Updated August 20, 2025 • Also called compact line arrays or column PAs
Part of our Lightweight PA Systems Guide
What’s New
- Aug 20, 2025: Replaced legacy picks, added 2025 spec table, expanded mini reviews, refreshed CTAs, and added FAQs + ItemList schema.
Top Picks (Quick)
- JBL PRX One — Best overall (all-in-one)
- JBL EON ONE Mk2 — Best battery-powered
- Bose L1 Pro16 — Best for singer-songwriters
- Electro-Voice EVOLVE 50M — Best onboard mixer for small–mid gigs
- LD Systems MAUI 11 G3 MIX — Best value w/ cardioid control
- RCF EVOX JMIX8 — Alt pick (DJ-friendly)
Comparison Table (2025)
| Model | Best for | Max SPL (peak) | Freq range (-10 dB) | Onboard mixer | App control | Bluetooth audio | Battery | LF driver | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL PRX One | All-in-one power & throw | 130 dB | 35–20 kHz | 7-ch digital | JBL Pro Connect | Yes | No | 12″ | 56.6 lb |
| JBL EON ONE Mk2 | Battery-powered gigs | 123 dB (AC) / 119 dB (battery) | 37–20 kHz | 5-ch digital | JBL Pro Connect | Yes | Yes | 10″ | 42.5 lb |
| Bose L1 Pro16 | Singer-songwriter clarity | 124 dB | 31–18 kHz | 3-ch (ToneMatch-ready) | L1 Mix | Yes | No | Integrated 10″×18″ RaceTrack | 50.6 lb |
| Electro-Voice EVOLVE 50M | Small–mid gigs, more I/O | 127 dB | 37–20 kHz | 8-ch digital | QuickSmart | Yes | No | 12″ | 57.8 lb |
| LD Systems MAUI 11 G3 MIX | Value + cardioid control | 125 dB | 39–20 kHz | 2-ch - Dual Combo XLR | n/a | Yes | No | 2 × 8″ | 69.4 lb |
| RCF EVOX JMIX8 | DJ-friendly alt pick | 128 dB | 40–20 kHz | 8-ch digital | EVOX app | Yes | No | 12″ | ≈53.8 lb |
Mini Reviews
Best overall (all-in-one): JBL PRX One
Why we picked it: PRX One couples a muscular sub with a 12-tweeter column and a real onboard mixer—including usable Lexicon/dbx FX—so you can cover wedding receptions, corporate AV, and small band gigs with one box. Serious headroom, even coverage, and app control make it the do-it-all choice.
Setup tip: Aim the column so the top drivers “see” the back row; keep the sub slightly forward of mics to reduce LF spill. Alternatives: EV EVOLVE 50M (more I/O), RCF EVOX JMIX8 (DJ-friendly mixer).
Best battery-powered: JBL EON ONE Mk2
Why we picked it: The fastest path to clean vocals and music off-grid. You get dbx/Lexicon processing, a usable 5-ch mixer, and one-hand carry convenience. It’s tailor-made for ceremonies, classrooms, busking, and pop-up events.
Setup tip: Use Pro Connect’s HPF/feedback tools and keep the column 3–5 ft in front of mics. Alternatives: Bose S1 Pro+ (ultra-portable, smaller), LD MAUI battery models.
Best for singer-songwriters: Bose L1 Pro16
Why we picked it: Silky vocal presence and wide coverage from Bose’s J-array, with an integrated RaceTrack sub to keep the footprint tidy. Ideal for solo/duo acts, coffeehouses, and corporate AV where polish matters more than brute force.
Setup tip: If you add a small mixer, set unity gain on the L1 and do tone shaping on the mixer to avoid double-EQ. Alternatives: LD MAUI 11 G3 MIX (more LF for price), JBL PRX One (more headroom).
Best onboard mixer for small–mid gigs: Electro-Voice EVOLVE 50M
Why we picked it: When you need more I/O without carrying a desk, the 50M’s onboard 8-ch mixer covers typical band inputs and lets you link a second unit for bigger rooms. Confident output, smooth voicing, and a solid app experience.
Setup tip: Use QuickSmart Link to split inputs across two systems for wider rooms; mirror EQ to keep L/R consistent. Alternatives: JBL PRX One (simpler FX), RCF EVOX JMIX8 (DJ-centric workflow).
Best value w/ cardioid control: LD Systems MAUI 11 G3
Why we picked it: For the price, the MAUI 11 G3 punches above its weight in LF output and practical features. The cardioid-style column, dual-8″ sub, and dual XLR combo input jacks make it a smart buy for solo acts, DJs, and houses of worship. These are the cheapest option of our list, but a small mixer is needed to get full control of inputs and added effects.
Setup tip: If the room is boomy, raise the sub slightly off the floor and engage HPF on mics to clean the low-mids. Alternatives: Bose L1 Pro16 (sleeker footprint), PRX One (more headroom).
Alt pick (DJ-friendly): RCF EVOX JMIX8
Why we picked it: A rider-friendly brand with punchy LF, a straightforward 8-ch digital mixer, and road-tough build. Great for mobile DJs, rentals, and event companies that need fast setup and reliable performance.
Setup tip: For dance sets, dial a gentle smile-EQ, engage a high-pass on mics, and avoid running the limiter solid. Alternatives: EV EVOLVE 50M (bigger mixer features), PRX One (more throw).
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Column Array
- Crowd size & SPL: For 100–200 people indoors, most units here will do; for louder bands or outdoor work, consider adding a sub or a second column.
- Inputs & mixing: Solo acts can get by with 2 mic/line + 1 stereo. Bands and complex rigs benefit from 6–8 channels, phantom power, and app control.
- Battery vs. AC: Battery is clutch for ceremonies and busking; AC generally yields higher sustained output and unlimited runtime.
- App & DSP: Remote control for EQ/FX and feedback suppression speeds soundcheck and keeps you mixing from the audience area.
- Portability: Check weight and pack size. Columns that break into sections are easier to transport; wheels/handles on subs help, too.
- Coverage pattern: Wide horizontal coverage is typical; mind vertical dispersion for balcony/raised-stage scenarios.
Column Array PA FAQs
Are “column arrays” the same as real line arrays?
No. Portable column PAs stack small drivers vertically to narrow vertical dispersion and keep wide horizontal coverage, but they aren’t modular touring line arrays. Think of them as compact, full-range PA systems optimized for quick setup and even coverage in small–mid rooms.
How big a crowd can one column PA cover?
As a conservative rule of thumb: solo/duo acts and speech in small–mid rooms (≈100–200 people) are ideal for a single column PA. For louder bands, outdoor gigs, or 200+ audiences, consider adding a second unit or an external sub for more headroom.
Do I need a subwoofer with a column array?
For speech, acoustic sets, and background music, many column systems are fine as-is. DJs and full bands usually benefit from a sub for kick/bass impact and cleaner mids. If your system has an internal high-pass/crossover, run the tops high-passed (~80–110 Hz) when adding a sub.
Battery vs. AC power—what’s the trade-off?
Battery models offer silent, cable-free convenience but usually deliver a bit less peak output and have runtime limits. If you need maximum SPL or long shows, plan on AC power; if you need mobility (ceremonies, busking, classrooms), battery is a huge win.
How many mixer channels and what features should I look for?
Minimum practical setup for many gigs: two mic/line inputs + one stereo source. If you run multiple mics/instruments, choose models with 6–8 digital mixer channels, basic EQ/FX, feedback suppression, phantom power, and app control for quick tweaks on the floor.