A portable PA can open many doors for you and your audience. In this article, we take a look at a handful of mobile and battery-powered PA systems available at Sweetwater today. Whether you’re a DJ, a solo acoustic artist, or a fitness instructor, these units offer incredible, rechargeable battery power to let you take them virtually anywhere with minimal setup — a performer’s dream!
- Bose S1 Pro Multi-position PA System with Battery
- JBL EON One Compact Portable PA Speaker with Rechargeable Battery
- Behringer MPA40BT-Pro Portable PA System
- Roland BA-330 Portable Stereo PA System
- Behringer Europort HPA40 Handheld PA System with Microphone
- Yorkville EXM-Mobile-8 3-way Battery Powered Portable PA System
- Electro-Voice Everse 8 8-inch 2-way Battery-powered PA Speaker
- Anchor Audio LIB2-U2 Liberty 2 Portable Sound System with Built-in Bluetooth & Dual Wireless Receiver
- Mackie Thump GO Battery-powered Loudspeaker
Bose S1 Pro+ Multi-position PA System with Battery
First up is the Bose S1 Pro+ multi-position PA system with battery. Bose has long been a major, cutting-edge force, producing quality sound — and it brings this and more to the S1 Pro+. This versatile and lightweight 3-channel PA system is equipped with a range of impressive features, including an effects loop, independent EQ and reverb controls, and more. It even boasts a dedicated third channel that supports aux input or Bluetooth streaming, perfect for amplifying your favorite tunes at events or private gatherings. The S1 Pro+ is also the ultimate portable PA for soloists, small acts, and event speakers. And the reason that it’s so portable is due to an installed lithium-ion battery that provides hours of power-cable-free performance! And we can’t forget to mention that the S1 Pro+’s flexible positioning options allow it to be tilted, seated, or mounted on a stand. If you are in the market for a do-it-all PA system, then the Bose S1 Pro+ is the PA system for you.
JBL EON One Compact Portable PA Speaker with Rechargeable Battery
The JBL EON One Compact Portable PA speaker with rechargeable battery is a feature-rich, all-in-one system with two XLR-1/4-inch combo inputs, one 1/4-inch hi-Z input, and one 3-1/2mm aux input — basically, it offers loads of connectivity options for the performer, DJ, or event speaker. The EON also comes with a 4-channel mixer and an 8-band EQ to let you set and balance your levels and tone to your desire. This 120-watt powerhouse also features a whopping 112dB of crisp, full-range sound. And when you want to get the dance floor shaking, an 8-inch low-frequency driver brings the thunder with bass response down to 37-1/2Hz! A 1/4-inch pass-through feature lets you link up to four other EONs when you really need to fill a room. The JBL EON is equipped with Bluetooth and has a mind-boggling 12-hour rechargeable battery, which is more than enough time for virtually any performance or event presentation imaginable.
Behringer MPA40BT-Pro Portable PA System
If you’re looking for a user-friendly, all-in-one, portable PA, then the Behringer MPA40BT-Pro is exactly what you need — it’s even ideal for first-timers with virtually zero audio background! This 40-watt PA features an 8-inch powered speaker that generates plenty of volume for intimate gigs or small parties. A 4-channel mixer includes two microphone preamplifiers — perfect for guitar and vocal performances. The MPA40BT-Pro is wireless-ready and can be used in conjunction with the Behringer ULM digital wireless mic systems. This little workhorse has an AC power option along with 12-hour battery life, too.
Roland BA-330 Portable Stereo PA System
The Roland BA-330 Portable Stereo PA system is a literal sound machine, featuring four — yup, four — custom-designed 6-1/2-inch speakers and two tweeters for a super-wide, full-stereo projection. In addition, classic built-in effects include EQ, reverb, and delay to give performers plenty of options for customizing their tone. A 4-channel configuration — two for mic/instruments and two stereo inputs — lets you connect a synth or any other stereo device. And, if you are like many of us, then you’ve battled the dreaded feedback monster. The BA-330 has you covered with its Advanced Intelligent Anti-feedback feature that automatically keeps feedback in check. Still — we don’t recommend setting your mic directly in front of this awesome all-in-one! The BA-330 runs on AC power, but with just eight AA batteries, this unit will run for up to eight hours!
Behringer Europort HPA40 Handheld PA System with Microphone
Weighing under six pounds, the Behringer Europort HPA40 handheld PA system with microphone is our lightest PA on the list. This ultra-compact all-in-one is designed for desk or tabletop use in very intimate, small-group settings, such as tours, classrooms, and business lunches. But don’t let its size fool you. The HPA40 packs 40 watts of power through a 5-inch, full-range speaker. And because the HPA40 is designed as a light grab-and-go, Behringer has smoothed all the edges and corners and has also included a swept-back handle and storable shoulder strap for comfortable walks to and from your events. The rechargeable battery delivers eight hours of performance as well!
Yorkville EXM-Mobile-8 3-way Battery Powered Portable PA System
For DJs and solo performers, schlepping a complete PA system across town can be difficult. We recommend such products as the Yorkville EXM-Mobile-8 3-way battery-powered portable PA system to our gigging entertainers and performers. You can expect a battery runtime of five hours or more and get the I/O, clarity, and power to sound your best in various settings. This speaker’s 3-way speaker system — comprised of an 8-inch woofer and coaxial 5-inch mid-frequency driver with a 1-inch high-frequency horn — provides an articulate sound despite a small footprint. The EXM-Mobile-8 is designed for use in several configurations. Tip it back, and it’s a personal wedge monitor for busking or entertaining. Stand it up or mount it on a speaker pole, and the EXM-Mobile-8 speaker’s long throw delivers sound to listeners hundreds of feet away. Auctioneers and public speakers will benefit from the EXM-Mobile-8’s clean voice reproduction and extended projection. There’s even Bluetooth onboard to warm up crowds with custom playlists before a set.
BONUS: For those gigs where extended low end is a priority, the battery-powered Yorkville EXM-MOBILES portable subwoofer makes the perfect companion for richer bass.
Electro-Voice Everse 8 8-inch 2-way Battery-powered PA Speaker
Get the party started with the Electro-Voice Everse 8 8-inch 2-way battery-powered PA speaker — the company’s first-ever battery-powered PA solution! This powerful portable offers up to 12 hours of battery life (12 hours at 95dB; three hours at 121dB) and IP43 weather resistance, making it suitable for sudsy indoor bar gigs or outdoor events in light rain. The Everse 8’s custom waveguide and SST bass port deliver optimal sound dispersion and accurate low-end handling down to 50Hz. Thanks to its 400-watt, peak Class D, Dynacord amplifier, you’ll enjoy clear and powerful sound for any occasion. The Everse 8’s rear panel features two XLR combo inputs (one with +48V phantom power), a 4-channel menu mixer with 30 studio-quality effects, and master processing, such as compression, ducking, and feedback management. And, with its onboard Bluetooth capability, the Everse 8 allows you to easily play wireless audio, link up to a stereo system, and access advanced features from your smartphone using the QuickSmart Mobile app for iOS and Android. Whether you’re a fitness instructor, an auctioneer, a busker, or a live performer, the Everse 8 is ideal for all your mobile audio needs.
Anchor Audio LIB2-U2 Liberty 2 Portable Sound System with Built-in Bluetooth & Dual Wireless Receiver
Last up is the Anchor Audio LIB2-U2 Liberty 2 portable sound system with built-in Bluetooth & dual wireless receiver. This all-in-one features a UV-treated casing that is fade-resistant to the damaging effects of the sun. Packing in a 10-inch woofer and a ceramic compression driver, the LIB2 delivers an impressive 117dB of clear sound — plenty to fill a small room, cover a football field, or send your music out over the sand at a beach bash! The Liberty 2 also has two universal microphone jacks, a 1/4-inch line input, and an 1/8-inch line input for a variety of connectivity options. There’s a speaker output, too, if you want to power an additional LIB2 for bigger sound. The Liberty 2 is the heftiest system on our list, tipping the scales at 28 pounds — clearly, this unit is built to last. The rechargeable battery gives you eight hours of use, giving you a long day of great sound in the sun!
Mackie Thump GO Battery-powered Loudspeaker
Bring a Mackie Thump GO battery-powered loudspeaker when you need to provide background music for a party at the park or when you’re officiating a wedding on the beach. This 8-inch powered speaker is the most travel-friendly speaker of the Mackie Thump series yet! It weighs just 17.6 pounds — which is less than the average pug — so it won’t wear you out to carry it over long distances. The Thump GO comes with a removable lithium-ion battery that supplies up to 12 hours of continuous use, so you can use it from sunrise to sunset! There’s also a 2-channel mixer onboard for microphones and instruments. Plus, the speaker’s four voicing modes tailor its response for music, speech, monitoring, or pairing with a sub. It’s easy to tackle any venue or situation with one or more Thump GO loudspeakers at your disposal.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions on battery-powered PAs or essential gear connected to their use, then please give Sweetwater a call at (800) 222-4700, and we can answer all your questions. Our staff of expertly trained Sales Engineers is ready to help you find a battery-powered live sound solution to fit your unique needs.
