[2024 New Products] Electro-Voice’s Latest PA Speaker Series ZLX-G2

The long-awaited new ZLX-G2 passive/powered series from the leading brand of portable PA speakers, Electro-Voice, is now available! The ZLX series is popular for its reasonable price, high sound quality and lightweight body, which is unique to Electro-Voice, as well as its high portability.

This time, I was able to borrow all six models from the manufacturer and I would like to review them right away.

From left to right: 8", 12" and 15". I could sense that Electro-Voice is really serious about this lineup. in the fact that they have included an '8" model, which is rarely seen in PA speakers!

On the left is the powered model and on the right is the passive model.
The powered model is easily recognisable because of where the power cable is plugged in and the LCD display.

On the bottom, there is a 35 mm pole socket so you can mount it onto a standard speaker stand.

Furthermore, the pole socket is indeed equipped with a screw to prevent rotation. Some stands inevitably have a slight gap, causing them to wobble, but this is a safeguard (the 8-inch model can be turned with a flatbed screwdriver).

I also liked the fact that the speaker cables and connectors do not interfere with the floor when the stand is turned sideways and used as a floor monitor (roller).

The handle is designed for a firm grip, so I didn’t feel it was heavy when lifting or moving it.

Also, the 12" and 15" models also support a kickback position. I was impressed by how well the system has been thought out to meet the needs of those who want the sound to reach a longer distance or to be aimed at a standing audience even though it is floor-standing.

I lifted the speakers several times to get this shot, and they are incredibly light - even the 15" model is the same size as most other models, but I would have thought it was a size smaller. For portable PA systems, lightness is one of the most important selection factors, so I think this is a considerable advantage.

And, speaking of Electro-Voice powered speakers, there is the EV QuickSmart Mobile wireless control app, which is of course compatible!

I'm often asked if it's difficult to connect, but it's super easy!

Just open the main menu on the speaker side and select BLUETOOTH → CONTROL PAIR.

When you open the iPad app in this state, the speaker will be displayed and you can touch “Connect”.

When the connection is complete, the mixer screen will appear.

What's great about it?
The app gives you a lot of control, and it's really very comprehensive. Here are some of the functions.

Left: Delay, Right: CrossoverAbove: Delay, Below: Crossover

Left: Location, Right: ModeAbove: Location, Below: Mode

Left: Volume, effects, EQ and mix out for each channel, Right: Individual channel settings.Above: Volume, effects, EQ and mix out for each channel, Below: Individual channel settings.

There are 30 different kinds of effects pedals inside!!

Left: Graphic equaliser, Right: Parametric equaliser
(Select either one)Above: Graphic equaliser, Below: Parametric equaliser
(Select either one)

Left: MIX OUT, Right: phantom power (ch1 only)Above: MIX OUT, Below: phantom power (ch1 only)

A wide range of presets are available, from those for microphones to acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, percussion and line input.

The essential sound quality was well-balanced from high to low frequencies, and even when the volume was turned up, the high frequencies remained calm, painless, and easy to listen to. What I personally felt was the thickness of the low frequencies from the Electro-Voice. The resilient, yet moderately tight and pleasant low frequencies are perfect for bands, DJs and other situations where you want a lot of power. I have prepared sound sources for both the passive and powered models for comparison, so please take the time to listen to them and compare them.

The ZLX-G2 series also offers accessories that can be installed on ceilings, walls, and other surfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of situations, which is another major attraction.

After trying it out a few times, I personally liked using this with electric bass a lot.
The ZLX-G2 Powered has a Hi-Z input on channel 2, so you can connect an electric bass with a high-impedance output directly to it. Select “Bass Guitar” in the presets, fine-tune it with the three-band EQ, turn on the compressor, and you've got yourself a bass amp! I was thrilled to be able to experience that feeling of being so happy when playing and wanting to play all the time, even through the PA speakers.

In conclusion, I thought the ZLX-G2 series was the ideal portable PA speaker that this field demands with its amazing lightness, uncompromising sound quality and state-of-the-art DSP (powered) at a reasonable price. I can confidently recommend these PA speakers to anyone who is just starting out in PA or is considering replacing their PA speakers with a higher-ranked model. Go check them out!