PA speakers

Active PA speakers have the amplifier built in: plug in a mixer or a DJ controller and play. They are the workhorse for events, bars, clubs and mobile DJs. This category has models from Yamaha, JBL, Wharfedale Pro, PreSonus, Proel and StudioMaster.

How to choose:

• Woofer size: 8-inch models such as the Wharfedale Pro Typhon AX8-BT and Proel LTX8A are compact, good for speech and background music; 10-inch (Yamaha DBR10, PreSonus AIR10, JBL EON710) and 12-inch (Yamaha DBR12, JBL EON712, Proel Diva 12A, Wharfedale Pro Typhon AX12-BT) give more level and low end; the 15-inch JBL EON615 goes further.
• Bass for dance music: the tops carry vocals and mids, a subwoofer adds the kick and the bassline.
• Inputs and Bluetooth: if you plug in without a mixer, check how many microphone and line inputs the speaker has; BT models also play from a phone.
• Transport: weight, handles and a pole socket for mounting on a subwoofer or a stand matter when you set up every weekend.

Need sound for one event rather than a purchase? We rent out speakers and DJ gear with delivery and a technician; for a permanent installation, see sound for venues.