Smarvo loudspeakers

I was at a small beer bar a couple of days back and I found out that they had this particular brand of speakers. A very unique name it has too. Smarvo. Could not find anything on their official website but a trawl through the Internet yielded this picture which was put up on a music site fairly recently by this owner of a jamming studio that was selling it. It looks like the bar that bought this probably bought it from the jamming studio owner, complete with speaker stands and four-channel amplifier. From what was described on the music site, this speaker sports an 8″ woofer and from what I can see, a piezo horn. It looks similar to a Phonic Powerpack system. I had a close look at it in the bar. This baby can handle about 150 watts. Not too shabby!

More Yamaha Stagepas look-alikes, this time from Studiomaster

I get tickled pink when I see Yamaha Stagepas look-alikes, even blatant copies like these Studiomaster Stagesounds. It is basically the same as the Stagepas series, with the mixer fitting behind one of the speaker cabinets, storage for cables in the other. However, this one only handles 120 watts per channel and is the bigger of the two offerings from Studiomaster, the Stagesound 10. The brochure on the Studiomaster website explains everything that this system is capable of providing.

I wonder which other company is going to make more Yamaha Stagepas look-alikes. This should be mighty interesting to find out.

American Audio PPA-210

Its the New Year and I hope that all of you had a blast. I know I certainly did! In any case, in my never-ending quest for information to post on this blog, which already has quite a following from what I have been told, I came across this portable PA system, this time made by the folks at American Audio. It looks a bit like the Phonic offering and the same snap-into-one concept of the Fender Passport series. It looks pretty good and on their website, it shows the specs which are as follows:

• Portable Sound System including: 2x 10-inch portable speakers, 1x Powered Mixer, 1x Dynamic Microphone & all component cables needed
• Entire system latches together for maximum protection for easy transport; even the microphone fits in a built-in compartment
• 8-Channel powered mixer
• 3-band EQ, EFX Sound, Pan and Level on each channel
• Built-in 300W (150W 8 ohms per channel) stereo power amplifier with dynamic Distortion Processor
• 4x XLR MIC inputs.
• 2x TRS stereo Channels with RCA 3.5mm Stereo inputs.
• USB port to connect a flash disc containing music or a MP3 Player
• Effects send on every channel with stereo return
• Internal digital delay effects processor with 16 selections with foot switch jack: including echo, delay and vocal enhancement
• Effects parameter adjustment allows you to customize each effect selection
• 7-band system equalizer with switch
• 2x five-segment LED meters
• Performance Indicators: Signal, Clip, Power & Protect
• Built-in 300W (150W 8 ohms per channel) stereo power amplifier with dynamic Distortion Processor
• Thermal cut off
• Speaker system with I-inch compression drivers and 10-inch woofers
• Storege compartment for microphone, cables and accessories.
• Two 20-foot speaker cables
• Switchable voltage: 115V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz – IEC plug

SPECIFICATIONS:
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz 1dB (at send output);
30 Hz to 20 kHz 1dB (at speaker output, with processor threshold exceeded)
• Distortion: <0.05%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 dB below rated output
• System Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB @ 1w. “A” WTD
• Power Output 150W per ch. continuous average power: 8 ohm, both channels driven with THD <1%
• Input Impedance (Channels 1-2-3 and 4) “Mic” 2k ohm

Not too bad actually but it is only about 150 watts per channel. I do not know how much it costs here in Singapore but PSSL.com are offerng it for about US$500. Not too shabby but I am pretty sure that you can get better systems for that money.

Yamaha Stagepas 600i

If I have not wished you guys yet, please allow me to do so. Happy Boxing Day! I do not know why it is called Boxing Day, this day after Christmas. But I suppose it had something to do with getting rid of the boxes that the Christmas presents came in. Or it could be literally to “box” someone on the years…at least that is what I took it to be and merrily “boxed” people playfully. And speaking of being boxed, I was literally boxed by Yamaha when I found out about this new product to their Stagepas line…the Stagepas 600i.

I always knew that it would be a matter of time before Yamaha did an upgrade to their very popular Stagepas 500 series of portable PA systems. I just did not think it was going to come so soon. For the record, I have the Stagepas 500 and it is performing very well. So when I saw this, I started thinking to myself. What could Yamaha give to and improve upon the Stagepas 500 which is already very good? Well, lets take a look.

This is the mixer portion of the Stagepas 600i. It is still the same concept as the Stagepas 500, 300, 250 and 150 i.e. it fits neatly behind one of the speakers. There have been quite a few changes though. First of all, there is now a MID control on the equalization of each channel strip, versus a LO and HI that was on the Stagepas 500. Secondly, it has an iPod/ iPhone digital connection. What this means is that it can charge your iPhone/iPod and it can play music digitally through that very same USB port…by the looks of it. Thirdly, there is also the new and improved SPX digital reverb. On the Stagepas 500, there was only reverb and that was it. Now, one knob gives you access to four different high-quality reverb settings, perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments. Simply turn the knob to change the reverb type and time, and then you’re ready to apply just the right amount of high-resolution effect to each channel. Fourthly, there is something now called the 1-Knob Master EQ which basically is a new function that gives you instant mastery of the mix, allowing you to match your sound to your surroundings. Simply turn the knob to optimize the EQ for speaking engagements, musical performances, or just to kick in more bass. That sure beats the speech and music toggle switch that was on the Stagepas 500. Fifthly, it now has a feedback suppressor. What this function does is to remove feedback automatically with the push of a button. Some more details of this new mixer and its flexibility are, according to their website:

- Channel EQ
Assign detailed EQ settings to each channel for precise management of your final sound. Great sounding 2-band EQ on the STAGEPAS 400i and more flexible 3-band EQ on the 600i make setup easy and precise. Vocal and guitar performances especially will benefit from newly added mid-range control on 600i.

- Hi-Z switch
Connect acoustic-electric guitars and basses to enjoy high-quality performance with low distortion. Passive pickup instruments can be connected hassle-free, without a direct box.

- Switchable stereo/mono inputs
A versatile new feature that allows you to transform each stereo channel input into two independent mono inputs, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the needs of a broad range of performance requirements.

- Phantom power
Connect condenser microphones directly to STAGEPAS to get the best sound quality possible. Phantom power also means you won’t have to worry about DI boxes losing their charge during a performance.

- Reverb footswitch
For hands-free control of your reverb, connecting an optional footswitch allows you to turn the reverb on and off instantly—perfect for MC-ing events or speaking during solo performances.

- Monitor out
Expand your front-of-house system or set up a monitoring system by using the STAGEPAS together with other powered speakers such as Yamaha’s DXR lineup.

- Subwoofer out
Add more bottom end to your system by connecting a powered subwoofer such as the Yamaha DXS Series. Simply plugging in a subwoofer will assign a high-pass filter to the STAGEPAS speakers automatically.

As for the speakers, they are still the same size i.e 10″ woofer and 1.4″ voice coil with a better horn. But these babies can take some power. The amplifier in the mixer gives you a continuous of 280 watts per channel! Egads!

Highly tempted to get this my friends but I already have the Stagepas 500 and it is serving me very well. Maybe in a years time, when this Stagepas is well, used, I will upgrade to these.

Kustom Profile 300 Portable PA System

I came across this portable PA system while searching for something on the Internet. Kustom. Now that is a new one to me. The system looks so much like the Yamaha Stagepas 300 that it is not funny. It could almost be an adaptation of that popular Yamaha portable PA system. I have read some reviews on the Internet and from what I can see, the reviews are not very favourable. It is only about 150 watts per channel and that mixer, like the Stagepas series, screws at the back of the speaker. Speaking of mixers, let us take a closer look at it.

The mixer is devoid of any RCA input jacks, as far as I can see. The only two RCA jacks I can see are the TAPE OUT jacks. They have been replaced with 1/8″ jacks on channels 5/6 and 7/8. Four channels with XLR inputs but no phantom power. So good luck if you are running active DI boxes. You might want to change them to passive if need be. Looks pretty good and affordable but honestly…the resemblance to the Yamaha Stagepas series is uncanny! Specifications-wise, this is what it has to offer:

• 300W stereo mixer
• 8-channel (XLR, 1/4″,and stereo 1/8″ inputs)
• Two 8″ full-range speakers & neodymium horn drivers
• Power switch
• Speaker output jacks connect both speakers
• RCA Record Out jacks for external recording device with individual volume control
• Output meter
• Power indicator lights
• Monitor L/R outputs with Monitor volume control
• Effects volume level control and on/off switch
• Slap Back/Delay switch (Slap Back = short, quick echo, Delay = longer echo)
• Master controls the overall volume of all inputs
• XLR and 1/4″ input jacks for Channels 1-4
• Mic/Line switches provided for channels 1-4
• Treble, Bass adjustment knobs
• Volume adjustment per channel
• Integrated storage compartment located inside one speaker
• Includes removable AC cable
• Mixer can be attached to back of other speaker for travel

There you go…Kustom’s answer to the Yamaha Stagepas! Thanks but no thanks!

 

Yamaha Stagepas 300

I have a Yamaha Stagepas 500 and I love it very much. I have used it in many shows and everyone is talking about the clarity and power of the system. The Stagepas 500 was a request by many people who wanted a more powerful system than the Stagepas 300, the younger brother, shown here. It is like the Stagepas 500 except that there are fewer channels and the speakers consist of a 8″ woofer compared to the 10″ woofer on the Stagepas 500. Also, it does not have speaker mounting holes like the Stagepas 500 has. You need to get special bolt-on adapters for that. Specifications of the Stagepas 300 are:

- System portable amplified 2 x 150 Watts Class D
- 8-channel mixer amplified with 4 mic
- Rec and releases ST SUB 2-band EQ
- Digital Reverb
- Headphone Jack, bus Click
- 2 x 8 “Bass-Reflex speaker cable 5m provided
- 1 mic support mixer

The Stagepas 300 is a great system too. I have heard it before and I must say that I am impressed with the size and the sound. Yamaha quality just oozes through, as I always say. Check it out at your Yamaha dealer. They are going at quite a good price during this festive season. The Yamaha Stagepas series are, in my opinion, one of the best portable PA systems that money can buy.

Fender Passport PD150 portable PA system

I was at the SITEX 2012 exhibition last week at the Singapore Expo. Lots of computers to see and lots of bargains to be had. I met up with a few of my friends who were there and we had a great time catching up. My friends were all emcees for various booths in the big exhibition and it seems that the main contractor had supplied them with these Fender Passport PA systems. Apparently they were all sick of these and I was surprised because Fender Passports have quite good ratings and I have actually used them before. Its only when I was passing some booths and I heard these babies being used. Terrible. Looks like they could not handle speech very well. They sounded distorted and I bet that people were getting terrible ear fatigue. If they did not, I surely was! sad really but after looking at the specs:

• Speakers – One 5.25″ Woofer, Two 2.75″ Tweeters
• Inputs – 2 Mic/Line inputs, 2 Stereo inputs
• Power Handling – 150 Watts Class-D Power Amp
• Channels – 4 (2 Mic/Line, 2 Stereo)

Does not look too powerful so maybe that is the reason why it sounded too distorted. 75 watts per channel. That ain’t much. Plus everyone was competing with each other to get people to patronise their respective stalls. Plus that Class-D amplifier and 5.25″ woofer. Hardly much air excursion. But then again, this is one of the smaller models of the Passport Series so I suppose that is all it can deliver. I bet my Yamaha Stagepas would trump these!

SoundTech portable PA system

There are a lot of companies making portable PA systems and this company is one of them. However, I have heard some pretty bad reviews about this one. For one, the piezo tweeter seems to blow pretty easily and secondly, the sound is not very good. It will be good for speech and general sound reinforcement but do not blast these babies. But the price is pretty good so that should be a good point in your favour should you decide to buy this system. This is what it features:

150 Watts @ 4 ohms
4-channel powered mixer
CD inputs for Karaoke, DJs & music
EFX loops in & out
1/4 in. & XLR inputs
1/4 in. speaker outputs
Accessible fuse compartments
Separate bass & treble control
Digital reverb effect
2 free speaker cables
4-color display box
2×10 in. speaker cabinets
2-band channel EQ
3-band master EQ

Frankly, I think the Phonic Powerpod system ( a system I reviewed some time ago and is in this blog) is much better than this one in terms of reliability and reputation but then again, all the products looks the same and were probably made in the same factory and re-badged. That is the name of the game now. Like I said, for general speech and sound-reinforcement, the price cannot be beat. You want anything more, get a more powerful system

Behringer EUROLIVE B415DSP

I am looking for a pair of speakers that I can use for some small functions should my Yamaha Stagepas 500s ever get rented out at the same time. After comparing a few and looking at the price, I kinda settled on these Behringers. There is a lot of flak out there on Behringer products but I must say that some of the products I have used from them are of pretty decent quality. Plus, the price cannot be beat and if you, like me, are looking for a good pair of powered speakers that will not break the bank, these Behringers should be hot contenders. According to the Behringer website:

• High-power 600-Watt 2-way PA sound reinforcement speaker system with integrated mixer for live and playback applications
• State-of-the-art 24-bit digital signal processor for ultimate system control:
• Digital crossover, phase and time correction for perfect driver alignment plus dual compressor/limiter for total system protection
• Digital Noise gate, Low-cut filter, 2-band EQ, dynamic Contour filter for ultimate sound reproduction
• 2 ULN Mic/Line inputs with individual Volume controls and Peak LEDs
• Extremely powerful 15″ long-excursion driver provides incredibly deep bass and acoustic power
• State-of-the-art 1.75″ titanium-diaphragm compression driver for exceptional high-frequency reproduction
• Ultra-wide dispersion and large format exponential/conical horn with multi-cell aperture throat
• Additional Line output enables linking of additional speaker systems
• Versatile trapezoidal enclosure design allows different positioning:
• - Stand mounting with 35-mm pole socket
• - Tilts on its side for use as a floor monitor
• Ergonomically shaped handles for easy carrying and setup
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

That is the Behringer sales pitch but I have been reading some reviews and it looks like there are a few good reviews on these speakers. Not too bad actually. Just get a small mixer to control the inputs, some long XLR wire and it looks like you are set!

Yamaha MSR100

There are lots of powered-speaker manufacturers in the world and Yamaha is one of them. This MSR100 powered speaker, I had only just found out about it last weekend when I was providing audio at a wedding ceremony. The restaurant, where the wedding was held at, had these for monitors. I hooked it up to the AUX of the Mackie mixer that was installed in the pub and I must say that the sound coming out of this small wonder was simply rich. Not bad for a powered speaker that sports an 8″ woofer and a 1″ titanium diaphragm compression driver. The built-in amplifier delivers 100 watts of power and it could handle the restaurant with ease.

Yamaha’s website describes this unit:

A simple but effective mixer built into the rear of the unit provides 3 inputs with master EQ for sound control. The “Input 1″ XLR connector accommodates almost any microphone or line input (with a -50dB/+4dB pad switch), while line sources can be connected to the “Input 2″ and “Input 3″ phone-jack connectors. Naturally, each input has its own level control, with a master level control for overall output. Two-band EQ gives you further control over the final sound. A convenient clip indicator alerts you if the input signal level is too high, so you can reduce levels to avoid distortion. For larger events the MSR100′s special link out jack can be used to connect multiple units for higher power and expanded coverage.

And its true. I was surprised and pleased at what this little speaker was capable of. Its capable of producing up to 112 dB SPL…not too shabby! It can be used as a FOH system for sound reinforcement or it can be used as a monitor speaker. A variety of mounting options allow pole mounting, ceiling suspension, or wall mounting so that makes it very versatile.

Yamaha, you have done it again!