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Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker with Headset Microphone
The Califone PA-285AV is an inexpensive, battery or DC-powered, 5-Watt portable personal P.A. speaker, equipped with a belt clip and a headset microphone. The unit is suitable for use as a personal monitor speaker in the field with a camcorder or audio recording device, or as a miniature P.A. solution for tour and museum guides.
- Portable powered P.A. speaker with 5 watts of power, belt clip and headset microphone
- On/Off, Volume, and Tone controls
- NiMH rechargeable battery with charger or DC adapter powered
- Protective grill cover for speaker
- Power on and Charging LED indicators
- Light but durable - weighs only 19 oz
- Recessed desktop tripod mount located on bottom of unit
| Power Output | 5W RMS |
| Speakers | 3.5" |
| SPL | Not specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | 6 x 1.2V NiMH(AA) |
| Frequency Response | 200 Hz - 5 kHz |
| Inputs |
1 x 1/8" Mini Microphone 1 x 1/8" Mini Auxiliary |
| Output | No |
| AC Power | 9VDC, 300mV Adapter |
| Wireless Receiver/Type | No |
| Microphone Type | Omni-directional Dynamic Headset |
| Dimensions | 4.6 x 1.8 x 6.3" (116.8 x 45.7 x 160mm) |
| Weight | 19 oz (538.6 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (5)
- Simple use (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Presentations (4)
- Primary use:
- Business (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
5-watt Voice Saver review
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice therapy. I work with a number of teachers with vocal pathologies, and I recommend this product on a regular basis. In every case, the teachers ...Read complete review
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice therapy. I work with a number of teachers with vocal pathologies, and I recommend this product on a regular basis. In every case, the teachers have found that using the 5-watt Califone VoiceSaver has enabled them to reduce the need to project their voices for extended periods of time (classroom, bus duty, etc), thereby reducing the risk for repetitive motion reinjury to the vocal folds. Ease of use, utilizing rechargeable batteries and price point are major factors in selecting this device.
Expertise: Voice therapist for professional voice users
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Very weak!
I do presentations in big box stores to crowds of 5-75 people. With 5-15 it is just OK, with larger groups it is useless! I just bought the 20 Watt Nady WA...Read complete review
I do presentations in big box stores to crowds of 5-75 people. With 5-15 it is just OK, with larger groups it is useless! I just bought the 20 Watt Nady WA 120, now that unit really does the job, no more shouting to be heard! Also that unit has a wireless microphone and batteries last for days!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Loud enough for job
Cons
- Tough sell to operators
Best Uses
- Presentations
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
Purchased this item to overcome high noise levels at team communication boards in a manufacturing environment. It's loud enough to reach out to a group of about 20, but the operators resist using it and few use it correctly so I usually end up helping them to wear the headpiece and holding the speaker for them.
The casing is entirely plastic and it looks and feels cheap. Like I said, it works well enough for a low end solution.
Daily team board visits last about an hour. I got a week's worth of usage out of a single charging.
Most of my feedback has been: spend a little more to get something better.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
The speaker and the headset are both very bulky. It gets it the way and is not good if you have to move around a lot. Also the cord for the headset is very short. The headset speaker produces a horrible feedback noise if the headset gets to close to it. You'd think they would have made the cord longer =(
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Long Lasting
Cons
- Bulky
- Feedback
Best Uses
- Presentations
- Small to medium groups
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
When speaking to a group inside an operating factory being heard is a definitely problem. The Portable Personal PA Speaker by Califone has solved that problem! Now without shouting and losing my voice at the end of the day, I can speak in a normal tone and everyone hears clearly and consistently. No more will I be restricted by noise or open areas. Thanks Califone for a lightweight, comfortable and most of all economical solution to hugh problem.
The only cons are the size is a little bulky and there will be a feedback if the speaker is too close to the mic.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Simple Use
Cons
- Flimsy
- Uncomfortable Headset
Best Uses
- Presentations
- Professional
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
Using this for field trips in an aquarium. The instructor can be heard over many kids and waterfalls without yelling--pretty powerful for something so small. I like that it charges the rechargeable batteries itself so you don't need a charger, but can still have a spare set if you want. The headset is made for much bigger heads than mine, very uncomfortable. When the headset cord is jostled near where it is plugged in, there is horrible crackle, but I can't tell if it is the cord or the port. Turning the "Tone" dial down gets rid of the feedback, but I'm not sure what turning it up does other than give you feedback.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Lightweight
- Simple Use
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Very small groups
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
I do presentations in big box stores to crowds of 5-75 people. With 5-15 it is just OK, with larger groups it is useless! I just bought the 20 Watt Nady WA 120, now that unit really does the job, no more shouting to be heard! Also that unit has a wireless microphone and batteries last for days!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Simple Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Presentations
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
I bought four of these for guided tours of my warehouse. We have a noisy conveyor belt system, so it helps to have some amplification. These devices certainly work as advertised.
The headset is a bit flimsy, but the miniplug jack can accomodate any headset. I don't use the headphones that came with my mp3 player, so switching out a headset doesn't seem like that much of a stretch. My users also mentioned that the unit is rather big, but I haven't seen another PA system for the price that's smaller. The speaker has to be a certain size to produce the sound that it does. I'd buy these units again.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Highly Compatible
- Lightweight
Cons
- Feedback
Best Uses
- Teaching - field trips
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
Pros - low cost, light/portable, sturdy, great battery life, good mic sensitivity.
Cons - audio feedback is annoying (can be solved by placing the speaker unit facing your back).
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Good sound
Cons
- A bit bulky
- Headpiece not for petite
Best Uses
- Small Lectures
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
This product has good sound but if you wear it you cannot raise the volume too high or else it will produce the feedback noise. I think it's good mostly for small lecture presentation. A bit bulky which is why I returned it since I am on the petite size but it serves it's function and it's also affordable compared to another model which is also portable.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to clip on clothing
- Lightweight
- Rich Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Speaking to small groups
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
For such a small unit, the sound, both inside and outside is quite impressive. For speaking to a class of 25 students outside, it commands their attention.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice therapy. I work with a number of teachers with vocal pathologies, and I recommend this product on a regular basis. In every case, the teachers have found that using the 5-watt Califone VoiceSaver has enabled them to reduce the need to project their voices for extended periods of time (classroom, bus duty, etc), thereby reducing the risk for repetitive motion reinjury to the vocal folds. Ease of use, utilizing rechargeable batteries and price point are major factors in selecting this device.
Expertise: Voice therapist for professional voice users
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
This is a wonderful PA/speaker system. Good for open air crowds of about 75 to 100, good for tour guiding, good as an auxiliary speaker for a computer projection system. Rugged; good sound quality; convenient charging and recharging. Very pleased with my purchase.
Expertise: Tour guide, trainer
Problems Encountered: No problems. Has been dropped hard a couple of times and kept going. It would be nice if it had built in eyelets for a shoulder strap.
Displaying reviews 1-11
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (5)
- Simple use (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Presentations (4)
- Primary use:
- Business (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
5-watt Voice Saver review
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice therapy. I work with a number of teachers with vocal pathologies, and I recommend this product on a regular basis. In every case, the teachers ...Read complete review
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice therapy. I work with a number of teachers with vocal pathologies, and I recommend this product on a regular basis. In every case, the teachers have found that using the 5-watt Califone VoiceSaver has enabled them to reduce the need to project their voices for extended periods of time (classroom, bus duty, etc), thereby reducing the risk for repetitive motion reinjury to the vocal folds. Ease of use, utilizing rechargeable batteries and price point are major factors in selecting this device.
Expertise: Voice therapist for professional voice users
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Very weak!
I do presentations in big box stores to crowds of 5-75 people. With 5-15 it is just OK, with larger groups it is useless! I just bought the 20 Watt Nady WA...Read complete review
I do presentations in big box stores to crowds of 5-75 people. With 5-15 it is just OK, with larger groups it is useless! I just bought the 20 Watt Nady WA 120, now that unit really does the job, no more shouting to be heard! Also that unit has a wireless microphone and batteries last for days!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Loud enough for job
Cons
- Tough sell to operators
Best Uses
- Presentations
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
Purchased this item to overcome high noise levels at team communication boards in a manufacturing environment. It's loud enough to reach out to a group of about 20, but the operators resist using it and few use it correctly so I usually end up helping them to wear the headpiece and holding the speaker for them.
The casing is entirely plastic and it looks and feels cheap. Like I said, it works well enough for a low end solution.
Daily team board visits last about an hour. I got a week's worth of usage out of a single charging.
Most of my feedback has been: spend a little more to get something better.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
The speaker and the headset are both very bulky. It gets it the way and is not good if you have to move around a lot. Also the cord for the headset is very short. The headset speaker produces a horrible feedback noise if the headset gets to close to it. You'd think they would have made the cord longer =(
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Long Lasting
Cons
- Bulky
- Feedback
Best Uses
- Presentations
- Small to medium groups
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
When speaking to a group inside an operating factory being heard is a definitely problem. The Portable Personal PA Speaker by Califone has solved that problem! Now without shouting and losing my voice at the end of the day, I can speak in a normal tone and everyone hears clearly and consistently. No more will I be restricted by noise or open areas. Thanks Califone for a lightweight, comfortable and most of all economical solution to hugh problem.
The only cons are the size is a little bulky and there will be a feedback if the speaker is too close to the mic.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Simple Use
Cons
- Flimsy
- Uncomfortable Headset
Best Uses
- Presentations
- Professional
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
Using this for field trips in an aquarium. The instructor can be heard over many kids and waterfalls without yelling--pretty powerful for something so small. I like that it charges the rechargeable batteries itself so you don't need a charger, but can still have a spare set if you want. The headset is made for much bigger heads than mine, very uncomfortable. When the headset cord is jostled near where it is plugged in, there is horrible crackle, but I can't tell if it is the cord or the port. Turning the "Tone" dial down gets rid of the feedback, but I'm not sure what turning it up does other than give you feedback.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Lightweight
- Simple Use
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Very small groups
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
I do presentations in big box stores to crowds of 5-75 people. With 5-15 it is just OK, with larger groups it is useless! I just bought the 20 Watt Nady WA 120, now that unit really does the job, no more shouting to be heard! Also that unit has a wireless microphone and batteries last for days!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Simple Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Presentations
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
I bought four of these for guided tours of my warehouse. We have a noisy conveyor belt system, so it helps to have some amplification. These devices certainly work as advertised.
The headset is a bit flimsy, but the miniplug jack can accomodate any headset. I don't use the headphones that came with my mp3 player, so switching out a headset doesn't seem like that much of a stretch. My users also mentioned that the unit is rather big, but I haven't seen another PA system for the price that's smaller. The speaker has to be a certain size to produce the sound that it does. I'd buy these units again.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Highly Compatible
- Lightweight
Cons
- Feedback
Best Uses
- Teaching - field trips
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
Pros - low cost, light/portable, sturdy, great battery life, good mic sensitivity.
Cons - audio feedback is annoying (can be solved by placing the speaker unit facing your back).
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Good sound
Cons
- A bit bulky
- Headpiece not for petite
Best Uses
- Small Lectures
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
This product has good sound but if you wear it you cannot raise the volume too high or else it will produce the feedback noise. I think it's good mostly for small lecture presentation. A bit bulky which is why I returned it since I am on the petite size but it serves it's function and it's also affordable compared to another model which is also portable.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to clip on clothing
- Lightweight
- Rich Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Speaking to small groups
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
For such a small unit, the sound, both inside and outside is quite impressive. For speaking to a class of 25 students outside, it commands their attention.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice therapy. I work with a number of teachers with vocal pathologies, and I recommend this product on a regular basis. In every case, the teachers have found that using the 5-watt Califone VoiceSaver has enabled them to reduce the need to project their voices for extended periods of time (classroom, bus duty, etc), thereby reducing the risk for repetitive motion reinjury to the vocal folds. Ease of use, utilizing rechargeable batteries and price point are major factors in selecting this device.
Expertise: Voice therapist for professional voice users
Comments about Califone PA-285AV - 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. Speaker w/Mic:
This is a wonderful PA/speaker system. Good for open air crowds of about 75 to 100, good for tour guiding, good as an auxiliary speaker for a computer projection system. Rugged; good sound quality; convenient charging and recharging. Very pleased with my purchase.
Expertise: Tour guide, trainer
Problems Encountered: No problems. Has been dropped hard a couple of times and kept going. It would be nice if it had built in eyelets for a shoulder strap.
Displaying reviews 1-11
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Merchant response: A 5-Watt Portable Personal P.A. with a 3.5" speaker isn't designed for crowds larger than 5-15 people.