Although many venues offer installed house-sound systems, a musician is never truly free until he or she can gig anywhere and anytime with a personal P.A. For solo artists and bands on the go, we looked at 11 new and recently released systems that are uber-portable—meaning they can fit into the back seat and/ or trunk of a sedan, and can be easily set up by one person.

The Features

Watts. Power alone doesn’t necessarily equate to volume, as efficient speakers can pump out a lot of level from lowwattage amplifiers. Happily, we found each system powerful enough to do its duty within the “Recommended Venues” slot we put it in.
Mixer Channels. Here’s the difference between systems that can handle just a solo or duo act (two to three channels), and systems that can power a small band (eight or more channels).
Inputs. All of the systems include XLR inputs for professional-level mics, and 1/4" jacks for instruments, wireless receivers, and hobbyist-quality microphones. Added flexibility is offered on some systems with RCA and 1/8" inputs that can accommodate mp3 players and other playback devices.
Phantom Power. If a system doesn’t have phantom power, you won’t be able to use condenser mics. This isn’t a big deal, as there are tons of excellent dynamic mics to choose from, but some singers feel condensers are better matches for their vocal timbres. Likewise, singer/songwriters may prefer to mic their acoustic guitars with condensers.
Speakers. Systems with low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) speakers typically offer more tonal separation, as well as better sonic dimension. Multi-speaker array systems can deliver wider dispersion of sound (depending upon how the individual speakers are positioned within the cabinet). Good single-driver speakers can serve up a focused and balanced sound output.
EQ. Two-band EQ gives you control over preset high and low frequencies—which is nice—but if you like tweaking the mids on vocals and guitars, you’ll be happier with 3-band EQ. A system that adds a 5- or 7-band EQ on the stereo master is good for fighting feedback and tailoring your sound to the performance environment.
Onboard Effects. Signal processing is always handy to spice up your mix. It’s not essential, however, as performance spaces will have their own “room tone,” which can diminish the need for additional ambience/ reverb.
Extras. A list of some key “added value” features included with the system.
Weight. You will be lugging these systems around, so make sure the weight is comfy as you assess load-in/load-out factors such as stairs, distance from car to venue, and lifting out of your car.
Recommended Venues. This is our editorial assessment on where each system will perform optimally.

The Ratings

The editors chose four performance categories, and evaluated each system with “mic ratings,” as follows: one = “Not Happening,” two = “Adequate,” three = “Real Good,” four = “Excellent,” and five = “Truly Kick Ass.”
Sound Quality. We plugged in vocal mics, acoustic and electric guitars, and prerecorded stereo music tracks (via mp3 or CD player), and listened for clear and articulate mids, airy highs, and taut lows. We also checked for distortion, lack of headroom, muddy or indistinct playback, and dispersion of sound (how wide of a field of audible sound is pumped into the performance/ listening environment).
Portability. Are the components easy to carry? Can one person do it all—load-in, set up, and load-out—without sweating all over his or her stage clothes?
Flexibility. We determined if a system could be easily deployed for mixed usage— solo artist and band sound reinforcement, DJ gigs, public address (speaking), music playback, and front-line monitors.
Ease of Use. Is the system so butt-simple you can operate it without reading the manual? Is a complete set up fast and easy? Are all operations laid out in a super userfriendly configuration?

Contact

Behringer.com

$699

2 x 450w

8

4 x XLR, 4 x TRS, 6 x 1/4", 4 x RCA, 1 x 1/8"

Yes

10" LF, 1.35" HF

2-band (channel), 7-band (stereo master)

100 presets

Feedback detection, Voice Canceller, Behringer XM 1800s mic, 20' mic cable.

82.5 lbs

Small clubs and performance spaces

4

5

5

5

bose.com

$899

130w (mono system)

2

1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x 1/8" TRS, 2 x RCA

No

1 x 8" LF, 6 x 2" HF

2-band (mic channel only)

None

ToneMatch preset EQ curves.

29 lbs

Coffee houses to small clubs

4

5

3

5

Contact

carvin.com

$599

2 x 250w

8

6 x XLR, 4 x 1/4", 4 x RCA

Yes

10" LF, 1.5" HF

3-band (channel), 7-band graphic (stereo master)

256 presets

Two Carvin M50 mics, cables, auto AC switching (120v-240v), USB power.

56 lbs

Small clubs and performance spaces

3

4

5

3

Contact

fender.com

$999

2 x 250w

8

6 x XLR, 6 x 1/4", 2 x 1/4", 2 x 1/8"

Yes

10" LF, 1.2" HF

2-band

Reverb

USB port, subwoofer output.

44 lbs

Small clubs and performance spaces

3

5

5

5

Contact

fishman.com

$999

220w (mono system)

2

2 x XLR, 2 x1/4" (line), 1x1/4" (aux)

Yes

6 x 4" midrange drivers, 1" HF

3-band

Reverb

Dual effects loops, XLR DI outputs, tuner output, channel mute, phase and notch filters, 10dB pad, stand, carry bag with wheels.

35 lbs

Coffee houses to small clubs

5

5

3

5

Contact

jblpro.com

$799

2 x 150w

8

4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4" 2 x1/4" TRS, 2 x RCA, 1x 3.5mm stereo

Yes

10" LF, 1.5" HF

2-band

Reverb

N/A

33 lbs

Small clubs and performance spaces

3

5

4

5

Contact

mackie.com

$249

150w (mono system)

3

2 x Neutrik XLR/1/4" combo

Yes

5.25"

3-band

None

Dedicated stereo channel for iPod, etc.

7.6 lbs

Personal monitor to quiet coffee houses

3

5

2

5

Contact

peavey.com

$649

2 x 150w

5

4 x XLR, 3 x 1/4" (line), 2 x 1/4" (stereo), 2 x RCA

Yes

10" LF, piezoelectric horn HF

2-band (channel), 5-band (stereo master)

Reverb

Peavey PVi dynamic cardioid mic, mic cable,stands, FLS Feedback Locating System

50 lbs

Small clubs and performance spaces

4

5

5

5

Contact

rolandus.com

$899

2 x 10w

3

1 x XLR, 2 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8", 2 x RCA

No

2 x 6.5"

2-band

Reverb

Built-in wireless receiver, wireless mic, battery powerable (8 x AA).

19.9 lbs

Street busking to coffee houses

4

5

4

5

Contact

samsontech.com

$499

2 x 150w

8

4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4", 2 x 1/4" (stereo channel), 4 x RCA

Yes

8" LF, 1" HF

2-band

Reverb

iPod dock, RCA Recording output.

37.4 lbs

Small clubs and performance spaces

3

5

5

5

Contact

yamahaproaudio.com

$899

2 x 250w

10

4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4" (mono), 4 x 1/4" line (for two stereo channels), 4 x RCA

Yes

10" LF, 1" HF

2-band

Reverb

Built-in compressor/limiters (channels 1 and 2).

52.9 lbs

Small clubs and performance spaces

5

5

5

3