Portable Speakers and PA systems: Take your Show on the Road
Perform, Rehearse, and Enjoy Music wherever you are.
3,5 / 5,0 | 
Summer is the time to get outside, hang out with your friends, have a barbecue, or chill out and watch a game in the park. With powerful, battery-powered speakers or a portable PA, your open-air event will be even better! We’ve put together a list of speakers that’ll take your outdoor gathering to the next level.
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Note: This article was originally published in German on bonedo.de. It has been adapted for gearnews.com.
Needless to say, good portable speakers should be rugged and durable, but not too heavy. If a battery-powered option is available, that’s another big plus, as it makes you independent from power outlets. Preferably, they should also have a built-in mixer with several input channels, so you don’t have to pack an external mixer in order to connect various input sources such as microphones, guitars, or music players. A wireless Bluetooth connection is another very nice feature, as it allows you to stream music from your phone without a cable.
Note: For each speaker on the list, we’ve listed the approximate crowd size it can handle (PAX – Persons Approximately). While these numbers are meant to give you an idea of where to start, they’re of course highly dependent on the location and application.
Battery-powered Portable Speakers and PA systems
We’ll begin with rechargeable, battery-powered Bluetooth speakers for your next hangout in the park. All of them have built-in mixers for connecting instruments, line-level sources, and microphones. That’s a big plus if you’re going to be using them for live music, in addition to streaming music from your phone over Bluetooth.
For music playback on portable speakers, Bluetooth streaming will generally be the most convenient option. The only catch is: When you get a call, the music stops. Some speakers feature ports for a USB thumb drive and/or an SD card, so you can listen to your favorite songs and playlists without having to deal with unexpected dropouts.
A powerful portable speaker that runs on a rechargeable battery certainly isn’t cheap. Most models will set you back significantly more than traditional, AC-powered systems with comparable specs. But they have one big advantage: You can party anywhere, even miles from the next electrical outlet. Some models offer enough power for groups of up to 65 people.
Apart from the sound quality and connection options, be sure to check the maximum battery life and power output. Other things to consider are portability and ease of handling. Some models offer extras like wireless microphones or built-in media players.
The only portable speakers on this list that are fully weather-resistant and can take a rain shower without breaking down are the two Soundboks models. All others should be raised above the ground and covered with something like a trash bag (preferably an unused one!) in the event of unstable weather and impending rain.
Portable Speakers: LD Systems Road Jack 10
The meaty-looking LD Systems Road Jack 10 weighs about 16 kilos (35 lbs) and comes with built-in casters for easy transportation. The two-way system consists of a 10” woofer and a 3” tweeter. It delivers a maximum SPL of 96 dB and a frequency response of 65 Hz to 18 kHz.
A built-in master EQ helps to balance out the sound. In addition to Bluetooth, the Road Jack 10 offers microphone, line, and guitar inputs. The built-in media player reads SD cards and USB thumb drives. The amplifier puts out 25 watts, which is enough to entertain a group of about 10 people in a 14m / 45ft radius for about 12 hours. Get it at Thomann.*
Portable Speakers: Bose S1 Pro+
The Bose S1 Pro+ is a portable PA speaker that can be used in different configurations as a full-range speaker, an instrument amplifier, or a stage monitor. With a built-in three-channel mixer, you have a range of connectivity options including XLR combo inputs, 6.3 mm jack, stereo minijack, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, and a line out to chain one S1 Pro+ speaker to another.
Its powerful speaker system consists of a 6-inch low-frequency high-excursion woofer and three 2.25-inch high-frequency drivers. This offers a wide dispersion field with just one speaker, although you can easily use two paired speakers via Bluetooth for larger venues or audiences. When connecting mics and instruments, the input channels have built-in processing effects.
What’s more, there is a library of ToneMatch channel presets that you can access in its full extent with the Bose Music app. Overall, with its rugged but lightweight construction and 11 hours of battery time, as well as modern features such as USB streaming mode and guitar FX loop, the S1 Pro+ is a useful performance and practice tool. Get it at Thomann.*
Portable Speakers: Soundboks 4
With the Soundboks 4 wireless DJ speaker system, your music will make a statement no matter where you are. Using Merus Audio eximo (3x72W RMS) Class D amplification, the Soundboks uses a dual 10-inch woofer system with a 1-inch tweeter to deliver a maximum SPL of 126 dB.
For creating an entire wireless PA system, up to 5 Soundboks 4 speakers can be linked together using TeamUP mode, and you can control all levels via the accompanying free mobile app. With the included lithium-ion battery fully charged, you can get up to 40 hours of playback time, and it takes only 3.5 hours to charge up again.
The Soundboks 4 is equipped with a pair of XLR combo inputs for balanced signals, and there is a stereo minijack aux input and output for chaining. Overall, with Bluetooth 5, a speaker mounting socket, and a removable speaker grille, the Soundboks is a versatile speaker to bring the noise anywhere you are. Get it at Thomann.*
Until May 25, you get an additional spare battery and a festival kit with the purchase of your Soundboks 4, don’t miss out!
Portable Speakers: Audiocase
The Audiocase is a versatile portable DSP-optimized speaker system that is ideal for musicians, as it functions as a PA system, a Guitar amp, or a Hi-Fi speaker. It comes in two sizes, including the S5, with dual 5-inch woofers, and the S10, with dual 10-inch woofers. The two main input channels have three modes, for guitars, mics, and line input signals.
In addition, you can add reverb to each of these two channels, while there is also a stereo minijack aux input for consumer devices. To create a complete speaker system, the multiple audiocase units can be chained together in either mono or stereo configurations, and the clever design allows them to be easily stacked.
When fully charged, the battery gives you up to 30 hours of playback time at a moderate volume, and there is a special outdoor EQ mode for use outside. Overall, the Audiocase is an impressive portable system for any musician or music fanatic, and the Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX ensures the best possible audio quality. Get it at Thomann.*
Portable Speakers: LD Systems ANNY
The LD Systems ANNY series offers a complete portable wireless speaker solution in 8-inch and 10-inch size variants. With the integrated mixer, you can manage all your input signal levels and make tonal adjustments with the 3-band EQ. Any two ANNY speakers can be made into a stereo pair via Bluetooth, giving you a complete system for amplification or recreation.
With the replaceable lead gel battery, the ANNY 8 will give you up to 11 hours of playback time in ECO mode, while the larger ANNY 10 will operate for up to 25 hours on a single charge. The integrated mixer also has reverb and delay effects, and a ducking function that prioritizes the selected microphone signal.
Overall, the ANNY series is a flexible tool for music performers, and there is a wide selection of bundle options in the range that include one or more wireless microphones, so be sure to explore and find the one that suits you best. Get it at Thomann.*
Portable Speakers: Positive Grid Spark 2, Edge, and Live
Within the Positive Grid range of smart guitar amps, you’ll find three portable options for musicians and music lovers. The Spark 2 is an intelligent stereo 50W practice amp, equipped with a dual 4-inch FRFR horn system. What’s more, the Spark 2 has drum rhythms, looping, and a preset slots you can fill with custom tones created in the Spark mobile app with its Spark AI preset builder.
Meanwhile, the Spark Edge and Live provide the same level of flexibility for a wide range of instruments, including vocals, guitars, and keyboards. These smart amps and PA systems range from the 65W Edge with its single 6.5-inch woofer to the 150W Live with its stereo 6.5-inch woofer configuration.
Both options also include an array of processing effects for compression, enhancing vocals, tightening bass, and stereo widening. Overall, the level of app integration, wireless performance control, and the depth of processing available with the Positive Grid Spark 2, Live, and Edge systems is impressive. Please note that the battery is sold separately.
Portable Speakers: Fun Generation BP 112 A and BP 115 A
The Fun Generation BP 112 A and BP 115 A are two very affordable portable speakers with built-in casters. They’re powered by rechargeable batteries and offer dual preamps, media players, and Bluetooth. The smaller model features a 12-inch woofer and a 1-inch compression driver.
According to the manufacturer, it delivers 120 W (peak) / 45 W (RMS) and 109 dB SPL, with a battery life of up to five hours. The BP 115 A takes the stage with a 15-inch woofer, 140W (peak) / 50W (RMS) of power, and a maximum SPL of 112 dB. Both are also available in “Party Sets” that include a pair of speakers, cables, and stands.
Portable Speakers: the box MBA120W MKII
Thomann’s the box MBA 120W MKII is a powerful and sleek-looking portable speaker powered by a rechargeable battery. The 120W system is enough for a crowd of about 20. The 3-channel mixer offers microphone and line-level inputs.
In addition to Bluetooth, the MBA 120W MKII offers a built-in media player that reads SD cards and USB drives. A decent-sounding wireless microphone or headset microphone is also included, which is great for announcements.
With a 10-inch woofer and 1-inch compression driver, the speaker delivers a frequency response of 55 Hz to 18 kHz. The battery lasts for about four hours at maximum volume. The MBA120W MKII tips the scale at 19 kilos / 42 lbs and is easy to move around thanks to its built-in casters.
Battery-powered Column PA Systems
Both LD Systems and JBL offer column PA systems powered by rechargeable batteries. While they’re a bit more complicated to set up, they offer considerably more power. In a mono configuration, these systems pack enough oomph for a crowd of about 65 – we’re talking about professional, off-grid PAs. While both lack built-in media players, they offer fully-fledged onboard mixers and a stable Bluetooth connection. One thing to keep in mind: they’re not weatherproof.
LD Systems MAUI 5 GO 100
As a convenient alternative to the AC-powered variant, the MAUI 5 is available with a built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery. This means that you get a fully wireless system if you connect your sound source over Bluetooth.
In addition to one XLR-1/4” combo input and one 1/4” instrument input, it offers a 1/8” stereo input and Bluetooth. The built-in 4-channel mixer allows you to control all four inputs independently. You can also adjust the subwoofer volume and HF boost.
At under 13 kg / 29 lbs, the MAUI 5 GO 100 B is easy to move around and quick to set up. With 200 watts of power, it delivers up to 120 dB SPL and a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz. The battery lasts about six hours on a full charge. One advantage of the column design is that the sound is spread out evenly across the entire audience. Two MAUI 5 can be linked to form a stereo system at the push of a button.
JBL EON ONE MK2
The JBL EON ONE MK2 follows a similar concept, but with even more power. Its amplifier puts out a whopping 1500 watts, which is enough for a maximum SPL of 123 dB. The frequency response is 37 Hz to 20 kHz. According to SPL, the battery lasts for up to six hours, which is quite impressive for a system this powerful.
The 5-channel digital mixer leaves nothing to be desired. It offers three XLR-1/4” combo inputs, one 1/4” instrument input, and an Aux channel with a stereo mini jack input and Bluetooth. In addition to a dbx dynamics section with gate and compressor and a 3-band EQ per channel, there’s a selection of Lexicon effects.
JBL even offers iOS and Android apps for easy configuration. When you’re ready to pack up, the three column elements simply slide into the back of the sub. While it isn’t cheap, the EON ONE MK2 is a solid, fully-featured, and highly versatile off-grid PA.
AC-powered stereo systems
Needless to say, single speakers like the ones listed above only deliver a mono signal, unless they offer the option to link two speakers over Bluetooth. The next section focuses on compact, portable stereo speakers ready to rock your next outdoor party. These systems require an electrical outlet and you should take care to protect them from moisture – nothing kills a PA system as quickly as a rain shower. We’ve put together a selection of affordable, powerful, and compact stereo bundles that come with all required cables and stands.
Most of these systems don’t offer fully-fledged onboard mixers or Bluetooth. You can add wireless connectivity with a Bluetooth dongle such as the Alto Bluetooth Total 2. The adapter plugs into your PA’s XLR input and allows you to connect your smartphone or another device wirelessly.
Here’s a tip for AC-powered systems: Remember to unwind the power cable completely from its reel when you’re using devices with a high power draw, in order to avoid destroying your cable through induction and insufficient heat dissipation. For the same reason, it isn’t recommended to connect several extension cords in a series, as high transition resistances can lead to overheating.
Fun Generation Party Set M / Party Set XL
Here are a couple of sets that offer great bang for your buck. They each consist of one active and one passive speaker (the active one powers the passive one). The Party Set M is based on the BP 112, which delivers up to 109 dB SPL with a 10” woofer and a 1” compression driver. The system offers a frequency response of 80 Hz to 18 kHz and a continuous power output of 160 watts.
The remote-controlled media player reads SD cards and USB drives. In addition to this, the built-in mixer offers a mic/line combo input, a stereo Aux channel, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also a 2-band master EQ. The system comes complete with cables and stands. If you need more bass, you can opt for the larger Party Set XL, which includes the 15″ BP 115 speakers, or add a couple of subwoofers.
the box Pro ACHAT Mini Bundle
This sleek bundle includes two satellite speakers, one 8” subwoofer, stands, and cables. At 220 watts of power, the system reaches a maximum SPL of 116 dB – enough for a crowd of about 40. The frequency response is 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
While the stereo input on the back of the subwoofer is available in XLR, 1/4”, and RCA formats, it’s line-level only – you’ll need an external mixer to connect a microphone or mix several input sources together. The Achat Mini Bundle offers no Bluetooth connectivity.
the box CL 106/112 MKII Basis Bundle
The CL 106/112 MKII Basis Bundle is another great value set that includes two satellite speakers, a subwoofer, cables, and stands. It’s a straightforward PA system – all you get is a stereo line input without any bells and whistles.
The sound and quality are spot on, though: With 360 watts of power and a maximum SPL of 118 dB, it’s more than ready for your next block party. The 12” sub reaches down to 40 Hz, while the highs top out at 19 kHz.
Portable multipurpose speakers
Last, but not least, we’ve picked a couple of portable multipurpose speakers. While they also require a power outlet, they really pack a punch and are perfect for large crowds and block parties. Like the battery-powered portable speakers, these systems are mono, but they’re affordable enough to buy two to make a stereo system. With built-in mixers and digital signal processing, they’re ready for pretty much anything.
These active speakers are a great value and you can use them upright, as floor wedges, or on a stand. While they don’t offer Bluetooth, you can always use a dongle like the Alto Bluetooth Total to add wireless connectivity.
the box PA 12 DSP
With a 12” woofer, a 1” compression driver, and 400 watts of power, the DSP-controlled PA 12 DSP reaches up to 128 dB with a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz. You can tune the sound using the built-in DSP features, and connect microphones, line-level sources, and Hi-Z signals via the 2-channel mixer. All in all, it’s a package that’s hard to beat – you probably won’t find more power and features for less money anywhere else.
the box Pro DSP 112/115
Thomann’s the box PRO DSP 112 is another excellent value and follows a similar concept as the PA 12 DSP, but with even more power and sound shaping options. It delivers 600 watts and up to 132 dB SPL.
The 2-way system consists of a 12” woofer and a 1” compression driver and offers a frequency response of 53 Hz to 19 kHz. The PRO DSP 112 has two combo inputs for microphones, line-level sources, and instruments. If you need even more power and low end, there’s also the 15-inch PRO DSP 115 with 700 watts and 136 dB SPL.
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4 responses to “Portable Speakers and PA systems: Take your Show on the Road”
Yamaha StagePAS?
Redatt — a simple Papuan word means “unlikely to take part in evening games”. (Mr. Stephen Fry’s Trefusis)
“Remember to unwind the power cable completely from its reel when you’re using devices with a high power draw, in order to avoid destroying your cable through induction and insufficient heat dissipation.”
What induction? You have two wires conducting current in opposite directions at all times and they’re wound on non-magnetic reels. There’s zero net induction.
I would agree about heat dissipation, but only if you had kilometers or miles of wire wound on your spool.
Otherwise, for a 600 W RMS active speaker powered by a 20 meter extension cord with aluminum conductors (2×1.5 mm² or AWG16), the resistance of the power cord is 0.7067 Ω and your current is:
(230 V) -0,7067×I²+230×I-600=0
(110 V) -0,7067×I²+110×I-600=0
For 230 V, it’s 2.63 A, for 110 V, it’s 5.66 A.
Power dissipation on wire is I²×R and it’s equal to 1.86 W with 230 volt power and 4 W with 110 volt power. That’s definitely not enough to fry your cord regardless of anything.
In fact, even 5.66 amps is way below any global code for 1.5 mm²/AWG16 in wall wires with zero ventilation, so it stands to reason that you won’t have a problem with a wire on a free-standing spool, even if it’s covered.
My mistake regarding power dissipated on extension cord figures: 4.89 W at 230 V and 22.64 W at 110 W.
Still not enough to fry your cord.