Best Powered Speakers

Mackie Thump15BST Review

The newly redesigned Thump Series from Mackie is an excellent solution to just about any band or DJ’s PA needs. We got our hands on a pair of the Thump15BST speakers, which...

Cerwin-Vega CVE-12 Powered PA Speakers Review

Performer Magazine goes hands-on with the Cerwin-Vega CVE-12 Powered PA Speakers and CVE-18S...

REVIEW: Fender Fighter 12” Powered PA Speaker

I’ll admit, Fender is probably not the first name I think of...

[REVIEW] PreSonus AIR10 Powered PA Speakers

We were able to test out the PreSonus AIR10 active PA speakers...

JBL EON 615 Two-Way Speaker Review

JBL EON 615 Two-Way Speakers PROS: Phenomenal sound, versatility and control options....

Learn more about the best powered loudspeakers for live sound from Performer’s team of reviewers and pro audio experts. Read in-depth reviews on the latest powered speakers and PA systems, as well as detailed analysis about how to set up a powered loudspeakers and subwoofers for the stage, the best way to position powered monitors, wedge monitors, and PA speakers.

Powered speakers are an excellent choice for live stage shows and tours, as they have a built-in amplifier that will require one less piece of equipment when space is at a premium in the tour van. Having the power amplifier built in to the speakers not only saves space and simplifies cabling on-stage, powered speakers typically offer EQ, crossover and other live sound shaping options and FX via switches and knobs on the rear panel. Powered speakers are also versatile, many can be mounted on poles for standard PA use, or used on their side as stage monitor wedges.

Some of our most popular articles on powered speakers include:

Electro-Voice introduces EKX portable loudspeakers at NAMM 2015
By Benjamin Ricci on January 29, 2015
Launching at NAMM 2015, the EKX series is the newest member of the Electro-Voice portable loudspeaker family, and combines legendary EV sound quality and reliability...
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Yamaha DBR12 800-Watt Active PA Speakers Review
By Benjamin Ricci on December 17, 2014
Yamaha DBR12 800-Watt Active PA Speakers – $499/each PROS: Great sound, flexible applications, lightweight, affordable. CONS: None. PRICE: $499/each The new DBR loudspeakers from Yamaha...
Electro-Voice ETX-10P Powered Loudspeaker Review
By Chris Devine on August 20, 2014
PROS: Flexible, expandable, great adjustability physically & sonically CONS: Slightly pricey. PRICE:$1099/each EV’s ETX system is a professional level series, which is simple enough to...
Electro-Voice ZLX-12P Powered Speakers Review
By Chris Devine on August 27, 2013
In the past, even a minimal PA system could fill the better part of a band’s van, was a mega kluge of wires and hardware,...
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MACKIE DLM Powered Loudspeakers
By Benjamin Ricci on June 18, 2013
PROS: Great sound, light weight, intuitive controls. CONS: Might be too much for the average band. PRICE: $850-999/each A lot of artists don’t put enough...