Portable Column Array PA Systems have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and stylish appearance. In this review, I look deeper at one of the leading choices in this competitive space.
The JBL PRX ONE is a feature-rich choice with a large number of channels, making it an ideal option for multi-piece bands. Extensive tuning flexibility and loud output are other highlights of this impressive system.
I’ve used column array PA systems in various venues. While they are not always the correct choice, there is no denying the flexibility they offer. But it’s more than just sheer convenience; we thoroughly test multiple areas to ensure we get a holistic view of what the product offers.
Detailed reviews form the bedrock of our site. With over 15 years of industry experience, we understand what we like and don’t like. But we also realize that with that can come some bias, which is why we gather a broad amount of data from people and customers to deliver reviews you can trust.
Features
The JBL PRX ONE is one of the most feature-rich column array PA systems I’ve tested. There is plenty to love about this comprehensive unit, but it also has some notable drawbacks. Let’s dive in.
Sound Quality
After many years in the industry, I’ve become critical regarding sound quality. I’ve seen the best and the worst, and while the JBL PRX ONE is very impressive, it isn’t perfect.
I’ll start with the low end. The 12-inch woofer provides a solid level of punch and some rumble, but it isn’t quite as meaty as some might desire, myself included. As a DJ, I play a lot of bass-heavy music. While a pair of these is sufficient for weddings and smaller gigs of around 50-100 people, you’ll be better off with large dedicated PA subwoofers if you want extra low-end thump.
But if bass performance isn’t high on your list of priorities, the JBL PRX ONE offers enough depth and definition to provide satisfying bass levels, albeit without that body vibration that bass heads will crave.
An impressive PA system that complements JBL’s extensive range.
The mid-range is exceptionally well-balanced. Vocals and instrumental components that dominate this frequency range are well-defined and offer rich character and warmth. The result is an engaging and inviting sound profile that makes me smile.
Likewise, the top end delivered ample clarity and definition in what can often be a troublesome part of the frequency spectrum. Some units can be overly sharp in the range, but the JBL PRX ONE didn’t suffer from any grating tonality or tinniness.
The twelve 2.5-inch drivers deliver excellent mids and highs.
The sound distribution across the broad 130-degree horizontal coverage was even. For some gigs, you’ll be able to bring a solitary unit. It will cover the performance area with even and dependable sound.
Vertical coverage is more narrow than other units at 30 degrees. For a standing crowd, this is enough to make a satisfying sweet spot across most of the dancefloor, but for performances that feature seated patrons, there are noticeable dips outside of this narrow range.
I’ve tested many column array systems, and they are among my favorite all-in-one PA options. The JBL PRX ONE stands out as among the best, but bass enthusiasts might desire a little more. Regardless, the JBL PRX ONE delivers on the promise of smooth, well-defined, and satisfying sound for most applications.
Build Quality
The JBL PRX ONE is far from a budget-friendly unit, so I was especially critical in this area. If you are handing over your hard-earned money, you should expect longevity from your gear.
For the most part, the JBL PRX ONE is a solid and reliable unit, albeit with a few minor quibbles that are worth highlighting.
The base unit that features the woofer is quite robust and can handle the rigors of frequent transportation as long as you are appropriately careful.
Robust build quality.
The array is equally robust, but it lacks a satisfying clip-in connection I’ve seen on other column array systems. This doesn’t impact durability, but it’s an added layer of satisfaction that would have helped elevate the unit.
The lack of clip connections on the various TRS/XLR combo jacks is also a slight letdown. Once again, it’s not a dealbreaker by any stretch, but at this price point, I can’t see how it would have cost JBL that much more to add this in.
Despite these minor gripes, the JBL PRX ONE is a great unit, and I can see it lasting a long time. If anything changes on his front, I’ll be sure to return in the future to update this review. As always, I suggest buying from a reputable company that offers a hassle-free warranty service in the unlikely event something were to go wrong.
Specifications
The JBL PRX ONE is a powered column array PA system with a Class-D amplifier for high efficiency and smooth performance. Total power is 2000 Watts at Peak and 1000 Watts RMS.
This high power level delivers the volume with a Max SPL of 130 dB—ample headroom to handle a variety of gigs. The limiter is relatively forgiving, and I didn’t notice any distortion issues at higher volume levels.
High power and good depth in the low end.
The unit features a 12-inch bass-reflex woofer with some decent thump. Still, after recently testing dedicated PA subwoofers in the 15-18-inch range, I know some people might prefer something with more grunt.
The array features twelve 2.5-inch drivers with copper-capped pole pieces to keep mids and highs distortion-free and consistent across the wide 130-degree horizontal and 30-degree vertical coverage span.
As for the response, the JBL PRX ONE offers a healthy 40Hz-20kHz at -3dB and as low as 35Hz at -10 dB. It hits low, but I’ve tested other units that dig deeper. But for most situations, there is enough depth to offer high volume and clean bass performance.
Tuning
There is a lot to like about the flexibility that the JBL PRX ONE offers in this area, but likewise, there are some hair-pulling elements that knock it down a few points. Most of which are associated with the JBL Pro Connect App.
The unit features a push-button rotary for each channel. Pressing it will cycle through the available options, and rotating will adjust the parameter selected.
Excellent options to sculpt the output.
The full-color LCD screen is large enough to clearly see what you are doing. After some practice, you’ll become familiar with the workflow to achieve the sound you want from the system.
But I’ll admit it isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. You’ll need to take some time to familiarize yourself with all the various functions, but once you have some time under your belt, it’s straightforward and intuitive.
You can also access user presets, which is excellent if you pre-dial the system or play at the same venue regularly. Likewise, the internal system features all the bells and whistles you would want, including one-touch ducking, 8-band master EQ, and Lexicon effect engine with extensive choices.
The JBL Pro Connect App could use several improvements.
So, while the unit is comprehensive, the appeal for some people might be the ability to tune it remotely via the JBL Pro Connect App. Unfortunately, this is primarily an exercise in frustration rather than a handy addition.
The App suffers from a poor user interface, and the performance is often laggy. The text size and overall design should be overhauled, but the heavy-handed touch controls are the biggest issue. If you want granular access, brace yourself for wild swings that make it difficult to dial the unit precisely to your preferences.
I recommend bypassing the App altogether and focusing on mastering the onboard controls. So, despite the clunky app implementation and the slightly steep learning curve, the JBL PRX ONE offers extensive depth that, once mastered, results in endless flexibility to fine-tune the output.
Design
Aesthetically, the JBL PRX ONE is everything I want from a column array PA system. It oozes a smart and modern appearance that is both classy and functional.
The all-black finish ensures the unit blends effortlessly into any situation, and both the base unit and array feature an attractive honeycomb grille with distinct angular edges.
The PRX ONE comes with a nylon carrying bag.
Beyond appearance, the placement of the connections and control knobs are also superb. Easy to access and cleanly integrated into a recessed section. The bright LCD screen is also fantastic.
The handle is also expertly crafted and makes transportation a breeze. The included nylon carrying bag for the array is also excellent. As mentioned earlier in the review, my only minor gripe is the lack of click connections on the array and the connection points.
If you want a smart-looking and practical column array PA system, the JBL PRX ONE fits the bill to a tee.
Dimensions
The JBL PRX ONE is similar in size to other column array PA systems. If you’ve spent any time transporting these systems, you’ll already know how convenient and space-saving this type of setup is compared to a traditional subs and tops combo.
The PRX ONE is an easy-to-transport PA system.
Elevating the convenience further is the lightweight nature of the system. At 56.6 lbs. (25.67 kg), the unit is ultra-portable. The days of having to cart around monstrously heavy units can be a thing of the past, and if you value the state of your back, the JBL PRX ONE is a superb choice.
Connections
The extensive selection of connection options is one of the stand-out features of the JBL PRX ONE. Several column array systems offer a few connections, making them a poor choice for multi-piece bands, but the PRX ONE has none of these limitations.
At the rear, you’ll have access to four Mix/Line channels, each offering a TRS/XLR combo jack. Clip connections would have been a nice inclusion, but this is far from a dealbreaker. Two channels offer +48V Phantom Power for easy integration with your favorite microphone.
Extensive connection options.
Channels five and six feature a TRS Line connection, while Channel seven offers an AUX IN and doubles as the Bluetooth channel. Bluetooth pairing is straightforward, and with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, the connection is fast and stable.
Supporting the primary connections is a set of two USB 2.0 ports. These charge external devices like smartphones but also offer the option to power wireless units (though you’ll need to buy a dedicated JBL adapter for this feature).
Finally, an XLR Pass Thru is available for chaining multiple systems while retaining the same settings as the primary system. The JBL PRX ONE has all the connectivity you would want from a column array PA system, making it an excellent choice for multi-piece bands.
Value
The JBL PRX ONE is an exceptional unit, but it comes with a fairly hefty price tag. It’s up there with some of the more expensive column array PA systems, but it does make up for it with a long list of features and inclusions that help justify the high price tag.
There is some stiff competition at this price point, but if you need a multi-channel system with detailed tuning controls and a host of built-in features, the JBL PRX ONE is a solid investment. However, if you play smaller gigs or don’t require so many channels, there are some other more affordable units that you can pick up.
Customer Reviews
After completing our internal testing and gathering feedback from our network of industry experts, I’ve scoured the web to find out what other people thought of the JBL PRX ONE.
The results are not surprising. Most people love the sound, flexibility, and appearance of the PRX ONE, but equally, people despise the JBL Pro Connect App, which drags down the overall score. Depending on how much you want wireless tuning access will determine if you’ll love or hate this unit.
Performing At Small & Medium-Sized Venues
Units like the JBL PRX ONE are an excellent choice for small to medium-sized venues, but you should be aware of some sound dispersion challenges inherent to both.
One challenge with sound dispersion in small venues is the limited space for sound waves to propagate. This can result in sound waves reflecting off walls and causing unwanted echoes or reverberation.
Additionally, the audience’s proximity to the sound source can lead to uneven sound distribution, with those closest to the speakers experiencing louder sound than those farther away.
Be mindful of the space you are playing in and adjust accordingly.
In medium-sized venues, the challenge lies in achieving uniform sound coverage throughout the space. The distance between the sound source and the audience is more significant, requiring careful placement of speakers and consideration of the room’s acoustics.
Achieving even sound dispersion is crucial to ensure everyone in the venue can hear the performance clearly and at an optimal volume. To maximize your success, give yourself ample time to set up and test your system in the space and make appropriate adjustments to placement and EQ as required.
Alternatives
The PA systems market has never been hotter, with an extensive range of choices available. Below, I explore a small selection of alternatives to the JBL PRX ONE that are worth investigating if the JBL PRX ONE isn’t ticking all of your must-have boxes.
EV Evolve 50
The EV Evolve 50 is a primary competitor to the JBL PRX ONE. It costs about the same but has some notable improvements and drawbacks compared to the JBL PRX ONE.
- Superb sound quality with richer bass response.
- It has attractive styling, and it’s also available in white.
- There are far fewer channels compared to the JBL PRX ONE.
Electro-Voice Evolve 50
Bose L1 Pro 8
If the complexity of the JBL PRX ONE is too much for your needs, the stylish Bose L1 Pro 8 is a viable choice. Excellent for duos or small DJ gigs, it’s a well-rounded unit with slick app integration.
- Smooth and engaging sound signature with broad dispersion.
- App performance is substantially better than the JBL offering.
- It is nowhere near as loud as the JBL PRX ONE with a Max SPL of 118 dB.
Bose L1 Pro 8
Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT
Finally, I’d like to suggest the Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT as a totally different choice. This portable PA system features a traditional two-speaker setup while giving you access to a comprehensive tactile mixer.
- Outstanding sound quality that is dynamic and ultra-clear.
- Easy to use while still giving you excellent granular control.
- It’s not as punchy in the low end as the JBL PRX ONE.
Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT
Our Verdict
Throughout this review, I’ve been a bit critical of the JBL PRX ONE in specific areas. But I need to ensure that I set the record straight; I like this unit a lot and have no hesitation in recommending it.
After putting it through our testing, the JBL PRX ONE performed exceptionally well in several critical areas. My critique comes from seeing how close JBL has gotten to a near-perfect unit.
The sound quality is vibrant and full of character, the depth of connection options makes it an outstanding choice for bands, the modern styling is attractive and durable, and the tuning flexibility is second to none.
Despite a few minor quibbles, there is little doubt that JBL is onto a winner here. I’m just hoping future updates to the App will resolve some of my complaints and help elevate the JBL PRX ONE beyond its already high standing.
