Taking your message to the masses in a way that communicates your ideas flawlessly to your audience is important for any performer. Whether you’re seeking a powered speaker for local gigs or setting up a portable PA system for events, it’s crucial that you have the right amplification, sound quality and feature set to ensure you’re heard loud and clear. While there’s a lot of products out there that can simply get the job done, JBL has always had a knack for making durable, trustworthy gear that consistently exceeds expectations and delivers knockout sound performance.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of JBL
Common Use Cases for JBL Portable PA systems
Popular JBL Powered Column Arrays
   Comparing JBL’s Popular Powered Column Arrays
   JBL PRX ONE Powered Column PA Speaker
   JBL EON ONE MK2 Battery-Powered Column Speaker
   JBL IRX ONE Column Line Array With Bluetooth
Popular JBL Powered Speakers
   Comparing JBL’s Popular Powered Speakers
   JBL EON208P 300W Packaged PA System
   JBL EON ONE Compact Battery-Powered Speaker With 4-Channel Mixer
   JBL EON715 15” Powered Loudspeaker
   JBL PRX915 15” Powered Loudspeaker
   JBL EON718S 18” Powered Subwoofer
Power Up and Play

A Brief History of JBL

With deep roots in the audio industry, including producing loudspeakers for MGM and later Altec Lansing, James B. Lansing founded JBL in 1946. Famously employed in movie theaters across the country, his designs immediately became the industry standard, fully immersing the audience in the action of the silver screen. Lansing’s breakthrough into the music scene came when Capitol Records (and its parent company EMI) employed the 4320 studio monitor in its studios worldwide. Always at the forefront of the audio industry, his D130 loudspeaker was implemented by Fender as the perfect speaker for electric guitars. JBL’s imprint on audio history is nothing short of amazing. With their designs being utilized at legendary events like Woodstock, famously employed by the Grateful Dead for their groundbreaking “Wall of Sound,” and adopted by Toyota for use in their cars, they have delivered world-class solutions for over 75 years and show no signs of slowing down.

Common Use Cases for JBL Portable PA Systems

These days, there’s no shortage of events or performances that require top-notch audio solutions for the audience to hear the message or music clearly. People like public speakers, touring musicians and event planners are always looking for the perfect blend of sound quality and functionality to captivate their audience no matter the venue. There’s a wide range of scenarios where a portable PA is the perfect tool for the job, including but not limited to amplifying your band’s sound in a concert venue, speaking engagements, portable DJ sets or supplementing the sound of your intimate acoustic performance.

We’ve put together the following chart highlighting the different features of some of the most popular JBL PA systems so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” PA system, these are all powerfully versatile options that will help you be heard loud and clear. While you can use both powered column arrays and powered speakers to better reach your audience, column arrays consist of many drivers arranged vertically for optimal horizontal dispersion (ideal for large spaces like venues and houses of worship), while powered speakers are comprised of two or three drivers (notably, a tweeter and a woofer), and designed mainly with plug-and-play portability in mind.

Popular JBL Powered Column Arrays

Comparing JBL's Popular Powered Column Arrays

	Power Output	Frequency Response	Speaker Size and Configuration	Max SPL	Connectivity
JBL PRX ONE	2,000W (peak)	35Hz– 20kHz	12x2.5" tweeters, 12" woofer	130dB	Four XLR Combo Jacks, two 1/4" Hi-Z, one 1/8"/BT Summed, one XLR Pass Thru, Bluetooth
JBL EON ONE MK2	1,500W (peak)	37Hz– 20kHz	8x2" tweeters, 10" woofer	123dB	Three XLR Combo Jacks, one 1/4" Hi-Z, one 1/8"/BT Summed, one 1/4" Balanced, Bluetooth
JBL IRX ONE	1,300W (peak)	40Hz– 20kHz	6x2" tweeters, 8" woofer	118dB	Two XLR Combo Jacks, one 1/4", one 1/4" Balanced, Bluetooth

JBL PRX ONE Powered Column PA Speaker

Why It’s Cool: This powered column PA speaker is a sleek, feature-packed solution for portable or installed applications.

Things to Consider:

• Built-in digital mixer with onboard effects
• 2,000W Class-D amplifier
• 12-tweeter column array for optimal coverage

Shop Now: JBL PRX ONE Powered Column PA Speaker

Whether you’re looking to take your show on the road or deliver superior sound close to home, the JBL PRX ONE powered column PA speaker has everything you need to keep your audience begging for more. Featuring 12 custom-engineered tweeters that utilize JBL’s AIM technology, this column PA speaker’s excellent coverage ensures everyone in attendance gets to enjoy show-stopping sound. Easy to set up and take down, the PRX ONE is loaded with performance-friendly features like a Soundcraft-designed, 7-channel built-in digital mixer, as well as a full suite of onboard DBX and Lexicon effects so you can achieve professional, high-quality results with amazing simplicity. Those interested in utilizing the PRX ONE for speaking engagements will especially appreciate the built-in ducking feature that lowers background noise when input is detected through the microphone inputs. This column PA is a full-range contender whether you’re a presenter or music act looking for premium coverage.

JBL EON ONE MK2 Battery-Powered Column Speaker

Why It’s Cool: This battery-powered powerhouse is a flexible, play-anywhere solution perfect for everything from busking and clubs to conferences and public speaking.

Things to Consider:

• Built-in 5-channel mixer with the latest JBL DSP
• Six hours of battery runtime
• Rugged, travel-ready performance

Shop Now: JBL EON ONE MK2 Battery-Powered Column Speaker

If you’re looking for a portable PA you can carry in one hand, the JBL EON ONE MK2 battery-powered column speaker is the answer you’ve been searching for. Seamlessly breaking down into a single package, this road-ready column PA is a perfect fit for solo performers and speakers in search of fidelity and flexibility alike. With smooth low-end performance that extends down to 37Hz, this compact column PA has more-than-sufficient I/O, a built-in digital mixer and a full suite of Lexicon DSP, including chorus, delay and reverb effects. Utilizing its Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming, you can easily play your backing tracks or DJ set, and syncing multiple units together (up to 10) is fast and intuitive with the JBL Pro Connect universal app. This powerful column PA is one of the most portable and convenient pro-audio solutions available for live performance, period.

JBL IRX ONE Column Line Array With Bluetooth

Why It’s Cool: This portable line array serves as an all-in-one playback system worthy of the most demanding musicians, DJs and presenters.

Things to Consider:

• Quick setup and teardown
• Intuitive feature set, easy to use
• Excellent coverage in a compact form factor

Shop Now: JBL IRX ONE Column Line Array With Bluetooth

As far as do-it-all live-sound solutions go, the JBL IRX ONE column line array with Bluetooth excels in every department. An easy-to-set-up, easy-to-use, easy-to-tear-down PA system that’s extremely portable, the IRX ONE weighs a mere 34.1 lb. and packs down into one single unit for transport. Loaded with features like Automatic Feedback Suppression, Soundcraft Easy Ducking and a built-in 3-channel mixer, this performer-friendly portable line array packs plenty of treble and a smooth low end that extends down to 40Hz. Convenience is king, and the IRX ONE comes ready to play no matter what the venue.

Popular JBL Powered Speakers

Comparing JBL's Popular Powered Speakers

	Power Output	Frequency Response	Speaker Size and Configuration	Max SPL	Connectivity
JBL EON208P	300W	60Hz– 20kHz	1" tweeter, 8" woofer per speaker	121dB	Four XLR Combo Jacks, four 1/4" TRS inputs, one RCA (Stereo) input, one 3.5 mm (Stereo) input, one RCA (Stereo) output, two 1/4" TRS outputs, one 3.5 mm (Stereo) Headphone output, one 1/4" TRS Subwoofer output, Bluetooth
JBL EON ONE Compact	150W	37.5Hz– 20kHz	1" tweeter, 8" woofer	112dB	Two XLR Combo Jacks, one 1/4" Hi-Z, one 1/8" AUX, one 1/4" Pass Thru, one Headphone output, Bluetooth
JBL EON715	1,300W (peak)	45Hz– 20kHz	1" tweeter, 15" woofer	128dB	Two XLR Combo Jacks, one XLR Thru, Bluetooth
JBL PRX915	2,000W (peak)	60Hz– 16kHz	1.5" tweeter, 15" woofer	133dB	Two XLR Combo Jacks, one 3.5 mm AUX, two XLR Loop-Thru, one XLR Mix Output
JBL EON718S	1,500W (peak)	31Hz– 150Hz	18" woofer	131dB	Two XLR Combo Jacks, two XLR Thru

JBL EON208P 300W Packaged PA System

Why It’s Cool: One of the easiest systems to set up, this PA package features intuitive effects controls and 300 watts of power.

Things to Consider:

• Detachable 8-channel mixer gives you hands-on control
• Flexible I/O for varying sound sources
• Subwoofer output for expanding your system

Shop Now: JBL EON208P 300W Packaged PA System

This dual-8" portable PA system might be one of the most-popular options on the market. Fit for anything from small, intimate gigs to patios and DJ sets, the JBL EON208P is an extremely capable and expandable PA package designed so you can take your sound anywhere you need to go. Sporting twin 8" woofers and a detachable 8-channel mixer that allows you to tweak your settings with convenience and ease, the EON208P comes equipped with everything you need to perform. Onboard bass, treble and reverb controls, in addition to generous I/O for a range of sound sources, ensure you’ll be able to set up, dial in your sound and play your heart out in a matter of minutes. With the added benefit of Bluetooth streaming, this packaged PA system is up to any task you can throw at it.

JBL EON ONE Compact Battery-Powered Speaker With 4-Channel Mixer

Why It’s Cool: This ultraportable battery-powered speaker is ideal for singers and presenters looking for a feature-packed, compact solution.

Things to Consider:

• 12-hour rechargeable battery
• Built-in 4-channel mixer
• Onboard effects including EQ, reverb and compression

Shop Now: JBL EON ONE Compact Battery-Powered Speaker With 4-Channel Mixer

If you’re looking for an all-in-one system that doesn’t skimp on the features you need to perform at your best, the JBL EON ONE Compact battery-powered speaker is ready to power up your world. Weighing in at just 17.6 lb. and capable of keeping the party rocking for up to 12 hours with its lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the EON ONE Compact is the lightest, easiest-to-transport all-in-one PA JBL has ever released. Packed with premium effects presets and processing, achieving crystal-clear sound for your performance or presentation has never been easier. Just plug in your mic, guitar or keyboard, and enjoy full control over each channel so you can dial in the perfect mix anywhere you are. If you’re a singer or speaker who’s on the go, this extremely portable battery-powered speaker is the travel companion you’ve been looking for.

 JBL EON715 15" Powered Loudspeaker

Why It’s Cool: Capable of 128dB SPL, this powered loudspeaker delivers a “front-row” experience for every audience member

Things to Consider:

• Optional yoke brackets for fixed installation and suspension points for flying
• 1,300 watts of power
• Tight, thunderous bass and natural, even highs

Shop Now: JBL EON715 15" Powered Loudspeaker

Whether you’re a touring band or looking to install a loudspeaker system in a venue, the JBL EON715 is your perfect match. The second-largest iteration of the EON series (outsizing the EON710 and EON712), featuring a 15" woofer in addition to a compression driver with an optimized horn, this powered loudspeaker provides exceptional coverage and impressive low-end response that extends down to 45Hz. With the power you need to fill mid- to large-sized rooms, the EON715 packs the punch you need to truly impress your audience. Capable of delivering extremely loud playback, everyone from heavy metal touring acts to DJs and live music venues can count on the performance of this extremely rugged PA speaker. Plus, the onboard Automatic Feedback Suppression and 8-band output EQ give you the fine-tuning and flexibility you need for any audio situation you encounter.

JBL PRX915 15" Powered Loudspeaker

Why It’s Cool: This professional, portable loudspeaker includes cutting-edge acoustics, premium DSP and full-system app control

Things to Consider:

• Integrate up to 10 speakers, including EON ONE MK2, PRX ONE and EON700 systems
• G-Sensor Automatic Position Detect optimizes tuning
• Onboard LCD screen for access to DSP and mixer

Shop Now: JBL PRX915 15" Powered Loudspeaker

Purpose-built and employing JBL’s most advanced speaker technologies, the PRX915 15" powered loudspeaker is a testament to the reliability and quality of JBL PA systems. The sibling of the PRX912 12", this two-way audio masterpiece features class-leading DSP and measures up to the most demanding of live-sound situations. Whether you’re utilizing the onboard LCD screen or the JBL Pro Connect app, you can tap into a 12-band parametric EQ, Automatic Feedback Suppression and speaker delay settings to help you dial in the perfect live-sound experience for larger audiences. Road-ready and equipped to withstand everything from long tours to permanent installations, this is a loudspeaker that can fill the room and provide a powerful listening experience anywhere in the venue.

JBL EON718S 18" Powered Subwoofer

Why It’s Cool: The perfect complement to compatible JBL PA systems, this powerful subwoofer will extend the range of your system and give your low end the kick it deserves

Things to Consider:

• Advanced DSP and speaker delay settings
• Low-end extension down to 31Hz
• Up to 131dB SPL

Shop Now: JBL EON718S 18" Powered Subwoofer

Extending down to 31Hz, the JBL EON718S 18” powered subwoofer is the ideal low-end solution for bands, DJs and venues looking for some serious punch. Equipped with 1,500 watts of power and an 18" driver, this sub is known for its smooth and natural bass response. Sporting a built-in threaded pole mount for use with compatible loudspeakers, the EON718S can also be stacked for cardioid speaker configurations. Similar to other EON models, it also features advanced DSP, including a built-in parametric EQ, polarity inversion and speaker delay settings, so you can fine-tune your system for maximum impact and enjoyment. Like all JBL products, the EON718S is a rugged, built-to-last live-sound solution that can turn your existing PA system into a bona fide full-range listening experience.

Power Up and Play

With their rich history of innovation and steadfast dedication to reliability, JBL loudspeakers are found in studios, homes and arenas around the world. Whether you’re a budding singer-songwriter looking for an easy-to-use busking setup or installing a brand-new sound system in a local venue, JBL has a portable and versatile solution for your needs. Check out the entire line over at the JBL brand page, shop live sound packages and sift through all of your options on the JBL PA speakers collection page to find your perfect fit today.