The Best PA Speakers
If you're looking to amplify your sound, you're going to need a quality PA speaker or two. Commonly used among musicians, public speakers, and loud sound enthusiasts, PA speakers are the perfect way to crank the volume. Actually, PA stands for "Public Address", so you can rest assured that one or two will be enough to be heard above the crowd. There are a lot of options out there, so we decided to whittle them down to the very best of the best. Read on to discover the perfect pick for you.
Rockville RSG8 8″ 300W 2-Way PA Speaker
Rock The House Down
Buy the ticket to Rockville, take the ride. This line of PA speakers offers the potential to rock down the house for bargain prices. We’re particularly fond of their 8-inch, 8-Ohm option which delivers a whopping 300 watts of power. And not only are these speakers powerful, but they’re surprisingly crisp and clear, too. Even the little 8-inch option delivers deep bass tones and sharp mids and treble tones thanks to its high dynamic range. For example, the 8-inch speaker is combined with two 3-inch bullet tweeters, effectively achieving a frequency response range of 55Hz to 20kHz. With Rockville, you get to enjoy the whole band.
Pros
- Pole-mountable
- Amazing value for the price
- Loud enough for live gigs
- Audio quality is consistent at different volumes
- Available in a wide range of sizes and styles
- The recessed handles make lugging them around during gigs easier
Cons
- The speaker cabinet insert is plastic, so you might want to replace it with something stronger if you plan on pole-mounting it
- As expected, the bass response is a little lacking on the smaller options
ION Audio Block Rocker Plus
Small Size, Big Sound
PA speakers aren’t just for rockstars. This option from Ion is a fantastic choice for those looking for a compact mic and speaker set that they can carry around easily for public speaking and karaoke. Actually, this little guy is certainly loud enough for a solo set of rock tunes, and the long-lasting battery makes it ideal for impromptu gigs. Better yet, the innovative design features a slew of convenient features, including Bluetooth connectivity, a USB-charging port, a 1/8-inch auxiliary input, and plenty more. If you need big sound but don’t have much space to work with, go with the Ion Block Rocker Plus.
Pros
- Perfect for Karaoke and on-the-go public addresses
- Includes a rechargeable battery that lasts as long as 50 hours on a single charge
- Available as a 100W or 50W version, depending on your audio needs
Cons
- The microphone isn’t the best quality, but it does the job
Fender Passport Venue S2 Portable PA System Bundle
Host With The Most
Fender’s reputation probably already precedes it, so no introduction is necessary. Their Passport line of amps delivers powerful, clear, distortion-free audio, even when cranked up to the 600-watt maximum. Better yet, the Venue S2 comes with a 10-channel mixer that takes some of the stress out of your soundcheck. An absolute must-have for performers, this bundle comes complete with stands, a microphone, and even a 1/4-inch instrument cable. The best part of all? The ingenious design of the mixer and speaker cabinets allows you to lock everything into one easy-to-transport unit, complete with a handle on top. Of course, the combined unit still weighs well over 55 pounds, but it’s a convenient feature nonetheless.
Pros
- Features Bluetooth connectivity
- The mixer is top-notch and even has reverb effects
- Includes a Sub output for expanding the system to include a subwoofer
- These speakers can get loud enough to entertain a large crowd
Cons
- Fairly expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a PA speaker and an amplifier?
PA speakers and amplifiers are both types of powered speakers. Their differences lie in their intended uses. Amplifiers are often designed for use with a specific instrument, such as a guitar or bass guitar, while PA speakers are for more general use.
Thus, PA speakers have a wider frequency response range. This means that they will transmit bass, mids, and treble tones with equal clarity. Amplifiers, on the other hand, have a narrower frequency response range to match that of their intended instrument. With an amplifier, you get greater clarity and EQ control over that specific range of frequencies.
How does wattage relate to volume?
Wattage is a measure of energy output. When it comes to speakers, the more energy put through the system, the greater the volume. Of course, other factors affect the volume, but you can safely assume that a 1,000-watt PA speaker is louder than a 50-watt PA speaker.
All that being said, the relationship between power and volume isn’t linear, so doubling the wattage will not double the volume. In fact, the difference in volume between a 50-watt PA speaker and a 100-watt PA speaker is pretty hard to tell. All we know for certain is that loud is loud.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.