The Best Speakers & PA Systems for Summer Live Sound
After more than a year of restrictions, it's finally time to plan for live music once more! Find the best audio for your party, BBQ, live performance or venue with our quick guide to PA Systems & Speakers.
By Brandon Jackson | Published 23.06.20. Updated 13.04.21.
Sunshine and music - a combination that goes hand in hand. After more than a year of restrictions, now's the time to plan the sound for your next event!
PA (public address) systems let you play music at a louder volume than a home stereo speaker. They can also let you plug in instruments and microphones for speeches, live performance, DJ sets, and more. But which PA system is right for you?
Which PA system should I buy?
There’s a PA System for every event, but there’s hundreds to choose from. For most small-medium sized events, we recommend either a compact portable PA system, a column PA system, or a traditional complete PA setup.
If you're simply looking to play music at a very small gathering, check out our Bluetooth Speakers for more compact options!
Portable PA Systems
Portable PA systems are built to grab and go. Ranging from single-speaker units to dual-speaker systems, they are perfect for a quick setup and ideal for music playback or intimate performances.
Many portable PA systems feature multiple instrument/microphone inputs for live performance, Bluetooth for music streaming from a phone, and a battery-powered design.
Shop now | Portable PA Systems
Column PA Systems
Column PA Systems are super portable yet have incredible projection. You'll be amazed at how far their sound can project – despite not needing to be turned up as much as a traditional speaker. This makes them ideal for larger spaces, whether you're streaming music, DJ'ing, or performing.
By using a linear array (combining multiple compact speakers mounted at different angles inside a column), these PA Systems are renowned for their wide sound field and low drop-off in volume the further you move away from the speaker.
Many column speaker systems include built-in mixers for connecting microphones, instruments and even playing music via aux or Bluetooth. They are easy to set up with interconnecting parts and they are perfect for outdoor events when you need maximum clarity, even at large distances.
Shop now | Column PA Systems
Complete PA Systems
Need even more volume or versatility? With our Complete PA Packages you'll find multiple speakers and mixing desks - making them ideal for outdoor events, larger spaces, bands, and parties with a DJ.
At this level, many systems feature individual components for the versatility to connect multiple musicians, DJ at louder volumes, and play music in large areas.
Shop now | Complete PA Packages
Our top picks
Showing 40 of 278 products
QSC CP8 8'' Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Electro-Voice ZLX-8P G2 8" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Yamaha Stagepas 600BT Portable PA System Vocal Performance Bundle
LD Systems DAVE 15 G4X Compact 2.1 Powered PA System
SubZero HiCAST LA12 Column PA System
LD Systems MAUI 28 G3 Column PA System
Electro-Voice ZLX-12P G2 12" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Yamaha Stagepas 1K MK2 Column PA System Complete Package
RCF ART 715-A MK5 15" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
LD Systems MAUI 11 G3 MIX
JBL EON712 12" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
RCF ART 910-A 10" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Bose L1 Pro8 Column PA System Complete Package
LD Systems MAUI 11 G3 MIX Column PA System with Cover and Bag
RCF ART 912-A 12" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
LD Systems MAUI 28 G3 Column PA System with Cover and Bag
JBL EON715 15" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Electro-Voice ELX200-10P 10'' Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
QSC CP12 12'' Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Sharp SumoBox CP-LS200 Portable Speakers with Stands
Electro-Voice ZLX-15P G2 15" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Yamaha DXR10mkII 10'' Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
LD Systems MAUI 28 G3 Column PA System, White
SubZero HiCAST LA10 2.1 PA System
Electro-Voice Evolve 30M Column PA System, White
Electro-Voice Evolve 50 Column PA System - Nearly New
dB Technologies ES 1203 Column Array PA System
JBL EON710 10" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
RCF ART 915-A 15" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
LD Systems DAVE 18 G4X Compact 2.1 Powered PA System
Bose S1 Pro+ Subwoofer Bundle
Alto Professional TS408 and TS12S PA Speaker Bundle
Electro-Voice ELX200-15P 15'' Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
LD Systems CURV 500 PS Portable Array System, Power Set
Alto Professional TS410 and TS12S PA Speaker Bundle
SubZero HiCAST LA12 2.1 PA System
LD Systems MAUI 28 G3 MIX
Electro-Voice ELX200-12P 12'' Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
Turbosound iNSPIRE iP3000 Column PA System
RCF ART 732-A MK5 12" Active PA Speaker Bundle with Stands and Cables
The extras – what else do I need?
So, you’ve found a PA system that meets your requirements, but what else could you need?
For portable systems, a speaker stand can be used to elevate the system and increase the coverage. If you’re wanting to sing, then a handheld microphone will be needed. And of course, there’s cables.
If you’re opening your outdoor space to the public, one thing to consider is social distancing tape, a helpful reminder to make sure everyone sticks to the guidelines.
For more, check out our complete range of live sound gear where you’ll find the equipment for any size event – from garden parties to festivals.
Shop now | Live Sound Accessories
Shop now | Microphones
Shop now | Cables
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