[Latest for 2023] 10 Recommended Powered Speakers for Live Performances and Music Events!

The most crucial sound equipment for band live performances and music events is undoubtedly the PA speaker.

PA speakers come in two types: ‘passive’, which requires a power amp to produce sound, and ‘powered’, which has a built-in power amp. This time, I’ll introduce recommended models of the latter, powered type.

For tips on choosing the right speaker, check out the previous post linked below!

⇒ I compared some PA speakers

01CLASSIC PRO / CP12MP

Key Points

• Cost-effective
• 2-channel input for mic and line
• 3-band EQ
• Output for passive speakers (100W, minimum impedance 4Ω)
• Usable as both a main speaker and a floor monitor

Staff Comments:

If you’re unsure about which affordable powered speaker to buy, this is a safe choice. The knobs are on the front, not the back, making them easy to operate. The output terminal for adding passive speakers is a unique feature of this model and quite impressive!

02

Key Points

• Ultra-compact
• 3-channel input: 2 mic/line, 1 AUX
• +48V phantom power supply
• Hi-Z input compatible
• Delay reverb effects
• 3-band EQ
• Can be mounted on a straight mic stand

Staff Comments

If compactness is your priority, go with MoniOne. With mic, line, Hi-Z, and stereo AUX inputs, it’s perfect for indoor speeches, presentations, and small acoustic live performances.

03CLASSIC PRO / PA-BOX

Key Points

• Built-in rechargeable battery up to 4 hours of continuous use
• 3-channel input: 2 mic, 1 AUX
• 2-band EQ
• Echo and delay effects
• Bluetooth music playback
• MP3 player supporting USB memory, SD card, and USB (PC)
• Includes mic and mic cable

Staff Comments

If you need a PA speaker that works anywhere without a power source, this is it! With two mic inputs and one stereo input, it’s versatile for both speech and singing. The built-in casters and carry handle make it easy to move around, which is a nice bonus!

04CLASSIC PRO / CPM110P

Key Points

• Coaxial speaker
• 2 inputs: 1 mic/line, 1 line
• 2 through outputs, 1 mix output
• 3 low-frequency characteristic modes (MUSIC/FLAT/LOW CUT)
• Stand mountable

Staff Comments

On stage, space is often limited. If placing a typical-sized speaker horizontally takes up too much room, use this speaker. The coaxial speaker unit makes it more compact compared to 2-way types, saving space. The sound coming from a single point, which is an advantage of the coaxial speaker, is easy to hear!

05JBL / EON712

Key Points

• Lightweight
• 1300W amp output
• 2 mic/line inputs, 1 XLR output for expansion
• Bluetooth music playback
• Supports wireless control app JBL Pro Connect
• High-performance DSP (EQ, limiter, delay, dbx automatic feedback suppression, ducking, etc.)
• Can be used as a main speaker or floor monitor
• Optional yoke bracket for wall mounting, eye bolt for suspension

Staff Comments

It’s incredibly light! It’s about as light as much smaller speakers from other brands. This is invaluable on site. The ease of setting it up on a stand with one hand is remarkable. The sound is excellent! Even in a flat EQ setting, it produces usable sound, and any necessary adjustments can be finely tuned with the PEQ. The ability to adjust in real-time from the audience using a wireless app is a huge advantage in situations with a limited number of operators!

06JBL / PRX912

Key Points

• 2000W amp output
• 2 mic/line inputs, 1 AUX input
• Mix output in addition to through outputs for each mic/line input
• Supports wireless control app JBL Pro Connect
• High-performance DSP (EQ, limiter, delay, dbx automatic feedback suppression, ducking, etc.)
• G-Sensor automatic position detection
• Can be used as a main speaker or floor monitor
• Optional eye bolt for suspension

Staff Comments

Simply put, the sound quality is excellent!! As expected from JBL’s new series, it’s very refined. While it might feel a bit heavy to some, I believe that contributes to the superior low-end sound pressure and tightness. When considering powered speakers with a focus on sound quality, higher-priced models are often the go-to, but the PRX900 Series is definitely worth the investment.

07JBL / EON ONE Compact

Key Points

• Small and lightweight
• Built-in rechargeable battery up to 12 hours of continuous use
• 4-channel mixer
• High-quality effects (reverb, chorus, delay)
• Phantom power supply (for CHh1 only)
• Hi-Z input compatible
• Bluetooth music playback
• Supports wireless control app JBL Compact Connect
• High-performance DSP (4-band PEQ for each channel, preset EQ, 8-band PEQ for output EQ, save/recall settings)
• Bluetooth music playback in stereo with two EON ONE Compacts (BT BROADCAST function)
• Headphone output

Staff Comments

If you want something small, lightweight, portable, versatile, and with good sound quality and volume, this is it. It can connect to mics, line output devices, electric guitars/basses, and stereo output music players. It’s perfect for speeches, lessons, classes, and even as the main speaker for live events since it supports effects like reverb for mics. Among the many battery-powered PA speakers, this is a top recommendation!

08QSC / CP12

Key Points

• 1000W amp output
• 1 line input, 1 mic/line input, 1 AUX input
• XLR output for expansion
• 6 EQ presets
• Usable as both a main speaker and a floor monitor
• Optional yoke bracket for wall and ceiling mounting, compatible with eye bolt for suspension

Staff Comments

This CP12 is compact and lightweight among the 12-inch speakers that are easy to use in terms of size and volume. The sound is incredibly clear. It projects sound well and performs excellently across genres, making it a highly recommended PA speaker. Among the 6 presets, FLOOR MONITOR, SPEECH, and DANCE, aside from DEFAULT, offer noticeable sound quality changes, making it easy to use even for users who are not confident in setting up equipment!

09QSC / K12.2

Key Points

• 2000W amp output
• 1 mic/line input, 1 mic/Hi-Z input, 1 AUX input
• XLR output for expansion
• 11 EQ presets
• High-performance DSP (crossover, delay, EQ, save/recall settings)
• Usable as both a main speaker and a floor monitor
• Optional yoke bracket for wall and ceiling mounting, compatible with eye bolt for suspension

Staff Comments

The term ‘crisp high sound quality’ perfectly describes this speaker! The volume, sound pressure, and detail (subtlety of sound) are excellent and stand out. Whether for band performances or DJ events, this speaker reproduces your finely crafted sound beautifully, making it a very reliable and robust choice!

10Samson / Expedition Explor

Key Points

• Built-in lithium-ion battery for up to 12 hours of continuous use
• Weighs only 6.8 kg
• 3-channel mixer (mic, Hi-Z, line)
• USB wireless terminal (Samson XPD or AirLine XD USB)
• Bluetooth music playback
• Compatible with stationary, stand mount, floor monitor, and tilt-back setups
• 3-band EQ
• Built-in reverb effect

Staff Comments

This is a new product from comprehensive audio equipment manufacturer Samson for 2023! It’s an all-in-one PA speaker that is small, lightweight, and battery-powered. It’s very easy to use! Channels 1 and 2 only have volume and reverb knobs, making it simple. The 3-band EQ allows for overall sound quality correction. It supports Bluetooth music playback, making it suitable for speeches, lessons, and small-scale music events. The light on the back top is a thoughtful addition, preventing misoperation in dark places!

How did you like the selection?
The benefits of powered speakers include:

• Fewer cables due to the built-in power amp
• No need to worry about matching power amps and speakers
• Fewer pieces of equipment make transport, setup, and storage easier
• Sound customization with EQ and DSP features (depending on the model)
• Wireless control via dedicated apps (depending on the model)

Recently, powered speakers are becoming the mainstream in PA speakers and their demand is increasing. At Sound House, we offer a wide range from affordable entry-level to high-end models with a focus on sound quality. Additionally, we provide content for sound comparisons not found on other websites, allowing you to listen carefully with headphones to differences in speaker sizes, enclosures, and sound character variations even within the same brand.

■ Sound Comparison of Standard PA Speakers (Powered)