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If you’re a DJ, solo musician, busker or you’re in a duo as part of wedding band, chances are you’re going to have to take your own PA system to the gig. Carrying your own PA system and packing up a bulky system, especially if it’s heavy, can really suck. It’s the last thing you want to have to think about after your performance. So why not try a portable PA system instead?

We’ve put together a handy list of the best portable PA systems money can buy, that not only sound great, but make your life a hell of a lot easier!


1. Alto Transport 12 Battery Powered Portable PA System with Wireless Microphone

First up, we have the Alto Transport 12 which is a very powerful, yet still very portable PA system that comes with a wireless microphone included. This is easily one of the best portable PA systems for busking and travelling musicians as you have everything you need in one easy to carry system.

This is essentially a portable gig in a box as it’s powered by a lithium ion battery that gives you up to 8 hours of continuous use and more than enough power to make an impression. You have a 12” speaker pumping out 400 watts of peak power, so it’s loud enough for venues, weddings and busking. There’s also a built in USB media playback function for your backing tracks, a wireless microphone that you can mix independently as well as extra channels including a combi jack for extra line-in instruments or microphones.


2. Bose S1 Pro PA System with Battery Pack

If you want to use your portable PA system for gigs and open mic nights and then use it as a monitor for rehearsal with your band, the Bose S1 Pro PA System is the best choice. This lightweight and highly portable PA system features intuitive Auto EQ functionality that automatically detects the orientation of the speaker and changes its sound to suit either an elevated Surface, Tilt Back, Monitor Mod or Speaker Stand. This means you don’t have to spend valuable time mixing your sound for the best performance.

You can stream backing tracks wirelessly via Bluetooth, utilise the onboard 3-channel mixer which provides independent ToneMatch, reverb, and EQ controls and enjoy up to 6 hours of playing time after a full charge of the included battery pack. A sleek and highly portable PA system for musicians.



3. Alto Uber PA Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker

Let’s say you run a mobile open mic night, you sing at functions or you just need a portable PA for performance. The last thing you want is something heavy to drag around. The Alto Uber PA Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker is a perfect option for those who need a small, yet loud portable PA as it gives you 50 watts of power through a 6.5” speaker with 2” tweeter. We love it because you get superb audio quality whether you’re streaming your music through it via Bluetooth or using a wired source.

You have 3 channels at your disposal including a combi jack for line-in instruments, as well as microphones, a USB charging port that can power your phone or tablet, plus a built-in rechargeable battery for up to 50 hours use – that’s a long gig! At £129 it’s also a great option for those on a budget, especially if you need a decent PA speaker for DJing house parties or just to jam out ideas if you don’t want to carry around a big guitar amp.



4. Wharfedale Titan 12D PA Speakers with Stands & Cables

Next up we have the completely portable Wharfedale Titan 12D PA speaker package. This is the perfect PA system for those who don’t know how to work a PA! In this package you get a lot of gear for not a lot of money, allowing you to basically set up an entire gig wherever and whenever you want.

We love the Wharfedale Titan 12D PA speakers as they pump out 250 watts of pure power – more than enough for venues and outdoor performances for around 200 people. The lightweight cabinet design makes each speaker weigh in at a mere 12.4 kg, so they won’t break your back, whilst the included speaker leads and stands only add minimal extra weight.

The cool thing about the Wharfedale Titan 12D speakers is that they have two combi style inputs on each, which means you can plug up to 2 x line in/XLR leads in, essentially allowing you to hook up four members of your band directly to the speakers before you even have to think about a mixing desk. Brilliant!



5. Roland BA330 Portable Active PA System

Finally, we have the buskers’ standard portable PA – the Roland BA330 Portable Active PA System. This extremely portable PA system has been designed to offer complete freedom for performing musicians who need to be able to set up at moment’s notice. We love this as it features four channels each with their own tone adjustment and effects options. Two of the channels feature combi inputs for microphones or musical instruments whilst the other two are standard 1/4” stereo inputs offering a lot of connectivity options.

An intelligent anti feedback function makes it a great option for solo musicians as you don’t have to worry about any interference or gig ruining feedback creeping in and the fact you can power it via AC adapter or 8 x AA batteries means you can gig anywhere. A perfect option for travelling musicians.



Shop complete PA systems and PA speakers over at PMT Online today or call in to your local PMT store to speak to our PA specialists about your bespoke needs.

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