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PA Speakers & Systems

PA speakers and systems here include active speakers with a built-in amplifier, passive cabinets for an external amplifier, wedge stage monitors, sub and column sets, line array speakers, trolley-style portable PA units, and 100V line column and ceiling speakers for fixed installations. Examples include the Citronic CASA and CUBA cabinets, QTX QUEST active cabinets with USB/SD, FM and Bluetooth, and the Adastra F40V column 952.244UK, which is EN54-24 certified for voice alarm.

Choosing PA Speakers & Systems

Decide first whether the speaker powers itself or needs an amplifier, then match it to the room and to how it will be carried, flown or fixed.

Active or passive

An active speaker has its amplifier inside. The Citronic CASA 178.112UK has a class D amplifier, a DSP with 5 selectable profiles, a USB/SD player and Bluetooth. The QTX QUEST 178.512UK, a PA option for DJs, stage performers and presentations, adds an FM tuner and an output for a passive speaker to make a 2-speaker PA system. A passive cabinet such as the CUBA 178.713UK needs an external amplifier, and its 2 parallel Speakon inputs let it link on to additional speakers.

Monitors, sub and column sets, arrays

CM-series wedges such as the 178.693UK are built for stage foldback, with a concentric titanium tweeter. The Monolith mk3 171.237UK pairs an active subwoofer with a pole-mounted column, while the Neolith mk2 171.238UK connects its column through the mounting pole, so setting up takes seconds. For longer throws, the C-208 171.208UK line array cabinet can be flown or floor mounted from the optional C-FRAME and partnered with C-118S subs.

Portable PA

The QTX 178.840UK is a trolley-style unit with a retractable handle that runs from mains or its internal battery for up to 8 hours, with a VHF wireless neckband microphone and a VCV voiceover feature that lowers background music when the mic is used.

Installation speakers

The TOA TZ-50-EB column has selectable 100V line taps of 50, 25 and 12.5 W, a 20 Ω option and IP55 protection for covered outdoor areas. Adastra SC series columns such as the 952.242UK are slimline aluminium units for indoor spaces where discretion matters. The Penton RCS4FT/ENC is an EN54-24 ceiling loudspeaker for monitored voice alarm circuits.

TypeExamplePowerFeature
Active cabinet with DSP178.112UK280W RMSBluetooth, USB/SD
Active cabinet with FM tuner178.512UK720W peakRear wheels
Passive wooden cabinet178.713UK400WM8 flying points
Active wedge monitor178.692UK300WBluetooth, DSP
Line array cabinet171.208UK600W RMSRibbon tweeter
Portable PA unit178.840UKMains or batteryNeckband mic
Voice alarm column952.244UK100VIP66, EN54-24

Related categories

Add low end with subwoofers, drive passive cabinets from amplifiers and mixers, and mount them on speaker stands and brackets. For fixed systems see ceiling speakers and outdoor speakers; replacement drivers are in speaker components.

Brands we stock in PA Speakers & Systems

Adastra, Axis Communications, Bosch, Bose Professional, Citronic, Clever Acoustics, Dahua Technology, Hanwha Vision, Hikvision, JBL Professional, Netgenium, Penton, QTX, Signet, TOA, Vanco and Zenith.

Frequently asked questions

What are PA speakers?

PA speakers are loudspeakers built to carry speech and music to an audience, at a live event, in a venue or in a fixed installation such as a shop. PA stands for public address. Common types include full-range cabinets, stage wedge monitors, column speakers and line arrays. The range here includes portable PA units with wireless microphones.

What is an active PA speaker?

An active PA speaker has its amplifier built into the cabinet, so it needs power and a signal from a mixer, player or microphone rather than a separate amplifier. Many also add Bluetooth, a media player or DSP sound presets. A passive cabinet, by contrast, needs an external amplifier to drive it. The range here includes active cabinets, active wedge monitors and active column sets.

What does a PA speaker system include?

A PA speaker system usually combines speakers, an amplifier and a mixer, with microphones or music players feeding the mixer. Larger systems add subwoofers for bass, stage monitors for performers and stands or flying frames to raise the speakers. Portable units can put the speaker, amplifier and wireless microphone in one case. The range here includes column and subwoofer sets, line array cabinets and portable PA units.

Are PA speakers good for music?

Yes, PA speakers can play recorded and live music as well as speech, and many are used by DJs and bands. Full-range cabinets with a woofer and a tweeter handle music well, and a subwoofer adds deeper bass. Horn and small paging speakers built mainly for speech usually sound narrower, so check the frequency response if music matters. The range here includes Bluetooth-ready active cabinets.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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