenrivas6146]

What about ep1000 samson I got that speaker can you gave that a test if you have it

[@DhanjitMr]

Hats off to Yamaha DBR. My life saving. In my live sound business..

[@marvoinfo]

I was kinda surprised by them when listening. Think I may like them better but still listening. The first jbl wasn’t bad either.

[@diiegopc]

How can I know how load is loud with out my ears? Is there a free softeare I can use to simulate the acustics in a certain eviroment? I'm looking for a outdoors PA

[@adamphillips6747]

We use all EV stuff in our band and it’s amazing.

[@pauljosse]

I've got ekx15p and I'm not sure they sound all that good, never sounds good when I play just music... Maybe there are only good in large rooms?

[@BondNo]

Do you have a video explaining the numbers? I don't know what power and so is better for me.

[@jazzyjake99]

I have a DBR 12. Works great for me.

[@daisheyaku]

JBL eon 712 sounded most pleasing by my ears.

[@martyjr540]

Excellent video just what I have been looking for.

[@MrKeithsplace]

Wow interesting comparison, my book JBL Eon 712’s and QSC CP12’s sounded amazing, the rest I was not impressed with. They were (IMOA) open, airy, full, just musical. I was really surprised at the difference in all of them, using all the words in the rest of the run, boxy, dull, flat, worst was pioneer and EV’s. With the later surprising me as I have heard different EV active that are killer. Although I thought that both mic placements may have been not exactly optimum for each speaker as in pointed at center cabinet at set distance, but probably close enough.

[@FoxRiverTaxiGraveYard]

❤ Can i mount the cabs om my cab? Mobile mounted but can take it off and use it for a megaphone or speech or musoc to playnfrom taxi

[@oliverramirez459]

In my choice and my opinion for me the best 2 speakers are the JBL and the Bose❤

[@johnlane6459]

Fantastic,informative video. Thanks.

[@longsnapper5381]

You're the best. Thanks!

[@FoxRiverTaxiGraveYard]

Did i win the prize for my band "Taxi GraveYard" ! I ADVERTISE with Fox river Taxi and all my sweetwater stickers!! Need active thanks in advance sweet dudes!!! I need a mic on the top of taxi with voice capabilities and water proof thanks guys! ❤

[@pbenson56fran]

The JBL Powered PA Speaker was the best for my ears. I noticed the sound quality right off. The symbol was not too bright along with the other instruments. The sound was just plain perfect. Maybe , its because I have JBL in my studio. I am enjoying the video and learning a lot. I've already made my purchase though. I did use some of what you were saying. Thanks

[@markgrimm3564]

what would you recommend if you where using it as a bass guitar amp running the orgin vintage bass rig through it

[@whatsmynameagain7774]

Does anyone know where i can see the best portable battery speakers for djs

[@naniusbeck3782]

Hi. Please how can i get in touch with you? From Ghana

[@ironmandelboy]

I don’t have a large budget so I’m asking is it possible to just use one speaker and not two (left / rightstsge) in solo artist acoustic with electric guitar

[@debalenalang09]

Is there a difference w/ audio quality between plastic vs wood cabinet speakers?

[@andrewbecker3700]

The DHR15s I grabbed when they first hit the market early last year, are on a completely different level. 135dbl. with a range of 38hz.-20khz. They pound wickedly. Unless portability and weight are your main concerns, I just can't see paying almost the same amount for any of these? Do your homework. When you realize you still need a sub with any of these, and they start around $1800 for anything decent!

[@BluesCat1980]

I disagree. There are a love of subs under $1,000 that are amazing.

[@ClaytonShilling7]

What’s the consensus on LD speakers?

[@johngregory7329]

Mitch is the Man. I would like to meet him sometime & maybe jam a couple of songs. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking. Signed John ( Zepbass) Gregory. From Munster Indiana

[@elishpeter]

Hi . Which is the best powered speakers 15 inch for live band setup without subs for 150 to 200 people in church ?

[@samiram13]

Maybe jbl

[@Slaythegiant7]

Could you all do a similar test using other brands like Rcf, turbosound, etc? That would be awesome. Thanks

[@BluesCat1980]

There are so many brands, and I think they just had to go with the beat sellers.

[@yan5362]

The mackie is tempting me specially the thump 215xt. I dont use sub and so need good bass from the speaker itself. Also 1 which can play for around 100 pax

[@maranathahokonya5789]

I have learn a lot , l have another question, Which one is better for outdoor between 12" versus 15" speaker

[@skyace888]

Thanks for the video. I picked up some QSC CP8s recently and they are great for my needs.

[@soundcheck6885]

How far was the mic/SPL meter from the speaker during the test?

[@FranciscoLopez-sz1jb]

Hi there can you recommend one speaker for my living room?🙏

[@deejayclavines6043]

why there is no cerwin vega??

[@Lquiyasm]

Mackie 212 lackimg in bass maybe?

[@sydneymathuka4228]

New intrument souds the best souds please

[@pankajsound1000]

Which model you preferred

[@LB-lx8iq]

Is the ts415 alto a good choice? And what about the gigabar move?

[@Wannakatana2112]

What's the best sounding?? Especially in terms of bass. I want something I can play drums to.

[@innis2gbor]

Thanks for this . IMO the pioneer was disappointing for the price. I think the Yamaha was the winner to me on price to sound

[@alexdenton6586]

If some of them are of good quality as you say in the video, would it be worthwhile to take an active one that could also be used to broadcast music in the house in addition to other applications? Because I never wanted to buy one for fear that after I can't even use it for music and that I would be forced to buy a separate hi-fi system

[@emilonabushi4751]

Thank you for the information!

[@Hrcak1]

Playing in small space for only few friends and family. I need speaker for vocal and acoustic guitar using mic not pickup, any advice? Thanks

[@sweetwater]

Hey there! You certainly won’t need anything too crazy for that kind of setup. One of our portable PA systems would be just fine, in my opinion. The main things to look for are how many inputs it has, and how many inputs you’re going to need. Here are a couple of my favorites that would work great in a small space for a smaller crowd: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ThumpGo--mackie-thump-go-battery-powered-loudspeaker www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/S1ProP--bose-s1-pro-multi-position-pa-system-with-battery These are just a few of our many options here, so feel free to reach out if you want to talk through some others that might work as well. Thanks! Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3230, [e-mail]

[@Hrcak1]

@@sweetwater Thanks a lot, I just bought small Electro-Voice ZLX8PG2 8", fit in my room.

[@stefanmaciolek6540]

I grabbed a pair of prxs since sweetwater is blowing out the old ones for a bargain. Absolutely blew away what I was using before. Also one of mine was a demo so I wonder if it was the one used in this video

[@LB-lx8iq]

So Mackie 212 xt? With Bluetooth

[@mrozik3785]

Witaj, jak wypadają mackie thump 212 na tle konkurencji Twoim zdaniem ?

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

Great information!!!

[@januarymorris9087]

That was nice but a list of peak SPL from each of the models as a summary of the end results would have been nice.

[@BluesCat1980]

You never want to get to maximum SPL because, at the point, you will start to get distortion and unclear signal. The example he gave was perfect for an actual real-world situation.

[@ozzlikemike]

RCF don’t get no mention? 🤔

[@KhoaNguyen-xj6gk]

One of the most important things he did not mention is what kind of music you play with these speakers that will make you chose the right speakers. Some speakers will play EDM very good but not good at soft/classical music... Music type is important.

[@DamoTV420]

QSC or JBL?

[@snidjantha]

When I connect PA to Active speakers, can I use microphone cable or speaker cable?

[@sweetwater]

Hello, Sid! First, when connecting a mixer to a powered speaker, you need to be certain the mixer’s output is NOT a powered output, otherwise you risk damaging your speakers. From there, you will want to use either XLR cables or balanced ¼” cables. A speaker cable would pass a signal on to the powered speaker from the mixer, but lack of shielding within the cable could result in a noisy connection. Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1766, [e-mail]

[@snidjantha]

@@sweetwater I understand now. Thank you very much.

[@pvsamorgan9803]

Hi Sweetwater, please make a new video on small battery powered PA systems- Bose S1 Pro+, Yamaha Stagepass 200, Stagepass 100 and Everse 8.

[@BluesCat1980]

The Everse 8 is the best out of all of the battery-powererd speakers. 😊

[@renaripley801]

This is awesome thank you so much!

[@dariuslong3363]

This question is for anyone that can answer? I need a PA that could give off great sound from music and via speaking on microphone in a gymnasium. What would be the ideal watt for this type of need. About 250-300 people in Gym.

[@sweetwater]

Hi dariuslong3363, thanks for the question! This is a pretty open ended question that needs a bit of digging into to answer! Are we installing the system? Does it need to be portable? What is the size of the Gymnasium? What kind of budget are we working with? I would love to dig into this in detail with you, just give me a call! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@che2335]

Which one for Helix or Headrush in a living room no band or gigs

[@jeffreyhyder2429]

I run my Line 6 Pod Go through an EV. It has the cleanest sound for the money. The Mackie is a great budget option. They are built simple and robust. If money was not an option I would run a QSC. It’s loud and clean and punches through.

[@rusinjeff5959]

No turbosound

[@alienvolt7741]

So in theory would 2 12 inch be enough for an indoor gig of about 50-70 people?

[@sweetwater]

Hey there! Yes, two 12” speakers should be substantial for most indoor gigs of that size. You’ll also want to look at the max SPL of the speakers you’re going to be running - this will give you an accurate gauge of how well the speakers will push out in the room. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat through any further details. We’d be happy to help! Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3230, [e-mail]

[@djsulliaman5521]

ive been using the yxl and psp series for a while u guys got any suggestions? for any other speakers i can switch to looking got high end ones

[@stevendierkes6028]

Love me some Mitch!!!

[@betosploc]

Best for my ears...JBL prx8w. Worst ...Pioneer xprs122, louder...Yamaha dbr12, and the rest great speakers too.

[@pescaatx6944]

What mid-high speaker would you recommend to pair with the yorkville es18p

[@hollywoodthedj1673]

Qsc K12.2 is a nice one that will work well and what I would use out of those especially if you end up getting four of them if you are doing a big room

[@mixinmorley]

k12:2 is my choice.

[@bks252]

So many people complaining about not using this speaker or that speaker and not declaring a winner. If he had said the JBL sounds best then all you guys would be complaining about he was wrong, it didn’t sound the best or whatever. It wasn’t a contest. It was a demo of various speakers with simple specs given. Make up your own mind about stuff and don’t depend on someone else making all of your decisions. Good grief.

[@JohnMirandathesounddoctor]

Great video Thank you.

[@haroldmessinger1]

great stuff- thank you