Portable battery-powered speakers are the perfect solution for solo artists, mobile DJs and roaming performers who'd rather not rely on the fixed installation on location but who want a road-ready speaker, media player and amp in one instead.
A Portable PA System with a Built-In Rechargeable Battery
What makes portable battery-powered speakers unique in the world of pro audio is that they're fully fledged systems that can run on a built-in battery. They're kind of like souped-up active speakers and are also many times more powerful than straight-up Bluetooth speakers. Portable PA systems generally boast various connection options and practical features such as an integrated mixer section or built-in light effects.
Who or What Needs a Portable Battery-Powered Speaker?
A portable battery-powered PA speaker is a great solution for:
- Parties without a fixed sound system. Not everyone has access to an impressive sound system including full-range speakers and subs to match, so if you need a more portable solution - even if only for a while - a portable battery-powered speaker is a clean party-starting solution that can be set up anywhere.
- Mobile deejays. It's a lot easier to lug a single portable system around instead of a collection of gear. Also, not every venue is equipped to handle a fully fledged set-up due to a limited number of available power sockets. Since portable speakers can run on their built-in battery, you'll never have to cancel a party.
- Solo artists and small bands. If all you need to perform is an instrument, a microphone and a small corner in a café where they're happy to let you play, you don't necessarily need a combination of speakers, a PA mixer and a whole bunch of cables - a portable, battery-powered speaker system equipped with the right inputs can also do the trick. And you won't even need mains power.
- Speakers and presenters. Need to get up on the proverbial soapbox for a speech, presentation or sales pitch? You guessed it: a portable battery-powered speaker can help to make yourself heard. Many battery-powered PA speakers even come complete with a microphone and are also compatible with gear like your smartphone, laptop or tablet.
A Portable Party Speaker with Bluetooth, Microphones, a Media Player and More
Portable party speakers are generally aimed at solo artists and others solo performers and, as such, come loaded with more options and functions than the standard active speaker. This includes the option to hook up one or two (wireless) microphones; a mixer section for the various vocal microphones, instruments and line-level sources; Bluetooth for wireless music streaming; built-in light effects that can automatically respond to the beat of the music for a fitting light show; and USB ports and SD card readers for loading more music into the integrated media player via a USB stick or SD card.
What's the best battery-powered PA speaker for me?
If you're an artist, go for a speaker that has both a high output capacity and a built-in mixer that sets you up with the inputs and outputs you need. The same goes for presentations, where the option to play background music or plug in multiple microphones can be essential. Planning a karaoke night for friends and family? Make sure to get a portable battery-powered speaker that supports one or two (wireless) microphones and comes with built-in light effects - a recipe for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable PA Speakers
What kind of gear can I plug into a portable PA speaker?
Most portable PA speakers can be hooked up to gear like microphones, guitars and keyboards as well as AUX or line-level sources, and coupled with a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. Many examples also have a USB port and built-in SD card reader so you can load in more music.
Are portable battery-powered PA speakers weatherproof?
Portable battery-powered speakers are not weatherproof unless explicitly stated. Either way, it's best not to use your speaker in the rain.
How long does the built-in battery of my speaker last?
It usually depends on the volume level you set. Lower volume levels require less power, while higher volume levels draw more power. Most batteries offer a minimum of two hours and a maximum of eight hours of battery life per full charge.
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