battery powered speakers for synths and PA

see also:

• Music
• Korg Nautilus keyboard synth

• this page is to compare various battery powered speaker-amps for keyboards, guitar, vocal or PA and preferably with Bluetooth playback of music
• there are 3 main audio input voltage levels:
  • mic input - low voltage and requires a pre-amp - a good preamp is expensive and will substantially increase the cost of an entire amplification unit.
  • instrument level - intermediate voltage eg. electric guitars
  • line level - keyboards, etc
• balanced inputs are better
  • An unbalanced audio signal is more susceptible to external noises caused by electromagnetic interference, esp. if the cable is > 3m long and amp is turned up loud
• The size of the speaker is directly responsible for the range of frequencies it can reproduce.
  • the woofer or cone is responsible for low to mid range frequencies (~50 Hz to 800 Hz)
  • the tweeter or driver reproduces the higher frequencies (~1k Hz to 20k Hz)
  • It is more efficient to have a 2-way system (a woofer and a tweeter, for example) than having a single full-range driver which will be under a lot more duress when creating audio signals preventing it from reaching very high volumes or reproducing every frequency band with the same fidelity.
• Power output - ensure you compare RMS with RMS and PEAK with PEAK
  • ‘peak’ measurements, is the highest value it can technically reach but not at a constant level, since that would damage the speaker.
  • RMS (Root Mean Square) is the maximum power a system can deliver at a constant level without causing any damage to its components.
  • 20-100W is adequate for in the house use, while higher wattages are generally needed for PAs for larger audiences
• Amplifiers:
  • a keyboard amp is multi-purpose as it is designed to entirely reproduce the wide frequency range of a keyboard - most PAs have a similar range
  • in contrast, a guitar amp have a more limited frequency range and often ‘color’ the sound they reproduce.
• Speakers:
  • active speakers have the amp built into them and will require power and will have XLR or line inputs
  • passive speakers do not have an amp, do not require power, just the speaker out cable from a separate matched amplifier (ensure amp can provide twice as many watts as your speaker requires with the same ohm impedance) and these are used for medium to large venues
  • to ensure the back rows of an audience can hear well, you should raise the speaker up on a stand

• If the final output on the chain is mono (a single speaker in a keyboard amp or PA) you should keep the entire signal chain in mono. That means using the L/mono output on your keyboard.
  • Using stereo outputs on your keyboard when the final output is mono can cause phasing problems since the two channels will be summed into a single output channel.

• $AU1899 on special RRP $AU2399
• column style PA packs a class-leading acoustic package, 5-channel digital mixer, dbx and Lexicon DSP, Bluetooth functions and universal app control into a lightweight, portable package that can be carried in one hand.
• geometrically optimized, C-shaped 8-tweeter array with a 10” woofer
• 1500W peak amp; maximum output of 123 dB and 140°H x 30°V dispersion for room-filling sound
• Easily swappable battery provides 6 hours of play time; battery is integrated into a column spacer to improve stability
• 5-channel digital mixer
• Three fixed EQ knobs
• professional-grade Lexicon DSP, including reverb, chorus and delay
• dbx DriveRack Inside technology offers AFS (Automatic Feedback Suppression), 8 bands of parametric EQ, and convenient presets
• Soundcraft Easy Ducking automatically turns down music when speech is detected
• 3 Neutrik XLR Combo jacks, 1 Hi-Z input and a summed 3.5mm/BT input
• Two channels of true 48V phantom power expand microphone connectivity
• Two USB ports allow device charging from onboard battery or AC power
• Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming to one device, with control of up 10 units
• JBL Pro Connect universal app offers control over every function of up to ten systems
• 19.3kg
• https://www.scarlettmusic.com.au/jbl-eon-one-mk2-all-in-one-rechargeable-column-pa

• $AU1829 on special RRP $2455
• 100-watt rms power of loud and clear sound via high efficient class-D amplifier
• 1 “ titanium compression driver & 8 ” woofer.
• 2 wireless receivers inbuilt with 16 auto-scannable frequencies and one-touch Scan & ACT sync button for fast and easy channel set-up.
• Bluetooth music player for wireless audio streaming.
• voice priority feature that mutes the music when wireless microphone is used.
• built-in one-button alarm/siren for warning of threats.
• AC power, DC or 25V/4.5A rechargeable lithium (MB-35 x 1) battery (battery meter)
  • 8 hours of stand-by time per 4-hour full charge
• 8.5kg; 285 × 400 × 225 mm
• optional MT-91 wireless interlinking transmitter option to interlink multiple MA-505 portables wirelessly to extend transmission range and expand coverage.
• optional Mipro ACT32T-5 bodypack transmitter $AU177

• $AU1188 on special RRP $1515
• 70W rms output 8“ full range speaker
• 2 wireless receivers inbuilt with 16 auto-scannable frequencies and one-touch Scan & ACT sync button for fast and easy channel set-up.
• AC or Built-in two pieces of 12V/4AH rechargeable battery
• 13.5kg

• $AU754 on special RRP $AU1249
• 112dB max output
• 1” tweeter plus 8“ woofer extends low-end response to 37.5 Hz—nearly an octave lower than other PAs in its class.
• Two XLR/TRS combo jacks, one 1/4-inch (6.3mm) hi-Z guitar input and one 1/8-inch (3.5mm) aux input connect microphones, line-level instruments and audio playback sources; phantom power supports condenser microphones
• pro-grade preamps deliver full, rich sound from any microphone
• ducking feature lowers background music volume anytime you speak to ensure your audience hears every last word, loud and clear.
• a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) pass through lets you expand your system with additional EON ONE Compact units.
• 4-channel digital mixer is fully loaded with dbx and Lexicon-inspired professional effects including 4-band EQ, reverb, chorus and delay; quick-recall settings;
• Bluetooth audio streaming and DSP control using the JBL Compact Connect app and which can Broadcast Bluetooth capable to audio stream and control up to four speakers via the app
• swappable 12-hour battery (6 hours @ max volume), 2.5hr recharge ( 2.5 hours with no signal, 6 hours with signal )
• pole mount
• Two high-power USB 3.0 ports allow high-speed charging of tablets, phones and select DJ devices
• 7.9kg;

• $AU792 on special, RRP 1079 (including opt. Battery Pack)
• 2018 model
• 2 combo XLR - ¼” inputs / 3.5 mm input / Bluetooth input / TRS line output
• 3 x 2 1/4“ drivers, 6” woofer
• 160W RMS
• three channel mixer with reverb
• ToneMatch processing for microphones and acoustic guitars (turn it off for keyboards), while playing music wirelessly from your mobile device.
• compatible with Bose Connect App
• built in sensors with Auto EQ and multiple aiming positions make sure you have optimal sound in nearly any position—on the floor, on a table or even mounted on a speaker stand.
• AC power
• In spite of its difficulty performing in live spaces other than relatively small events, this product offers wonderful sound quality (albeit with limited frequency response due to the smaller size woofer) and can double as a keyboard amp for home practice.
• optional Li Ion battery pack installs into bottom of speaker
• 7.1kg; 33 cm H x 24.13 cm W x 28.45 cm D

• $AU745
• Dual-channel 24W (12W+12W) class D power amplification featuring two matched 6.5″ drivers and one 3″ driver.
• 4 Channel Mixer
• Two instrument and 2 mic inputs with volume, bass and treble controls.
• Wireless VHF Receiver with Handheld & Lavalier Mics
• Built-In FX, Individual Reverb, Delay and Activator (harmonic enhancement) controls.
• Built-In Music Player via USB input or SD card
• NO Bluetooth!
• 15V 4A DC in from AC
• 12V 7Ah lead acid battery, max. current consumption 3.5A;
• 9.82kg; 11.4 x 15.4 x 7.3 in (29 x 39 x 18.5 cm)

• $AU749 on special RRP $955
• 60W output 5“ Woofer & 1” Tweeter
• Bluetooth audio player, USB Music Player/Recorder
• 1 wireless receiver with 16 auto-scannable frequencies
• AC power, DC or internal 14.8V/2.6AH lithium battery with 12hr standby time
• 2.7kg incl. battery; 210(W)×276(H)×165(D)mm

• $AU629 on special RRP $775
• 50W output
• 5“ full-range loudspeaker with level limiter
• Bluetooth audio player
• 2x wireless receiver with 16 auto-scannable frequencies
• AC power, DC or internal 14.8V/2.6AH lithium battery with 10hr standby time

• $AU549 on special RRP $710
• 50W output
• 5” full-range loudspeaker with level limiter
• Bluetooth audio player
• 1 wireless receiver with 16 auto-scannable frequencies
• AC power, DC or internal 14.8V/2.6AH lithium battery with 16hr standby time

• $AU649
• 200W output for crowds of up to “500 people”
• 8“ woofer and high-resolution tweeter driven by a Class-D amplifier
• High-Performance BEHRINGER ULM300USB 2.4GHz digital wireless microphone system included
• comprehensive remote control via Apple iPhone/iPad
• high quality Bluetooth 4.0 stereo audio streaming
• 10hrs use per internal rechargeable 12V 12Ah lead acid gel battery charge (needs recharging at least every 3 months) or AC input
  • uses 100W at 1/8th max power
• 4-channel inputs with individual volume control to connect to your mic, smart phone and other line level source
• 4-channel digital mixer with gain setting recall
• DSP presets for application type but no built-in effects
• integrated stand mounting with 35 mm pole socket
• 12.1kg; 420 x 280 x 257 mm (16.5 x 11.0 x 10.1”)
• https://www.bettermusic.com.au/behringer-mpa200bt

• $AU799
• 40W 8“ speaker and high frequency driver
• MP3 player (SD card or USB)
• 35m range wireless mic
• Built-in effects processor with echo/delay that adds depth to the sound of live vocals/instruments
• AC or replaceable 7hr battery
• 9kg; 31cm x 25cm x 28cm
• https://www.scarlettmusic.com.au/soundart-40-watt-rechargeable-wireless-pa-system-w

• $AU499
• MP3 player (SD card or USB) with remote; FM tuner;
• voice priority switch to automatically fade music into the background when microphone output is sensed
• Remote Master, Treble, Bass & Volume Controls RCA & 3.5mm Jack Aux inputs & Line Out XLR/Jack Mic input with Volume control
• Microphone Input (Jack/XLR) AUX Inputs (RCA L/R and 3.5mm Phono) Line Out (RCA L/R and 3.5mm Phono)
• 34cm x 25cm x 24cm Weight : 6.5kg

• whilst stereo speakers are an improvement over a single speaker for stereo sources, it won’t make much of a noticeable difference because the speakers are still contained in the same unit.

• $AU829
• 50W
• stereo speaker system with dual 8” woofers and 2“ tweeters
• four independent channels offer abundant connections for a variety of mics and instruments.
• Two XLR mic inputs allow two vocalists to perform at once
• separate EQ and reverb controls, and great guitar tones are dialed in easily with the onboard COSM® amps.
• two CUBE Street EX units can be linked together via steroe Link jacks for more sound coverage if needed.
• with i-CUBE LINK, you can even plug in your iPhone or iPad to play backing music and record your performances
• BUT NO Bluetooth!
• AC power or selectable battery power modes provide up to 20 hours of operation with eight AA Ni-MH batteries
  • Max: 50 W/5 hours; Normal: 25 W/10 hours; Eco: 10 W/20 hours
• Angled back for use as a stage monitor;
• Stereo Line Out jacks for connecting to an external sound system when used as a stage monitor
• 7.4kg
• Optional CB-CS2 Carrying Case

• $AU735
• 30 watts of power (15 watts x 2)
• Two newly developed custom 6.5-inch woofers and two custom tweeters
• three 1/4-inch input channels, dedicated auxiliary input with 1/8-inch and RCA jacks, and master EQ
• DSP effects: reverb and two chorus types
• XLR mic input, mono/stereo line output, and headphones output
• NO Bluetooth!
• AC or eight AA batteries (presumably NiMH)

• $AU515
• 10W output (5W x 2 output) (plus has 5W eco mode)
• eight AA alkaline batteries or included AC adaptor
• two high-performance 6.5-inch speakers
• angled face for optimum monitoring and sound projection
• mic/Instrument channel with harmony, three-band EQ, and reverb
• guitar/Mic channel with nine amp types, three-band EQ, chorus/delay, reverb, and tuner
• looper with up to 45 seconds of stereo recording time
• automatic harmony function with three modes: unison, high, and higher
• practice and jam with the CUBE JAM app for iOS
• 4.4kg;
• optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL) for wirelessly streaming music from a mobile device and editing amp functions with the companion CUBE Street II Editor app