Mobile sound systems: Flexible sound systems for events, trade fairs, information stands or schools

The chains of permanent installations have been broken: Sound (from) wherever you want!

A sound system always consists of at least three components: Input, Mix, Amplification. These three work together to make it all happen. The sound enters the system through a microphone, an amplifier processes the sound, and then the sound goes out again through a membrane. We used to need space to guarantee this process. That's not the case anymore. Thankfully! We offer different elements of mobile sound systems to precisely meet your needs. By the way: We also have outdoor speakers for fixed installation.

Mobility is increasingly important. But does that mean you compromise on sound or performance? Not with us. Your project is our project, which means: We're happy to advise you on what best suits your mobile sound needs.

Are you a retailer, installer or specialist planner and have questions?


Sven Schindler has answers:

Have a look at our products:

Portable PA Systems Mobile sound systems for lectures or spontaneous presentations, for trade fairs or advertising campaigns: easy to transport, simple handling, ready for immediate use!

Our catalog as e-paper

How do sound systems need to be designed in order to be truly mobile?

We don't want to get too philosophical, but we do need an answer: When is a sound system actually mobile or only ("just") transportable?

1. Lightweight with easy handling: maximum 20 kilograms, and the heavier it gets, the more important comfortable handling becomes

To be portable, a sound system needs to be light enough. Does 20 kilograms seem a somewhat random definition at first? Understandable, but that is about what the average adult can carry for short periods of time: It's about two crates of beer or a large packed suitcase. It's not exactly comfortable to carry two crates of beer, but they're also unwieldy. So it's all the more important that mobile sound systems are as handy and easy to carry or transport as possible. The closer you get to 20 kilograms, the more important wheels become.

When it comes to mobility with sound equipment, weight is often less of a problem than bulkiness. That is the central idea for our products.

Some portable speakers are even small enough to put in a backpack. For sound systems, portability often just means being compact and light enough to travel without a utility-size vehicle. But what makes a sound system truly portable is the ability to fit everything you need into one portable unit:

Mixer

Power amplifier

Speaker 

Battery pack

2. Great connectivity, but still easy to use individually: Mobile speakers should work with other systems, but they don't have to

From our point of view it is important that a mobile sound system can be coupled with other devices. Of course, the easiest and most flexible solution is to just set up one of our TXA speaker systems and get started. But with an audio link, you and any future users can place and install entire sound landscapes exactly as they are needed. That is ultimately the great thing about mobile sound systems, right? Wall speakers need walls. Ceiling speakers need ceilings. But with mobile sound systems you paint the sound landscape as if it were on a blank canvas. You can maximise the directional effects of the speakers with precision. You can place the sound source exactly where you want it. An example: The integrated radio transmitter on the TXA-1022CD sends audio signals wirelessly to one or more TXA-1020 systems. This is ideal if you want to evenly fill larger spaces with sound. It should be quick and easy to connect something things like a microphone or an external audio source.


2. Great connectivity, but still easy to use individually: Mobile speakers should work with other systems, but they don't have to

From our point of view it is important that a mobile sound system can be coupled with other devices. Of course, the easiest and most flexible solution is to just set up one of our TXA speaker systems and get started. But with an audio link, you and any future users can place and install entire sound landscapes exactly as they are needed. That is ultimately the great thing about mobile sound systems, right? Wall speakers need walls. Ceiling speakers need ceilings. But with mobile sound systems you paint the sound landscape as if it were on a blank canvas. You can maximise the directional effects of the speakers with precision. You can place the sound source exactly where you want it. An example: The integrated radio transmitter on the TXA-1022CD sends audio signals wirelessly to one or more TXA-1020 systems. This is ideal if you want to evenly fill larger spaces with sound. It should be quick and easy to connect something things like a microphone or an external audio source.

You don't need to register our mobile sound systems and there are no fees in the EU. Suitable microphone or bodypack transmitters such as TXA-800HSE, TXA-800HT or the transmitter module TXA-1020MT are available as options

3. High sound quality is a tightrope walk between price, weight and size: Mobile sound systems that do not produce good sound are useless.

But portability alone doesn't make a sound system good. A portable system that doesn't suit your needs is also a waste. For example, the TXA series is designed to deliver the best possible sound for larger groups with minimal weight and bulk. This might be larger weddings, events, small concerts or demonstrations.

Sure, one of our TXA series full range speakers could work. But we paid attention to what you actually need: Speech needs to be clear, but you also need bass, sometimes high-quality music playback – flexibility. That's why we developed the TXA as a 2-way system with a large bass speaker so it can also assert itself on its own. We have consistently followed through on this model, down to the very smallest TXA (only 3.15 kilograms!).

Mobility with sound systems, variant 1: The "Roller Case"

Our TXA series offers you powerful, robust amplifier systems for music and speeches. This gives you everything in one rolling system: amplifier, receiver units, battery, mains connection. Thanks to the smooth-rolling casters, it hardly takes any effort to pull the mobile sound system from A to B.

Example: the TXA-1020USB

Our TXA-1020USB is a high-power amplifier system with an integrated, adjustable 2-channel multi-frequency receiver unit using UHF PLL technology. It features a Bluetooth receiver and a powerful Class D amplifier. It has 120 watts of very efficient power that you can pull behind you with one hand like a trolley.

  • Operation via mains connection or built-in lead-gel battery

  • Up to 4 hours of battery life

  • Integrated automatic battery charging with charging status display

  • 2x16 adjustable UHF frequencies (863.1-864.9 MHz)

  • MP3 player with SD card reader and USB interface

  • Delivery including remote control for the MP3 player

  • Powerful 2-way speaker system

  • 25 cm (10") bass woofer

  • 1 microphone input via combination socket (XLR/6.3 mm jack)

  • 1 microphone input (6.3 mm jack)

  • 1 stereo line input (RCA)

  • 1 auxiliary input (3.5 mm jack)

  • All inputs adjustable

  • Common master controller, 2-way tone control

  • 1 stereo line output (RCA)

  • 1 auxiliary output (3.5 mm jack)

  • Switchable microphone priority function


More about TXA-1020USB


Example: the TXA-1020USB

Our TXA-1020USB is a high-power amplifier system with an integrated, adjustable 2-channel multi-frequency receiver unit using UHF PLL technology. It features a Bluetooth receiver and a powerful Class D amplifier. It has 120 watts of very efficient power that you can pull behind you with one hand like a trolley.

  • Operation via mains connection or built-in lead-gel battery

  • Up to 4 hours of battery life

  • Integrated automatic battery charging with charging status display

  • 2x16 adjustable UHF frequencies (863.1-864.9 MHz)

  • MP3 player with SD card reader and USB interface

  • Delivery including remote control for the MP3 player

  • Powerful 2-way speaker system

  • 25 cm (10") bass woofer

  • 1 microphone input via combination socket (XLR/6.3 mm jack)

  • 1 microphone input (6.3 mm jack)

  • 1 stereo line input (RCA)

  • 1 auxiliary input (3.5 mm jack)

  • All inputs adjustable

  • Common master controller, 2-way tone control

  • 1 stereo line output (RCA)

  • 1 auxiliary output (3.5 mm jack)

  • Switchable microphone priority function


More about TXA-1020USB

Another TXA model is presented to you by Mr. Krebbing in this video:


Our "Wandering Preacher" – not only for preachers of course: The PAS-254D

If you need to travel with sound – and the sound with you – we have a mobile sound system that is explicitly designed to be carried on your back. The PAS-254D is a transportable amplifier system for parades and other mobile purposes, with very good carrying properties and freedom of movement thanks to the backpack concept

  • 1 loudspeaker with 4 frames

  • Class D power amplifier

  • 2-channel multi-frequency radio receiver (TXA-1822MR)

  • Bluetooth receiver for mobile players

  • Adjustable USB/SD card player

  • Connection for external storage media

  • Up to 7 hours of battery life

  • Compartment for additional battery

  • Integrated automatic battery charging

  • Charging socket for the supplied charger

  • 1 input via combination jack Mic (XLR)/Line (6.3 mm),

  • Gain and tone controls

  • Mic input with 12V phantom power

  • 1 stereo line input via cinch sockets

  • Mix-out output (RCA)

  • Output for one loudspeaker (minimum impedance 4 Ω)

  • Adjustable voice-over function

  • Limiter function

  • Nylon backpack with storage pockets


More about PAS-254D


  • 1 loudspeaker with 4 frames

  • Class D power amplifier

  • 2-channel multi-frequency radio receiver (TXA-1822MR)

  • Bluetooth receiver for mobile players

  • Adjustable USB/SD card player

  • Connection for external storage media

  • Up to 7 hours of battery life

  • Compartment for additional battery

  • Integrated automatic battery charging

  • Charging socket for the supplied charger

  • 1 input via combination jack Mic (XLR)/Line (6.3 mm),

  • Gain and tone controls

  • Mic input with 12V phantom power

  • 1 stereo line input via cinch sockets

  • Mix-out output (RCA)

  • Output for one loudspeaker (minimum impedance 4 Ω)

  • Adjustable voice-over function

  • Limiter function

  • Nylon backpack with storage pockets


More about PAS-254D

Mobility with sound systems, variant 2: The "Belt Add-On"

Shooting sound from the hip? Absolutely: This is how you or your customers can rock events where you need to talk and have both hands free. During a city tour, for example, if you're holding note cards or a pointer, if you're presenting a dance step, setting up or breaking down equipment during a training course or you have to hold on to something in an emergency. It really doesn't get any more agile than the mobile sound system on your belt: it's mobile voice amplification for lectures and sales events that is not only barely visible, but you'll also hardly notice you're wearing it!

Example: the WAP-8

  • A variety of carrying options

  • 20W amplifier with volume control

  • Jack input for MP3 players and laptops

  • Built-in lithium polymer battery

  • LED status display

  • Plug charger included

  • Operating time up to 20 hours


More about the WAP-8


Example: the WAP-8

  • A variety of carrying options

  • 20W amplifier with volume control

  • Jack input for MP3 players and laptops

  • Built-in lithium polymer battery

  • LED status display

  • Plug charger included

  • Operating time up to 20 hours


More about the WAP-8

Alternatives to the WAP-8:

Our belt-mounted tour guide systems

Perfect for a guided tour, be it in the museum or at the zoo:

Our personal, mobile sound system carries your words to each person individually. We developed this range very pragmatically as well. Technical features include long battery life, sufficient channels, a stable construction and above all: easy handling. The tour guide system receivers often pass through a lot of hands. They need to be designed so that no lengthy training is required.

ATS-22: A tour guide system that can also be used as a "teaching system":

Specially developed for situations in which the coach or trainer expects feedback from the student/participant or wants to enable enquiries over longer distances. For example, during riding training or sailing lessons.

ATS-22R

16-channel miniature receiver
16-channel Digital Voice Transmission System, 863-865 MHz Suitable as a tour guide system, trainer/student system and for any other…

ATS-22T

16-channel miniature transmitter
16-channel Digital Voice Transmission System, 863-865 MHz Suitable as a tour guide system, trainer/student system and for any other…
Finding the right tour guide system: We are providing an overview
We are providing an overview

3 important thoughts before choosing or recommending a portable sound system

Mobile sound systems differ from other sound systems in terms of mobility. This mobility affects the entire device. We always want you to make (or express) the most conscious and informed purchase decisions possible, so we are giving you three things to think about here.

1. Design influences sound

Regardless of size, every speaker has three basic components:

  1. the membrane
  2. the permanent magnet
  3. the electromagnetic coil

1. Design influences sound

Regardless of size, every speaker has three basic components:

  1. the membrane
  2. the permanent magnet
  3. the electromagnetic coil

The size of the diaphragm determines how the speaker responds to the different frequencies in each sound. Smaller diaphragms – often found in tweeters – handle high frequencies better. Larger diaphragms – often in woofers – reproduce bass better. High-quality sound systems therefore almost always have more than one speaker in a single unit. Often there are two or three in different membrane sizes. When a sound system uses these speakers together, the sound is rounder and the frequency response is smoother.

It follows that if you prefer a particularly compact sound system, you should consider: How much bass response do you really need?

The less bass you need, the sooner you can opt for (even) more compact options. When it comes to music, however, think carefully about how much mobility you are buying and how much bass you lose with that.

Find out more about our projects here:

2. The best mobile sound system is not necessarily the most expensive one – you need the RIGHT one

The old adage often applies: You get what you pay for. Or to put it a bit more bluntly: If you buy cheap, you buy twice (at least). But price is not always the best, and almost never the only, benchmark to judge the quality of mobile sound systems. The price often indicates the quality of the materials used to build a product. But a manufacturer can design a loudspeaker that sounds bad despite using high-quality materials. Poor design can mean that a speaker has an oversized enclosure, which causes the sound to reverberate inside.

On the other hand, poor workmanship can result in the drivers not being properly attached, for example, which creates noise. The best materials don't count for much if something is poorly constructed. Another factor to consider: High sound quality does not automatically mean that the sound system is durable. A manufacturer can produce robust mobile sound systems that sound great (initially) but the materials might wear out quickly. Diaphragms can be made of paper, aluminium, polypropylene or ceramic, all of which vary in strength. Veneer and lacquer finishes ensure the sound system looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible, but your final choice can sound and look good without being durable at all. Or it might be durable without sounding good.

 

In other words: Keep your eyes open when making a mobile sound system choice! A housing or a high-quality panel does not mean good sound.

3. Managing expectations: Be realistic!

Of course you are looking for a portable sound system with the best technical properties. But it's important to know what to expect. Both for your own projects and for future users. Mobile sound systems cannot be compared to full-fledged PA systems. In a way, quality and mobility are at odds with each other, and we need to be transparent about that: Limited space means limited technology. Ultimately, every technical device faces this challenge. Take ceiling speakers, for example. They can't just be any size. That's where our acoustic engineer Frank Kuhl and his acoustic room comes in . For example, many mobile sound systems only offer very directional sound. For surround sound you have to connect several systems together. Caution: Not all mobile sound systems offer this option. When you're a five-piece band, you expect your sound system to have a mixing board with more than five channels to accommodate all your instruments, pre-amps and anything else you might need to hook up. But mixers in portable sound systems rarely have that many channels. Long story short: The more compact, portable sound systems give you less control, they aren't as adjustable and they offer sound that is inferior in performance to traditionally larger PA systems. Most portable PA systems are therefore only suitable for events with several hundred people.


Are you a retailer, installer or specialist planner and have questions?


Sven Schindler has answers:

We have been developing our mobile sound systems for decades based on user needs

Consumer tastes and demands have evolved and new customer groups have emerged. There's of course still a market for the larger, permanent sound systems. But the needs of artists and performers are always evolving and changing. New end user groups emerge. Sound system manufacturers then have to keep adapting their products to new market trends. This is one of the reasons why we have our own specialists who keep their fingers on the pulse and stay close to users such as specialist planners, installers and event technicians. The latest sound systems need to be more mobile than ever. That means we have to keep a number of dimensions in mind when developing and designing our products:

  • Mobile sound systems need to be as simple and easy to carry as possible.
  • They need to be as independent of power sources as possible.
  • Set-up and operation shouldn't require long instructions.

Artists are increasingly active in approaching the public these days, instead of audiences going to shows. So more and more creative people on the market are looking for solutions that allow mobility.


In many cases, a permanent installation is simply not cost-effective

Portable sound systems have one advantage: They do not have to be permanently installed. This saves workload. This is especially important for:

  • Trade fairs

  • Corporate events

  • Wedding ceremonies

  • Sales events

  • Markets

  • Fashion shows

  • Sporting events

  • And many other outdoor events where large numbers of people need to be intermittently addressed

Frequently asked question: Does everything have to be mobile these days?

No, but it certainly works: In the past, sound systems were large, hard-wired installations with mixers and loudspeakers, often even permanently installed in buildings. But wireless technology has changed everything in the last few decades. Then Bluetooth came not too many years ago. The small size of modern components also makes mobile sound systems increasingly effective. Sound systems no longer need AC power, because rechargeable batteries have come far enough to provide enough power for several hours. And cables? Don't even need them anymore! Or better: Wireless isn't new, but wireless connections were simply unreliable for ages. It was very difficult to produce clean, uninterrupted sound, especially if other wireless signals were being broadcast in the same room.

Large PA systems with mixers, amplifiers, cables and sub-woofers are all well and good, but they are often simply surplus to requirements these days. That's why we make it a priority to continuously develop our range of mobile sound systems.

Want more MONACOR? Go and have a look at what we have to offer in the sound technology realm. If you are a retailer in the field of audio technology and are looking for new partners or are planning sound system projects, contact us directly.

Bildmaterial: Messehalle: AdobeStock-ChenPG,  Stadtfest: AdobeStock-ArTo

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