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There are a handful of trends and innovations that have made waves in the mobile DJ community in recent years. White equipment like totem, scrims, and uplights have become more popular as of late. Custom DJ booths seem to be gaining steam every day, with several manufacturers producing new models for purchase. No new technology, however, has penetrated the DJ market as much as portable column array speakers. While initially serving as a tool of the high-end wedding and corporate DJ, they can now be seen at every kind of event, from sweet 16s to school dances.
It’s easy to see why – column arrays offer a lot of benefits over traditional speakers With their woofer firmly planted on the floor, they achieve additional low-end output over standard cabinet designs. Their multiple mid and high range drivers deliver a wide dispersion pattern that can cover a space with ease. Their design helps reduce feedback from microphones, making the job of setting up proper gain structure more forgiving. In most people’s eyes (especially wedding planners), the most significant benefit they offer is their looks. Their sleek lines blend easily into most spaces, allowing them to disappear into the background and not distract from the event.
Today we’ll take a look at a few popular models, each with their owns strengths, so that you can choose the right setup for your business.
LD Systems MAUI 5 GO
The MAUI 5 GO is the most compact and affordable system on our list but it delivers in a lot of ways. It’s battery operated with up to 30 hours of use off of a single charge, allowing you to perform in remote locations you wouldn’t normally be able to work in. In the same vein of portability and convenience, the MAUI 5 GO also offers Bluetooth streaming and a variety of inputs. Included in those inputs are a combo XLR/TRS jack, a Hi-Z instrument input, and an auxiliary input for backup music or accompaniment. Each channel has its own gain control and the mixer section boasts some simple EQ knobs and a master volume.
In addition to killer connectivity, the Maui provides decent output for its small size. The onboard 800 watt peak amplifier has the juice for moderately sized audiences and is more than enough for a solo performer or a wedding ceremony. If you’re a singer/songwriter, the column array design will allow you to sit closer to the speaker and use it as your monitor without worrying about feedback. All together the system only weighs 29 lbs – light enough to be carried and set up by just about anyone. If you happen to use up all of the battery life, you can instantly swap out the battery pack for a fresh one without missing a beat.
If small size and ultimate portability are your goals, the Maui 5 GO might be the perfect option for you.
Electro-Voice EVOLVE 30M
If you haven’t heard about the Electro-Voice column arrays by now you may be living under a rock. EV made huge waves in the DJ community when they released their original Evolve 50; suddenly, using column array speakers was the thing to do. Now, they’ve followed up that popular design with a more compact version, the Evolve 30M. Available in the classic black or a very classy white finish, this smaller model is even easier to transport to your events than the original (altogether it comes in under 45 lbs). Like their more expensive speakers, the 30M has a plywood enclosure for a warm sound and durable protection of the woofer and electronics.
Above the 10″ woofer you’ll find a mixer section that boasts a whopping 8 channels of inputs: 4 combo XLR/TRS mic inputs (one that functions as a Hi-Z instrument input), 2 combo line inputs (or a single RCA input), and Bluetooth connectivity. With this many channels, a small instrumental group could easily mix their mics and instruments without needing an additional outboard mixer. To that end, the digital display gives you access to a LOT of features including a 3 and 7 band EQ, phantom power, and 30 studio-quality effects including chorus, delay, and reverb. If you’re lucky enough to have a roadie or someone to run front of house, the speaker can be controlled wirelessly via the QuickSmart mobile application.
Of course, when you buy a speaker you want it to sound good, and this is where EV excels. Having personally owned a handful of their products, I can wholeheartedly say they deliver some of the best audio quality available in a portable DJ speaker, especially at their price point. This is accomplished through six 2.8″ midrange drivers and a 10″ subwoofer spreading sound over a wide 120 degrees horizontal and 40 degrees vertical pattern. The speakers are powered by a 1000 watt amplifier in the base and reach down to 45 Hz (-10 dB), offering additional extension over the Maui 5 GO.
If you’re looking for additional power and a boatload of connectivity for all sorts of instruments and DJ equipment, check out the Evolve 30M.
RCF EVOX 12
Last up is the RCF EVOX 12, the largest and most powerful column array system on our list by far. RCF claims it is the most powerful line-source in its class and I have to agree – with a 15″ woofer and eight 4″ midrange drivers being powered by a 1400 watt amplifier it’s a force to be reckoned with. And the 1400 watt amplifier is not just pure marketing fluff; it’s capable of pushing out an impressive 130 dB max SPL. It also has the greatest bass extension of all three speakers on our list, reaching down to 40 Hz on the low end. When you’re trying to get the punch of a bass drum or the thump of hip-hop and EDM, these are the specs you want to see.
Like the EV it’s made of wood, which provides integrity and a warmer sound profile. With the beefier amp and large subwoofer, it does weigh a bit more, tipping the scales at 76 lbs. Despite being heavier, it’s still relatively easy to transport with its integrated wheels and extendable handle. One thing to note is that the Evox 12 does require you to use a cable to connect the bass unit with the top speakers (the MAUI 5 and Evolve 30M have internal speaker connections). The mixer section is pretty no-nonsense, with just a single XLR input and output, a volume knob, a flat/boost switch, a mic/line switch, and a few indicator lights. The finish is a durable black coating that prevents scratches and scuffs as it’s moved from event to event.
If you’re looking for the most power and the deepest bass, the RCF EVOX 12 may be the choice for you.
