CONS: Could use another dynamic microphone amplifier
It only takes about a minute to unwrap the boxes, pull out the adapters, and plug everything in. It’s that easy. Once turned on, I listened, and heard no hissing coming out of the speakers. I stepped up to the mic stand and delivered my speech to the walls.
There are two combination XLR/TRS inputs and each one has an additional feature: INPUT 1 has RCA cable hook ups (which can be used simultaneously with the XLR/TRS jack), and INPUT 2 has a microphone preamp for use with dynamic microphones (there is a button toggling MIC and LINE). This is a great feature. If I were to need to use two microphones, I would want this microphone preamp setting on both inputs, but unfortunately it is not available on INPUT 1. The microphone is still loud, but not as powerful as in INPUT 2.
In general, the speakers are plenty loud. They function well as monitors for one instrument as well, adding to their versatility. I used them separately with a keyboard, electric guitar, and a bass guitar. They have plenty of volume and setting up couldn’t be easier. The TRS plug goes right in, and you can have your amplifier right there. Using both inputs simultaneously is no problem; when daisy chaining two speakers, you can essentially mix on the one you are going into and then send that mix to the other speaker. Needless to say, these would be very convenient for a guitar/vocal duo. I wanted more inputs, but the two will work well for most purposes.
The speakers come with a few toggle switches. First of all, there is a FULL RANGE/WITH SUB switch, which controls a 100 Hz high pass for use with a subwoofer. This effect is very noticeable and it is great to be able to control the strength of the lower tones while playing. When playing keyboard, I found the effect to be too strong, but with guitar and bass, it added that necessary oomph to the low end. And it is a serious oomph. The bass on these speakers is strong. It is my favorite thing about them.
You can also choose between EQ flat (recommended for speaking with a microphone) and EQ mid-cut (this works well with music, especially when playing back a multilayered track). This switch is less noticeable when playing an instrument with FULL RANGE activated, but it is always nice to be able to play a little more with the sound. When speaking while the EQ flat setting is on, voices sound slightly crisper and there is little hum from the microphone. When I played my keyboard using the EQ mid-cut, the bass came out booming and the treble notes were strong on top.
SPECS:
Price: $699
Freq. Response (-3dB): 56Hz-18kHz
Freq. Range (-10dB): 44Hz-20kHz
Max. Measured SPL: 134dB
Coverage (Horiz. x Vert.): 90° x 50°
Power handling: 1000W
LF Transducer: (1) EVS-15K, 381mm (15″) Woofer
HF Transducer: DH-1K, 39mm (1.5″) Titanium Diaphragm Compression Driver
Crossover Frequency: 1.7kHz
Connectors: (2) XLR/TRS Combo Jacks, (1) Stereo RCA, (1) XLR Link Output
Enclosure Material: 9-ply, 15mm Plywood, Internally Braced, with Textured Paint
Grille: 18GA Steel with Black Powdercoat
Dimensions: 432mm x 708mm x 382mm (17.02″ x 27.89″ x 15.05″)
Net Weight: 54 lb.