Very high quality very small sound system needed

hotroad · #1 10-12-2020, 11:28 AM

I am in the hunt for a small high quality sound system, especially amplified speakers, for live performance. Mixer is not needed. I would like the speakers to have pole mounts. The most important, besides size, is very high quality. This is for solo or duo acoustic live performance for 50 or less people.
Got any experience with something like this?

MikeBmusic · #2 10-12-2020, 11:51 AM

Is this for solo work, 1 guitar + 1 mic? The Bose S1 is very favored.

shufflebeat · #3 10-12-2020, 12:31 PM

That's a good suggestion.

I have a pair of Yamaha dxr8s which I bought on a whim but are pretty amazing and I'd have no hesitation in using them for a small gig.

guitarman68 · #4 10-12-2020, 01:16 PM

QSC K8 is the truest sounding speaker I used.

JStotes · #5 10-12-2020, 01:49 PM

You might look into the EV 30. Small, powerful, 6 channel mixer built in and sounds great.

lt20dbl · #6 10-12-2020, 02:15 PM

I have used a JBL Eon One for the past four years. Very versatile and sounds great! Get the wheeled bag . It comes in very handy. If I need something that is better to carry upstairs, A JBL Eon 10 powered speaker does the trick, combined with a small Yamaha mixer.

Br1ck · #7 10-12-2020, 02:20 PM

QSC makes very good speakers. I'd trust any of their products.

jonfields45 · #8 10-12-2020, 03:54 PM

The QSC CP8 is quite small and light, and very capable.

Methos1979 · #9 10-12-2020, 04:10 PM

Depending on just how small is small (I prefer VERY small and VERY lightweight) then the previously mentioned Bose S1 system is great. Great sounding vocals and guitar. And also very modular.

We typically need/use only one but we bought a second one for those rare occasions when we need more power or dispersion. So I bought a dual speaker mount for my single pole when I use two S1s.

We originally had a QSC k8.2 as backup for when we needed more power but I quickly realized we'd never need that much power for an acoustic duo. But it's a great choice if you do need huge power.

I have several reviews on our rig using the S1. I love them for their small size, light weight and great sound and also the ability to run on battery power. We never use AC power anymore, even when it's available.

Here's a link to one of my reviews which also has a video demo:

NAD: 2 Bose S1, dual speaker stand video demo & review - Post outdoor-gig update

GmanJeff · #10 10-12-2020, 04:26 PM

EV ZXa1. Smallest, lightest, high-quality 8" powered speaker out there.

Captain Jim · #11 10-12-2020, 05:37 PM

Bose L1c - with the column, no speaker poles required. Fast and easy to set up. I really appreciate the sound, but I use a TC Helicon Play Acoustic or a mixer to get a bit of reverb.

It will easily handle a group up to 100 or so. Small footprint. You can carry it in with one hand, with the array extensions in a bag over your shoulder.

The Bose S1 Pro is even smaller... until you factor in a speaker pole. The S1 does have a nice sounding reverb, though. I really like using the S1 with the L1c.

Chipotle · #12 10-12-2020, 05:52 PM

I was waiting for someone to mention the L1. You essentially have two options:

1. Small powered speakers with two inputs, like Bose S1, QSC CP8/K8, and other brands who make similar offerings.
2. "Stick" systems like the Bose L1, Fishman etc. These are often designed to be floor-standing or have their own speaker stands.

If you just want powered speakers with a couple of inputs, there are lots of folks here who like both the Bose and QSC. I use one QSC K10.2 for small spaces, although a K8 or CP8 can work find (I have a CP8 that I use for a monitor in larger spaces with two K10.2s for mains). Then it just comes down to features, weight and price.

I guess there is a third option--there may be acoustic amps that have a mic input and speaker socket on the bottom, but others will have to chime in about that.

leew3 · #13 10-12-2020, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

Is this for solo work, 1 guitar + 1 mic? The Bose S1 is very favored.

+1 for the S1. Fell in love with mine all over again at a rare live gig over the weekend.

Methos1979 · #14 10-12-2020, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leew3

+1 for the S1. Fell in love with mine all over again at a rare live gig over the weekend.

I was just thinking the same thing. We haven't gigged out since this time last year but we went to a bonfire a few weeks back and just for grins I put the S1 and one of my Cole Clarks in the trunk. Sure enough, after a few drinks were in everyone and the bonfire going, someone lamented they'd wish we brought a guitar to which I smiled and said, "Of course we did." All of five minutes later I was set up and we were playing and singing straight into the S1 and it sounded just SO great. A buddy of mine that gigs and runs (used to, at least) a local open mic couldn't believe how great the sound coming out of that little battery-powered box was!

The short answer is that it's a great time to be a solo or duo acoustic group. There are just so many great options out there. And although I love the dual S1 system I will say that pound-for-pound nothing sounds as good as the Bose Compact. I've never played through one myself but every time I encounter one 'in the wild' I'm also uber-impressed at the tone seeming to effortless flow far and wide through that system! There really is something out there for everyone these days. And only more coming down the pike!

hotroad · #15 10-12-2020, 10:23 PM

OP here. Loving all these great ideas. Wish I could try them all.