Larger venues, such as school gymnasiums, auditoriums, larger exercise or dance studios, and
wedding reception halls, start to push the limits of portable PA audio systems.Systems for this
purpose need to be at least in the 500 watt range and while the choices are limited, there are
portable PA audio systems that meet this requirement.
Our Choices For Larger Venues
The
Fender
Passport 500 Pro features a pair of 10 inch two way speakers each with a 1.2 inch horn loaded
tweeter, an eight channel powered mixer with a 500 watt Class D stereo power amp and selectable and
adjustable reverb. DJs will appreciate the subwoofer output to attach the system to an external
subwoofer. Everyone will appreciate the USB connection for recording. As will all Fender Passport
PA systems, the whole system packs into a single self-contained unit for easy transport at only 44
lbs.
Like the Passport 500 Pro, the
Yamaha
StagePas 500 features a 500 watt stereo amplifier, two 10 inch two way speakers, reverb,
phantom power, and a traveling weight of about 60 lbs. The Yamaha has a 10 channel mixer and an
auto limiter to prevent speaker overload. There is a speech mode for presentations and line inputs
for adding background music. The whole system weighs in at about 53 lbs.
The
Samson
Expedition XP510i offers, you guessed it, 500 watts of stereo power, a 10 channel mixer, a pair
of 10 inch two way speakers with a 1 inch tweeter. Add to that an iPod dock and 10 studio quality
24 bit digital effects, monitor outputs, all in a compact 53 lb package that can connect into a
single easily portable unit.
