In a hurry?

Here are our top three choices for bands or solo performances in a nutshell:

The best PA speakers

1. SubZero D15

Key features

• 1000W power output
• Integrated DSP features
• Multiple positioning options

Pros

• High power handling
• Versatile DSP settings
• Flexible placement options

Cons

• Limited portability

The SubZero D15 Active DSP PA Speaker delivers a 1000W power output, making it a strong choice for live music performances. It has an integrated Digital Signal Processing (DSP) which offers a variety of settings, allowing you to tailor the sound to different environments and genres. This flexibility is essential whether you’re performing in a small venue or a larger space, ensuring optimal audio quality.

The speaker’s design supports multiple positioning options, including upright and wedge angles. So, not only can you adapt the sound to your environment, but the placement of the speaker, too, gives you versatility to suit various setups. However, at 24.5kg, the D15’s portability is somewhat limited, which might be a consideration to make if you’re a solo musician who frequently transports your own gear.

For full bands, the D15’s high power and comprehensive sound control capabilities help ensure that every instrument and vocal can be heard clearly. Solo performers will appreciate the DSP features for fine-tuning their sound without additional equipment.

How to choose the best PA speaker for you

How many inputs do you need?

Inputs help to determine how many individual instruments you can run at once. For both bands and solo performers, you’ll need at least two – for one very simple reason. Two inputs will let solo musicians run a vocal mic and an instrument or backing track, which should cover most of the ground they’d need.

If your PA of choice includes a 3.5mm minijack input or Bluetooth connectivity for backing tracks on a third channel, this gives you further flexibility.

For full bands, you’ll tend to need a lot of inputs, far more than you’ll usually see on even advanced PA systems, but at least six or eight would be recommended. This will allow you space for vocal mics for three members, instrument inputs for three members, and at least one drum overhead mic.

However, for more elaborate band lineups, this falls apart quickly. Instead of depending on the inputs on a PA speaker, you’ll probably need a mixer. Then feed the master output channels on the mixer into your PA speaker inputs.

When running a mixer as well as your PA system, you’ll need just two inputs. This may require you buying your own mixer and running your own sound, depending on the venues you play, but it takes the pressure off of finding the rare and often expensive PA speaker systems with enough inputs to fit your lineup.

Wattage and venue

Wattage is a measurement of electrical power output. Whilst the relationship between wattage and volume or power of a PA system isn’t direct or linear, higher-wattage PA systems do tend to be louder. As such, consider the wattage of the PA system you have your eye on.

Does it work for the kinds of venues you’ll be playing? Will you need to upgrade to a higher model the second you play a slightly bigger venue or does it have enough on tap to keep up with you? Remember that for outdoor performances, you might need more power in order to be heard than you would in an indoor venue.

For a better understanding of your PA’s maximum volume, I’d recommend looking at your system’s maximum SPL output, this is a direct and more accurate measurement of your system power. However, as a rule of thumb, here’s our guide to the capacity that each wattage range suits:

For larger-scale gigs of venues over 200 capacity, it’s likely that venues will supply their own suitable systems.

Built-in DSP

DSP, or Digital Signal Processing, has come a very long way in a short time. This relatively new technology gets implemented in PA speakers in a variety of ways and has become a big buzzword for manufacturers. It’s a huge benefit, often, but try to be mindful of how DSP is implemented in a product.

Is the DSP set up in a way that you’ll actually use, or will you ignore it? If it’s not up to your needs, is there a better alternative with similar features without DSP or at least a different DSP integration that might save you some money?

For example, SubZero’s PA speakers tend to use DSP to provide switchable voicings for a range of contexts, giving big bass for DJs dropping floor-fillers, a flat response for speeches, or a present midrange for musical performances.

Some DSP might just be built-in reverb and delay effects on the PA system’s mixer. Sometimes it’s innovative technology that prevents the speaker drivers from overextending for a clearer, louder sound. Yamaha uses it for FIR crossovers, making for a smoother transition between sounds.

Then, some brands have been using DSP to add comprehensive app control, letting you fully mix sets from a smartphone or tablet.

There are also PA speakers on the market now that come with advanced features you would typically only see on an advanced mixer for a fully integrated setup, or even channel presets that fit specific instruments, genres, and/or popular microphones for instant mixing.

There are all kinds of approaches, so make sure your system has one that fits you.

Portability

How easily will your system travel? There’s a range of ways to resolve this, from compact battery-powered PA systems to modular column systems. Getting the right size and weight for your needs is important if you’re going between venues.

Whilst battery-powered PA systems are very convenient, they tend to have less power and aren’t well-suited to bigger venues. Column PA systems can be pretty tall, but fortunately break down into multiple pieces, with a tower of tweeters and a large subwoofer unit. But is this too large for the space you’re in? Will you struggle to keep track of all its pieces?

Sometimes a standard pair of active PA speakers can be all that you need, but they’re also very heavy with their built-in amplification and don’t tend to have the coverage offered by column systems. Everything’s a compromise in some form, so try to consider what fits your logistics.

Budget

Budget is also a huge consideration. The more power in your PA system, the more expensive it tends to be.

Combined with the added considerations of the correct number of inputs, DSP features, built-in mixers, app control, and whether or not you need to invest in a separate subwoofer to pair with your system,  the money can dry up quickly.

Obviously, there are ways around most of these issues.

Want specific DSP? Maybe choose a passive system and get a power amp with the DSP features you like instead. It’ll be lighter overall, too.

Need more inputs? Consider investing in a mixer to run into the PA system instead. But what you can’t make up for is a shortfall in power. If you can’t be heard, you can’t be heard.

Try to aim for that fundamental feature first, and then look at the bonus features after the fact and see what you’re willing to let go of.

The best PA speaker brands

Picking a good brand is also an important part of buying a PA speaker. Better brands mean better efficiency out of your speaker’s amplifier, which means you get more power and volume out of lower wattage designs, good DSP design, and a quality sound. Our top five speaker brands all have placements on this list already, and for good reason!

Our first recommendation are the American brand Electro-Voice, which are one of the oldest brands in its field. Having a history that dates back to 1927, this speaker and microphone manufacturer was started by seasoned engineers whose innovations helped the communications of Allied Forces throughout World War II.

Bose are a more recent brand, with deep links to the renowned university known as MIT (or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), one of the leading institutions for education in science and engineering. Founder Dr. Amar Bose graduated from MIT in 1964 and began teaching himself acoustics after the stereo system he bought to celebrate the completion of his doctorate disappointed him.

From here, Bose started supplying power regulation systems to the military and government agencies, before expanding into headphones, which quickly found use in aerospace companies, and then into home audio and PA products. Dr. Bose would later give a majority of shares in the company to MIT itself and encourage academics who graduate from the university to work at the company.

This has made Bose a powerhouse of cutting-edge design and quality.

Yamaha are likely the oldest company in the audio space, having started out as an instrument manufacturer in 1887, producing organs, and later pianos, before branching out into mechanical design with motorcycles.

They’re now a leading manufacturer of all kinds of audio equipment, still renowned for their pianos, as well as guitars, drums, orchestral instruments, keyboards, synthesizers, and of course, home audio, studio, and PA speaker systems alike.

RCF are an Italian brand that was established in 1949. Dedicated almost wholly to audio equipment and custom audio installations, RCF use innovative materials and a precise approach to transducers and electronics to design their products, resulting in some of the best-sounding speakers on the market.

Alto Professional, founded in 2000, deliver superior PA speakers through modern manufacturing, cutting-edge DSP technology, and sophisticated design. Their products offer exceptional performance and value, catering to both live sound engineers and performing musicians.

FAQs

Which PA speakers are the best?

The best PA speakers are highly dependent on your specific needs and budget. Top brands like JBL, Yamaha, and QSC are renowned for their high-quality sound, durability, and advanced features. It’s important to consider the venue size, power requirements, and additional features when choosing the best PA speakers.

Are passive PA speakers better than active?

Passive PA speakers are not necessarily better than active ones; each has its advantages. Passive speakers require external amplifiers, which can offer more flexibility in system configuration. Active speakers have built-in amplifiers, simplifying setup and often providing better integration and ease of use.

Do PA speakers have good bass?

PA speakers can have good bass, especially models designed with larger woofers and dedicated subwoofers. High-quality PA systems from brands like JBL and Yamaha often feature robust bass performance. However, adding a subwoofer can significantly enhance the bass response in a PA setup.

Final thoughts

PA speakers are an integral part of live performance and come with a wide variety of features and form factors. Hopefully, our guide to the best PA speakers has given you all the information you need to perform your way in any venue, whether you’re a solo singer-songwriter or a metal band.