What’s the best PA system for solo or duet acoustic gigs?
Us acoustic artist has different wants and needs for our PA system of choice. However, there are a few things we can all agree with for what we need in a PA system; Portability, great sound quality, enough channels for vocals and instruments, the ability to last, and the best overall quality for the price.
After extensive research, personal experience, and testing; We formulated a list of the 8 best PA systems that meet our criteria for acoustic gigs. Most of them are suitable for duet acoustic acts. Others, however, only have enough channels for solo acoustic acts.
In Short, Here Are The Best PA Systems For Acoustic Gigs: Portable & Best For The Price
- Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I
- Behringer Europort PPA500BT
- JBL EON208P
- Fender Passport Conference
- Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT
- Bose S1 Pro (wireless)
- Rockville RPG2X10
- Bose L1
1. Yamaha STAGEPAS 400I
First up, the Yamaha STAGEPAS 400I is a dual pair of speakers that are compact and portable. It is very popular and very highly rated amongst acoustic performers.
This system is unique in its way, considering the massive built-in mixer on the back of one speaker. The mixer can be taken out of the speaker and placed back in. It has 10-channels with basically everything you need for most situations. Thus, a 2 in 1 product for added convenience and portability.
For channels 1-4, it offers XLR ports and adjustable settings for the reverb, lows, mids, and highs. Channels 5-10 provide a line-in with adjustable settings of lows, mids, and highs. Unfortunately, channels 5-10 do not have a reverb. Channels 5-10 can either be run as stereo or mono. Channel 4 has a Hi-Z that works great for electric guitar. The picture below shows you what the built-in mixer looks like.
Something I really like about this system is the main EQ green knob at the bottom right. For speeches, it’s best to turn it to the left. If you want more bass, turn the knob to the far right. Another feature that most people use quite often is the feedback suppressor located near the master volume. It works exceptionally well and puts feedback to a minimum.
The Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I sound quality is very bright. It is possibly one of the louder and more professional portable PA systems on the market. It can be used for just about any professional applications for outdoor use, small venues, and medium-sized venues. This system is best for DJs, musicians, and bands that prefer a lighter load to carry. In my opinion, it produces the same high-quality sound as most PA systems twice the price.
Keep in mind that this system must be plugged into a power outlet. It does not have wireless capabilities. Also, if you want Bluetooth, you must purchase a separate Bluetooth receiver. Unfortunately, it does not have built-in Bluetooth. Overall, I highly recommend the Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I as a convenient and portable solution for professional settings up to 200 people audience. We highly recommend it for solo and duet acoustic gigs.
Details and Tech Specs
- 10-channel
- Can be used for DJ’s, bands, musicians, and speakers to an audience of 200 people
- Does not have built-in Bluetooth
- Subwoofer output
- 3.5 mm input
- Phantom power button
- Feedback suppressor feature
- Built-in mixing board on the back of one of the speakers
- Channels 1-4 offers the following; XLR inputs, Reverb, lows, mids, and highs
- Channels 5-10 offers the following; Line-in for instruments, lows, mids, and highs
- Channels 4 has a Hi-Z designed for electric guitar
- Channel 5-10 can be run as stereo or mono
2. Behringer Europort PPA500BT
The Behringer Europort PPA500BT is a portable but high-quality PA system that comes with two speakers, one mixer, and a microphone. It can compact into a suitcase design. You can now carry your entire PA system with one hand on one trip. It has six different channels to use.
With each channel, you can adjust the treble, bass, FX, pan, and volume. The first 2 channels are designed for wired or wireless microphones. Channels 3-6 are stereo audio inputs in which channels 5 and 6 can be used for Bluetooth connection. One feature I find very beneficial with this system is the feedback rejection feature. On the middle left-hand side is a button labeled FBQ. Once it’s turned on, the chances of getting feedback significantly reduces.
The sound quality is incredibly loud and clear. With 5oo watts, you will most definitely be shocked by how loud these compact speakers get. Regardless of the event, the volume will not be an issue. The 1.35” aluminum diaphragm compression drivers give the Behringer Europort PPA500BT ability for excellent clarity.
Not only do the speakers produce great sound, but the microphone coming with the purchase is another thing that surprised me about this system. It is a much higher quality microphone than you would expect and produces great clarity.
While the Behringer Europort PPA500BT is one of the higher-priced systems on this list, it is also one of the highest-rated. With its easy setup, 500 watts for the loud volume, clear sound, compact design, lightweight, built-in features, six channels, Bluetooth abilities, feedback rejection feature, and a good microphones with the purchase; The Behringer Europort PPA500BT is an incredible choice for anyone in need of a portable PA system. I strongly recommend it for solo and duet acoustic acts.
Pros
- Incredible sound quality
- 500 watts
- Foldable into suitcase
- Great feedback rejection feature labeled (FBQ)
- Very lightweight
Cons
- No output to add an additional subwoofer
- Pocket for cords gets unattached at times while traveling
Details and Tech Specs
- Able to compact into a suitcase design
- Bluetooth technology (channels 5 and 6)
- 2 speakers
- 1 mixer
- 1 wired microphone
- 6 channels
- Multi-FX processor
- Built-in 5 band equalizer
3. JBL EON208P
Next up, the JBL EON208P is one of the higher-rated and most reliable PA systems for solo or duet acoustic gigs. There are many reasons why we love this system. For one, it’s able to fold up into a suitcase for easy and compact portability. You will also enjoy its lighter than usual weight compared to most other PA systems.
Not only do you get two speakers and one mixer, but you also get a decent quality wired microphone with the purchase. You will enjoy its Bluetooth pair capabilities, as well.
JBL is world-renowned for its outstanding audio quality. For the price, this system’s sound quality is absolutely fantastic. It has a total of 8 channels with 4 XLR channels. In each channel, you’re able to adjust the treble, bass, and reverb. This will surely come in hand for acoustic gigs and duets, as well.
However, many people also use this PA for lectures, karaoke, meetings, DJs, parties, etc. The sound quality is bright and rich, which outperforms its price range. For the compact size, you will be pleasantly surprised by how loud it can get without distortion or feedback. Overall, the JBL EON208P is a great choice for any acoustic artist in need of a compact PA system.
Details & Tech Specs
- 8-channel mixer (4-XLR)
- Bass, Treble, and Reverb controls
- Comes with a wired microphone
- Bluetooth pair feature
- 10” bass-reflex subwoofer with 6 – 2″ drivers
4. Fender Passport Conference
The Fender Passport Conference Portable PA system comes with two speakers and one mixer. Conveniently, you are able to attach all three units together and carry them like a suitcase.
The suitcase design also decreases overall hassle by a substantial degree. It has three separate mono channels with XLR and quarter-inch inputs and two extra channels with stereo input. Each of these three channels has a volume and tone knob. Unfortunately, it does not have Bluetooth pairing.
The sound quality is excellent. It is very clear and gets incredibly loud without distortion. In my opinion, it can use a bit more bass. However, if your a speaker or performing low-key gigs, the Fender Passport Conference is an excellent choice for you. It is an overall great bang for the buck portable PA system that has incredibly high ratings.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and affordable PA system for acoustic gigs or speaking at low-key events, I highly recommend Fender Passport Conference. You can also get this system with added stands and cables here.
Details and Tech Specs
- 175-watt mixer
- No Bluetooth
- Weight total: 40 pounds
- Each speaker has a 5 1/4 inch driver
- Each speaker consists of two tweeters
- 5 -channel mixer
- 3-channels each have an XLR and quarter-inch inputs
- Each channel has a volume and tone knob
- Able to compact into a suitcase design
5. Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT
Next in line, the Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT is another remarkable PA system for solo and duet acoustic gigs. What I love about this set is it comes with almost everything you need to get started right away. Coming with two speakers, one mixer, cables, a microphone, two speakers stands, and a speaker case; this setup is a fantastic bang for the buck.
In case you already have a microphone or prefer to use a different microphone than the one coming with the purchase, you can get this set for slightly cheaper without the mic.
With 8-channels and 4 with XLR, you have more than enough leeway for most applications. Each channel has an adjustable volume, treble, bass, and reverb knob to get the mix you’re looking for. A feature you may enjoy is the ability to attach and detach the mixer from one of the speakers. This enables easier portability. You will also enjoy the Bluetooth capabilities enabling wireless streaming.
For the price and the compact size, you will be more than pleased with the sound quality. The overall build and design are pretty good, as well. Overall, the Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT is an excellent PA system for solo or duet acoustic gigs. It comes with everything you need to get started instantly.
Details & Tech Specs
- Frequency response: 55Hz – 20kHz
- 8-channel mixer
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Comes with two speakers, one mixer, cables, a microphone, two speakers stands, and a speaker case
- Power requirements: 100 V – 240 V 50 Hz/60 Hz
- Phantom power: +30V (channel 1 & 2)
6. Bose S1 Pro (wireless)
The Bose S1 is a top-of-the-line portable speaker with Bluetooth capabilities. This unit is a bit pricey but extremely high-quality with near-flawless reviews. If you’re looking for the most mobile and easy to set up PA for solo acoustic gigs, this one may be the one for you!
You have the option to either plug this speaker directly into a power outlet or use it as a wireless speaker with its built-in rechargeable battery. On a full charge, it gives you up to 11 hours of playtime while it is not plugged in. The Bluetooth range gives you up to 30 feet.
It’s incredibly light and compact, weighing 15 pounds. However, the sound quality and volume level are much louder than it looks. Something I find interesting about this speaker is its exceptional versatility with four positions of sound. The best way to describe the four positions for sound is in the picture below.
As you can see, it can be used for musicians, speakers to a sitting audience, speakers to a sitting audience, or as a monitor for musicians. Each setup varies on the audience for optimal performance.
To sum up the sound quality in a few short words, a crystal clear response with an immense amount of volume. Bose hit a grand slam with this portable PA system. The rich and high-quality sound it produces with such a little speaker will genuinely blow your mind. It provides more than enough volume for most indoor or outdoor venues leaving head-room for more.
The thing that surprised me the most was the unique ToneMatch feature. In short, it automatically EQ’s the sound depending on the location or room you are at. After I use the ToneMatch, I generally need to adjust a few things very subtle or none at all. This feature plays a vital benefit to musicians or speakers who do not know much about EQ.
Overall, if you’re looking for the most portable PA system for solo acoustic gigs, do not look any further than the Bose S1 Pro.
Pros
- Very compact and portable
- Battery operated with a built-in rechargeable battery
- 2-year warranty
- 3-channel mixer
- ToneMatch feature automatically adjust the sound depending on your location
Cons
- Few people receive defective units (be sure to purchase from respected online stores)
- Not able to use for duet acoustic gigs since it only has two XLR ports
Details and Tech Specs
- Built-in lithium-ion battery rechargeable battery
- Great for portable DJ’s at smaller events
- 2-year Bose warranty included with the purchase
- 30 feet of Bluetooth range
- Easy Bluetooth pairing
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Wireless capabilities with up to 11 hours of battery life
- Auto EQ feature
- 3 channel mixer
- Built-in sensors and multiple aiming positions
- Three 2 1/4″ drivers and a 6″ woofer inside the S1.
7. Rockville RPG2X10
If you’re looking for the cheapest PA system possible that comes with almost everything you need to get started; the Rockville RPG2X10 is the one for you. I was incredibly shocked to find out how low of a price this system is going for. It comes with a mixer, two speakers, two XLR cables, two microphones, and two speaker cables. It’s pretty popular and highly-rated, as well.
First off, the sound quality will absolutely blow you away for the low price. It produces the highest fidelity audio of any PA system in its price range. It has a broad frequency range of 65Hz – 20KHz picking up the vast majority of audible sound the human ear can hear.
You will also enjoy its powerful speakers offering 800 peak Watts. In terms of build quality, the mixer and speakers outperform their price by a large margin. They seem robust and sturdy, capable of lasting a long time.
The only downside I noticed was the cables coming with the purchase are of inferior quality. However, the speakers and mixer alone undoubtedly surpassed the price range by a massive margin. You may need to purchase additional XLR cables and speaker cables. Overall, the Rockville RPG2X10 is a spectacular bang for the buck PA system for acoustic gigs. We highly recommend it for the money.
Details & Tech Specs
- Frequency range: 65Hz – 20KHz
- Sensitivity: 92dB
- Maximum SPL: 109dB
- 800 peak Watts
Bose L1
Last but certainly not least, the Bose L1 is one of the top-tier portable PA systems for solo acoustic acts. This PA consists of some of the new audio technology, which evenly distributes a large amount of sound throughout the audience in such a thin and compact speaker.
The entire speaker is collapsible into four separate parts. Three of the speaker’s parts all fit into a portable travel bag while the sub has a suitcase-like handlebar. Overall, this PA speaker is the most portable unit compared to the overwhelming majority on the market.
This PA is not one of the most popular and highest-rated just for its portability; it produces incredible clean and full sound, as well. I actually used to use this system performing bi-weekly on a patio of a famous seafood restaurant chain. Don’t let the slim design fool you; it produces full, loud, and crystal clear sound quality.
Bose’s spatial dispersion loudspeaker technology provides a well-balanced sound throughout the audience broadly. Even at extremely high volumes, you won’t get any distortion or feedback. Overall, the Bose L1 is a superior PA system for acoustic acts in need of the most portable and easy-to-setup solution. We highly recommend it!
Details & Tech Specs
- Spatial Dispersion loudspeaker technology
- Two-tone match channels
Quick Recap
In Short, Here Are The Best PA Systems For Solo or Duet Acoustic Gigs That Are Portable & Best For The Money
- Yamaha STAGEPAS 600I
- Behringer Europort PPA500BT
- JBL EON208P
- Fender Passport Conference
- Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT
- Bose S1 Pro (wireless)
- Rockville RPG2X10
- Bose L1