JBL is no stranger to the PA game and in fact, they’ve been at it longer than most. Even though they’ve been around the block and then some, they haven’t rested on their laurels and lost their spark for innovating speaker and PA tech. This buyer’s guide will break down the different types of PAs that JBL offers and their best applications.
Each section will include a brief summary, feature set, specs and a table with system configurations and crowd size. The system/crowd size table is just for a point of reference – there are many variables to consider when calculating the correct system for any given size of crowds such as space (indoor vs outdoor, venue acoustics), genre (you will generally need less output for a jazz duo compared to a metal band), crowd demographic (a crowd filled with teenagers is likely to be louder than a crown filled with geriatrics) and more.
We will only be covering active powered PAs in this guide.
The IRX100 series is JBL’s most affordable level PA family. They are ideal for anyone who needs reliable sound reinforcement without needing a degree in audio engineering. Features such as Bluetooth streaming and music ducking (explained below) makes them a great choice for fitness instructors, celebrants and auctioneers.
The family includes an 8- and 12-inch full-range speaker and a 15-inch sub. Pole mounts in both the sub and full-range speakers allow for higher speaker placement and more throw.
IRX108BT – 8-inch full-range PA
IRX112BT – 12-inch full-range PA
IRX115S – 15-inch subwoofer
| Number of Loudspeakers | Audience (indoors/outdoors) |
| 2 x IRX108BT | 100/50 |
| 2 x IRX108BT, 1 x IRX115S | 150/75 |
| 2 x IRX112BT | 125/60 |
| 2 x IRX112BT, 1 x IRX115S | 200/100 |
| IRX108BT | MAX SPL: 124 dB peak FREQUENCY RESPONSE (±3 dB): 54 Hz – 20 kHz POWER RATING: 1300 watts peak COVERAGE PATTERN: 90º (horizontal) x 60º (vertical) nominal BLUETOOTH: Audio streaming, Bluetooth version 5.0 MOUNTING: 35 mm pole socket NET WEIGHT: 17.4 lb (7.9 kg) |
| IRX112BT | MAX SPL: 127 dB peak FREQUENCY RESPONSE (±3 dB): 53 Hz – 20 kHz POWER RATING: 1300 watts peak COVERAGE PATTERN: 90º (horizontal) x 60º (vertical) nominal BLUETOOTH: Audio streaming, Bluetooth version 5.0 MOUNTING: 35 mm pole socket NET WEIGHT: 27.3 lb (12.94kg) |
| IRX115S | MAX SPL: 128 dB FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 35 Hz – 147 Hz POWER RATING: 1,300 watts peak 600 watts burst 400 watts continuous CROSSOVER FREQUENCIES: Selectable 80, 100, 120 Hz POLARITY: Normal, inverted (switch on back panel) INPUTS: 2 XLR Combo OUTPUTS: 2 XLR (pass-through) MOUNTING: M20 x 2.5P Pole Cup NET WEIGHT: 65.3 lb (29.65 kg |
Not only can the IRX100s stream via Bluetooth but two can be paired for stereo streaming which is a very handy feature that can increase audience immersion.
The Eon One Compact is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a battery-powered PA and sound reinforcement away from mains power. Behind its compact form is a PA which has impressive volume output and a built-in digital mixer, making the compact capable of supporting not just single musicians but 2- or 3-piece acts as well. There is also an optional 9-volt and 12-volt cable which can be plugged into the Eon One Compact’s USB ports to power a guitar pedal or small synth.
Its battery has a long enough life that it would also be great for outdoor ceremonies, events or auctions with up to 50 people. It also shares some features with the IRX family such as Bluetooth streaming and ducking making it a sure pick for MCs who don’t have a DJ to lower the music volume for them. 2 Compacts can also be connected wirelessly in a stereo configuration so if you want to ditch the mono set up and give your crowd a taste of stereo goodness the option is there. Up to 4 compacts can be connected to one device which can give even more output for a larger crowd.
| Number of Loudspeakers | Audience (indoors/outdoors) |
| 1 x Eon One Compact | 50/25 |
| 2 x Eon One Compact | 100/50 |
| 4 x Eon One Compact | 200/100 |
| SYSTEM TYPE: Self-powered, two-way, 8” woofer, 1” tweeter MAX SPL: 112 dB FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 37.5 Hz – 20 kHz POWER RATING: 150W peak COVERAGE PATTERN: 100º x 60º INPUTS: 2x XLR/TRS combo jacks, 1x 1/4” hi-Z, 1x 1/8” aux OUTPUTS: 1x 1/8” headphone, 1x 1/4” pass-thru MIXER: 4 channels EFFECTS: Reverb, Delay, chorus BLUETOOTH: Audio streaming and full control; range: 10 m (30 ft) USB: 2x external charging ports: port 1 = 5V, 2A; port 2 = 5V, 1A BATTERY CHARGE TIME: 2.5 hours with no signal, 6 hours with signal BATTERY LIFE: Up to 12 hours NET WEIGHT: 8 kg (17.63 lb) |
With multiple input types and the ability to power pedals and small synths makes the Compact an absolute workhorse capable of allowing multiple musicians and instruments to play through the one system with ease.
The Eon One MkII is the big brother of the Eon One Compact. It’s a battery-powered stick PA, giving it greater output and throw compared to the compact. It also has a larger mixer and more processing as well.
The Eon One MkII would work well in the same situations as the Compact albeit for larger crowds. Not only does the MkII have increased output over the Compact, but its stick PA design also gives it a far wider dispersion which means one Eon One MkII can deliver great sound across a wider area compared to a traditional PA.
| Number of Loudspeakers | Audience (indoors/outdoors) |
| 1 x Eon One MkII | 100/50 |
| 2 x Eon One MkII | 200/100 |
| SYSTEM TYPE: Powered Column PA Speaker WOOFER SIZE: 10” TWEETER SIZE: 2” TWEETER COUNT: 8 MAX SPL: 123db/119dB AC/Battery FREQ RANGE -10: 37-20kHz FREQ RANGE -3: 45-20kHz HOR DISPERSION: 140° VERT DISPERSION: 30° POWER RATING: 1500W Peak 400W RMS INPUT IMPEDANCE: 4kΩbalanced Combo 2MΩ balanced I/O: CABINET: 3 – XLR Combo Jacks 1 – 1/4” Hi-Z 1 – 1/8”/BT Summed 1 – X1/4” balanced NET WEIGHT: 42.5 pounds (19.3 kg) |
Favourite Feature
The Eon One MkII’s battery is actually in the bottom section of the stick segment – this means easy battery swapping and better acoustics from the sub.
The EON700s are JBL newest PA family. They are the successor to JBL’s EON600 range and they’ve added some new features which elevate them past their predecessors. Dbx processing such as feedback suppression and 8 band EQ as well as a large colour touch screen are some of the new tricks they’ve thrown up Eon’s sleeves.
This PA family has a 10-, 12- and 15-inch full-range speaker with an 18-inch sub. These PAs would be ideal for bands and live music venues that need a flexible and modular PA system. There is an optional universal mounting bracket that works with the 710, 712 and 715 making the reconfiguration of systems a breeze. They also have full control via the JBL Pro Connect app.
Eon710 – 10-inch full-range PA
Eon712 – 12-inch full-range PA
Eon715 – 15-inch full-range PA
Eon718S – 18-inch subwoofer
| Number of Loudspeakers | Audience (indoors/outdoors) |
| 2 x EON710 | 100/50 |
| 2 x EON710, 1 X EON718S | 150/75 |
| 2 x EON712 | 125/60 |
| 2 X EON712, 1 X EON718S | 200/100 |
| 2 X EON715 | 150/75 |
| 2 X EON715, 1 X EON718S | 250/125 |
| EON710 | SYSTEM TYPE: 10IN Powered Loudspeaker WOOFER MODEL: 710G WOOFER SIZE: 10″ WOOFER MAGNET: Ferrite WOOFER VOICE COIL: 2″ TWEETER MODEL: 2414H Compression Driver TWEETER SIZE: 1″ TWEETER MAGNET: Neodymium TRANSDUCER IMPEDANCE: LF 4ohm rated, HF 8ohm rated MAX SPL: 125dB @1m/4Pi FREQUENCY RANGE –10: 52Hz – 20kHz FREQUENCY RANGE –3: 65Hz – 20kHz HOR DISPERSION: 110° VERT DISPERSION: 60° POWER RATING: 1300W peak / 650 RMS AC POWER INPUT: 100V-120V or 220V-240V COOLING: Passive LED INDICATORS: 1 Power LED, 1 Limit LED, 1 Front LED, 2 Signal/SSM LEDs INPUT IMPEDANCE: 50k/100k un-balanced/balanced INPUT GAIN: -∞ to +36db CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 2 kHz I/O: 2 XLR Combo Jacks / BT 1 XLR M Thru SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: 4 M10 Suspension points, 36mm Pole Socket, universal yoke bracket holes HANDLES: 1, Cable channel on the bottom NET WEIGHT: 12kg (26.46 lbs.) |
| EON712 | SYSTEM TYPE: 12IN Powered Loudspeaker WOOFER MODEL: 712G WOOFER SIZE: 12″ WOOFER MAGNET: Ferrite WOOFER VOICE COIL: 2″ TWEETER MODEL: 2414H Compression Driver TWEETER SIZE: 1″ TWEETER MAGNET: Neodymium TRANSDUCER IMPEDANCE: LF 4ohm rated, HF 8ohm rated MAX SPL: 127dB @1m/4Pi FREQUENCY RANGE –10: 50Hz – 20kHz FREQUENCY RANGE –3: 60Hz – 20kHz HOR DISPERSION: 100° VERT DISPERSION: 60° POWER RATING: 1300W peak / 650 RMS AC POWER INPUT: 100V-120V or 220V-240V COOLING: Passive LED INDICATORS: 1 Power LED, 1 Limit LED, 1 Front LED, 2 Signal/SSM LEDs INPUT IMPEDANCE: 50k/100k un-balanced/balanced INPUT GAIN: -∞ to +36db CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 2 kHz I/O: 2 XLR Combo Jacks / BT 1 XLR M Thru SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: 4 M10 Suspension points, 36mm Pole Socket, universal yoke bracket holes HANDLES: 1, Cable channel on the bottom NET WEIGHT: 14.5kg (32.00 lbs.) |
| EON715 | SYSTEM TYPE: 15IN Powered Loudspeaker WOOFER MODEL: 715G WOOFER SIZE: 15″ WOOFER MAGNET: Ferrite WOOFER VOICE COIL: 2″ TWEETER MODEL: 2414H Compression Driver TWEETER SIZE: 1″ TWEETER MAGNET: Neodymium TRANSDUCER IMPEDANCE: LF 4ohm rated, HF 8ohm rated MAX SPL: 128dB @1m/4Pi FREQUENCY RANGE –10: 45Hz – 20kHz FREQUENCY RANGE –3: 55Hz – 20kHz HOR DISPERSION: 90° VERT DISPERSION: 60° POWER RATING: 1300W peak / 650 RMS AC POWER INPUT: 100V-120V or 220V-240V COOLING: Passive LED INDICATORS: 1 Power LED, 1 Limit LED, 1 Front LED, 2 Signal/SSM LEDs INPUT IMPEDANCE: 50k/100k un-balanced/balanced INPUT GAIN: -∞ to +36db CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 2 kHz I/O: 2 XLR Combo Jacks / BT 1 XLR M Thru SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: 4 M10 Suspension points, 36mm Pole Socket, universal yoke bracket holes HANDLES: 1, Cable channel on the bottom NET WEIGHT: 16.9kg (37.3 lbs.) |
| EON718S | SYSTEM TYPE: 18IN Powered Subwoofer WOOFER MODEL: 718G WOOFER SIZE: 18″ WOOFER MAGNET: Ferrite WOOFER VOICE COIL: 3″ TRANSDUCER IMPEDANCE 4 ohm rated MAX SPL: 131dB @1m/2Pi FREQUENCY RANGE –10: 31Hz – 150Hz FREQUENCY RANGE –3: 40Hz -120Hz CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 80, 100, 120Hz selectable POWER RATING: 1500W / 750W RMS AC POWER INPUT: 100V-120V or 220V-240V COOLING: Passive LED INDICATORS: 1 Power LED, 1 System Limit, 1 Front LED INPUT IMPEDANCE: 50k/100k un-balanced/balanced INPUT GAIN: -∞ to +36db I/O 2 XLR Combo 2 XLR M Thru SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: 1 M20 Threaded Polecup HANDLES: 2 NET WEIGHT: 35.5kg (78.26 in.) |
Favourite Feature
The 8-band EQ is an incredibly useful tool that allows the full range EON700s to be tuned in any space.
The PRX One is JBL’s flagship stick PA. It has an incredible amount of processing, 7 channel mixer which is backed up by a super low-frequency response of 35 Hz and 130 dB peak. A pair of these stick PAs would be excellent for serious DJs who want a simple system that still boots as well as production/hire companies that need something to take over their intermediate level inventory.
An optional mounting bracket for the column allows the PRX One to be installed as well. Cafes and small to medium-sized venues would benefit from this feature as it makes for a discrete, powerful and aesthetically pleasing PA system. Throw total app control and Bluetooth streaming into the mix and it makes the PRX One the best stick PA at that price point.
| Number of Loudspeakers | Audience (indoors/outdoors) |
| 1 x PRX One | 150/75 |
| 2 x PRX One | 250/125 |
| SYSTEM TYPE: Powered Column PA Speaker WOOFER SIZE: 12” TWEETER SIZE: 2.5” TWEETER COUNT: 12 MAX SPL: 130dB FREQ RANGE -10: 35-20kHz FREQ RANGE -3: 40-20kHz HOR DISPERSION: 130° VERT DISPERSION: 30° POWER RATING: 2000W Peak 1000W RMS AC POWER INPUT: 300W 100-230V AC 50-60Hz CROSSOVER FREQ: 260Hz I/O: 4 XLR Combo Jacks 2 1/4” Hi-Z 1 1/8”/BT Summed 1 XLR Pass Through NET WEIGHT: 25.7kg |
Favourite Feature
Even when you push the PRX One the sound remains incredible and clear and the bass is mind-blowing.
The SRX800 range moves into what is professional sound reinforcement territory. The SRX800 series has a wider range compared to the Eons and the IRX100s, and their output is much higher. Not only is there 2 traditional full range PAs and a subwoofer, but also a 3-way PA and a monster dual 18-inch sub (which has a whopping max output of 141 dB).
This range is well suited for touring companies and larger venues that need high output and connectivity. The SRX800s can all be controlled via an internal WIFI so speakers that at out of reach can still be tuned via the internal DSP. They also integrate into Harman’s HiQ Net which allows them to communicate directly with certain Soundcraft consoles (such as the VI series).
SRX812P – 12-inch full-range PA
SRX815P – 15-inch full-range PA
SRX835P – 3-way full-range PA
SRX818SP – 18-inch subwoofer
SRX828SP – dual 18-inch subwoofer
| Number of Loudspeakers | Audience (indoors/outdoors) |
| 2 x SRX812P | 150/75 |
| 2 x SRX812P, 1 x SRX818SP | 200/100 |
| 2 x SRX815P | 175/85 |
| 2 x SRX815P, 1 x SRX818SP | 250/125 |
| 2 x SRX835P | 250/125 |
| 2 x SRX835P, 1 x SRX818SP | 300/150 |
| 2 x SRX835P, 1 x SRX828SP | 400/200 |
| SRX812P | SYSTEM TYPE: Self powered 12”, two-way, bass-reflex MAX SPL OUTPUT: 136 dB FREQUENCY RANGE (-10 dB): 40Hz – 21kHz FREQUENCY RANGE (-3 dB): 48Hz – 20kHz AMPLIFIER SYSTEM POWER RATING: 2000W Peak, 1500W Continuous INPUT IMPEDANCE: 40k balanced, 20k unbalanced LINE INPUT GAIN: 21 dB CONSUMER INPUT GAIN: 33 dB MIC INPUT GAIN: 45 dB MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL LINE: 20dBu CONSUMER: 8dBu MIC: -4dBu CONNECTORS: Neutrik ¼ – XLR input; Neutrik XLR Output LED INDICATORS: Power LED (Green) Network Link (Green) Network Data (Yellow) COOLING: On-Demand variable speed fan AC POWER INPUT: 100V – 240V~ 50/60 Hz AC POWER CONSUMPTION (120V~): 2.2A (1/8th Power), 5.6A (1/3rd Power) SPEAKER LF DRIVER: 2272F HF DRIVER: 2432H COVERAGE PATTERN: 90 x 50 CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 1.9kHz ENCLOSURE SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: Dual 36mm pole socket, 12 x M10 Suspension points HANDLES: 3 WEIGHT: 58.0 lbs (26.4 kg) |
| SRX815P | SYSTEM TYPE: Self powered 15”, two-way, bass-reflex MAX SPL OUTPUT: 137 dB FREQUENCY RANGE (-10 dB): 36Hz – 21kHz FREQUENCY RANGE (-3 dB): 44Hz – 20kHz AMPLIFIER SYSTEM POWER RATING: 2000W Peak, 1500W Continuous INPUT IMPEDANCE: 40k balanced, 20k unbalanced LINE INPUT GAIN: 21 dB CONSUMER INPUT GAIN: 33 dB MIC INPUT GAIN: 45 dB MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL LINE: 20dBu CONSUMER: 8dBu MIC: -4dBu CONNECTORS: Neutrik ¼ – XLR input; Neutrik XLR Output LED INDICATORS: Power LED (Green) Network Link (Green) Network Data (Yellow) COOLING: On-Demand variable speed fan AC POWER INPUT: 100V – 240V~ 50/60 Hz AC POWER CONSUMPTION (120V~): 2.2A (1/8th Power), 5.6A (1/3rd Power) SPEAKER LF DRIVER: 2275F HF DRIVER: 2432H COVERAGE PATTERN: 90 x 50 CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 2kHz ENCLOSURE SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: Dual 36mm pole socket, 12 x M10 Suspension points HANDLES: 3 WEIGHT: 63.0 lbs (28.6 kg) |
| SRX835P | SYSTEM TYPE: Self powered 12”, three-way, bass-reflex MAX SPL OUTPUT: 137 dB FREQUENCY RANGE (-10 dB): 33Hz – 21kHz FREQUENCY RANGE (-3 dB): 41Hz – 20kHz AMPLIFIER SYSTEM POWER RATING: 2000W Peak, 1500W Continuous INPUT IMPEDANCE: 40k balanced, 20k unbalanced LINE INPUT GAIN: 21 dB CONSUMER INPUT GAIN: 33 dB MIC INPUT GAIN: 45 dB MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL LINE: 20dBu CONSUMER: 8dBu MIC: -4dBu CONNECTORS: Neutrik ¼ – XLR input; Neutrik XLR Output LED INDICATORS: Power LED (Green) Network Link (Green) Network Data (Yellow) COOLING: On-Demand variable speed fan AC POWER INPUT: 100V – 240V~ 50/60 Hz AC POWER CONSUMPTION (120V~): 2.2A (1/8th Power), 5.6A (1/3rd Power) SPEAKER LF DRIVER: 2272F MF DRIVER: 2107H HF DRIVER: 2432H COVERAGE PATTERN: 60 x 40 CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 330Hz & 2.4kHz ENCLOSURE SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: Single 36mm pole socket, 12 x M10 Suspension points HANDLES: 3 WEIGHT: : 85.0 lbs (38.6 kg) |
| SRX818SP | SYSTEM TYPE: Self powered 18”, subwoofer system MAX SPL OUTPUT: 135 dB FREQUENCY RANGE (-10 dB): 29Hz – 150Hz FREQUENCY RANGE (-3 dB): 35Hz – 120Hz AMPLIFIER SYSTEM POWER RATING: 1000W Peak, 750W Continuous INPUT IMPEDANCE: 40k balanced, 20k unbalanced LINE INPUT GAIN: 21 dB Maximum INPUT LEVEL: Line: 20dBu CONNECTORS: Neutrik ¼ – XLR input; Neutrik XLR Output LED INDICATORS: Power LED (Green), Network Link (Green, Network Data (Yellow) COOLING: On-Demand variable speed fan AC POWER INPUT: 100V – 240V~ 50/60 Hz AC POWER CONSUMPTION (120V~): 2.2A (1/8th Power), 5.6A (1/3rd Power) SPEAKER LF DRIVER: 2279F CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 80Hz SUSPENSION/MOUNTING: M20 Threaded Pole Mount HANDLES: 4 WEIGHT: 87.0 lbs (39.5 kg) |
| SRX828SP | SYSTEM TYPE: Self powered dual 18”, subwoofer system MAX SPL OUTPUT: 141 dB FREQUENCY RANGE (-10 dB): 29Hz – 150Hz FREQUENCY RANGE (-3 dB): 35Hz – 120Hz AMPLIFIER SYSTEM POWER RATING: 1000W Peak, 750W Continuous INPUT IMPEDANCE: 40k balanced, 20k unbalanced LINE INPUT GAIN: 21 dB Maximum INPUT LEVEL: Line: 20dBu CONNECTORS: Neutrik ¼ – XLR input; Neutrik XLR Output LED INDICATORS: Power LED (Green), Network Link (Green, Network Data (Yellow) COOLING: On-Demand variable speed fan AC POWER INPUT: 100V – 240V~ 50/60 Hz AC POWER CONSUMPTION (120V~): 2.2A (1/8th Power), 5.6A (1/3rd Power) SPEAKER LF DRIVER: 2 x 2279F CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 80Hz HANDLES: 8 WEIGHT: 165.0 lbs (75.0 kg) |
Favourite Feature
Wifi control and the ability to connect to a third party router gives easy access to the DSP and mixer of the SRX800s even while flown.
It’s also important to mention JBL’s newest PA control app Pro Connect. This app allows a smartphone or tablet to connect to the PRX One, Eon One MkII and the Eon700 series. You can control up to 10 units from these families from one device. This is a huge boon to anyone setting up a system with both front of house and foldback speakers as they can all be controlled wirelessly from one device. The app can also save snapshots (presets) of different systems and individual unit settings so set up becomes a much easier affair.
Congratulations! You’ve made your way through our JBL PA Buyer’s Guide. As you’ve noticed, JBL has a PA for any situation and now it’s up to you to go out, have a listen for yourself and choose the PA that best suits your needs. Hopefully, the information in this article will give you a better idea of which JBL PA will work best for you and don’t forget to check out the accompanying video to get a better look at the PAs covered in this article.
Combine a piano, pad and sampler layer in Cubase 16, then shape what each layer…
Sketch a film cue with Sonuscore’s free Kontakt Player library. Here’s how to claim it…
Ibanez and Dragon Ball Z have something in the works. Here’s a first glimpse, with…
Slate Digital, SSL, Harrison Audio and sonible feature in a permanent free collection, with updated…
Arturia, the French music technology company known for recreating iconic gear in software form, has…
Roland’s TR-1000 1.50 update adds note and keyboard modes for compatible generators, plus effects continuity…