Public address or PA systems have the same function as typical speakers: they increase the volume of sound and spread it out over a large area. People usually deliver speeches, live musical performances, and other forms of content in front of audiences with the help of these systems.
Despite their usefulness, many people still wrongfully assume that PA systems are always big and bulky, making them difficult to transport to different venues. Fortunately, plenty of manufacturers are now offering portable PA systems for different uses. Aside from delivering amazing audio, these devices are also fairly easy to set up.
So if you’re always anticipating sudden changes in your set-up, consider buying a compact PA system so that your audience hears you loud and clear wherever you perform.
The 7 Best Portable Sound Systems for Musicians
Musicians consider mini PA systems to be integral to their performances. This is why we’ve rounded up seven of the best portable PA systems for live music from some of the world’s most prominent sound system brands. We’ll dive into each system to help you decide the best one for your live performances.
Fender Passport CONFERENCE PA System ()
Fender’s compact Passport CONFERENCE system packs an array of versatile yet intuitive features. It gives you the brand’s trademark clear and reliable sound with the help of full-range speakers. This PA system is a good choice for musicians who play in small venues.
The Passport CONFERENCE lets you plug in your mics, instruments, or other devices by offering four inputs for mic/line and stereo sound. You can also adjust channel outputs on the system with individual volumes and tones in each of these inputs. It even features a 20dB pad that uses the level to decrease higher audio signals.
This Fender PA system provides your band with crystal clear, high-quality audio through four 2.75” high-frequency tweeters. Both of its speakers house two tweeters each. These components help ensure clear and loud sound during performances.
Key Specifications:
- 175-Watt Power Rating
- 4 2.75” (70mm) Tweeters / 2 5.25” (133mm) Woofers
- 3 XLR Mic Inputs / 5 ¼” TS Line Inputs / 1 ⅛” (3.5mm) TRS Input
- 2 ¼” TS Speaker Outputs
- 120-Volt AC Input
- 30 lb / 13.6 kg
Behringer EUROPORT MPA40BT-PRO ()
This small PA system from Behringer boasts a Class-D amplifier with 40-watt power and two-way speakers for great audio output. It offers a straightforward set-up and intuitive controls, too. The MPA40BT-PRO integrates the brand’s trademark mic preamps into a built-in two-channel mixer. These preamps deliver ultra-low noise and increased headroom.
Aside from its built-in mixer, the MPA40BT-PRO provides musicians with other useful features as well. It has a two-band equalizer and Behringer’s ULM technology, among others. The equalizer will help you get the best output during performances, while ULM technology lets you use the brand’s ULM Series digital microphones with the system. It’ll help the system perform in almost any event or venue that might need live sound.
You’ll also find it easier to carry the MPA40BT-PRO wherever you go with its retractable handle and built-in wheels. It even comes with a dynamic mic and cable for spontaneous performances.
Key Specifications
- 40-Watt Power Rating
- 1 1” Tweeter / 1 8” (20.3) Woofer
- 2 3-Pin XLR Mic Inputs
- 1 2RCA Input
- 100 to 240V AC Input (12-Hour Battery Life)
- 18.1 lbs
Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT ()
Yamaha’s STAGEPAS mixers have helped countless performers give unforgettable renditions on stage. This legacy lives on in the 400BT as it packs high-quality audio into a powerful, compact package. It’s easy to use and versatile as well.
This portable, all-in-one PA system is lightweight, which lets you transport it to any venue. Its attractive and small design houses dual speakers, a detachable mixer, two speaker cables, and a power cord. The 400BT’s design gives you great portability, making it the PA system of choice for roadies and musicians.
But don’t let the system’s compact design fool you: It boasts 400 watts of power for all your live sound needs, eight channels in its mixer, and Bluetooth connectivity. You also get SPX digital reverbs, an onboard feedback suppressor, and a versatile equalizer with this compact PA system.
Key Specifications
- 400-Watt Power Rating
- 1 1” HF Compression Driver / 1 8” (20 cm) Woofer
- 2 XLR Mic/Line Inputs
- 1 Combo XLR-¼” Line/Mic Input / 4 ¼” Line Inputs
- 2 ¼” Speaker Outputs
- 100 to 240V AC Input
- 40.3 lb / 18.3 kg
Behringer EUROPORT EPS500MP3 ()
The second Behringer mini PA system on our list combines instant set-up, excellent articulation, and highly precise sound with its 18.8 kg package. It also delivers clear and resonant audio all over big venues with dual loudspeakers, a detachable mixer, and reverb and wireless mic connectivity.
The EPS500MP3’s dual loudspeakers give you clear audio just like its bigger counterparts. It can transmit your message loud and clear, thanks to its 500-watt capacity for stereo sound. There’s also the detachable mixer with eight channels. They include four mic/line and dual stereo channels. Behringer even integrated its XENYX pre-amps into the mixer’s first four channels for less distorted and clean input signals.
This system features a digital reverb processor and wireless mic connectivity as well. The intuitive Reverb effect will make your performances sound professional, while wireless technology lets you go around the stage and perform cable-free. ULM connectivity gives you high-quality audio with its digital 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum. These features and more make the EPS500MP3 one of the best portable PA systems for live music.
Key Specifications
- 500-Watt Power Rating (250 Watts for Each Amplifier)
- 1 1” (25.4mm) HF Driver / 1 8” (209mm) LF Driver
- 2 ¼” TS Unbalanced Inputs
- 4 XLR Balanced Inputs / 6 ¼” TRS Balanced Inputs
- 100 to 120V / 220 to 240V AC Input
- 41.3 lbs / 18.8 kg
Bose L1 Compact Line Array PA Speaker & Mixer System ()
Bose’s L1 Compact is an all-in-one PA and monitor system that transmits broad and balanced sound all over the stage, your audience, and even the farthest sections in your venue. The system weighs 29 pounds, making it the smallest and lightest device in the brand’s L1 product line. It’s so compact that you can put it inside your car’s trunk or back seat. You’ll also find it easy to set the L1 Compact up in an instant with its modular design.
This Bose PA system features a slim loudspeaker with the brand’s Spatial Dispersion technology. The technology helps it deliver clear and balanced audio throughout your venue so your audience can hear you well. It also boasts a power stand with a built-in bass speaker, amplifier, and a four-input/two-output mixer. The stand eliminates the need for stand-alone amps, mixers, and bass cabinets as it has integrated these devices into its design.
So if you’re looking for a portable audio system with a versatile design, balanced audio, and useful features, the L1 Compact might just be the best option for you.
Key Specifications
- 200-Watt Power Rating
- 6 Small Drivers / 1 8” Bass Speaker
- 1 XLR Input / 1 ¼” Input / 1 ⅛” Input / 1 Dual RCA Stereo Input
- 1 ¼” Output / 1 Dual RCA Stereo Output
- 100 to 240V AC Input
- 29.2 lb / 13.3 kg (Full Assembly)
Mackie FreePlay LIVE ()
Mackie advertises its Freeplay LIVE portable sound system as an ideal choice for musicians with its high power capacity, clear audio, 15-hour battery life, and other features. Its acoustic design and powerful amp will help you achieve clear and natural audio for greater performances. You’re also free to plug in your mics, instruments, or other devices into this compact PA system with its dual combo XLR and TRS inputs. It boasts a ⅛” Aux input for headphone jacks, too.
If you need to adjust your mixes, the Freeplay LIVE will let you do so through its advanced DSP features. It includes a three-band equalizer, a reverb effect, and music and live modes. This portable PA system also comes with a built-in mic stand adapter, which enables easy mounting to mic stands. And for quick changes, you can fully control the system with your phone once you’ve downloaded the Freeplay Control app.
Key Specifications
- 150-Watt Power Rating
- 1 1” (2.54mm) HF Driver / 1 6” (152.4mm) LF Driver
- 2 Combo XLR/TRS Inputs / 1 ⅛” (3.5mm) Input
- 1 ¼” Output
- Rechargeable Battery / DC Power
- 8.8 lb / 4.0 kg
Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT ()
Just like the 400BT, the STAGEPAS 600BT is a lightweight and versatile PA system. But it comes with 680 watts of power, a 10-channel mixer, and dual 10” speakers. The 600BT also has the same onboard feedback suppressor and equalizer found in the 400BT. It even lets you stream tracks from your mobile devices via its Bluetooth input so you can play backing tracks while you’re performing.
The 600BT lets you apply a total of four high-quality reverb settings with a dedicated knob. This small PA system features another knob for the built-in EQ, which enables quick control over your mixes. You can even match your audio to your current venue or environment with the function.
You’ll get clear audio when you push the dedicated button for the 600BT’s built-in feedback suppressor. It provides less feedback in an instant.
Key Specifications
- 680-Watt Power Rating
- 1 1.4” HF Compression Driver
- 2 XLR Line/Mic Inputs / 1 Combo XLR-¼” Line/Mic Input / 6 ¼” Line Inputs
- 2 ¼” Speaker Outputs
- 100 to 240V AC Input
- 56.4 lb / 25.6 kg
