Best Powered Speakers for Live Band 2024

Loud music is more than just entertainment. It is an event, it can be motivational or calming, and for many of us, it’s a must-have in our day-to-day lives. So what does that mean? It means you need some speakers to make your music come alive!

And when it comes to powered speakers for a live band performance, you really do get what you pay for. Loud sound quality with plenty of bass that cannot be found on any budget-priced models; they are available only on more expensive systems.

A powered speaker is a device that has an amplifier and speakers all in one, which eliminates the need for external amplifiers. Because powered speakers do not require an external amplifier, they are much lighter than speakers that do need an external amplifier.

Most also include a Bluetooth adapter for streaming wireless audio from your computer, smartphone or tablet. This allows you to listen to music from any location in your home or office, as long as your Bluetooth device is nearby and connected to the speaker.

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Buying Guide

Choosing a powered speaker can be confusing due to the wide selection of models on the market today. With so many models competing for your attention, it’s important to know what you are looking for in a speaker system in order to have greater success in your search.

Below are the most important factors to consider when looking for powered speakers.

Sound Quality:

This is one of, if not the most important thing to look at when purchasing powered speakers. You want to be able to hear all the details in your music, which means that you want a good sound coming out of the speaker.

As opposed to passive speakers that are made out of wood or metal, powered speakers have audio drivers built in. This is where the sound comes from so you need to look at it closely when choosing a speaker system.

Bass:

It can be difficult to find powered speakers that deliver deep, rich bass. Due to the way that powered speakers are designed, they do not normally produce much bass. This is because powerful bass requires more power than what most small speakers can handle, which makes it expensive for manufacturers to produce.

The good news is that there are some models on the market today that do deliver powerful bass so be sure to take a close look at the speaker specifications when you are looking for your next model.

Connectivity:

Powered speakers are typically equipped with a wide range of audio inputs that allow you to use the speaker with just about any music or audio source. This means that your powered speakers can be easily connected to many other devices, such as televisions, DVD players, computers, smartphones and more.

If you plan on using your powered speakers for all sorts of uses in your home or office, be sure to consider the types of connectivity options available on each model you are considering.

5 Best Powered Speakers for Live Band

Sale
JBL Professional 305P MkII Next-Generation 5-Inch 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor
JBL Professional 305P MkII Next-Generation 5-Inch 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor
Sleek, modern design provides a dramatic flair to any studio
Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor
Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor
54Hz-30kHz frequency response; 45W LF plus 25W HF bi-amp system for high-performance 70W power amplification
Amazon Prime
Behringer MS40 24-Bit/192 kHz Digital 40 Watt Stereo Near Field Monitors
Behringer MS40 24-Bit/192 kHz Digital 40 Watt Stereo Near Field Monitors
Built-in powerful 2 x 20-Watt amplifiers with immense headroom; Powerful woofers and high-resolution tweeters provide an ultra-linear frequency...

Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. JBL Professional 305P MKII Powered Studio Monitor

Sale
JBL Professional 305P MkII Next-Generation 5-Inch 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor
  • MkII series features next-generation JBL transducers, new Boundary EQ, and a sleek new design.Waterproof : No
  • Updated HF and LF transducers: new design improvements result in optimized damping for superior transient response and impressive deep bass with lower...
  • New boundary EQ: restores neutral low frequency response when speakers are placed on the work surface and adjacent to walls
  • Sleek, modern design provides a dramatic flair to any studio
  • Broad sweet spot: neutral frequency response across a wide area allows you to fine-tune your mix even while listening off-axis

Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The JBL Professional Studio Monitor is not just any speaker. For most people, the most important feature of these speakers is their sound quality. As you can imagine, sound quality can often be an area where most products fall short. The JBL Professional Studio Monitor does not fall short in this regard.

The sounds coming out of these speakers are rich and full, with exceptional clarity and depth, making them perfect for home desktop systems, studio main stages and professional recording studios alike.

Pros:

  • With a frequency response from 35Hz to 21kHz, the sound from these speakers is clear and clean. This allows you to clearly hear every detail of the music and sound you play on your computer or on another audio source.
  • The JBL Professional Studio Monitor has a range of 80Hz-25kHz which makes them suitable for playback of quality audio sources such as CD or DVD.
  • JBL Professional actually used a be tweeter and a large woofer in this speaker to create a high-frequency sound that is enhanced by a low-frequency bass created by the two. This results in a rich, clear sound that is sure to please everyone in your home or office.
  • The size of these speakers measures 5 inches wide and 10 inches tall which makes them perfect for desktop systems as well as those being used on tabletops.
  • The response of these speakers is quick and clean, which makes them ideal for use with computers. The high-quality sound from the JBL Professional Studio Monitor makes listening to music on these speakers a pleasure.

Cons:

  • There aren’t many cons on the JBL Professional Studio Monitor. The one thing to keep in mind is that the frequency range on these speakers does not go beyond 25kHz. Some people may not like this but for most people, it will not be an issue at all.

2. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Sale
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker...
  • 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Connect to two devices via AUX at the same...
  • STUDIO SOUND QUALITY - Natural sound reproduction from 13mm silk dome tweeter and 4 inch full range unit
  • REMOTE CONTROL - Adjust volume at your figure tips. Bass and treble control located on the side of main speaker.
  • CLASSIC WOOD FINISH - High quality MDF wood build finished with wood effect vinyl serves as a great compliment to any home decor.
  • 2 YEAR WARRANTY - Guaranteed high quality and reliability with hassle-free parts and labor warranty for two years in USA and Canada.

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are a great option for those who enjoy quality sound quality, but do not have a ton of room to set up speakers. These speakers are designed to be used as desktop speakers and provide a powerful listening experience right from the start.

They are an excellent choice for those who enjoy listening to music, as well as those who record their own music. These speakers can easily be connected to a computer or other audio system through Bluetooth or USB input.

Pros:

  • These speakers feature a high-quality cabinet that is made out of solid wood. This adds to the sound quality of the speaker system because it helps to prevent other sounds from being heard when you are using the system.
  • The way that this cabinet is constructed makes these speakers ideal for use in home audio systems, as well as audio recording studios. They have a very powerful bass which adds a lot of depth to your audio.
  • These speakers can be used with a wide range of systems, from computers to televisions. The speakers have a powerful bass that is not going to disappoint you when listening to music or television broadcasts.
  • As these speakers are designed to be used on a desk, they have a tuner built in so you can easily use them for listening to radio broadcasts and television programs.

Cons:

  • There really aren’t many cons on the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers. They do not have a lot of bass and sound quality at high volume is lacking so if you need a better sounding speaker system, something with more bass may be a better choice for you.

3. Sound Town METIS Series 1800 Watts 15” Powered Subwoofer with Class-D Amplifier, 4-inch Voice Coil (METIS-15SDPW)

Sound Town METIS Series 1800 Watts 15” Powered Subwoofer with Class-D Amplifier, 4-inch Voice Coil...
  • MASSIVE POWER: Powered by a built-in Class-D amplifier, the subwoofer handles 500 Watts RMS / 1000 Watts Program / 1800 Watts Peak Power and generates...
  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The Class-D amplifier efficiently provides enormous power without weighing you down. Thanks to the Class-D topology,...
  • VERSATILE INPUT OUTPUT CONNECTIONS: Easy to integrate this stage subwoofer with your PA rig. It has 2 XLR-1/4” combo and 2 RCA inputs, 2 XLR...
  • TOP-QUALITY COMPONENTS: The PA subwoofer comes with a top-quality 15” subwoofer and 4” voice coil, which handles massive power and generates earth...
  • STURDY CONSTRUCTION: The black carpet finish with heavy-duty metal grille and corners holds up to touring applications. Two recessed ergonomic handles...

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sound Town METIS Series 1800 Watts 15” Powered Subwoofer is ideal for use in cars, trucks, and even in boats. It has a sturdy and reliable design that makes it compact and lightweight yet powerful enough to provide the bass output required by DJs and professional sound systems.

It can also be easily mounted in the back of the DJ stand when used with a good DJ speaker set.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact when compared to other powered subwoofers in the market. Can be easily mounted on the back of a DJ stand when placed next to a quality DJ speaker set.
  • Powerful enough for most professional sound systems.
  • Perfect match for most DJ powered speakers as this subwoofer does not come with a built-in amplifier or separate control unit.

Cons:

  • The weight and size of the subwoofer may not be compatible with smaller auditoriums and gym classes which need less powerful and lighter sound systems.

4. BEHRINGER EUROLIVE B1200D-PRO 1200W Powered Subwoofer

Behringer EUROLIVE B1200D-PRO High-Performance Active 500 Watt 12' PA Subwoofer with Built-In Stereo...
263 Reviews
Behringer EUROLIVE B1200D-PRO High-Performance Active 500 Watt 12" PA Subwoofer with Built-In Stereo...
  • High-performance 500-Watt powered subwoofer for PA applications
  • Powerful 12'' long-excursion transducer with high temperature voice coil provides incredibly accurate and pulse-pounding bass
  • Precise reproduction of ultra-low frequencies for "bulletproof" punch and impact
  • State-of-the-art 500-Watt Class-D amplifier with comprehensive over-excursion, thermal and clip limit protection
  • Built-in active stereo crossover provides high-pass filtered outputs for full-range loudspeakers

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Behringer EUROLIVE B1200D-PRO 1200W Powered Subwoofer delivers powerful bass vibrations to the entire room. Its sturdy and durable construction makes it versatile enough for DJs use in cars, trucks, and even in boats.

Pros:

  • Although it is very big and bulky because of its 1200 Watts power output, it is very lightweight. This means that it can be carried around easily by even the most inexperienced DJs.
  • It has a separate amplifier which also makes it easy to use and install.
  • A separate phase control controller allows the user to adjust phase alignment whenever necessary.

Cons:

  • There seems to be a problem with the phase alignment when the unit is used in a car. It is not fixed even when the user tries removing all possible sources of interference. This may affect its tonality in most vehicles.

5. QSC KS118 Direct Radiating 18″ Subwoofer

QSC KS118 Active 18" Subwoofer
  • A very high output active subwoofer producing impressive low frequencies for mobile entertainment, AV production, clubs and performance venues
  • Features an 18" direct radiating driver powered by a 3600W Class D amp, to deliver high SPL with dynamic and musical sound reproduction of very low...
  • On-board DSP optimizes and protects system performance as well as offers advanced capabilities such as the ability to array two units in a cardioid...
  • Highly transportable, the rugged enclosure features comfortable handles with a professional and elegant appearance in any application, plus four low...
  • An M20 threaded pole receptacle accepts a 35 mm pole for easy vertical deployment with full-range loudspeakers

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The QSC KS118 Direct Radiating 18″ Subwoofer is the ideal choice for DJs who want an all-round subwoofer for their professional sound systems. It produces smooth and powerful bass sounds for even the largest concerts, school graduations, competitions or any other outdoor events.

Pros:

  • Low frequency horns are built into the subwoofer to provide even more enhanced bass sounds. This helps out in reinforcing the lower frequency sounds that are needed to enhance any DJ speaker set up.
  • Well-insulated grilles help protect this subwoofer from dust and dirt interference. This means that it can be placed anywhere in a car or other moving vehicle without damaging its internal components or sound quality.
  • Strong and durable construction gives it an overall heavy duty feel. It is not light but is also quite compact for easy mounting under the seat or anywhere else in a car.

Cons:

  • A bit more expensive than most other subwoofers of its size range.

FAQ:

Q: What are the best powered speakers for live band?

A: 1 Why you need the best powered speakers for live band 2 Choosing the best powered speakers for live band 3 Things to consider when choosing the best powered speakers 4 We Reviewed Top 5 Best Powered Speakers for Live Band 1. Rockville RPG15 2. JBL Professional EON612 3. QSC K12 2-Way Powered Speaker 4. Behringer EuroLive B210D 5. …

Q: Are home theater speakers good for live bands?

A: There are home theater speakers and there are speakers specifically designed for live bands, parties and more. Although speakers of these different types may look similar, there are often stark differences in their performances and capabilities. We’ll be discussing the best powered speakers for live band in this review.

Q: How to choose the right powered loudspeakers for your event?

A: The more large and spacious the population and event venue is, the more power you’ll want to have from your powered loudspeakers. So make your decisions based on the average number of people you’d expect at most of your gatherings. For traveling DJs, a portable lightweight and efficient speaker is the best.

Q: What are the best powered speakers for DJing?

A: The speakers are easy to use and produce quality sound. All you need is to pick the best powered speaker, and you are ready for the event or party. Mackie Thump 12 Powered Loudspeaker, Rockville RPG15, JBL Professional EON612 and QSC K12 2-way Powered Speaker are some of the best powered speakers for DJ you can consider.