Shopping for Portable PA Systems & Speaker Systems

Portable PA systems are audio appliances that offer PA (public address) functionality in easy, transportable formats. They let you deliver loud and clear speech or music anywhere, whether indoors in meeting rooms, classrooms, or conference halls, or outdoors at fundraising campaigns, garden parties, or rock concerts. Essentially, PA systems consist of amplifiers, live sound speakers, mixers, and microphones. They get their power by battery, electricity, or both.

Types of Portable PA Systems

As multipurpose items used by everyone from DJs and rock stars to politicians and business executives, portable PAs comes in a variety of sizes, capabilities, and functionalities. Most models available today are wireless PA systems. Examples are Bluetooth PA systems, which let you stream your signals from a range of sources, such as wireless handheld, clip-on, or head-worn mics, or smart devices such as phones and tablets. Other common features are the capability play recordings of speech, music, or sound effects. These can be built-in audio players, or line inputs to connect external CD or MP3 units.

Also popular are portable audio systems, which DJs use to provide music at parties and events, such as wedding receptions. Sophisticated models such as the ION's Party Rocker Max come with integrated light effect panels to create a lively ambiance as well as robust sound.

Portable PA System Accessories

While most portable PAs come as complete self-contained units, you can also find add-on modules and accessories to enhance functionality. Should your PA system lack native wireless functionality, you can make use of add-on PA wireless components, for example. These take the form of mobile microphones, receivers, and transmitters. Other accessories of use to audio engineers and musicians are in-ear monitoring systems, which allow them to keep track of the audio, whether in a studio or during a live performance.

With a dependable source of power being so important to PA systems, it's a good idea to stock up on PA systems batteries and power accessories, such as connectors, battery packs, and cables. This way, you can be sure your power supply is always in good shape.

Choosing a Portable PA System

When shopping for portable PAs, you'll need to consider the size of the venues where they will be used, as this determines power requirements and the size of your PA speaker system. If you need to fill large, crowded halls, then you should factor around three watts per person. Other important factors are type of power source, weight, and ease of movement. You can find compact models with rechargeable batteries, and casters and handles for easy transport and maneuverability. Meanwhile, models that are IPX4 water resistant are useful at sports games and other events that can be affected by rain or damp ground.

No matter your requirements, you can choose among the best in portable PA systems and PA accessories from the wide selection available at B&H Photo and Video.