Why I recommend the JBL Karaoke Amplifier BEYOND1 as a powered mixer for PA’s!

JBL’s BEYOND1 is a popular product that has been well received as a full-fledged karaoke amplifier, but this time I am intentionally recommending it as a “powered mixer for PA”.

JBL / BEYOND1 Home Karaoke Amplifier

Reason 1: Three microphone inputs can be used to play along with the background music

For speeches, presentations, and other events where talking is the main focus, three microphones are sufficient in most cases. In addition to karaoke, I also recommend using the microphone and background music together for lessons, recitals, and many other purposes!

Reason 2: High output power amplifier with easy operation

The output wattage is stereo 180W x2 (8 ohms), which can be used for various music events in addition to karaoke at home or in a bar. It can be used indoors for 100-200 people without any problem. To use, simply connect a microphone and a sound source, then adjust the volume of each using the knobs on the front panel. Even those who are not familiar with audio equipment can use it with ease.

Reason 3: Abundant output terminals

In addition to main speakers, PA speakers include “monitor speakers” and “subwoofers,” and BEYOND1 can connect to both of these!

AUX OUT (L, R):

Connect powered speakers or a power amp and passive speakers.

REC OUT (L+R):

This terminal is mainly used to connect a recorder and output a mono full-range signal.

SUB OUT (L+R):

Connects a powered subwoofer or a power amplifier and a passive subwoofer. Outputs mono bass only.

I recommend a powered type with a built-in power amplifier that can be connected using a single cable.

⇒ List of Powered Floor Monitors

CLASSIC PRO / CP10MP PA Speaker

⇒ List of Powered Subwoofers

CLASSIC PRO / CP18SIIP Powered Subwoofer

*As a precaution, the levels output from the three output terminals are all affected by the MIC, MUSIC, and EFX knobs on the front panel, so lowering the level of the main speakers will also lower the output levels to the monitor and subwoofer. The recommended setting is to set the monitor and subwoofer levels by adjusting the volume on the connected device without changing the volume on the main speaker.

Reason 4: Very minute adjustments can be made with a computer

BEYOND1 has a dedicated app that can be used simply by connecting to a computer with a USB cable.There are various PA equipment, such as digital mixers with built-in DSP, power amplifiers, and digital speaker processors. However, if you’re thinking that these gears are a bit expensive and too difficult to use, don’t worry, you can make similar settings on the BEYOND1.

The procedure is a super-simple 3-step process!

1. Download “PC GUI (EN)” from “DOWNLOADS” on the product page of JBL’s website.
2. Connect the USB terminal on the back of the BEYOND1 unit to the computer with a USB cable.
3. Launch the dedicated application. All set!

When the cable is connected, BEYOND1 will display the following.
*The knobs/buttons on the BEYOND1 unit cannot be operated while connected to a computer.

Let’s take a look at each control screen to see what kind of operations can be performed with the dedicated application.

Music

• Low-cut filter
• 15-band parametric EQ (Gain, Freq, Q)
• Sound source selection
• Key change

The EQ can be adjusted not only by moving the fader up and down, but also by moving the numbers on the graph up, down, left, and right, allowing intuitive control by listening to the sound changes as you move the fader.

Mic

• Low-cut filter
• High-cut filter
• 15-band parametric EQ (Gain, Freq, Q)
• AFE (3-stage feedback suppression)
  Make sure the mic is ON when the person holding the mic is walking around on stage.
• Compressor (Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio)
  If someone shouts into the mic suddenly, comp will help!

Effect

• Echo/Reverb EQ: 5-band parametric EQ (Gain, Freq, Q)
• Echo
• Reverb
• Delay

The number of parameters is comparable to that of an effects processor built into a digital mixer, which goes to show you how serious JBL is!

Main

• Balance the sound coming out of the speaker outputs (Music, Mic, EFX)
  Use when you want to control only the Main without changing the balance of AUX, SUB, and REC OUT!
• High-pass (low-cut) filter
• 10-band parametric EQ (Gain, Freq, Q)
• Level balance between speaker outputs L and R
• Delay for time alignment of speaker outputs L and R
• Compressor (Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio)

Sub

• High-pass filter
• Low-pass filter
• 5-band parametric EQ (Gain, Freq, Q)
• Compressor (Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio)
• Phase switching
• SUB output level and delay
• SUB output level balance for Music and Mic

For example, you can use this function when you want the only microphone sound to be played by a full-range speaker and only the low frequencies of the sound source to be played by a subwoofer!

Rec

• Music, Mic, Echo, Rev, Output levels

This can be used when you want the signal to be balanced differently from the signal coming out of the main speakers! This, for example, is also recommended for monitor speakers, as it can respond to requests for stronger vocal returns.

*As a precaution when using the PC application, the knobs on the BEYOND1 and the attached remote control will automatically lose control when a PC connection is made.

How was it?
The main use of the JBL BEYOND1 is as a high-quality karaoke amp, but with such a large amount of specifications, it will also work well for PA applications. For example, if you need more channels, you can use the BEYOND1 as a power amplifier with a separate analog mixer! I hope you will enjoy the wonderful PA by making full use of this convenient multi-functional machine.