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Electro-Voice Speakers – A Buying Guide

06/06/2023

Electro-Voice have been manufacturing speakers for years. In fact, they’ve been doing it for over 90 years – so they know a little bit about making great products!

And what makes their selection of speakers consistently great is that all components used are designed in-house. As a result, you get excellent, linear sound that doesn’t require any external processing to sound amazing.

But what speakers do Electro-Voice have on offer? Well – you’ll find they have everything from active PA speakers to passive subs, from portable column systems to installation speakers. And here’s a handy guide to help you decide which one is right for you! 

Electro-Voice Everse 8

In a hurry?

Here are our favourite Electro-Voice speakers:

ZLX-12P 12" Active 2-Way LoudspeakerFor versatile usage. Check the current price
Everse 8 Batter Powered PA SpeakerFor street performers.Check the current price
ELX215 Dual 15" Passive PA SpeakerFor powerful sound reinforcement.Check the current price
Evolve 30M Column PA SystemFor travelling performers.Check the current price
EVID S4.2 Installation SpeakersFor outdoor installations.Check the current price

Active speakers

Electro-Voice produce a range of active speakers for different price points and uses. Active speakers have built-in amplification, so they’re great for portable systems. From the ZLX series to the premium ETX series – all these speakers use custom-designed Electro-Voice components.

We recommend:


Electro-Voice ZLX-12P 12” Active 2-Way Loudspeaker

Electro-Voice ZLX-12PThe ZLX-12P is on the more affordable end of Electro-Voice loudspeakers, but this doesn’t mean it sacrifices quality in any way.

It uses all the premium components EV are known for using to create a top-quality speaker.

Its custom-designed drivers are housed within an innovative cabinet design that provides both superb sound performance and reliability in equal measure.

The sound is driven by efficient class-D amplification, with a max SPL of 126 dB.

To further get a great sound out of this speaker, you have access to a one-knob DSP control with a range of presets for different spaces. And you’ll be able to take the speaker wherever you go thanks to its compact build and built-in carrying handles.

Shop now | Electro-Voice ZLX-12P 12″ Active 2-Way Loudspeaker


Electro-Voice Everse 8 Battery Powered PA Speaker

Electro-Voice Everse 8 Battery Powered PA Speaker, BlackThe Everse 8 is a speaker you can take anywhere.

Thanks to its battery-powered, weather-proofed design, it’s perfect for outdoor events and buskers looking to take their sound to the next level. And the battery lasts up to a whopping 12 hours!

At its core are an eight-inch woofer with Signal Synchronised Transducer ports and a titanium tweeter that has constant-directivity waveguiding. With this, the Everse has a powerful 121dB maximum SPL. This means that everyone will be able to hear you play.

What’s more, there’s a range of other features for honing your sound. Various sound settings and effects can be easily adjusted using Electro-Voice’s QuickSmart app which gives you an array of professional mixing capabilities, all in the palm of your hand.

Shop now | Electro-Voice Everse 8 Battery PA Speaker


Electro-Voice ETX-12P 12″ Active PA Speaker

Electro-Voice ETX-12PThe ETX-12P is an active speaker on the more premium side of Electro-Voice products.

If you’re looking for professional, powerful speakers with the best possible sound quality, then this is the speaker for you.

It uses only the best Electro-Voice components, including a 12” LF SMX woofer, combined with a 1.25” titanium compression driver – all driven by class-D amplification with a peak power rating of 2000W – and a massive 135dB peak SPL.

As well as this, it has next-level processing with an integrated FIR-Drive DSP. This makes setup in any venue incredibly easy, with presets for the speakers’ application, crossover frequencies, and top/sub combos.

And the boundary compensation filters allow it to be used in any configuration – hanging on a tripod or even as a floor monitor.

Shop now | Electro-Voice ETX-12P 12″ Active PA Speaker

Passive speakers

Passive speakers are great for venues with a central amplification system – which could come in the form of a powered sub, an amplifier, or certain mixers. They are often cheaper and more lightweight than active speakers because of their lack of an amplifier.

Despite this, you’ll find they still use top-quality Electro-Voice components to pack a punch with their sound. Electro-Voice have several different passive speakers available, all in a variety of sizes and price points.

We recommend:


Electro-Voice ZLX-12 12” Passive PA Speaker

Electro-Voice ZLX-12 SpeakerThe ZLX-12 is a 12” passive speaker, ideal if you want a cheaper system but don’t want to sacrifice on quality.

It can reach a massive 125dB max SPL, using its 1.5” high-frequency driver and 12” woofer.

This sound can all be produced across a wide frequency range from 55Hz to 20kHz. And the excellent 90- by 60-degree dispersion means you’ll get wide coverage too.

As well as this, the speaker is incredibly lightweight, with ergonomic handles built in that make it easy to transport.

It can be configured in both sound reinforcement and monitor applications. And the patented split-baffle design ensures enhanced sonic impact and intelligibility by delivering incredible drive time alignment.

Shop now | Electro-Voice ZLX-12 12″ Passive PA Speaker


Electro-Voice EKX-15S 15″ Passive Subwoofer

Electro-Voice EKX-15S Passive SubwooferThe EKX-15S is perfect for providing that much-needed bottom end to your portable sound system.

Thanks to custom-designed EV components, it can reach monumental SPLs without any distortion or dips in audio quality. And this aspect is further enhanced by large slot ports.

And despite, as a subwoofer, being on the bigger side, the EKX-15S is lightweight and easy to transport. It has built-in handles as well as an ultra-long-lasting finish.

If you want a fuller sound, the EKX-15S has you covered with its M20 threaded mounting pole slot, allowing you to combine the subwoofer with full-range speakers.

Plus, the enclosure is extremely robust and able to handle any situation you throw it in.

Shop now | Electro-Voice EKX-15S 15″ Passive Subwoofer


Electro-Voice ELX215 Dual 15″ Passive PA Speaker

The ELX215 is a dual 15” passive speaker that’s ideal for bigger venues.

It’s dual-designed for deep bass impact and ultra-clear highs. And – in addition to this – it has a massive max SPL of 137dB – so you’ll really be able to blow your audience away.

You’ll get excellent coverage with a 90- by 50-degree coverage pattern. This provides fantastic sound dispersion, so that wherever your audience is – front, back, or at the sides – they’ll be able to hear everything perfectly.

Plus, the lightweight and robust plywood enclosure is made to go the distance and is internally braced, leading to minimal internal resonance.

Shop now | Electro-Voice ELX215 Dual 15″ Passive PA Speaker

Column speakers

Wanting an entire PA system in one package? Electro-Voice have a range of column speakers that are ideal for this exact purpose.

These systems are ideal if you’re a musician or DJ who is always on the go and needs to set up in a range of different places every single day.

We recommend:


Electro-Voice Evolve 30M Column PA System

Electro-Voice Evolve 30M Column PA System, BlackThe Evolve 30M Column PA System is ideal if you want great sound quality in a portable package that is super easy to use.

Every transducer in this speaker is designed by Electro-Voice themselves. So, you know that the 30M will deliver excellent sound whenever you use it.

The 30M is made up of a 10” subwoofer for incredible bass, and an array of six 2.8” neodymium drivers give you all you need for an incredible full-range sound.

This is driven by a powerful, yet efficient, Class-D amplifier, and allows the system to reach a 123dB SPL level.

As well as this, it has a whopping 8-channel integrated mixer, intelligent DSP settings, wireless control, and a flexible range of connectivity options that includes Bluetooth.

Shop now | Electro-Voice Evolve 30M Column PA System


Electro-Voice Evolve 50 Column PA System

Electro-Voice Evolve 50 Column PA SystemThe Evolve 50 is a step up from the 30M, featuring eight 3.5” neodymium drivers and a 12” subwoofer, giving you a 127 dB max SPL and a 37Hz to 20kHz frequency range.

The custom waveguide gives you an ultra-wide 120-degree horizontal – and the array is formed in a 40-degree asymmetrical vertical pattern.

This means you get great coverage for your audience.

It also includes many of the same great features as the 30M.

Although it doesn’t have an 8-channel mixer like the 30M, the Evolve 50 is great if you need a little extra for your setup.

Shop now | Electro-Voice Evolve 50 Column PA System


Electro-Voice Evolve 50M Column PA System

The Evolve 50M is, again, another step up from the Evolve 50, but instead has an eight-channel mixer too. This gives you plenty of flexibility in terms of connections and means you don’t necessarily need any outboard gear to plug in and get going with it.

Shop now | Electro-Voice Evolve 50M Column PA System

Installation speakers

Electro-Voice have a range of installation speakers for permanent use in indoor and outdoor venues. These are ideal for bars, restaurants, or even retail environments.

You can set a wide range of them up for excellent coverage across a whole room or even multiple rooms. There are also installation subwoofers which can provide extra bass too if needed.

We recommend:


Electro-Voice EVID S4.2 Installation Speakers

Electro-Voice EVID S4.2 Installation Speakers, PairThe EVID S4.2 installation speakers are ideal for providing brilliant sound in your venue.

They combine a 4” woofer with a 0.75” tweeter for clean, uniform coverage – even at high SPLs.They’re also fully weatherised, with an IP54 rating, so can be used outdoors with confidence.

You can use them in windy, rainy, and other damaging conditions, without worrying that they will be damaged. Mount them to any wall and you can change the angle easily based on the configuration you need.

Shop now | Electro-Voice EVID S4.2 Installation Speakers


Electro-Voice EVID 4.2 Installation Speakers

The EVID 4.2s are another excellent option for installation audio. They also have a fully weatherised ABS enclosure, so can be used both indoors and outdoors.

As well as this, they’re magnetically shielded, making them great for video applications without interfering in any way. Plus, you can position them easily with an excellent strong-arm mount.

Shop now | Electro-Voice EVID 4.2 Installation Speakers


Electro-Voice EVID S12.1 Installation Subwoofer

Electro-Voice EVID S12.1 Installation SubwooferThe EVID S12.1 installation subwoofer is great if you need added bass for your installation system.

It has two 12” high-excursion woofers that provide deep and punchy bass. And maximum SPLs go all the way to 127dB, with an 800W peak power output.

The subwoofer is designed for background, foreground, and sound reinforcement. And with 800W peak power output, it will excel in every busy setting – whether that’s a bar, restaurant, or retail environment.

Like the other speakers, it is fully weatherised, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Better still, it’s super easy to install thanks to a flexible slot-loaded mounting system.

Shop now | Electro-Voice EVID S12.1 Installation Subwoofer

FAQs

Is Electro-Voice a good brand?

Electro-Voice is a well-respected brand that produces top-quality audio gear.  They have been around for over 90 years, constantly innovating within that time. And they’re especially known for their high-quality PA speakers.


Who makes Electro-Voice speakers?

Electro-Voice make every single component of their speakers. This ensures that they are always of the highest quality. You can expect excellent sound, no matter the product, without the need for any external processing to improve it.


How do I set up an Electro-Voice speaker?

You set up an Electro-Voice speaker by sending audio to it via one of its connections. If it’s a passive speaker you will require an external amplifier to drive it. If it’s an active speaker you will need to plug it into a power source. The speakers also can be used in a range of configurations, including sound reinforcement, monitor wedges, and mounted permanently.

EV Everse 8 speaker

Final thoughts

Electro-Voice is a go-to brand courtesy of their top-quality components and excellent quality control. Whether you get a single PA speaker or an entire system, you can guarantee that you will get top-notch sound for any situation.

 

Content Editor - Live Sound

Rowan Evans writes and edits live sound content for Gear4Music. He has a degree in audio technology and has engineered for everything from musicals to country bands. He also loves writing music, making noise in all corners of York on most nights of the week.

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