Last Updated on March 25 by Monty Python
The DJ speakers are normally coupled with other equipment that the DJs have. The purpose of these special speakers is to produce audible and beautiful sounds which a large audience could easily enjoy.
Such sound systems are useful in creating sounds where people in a gathering of any nature are present. It could be a concert, party, a school function, competition, or any other place where sound is required to be played to a larger audience.
Things just don’t depend upon the equipment here. The skills of the DJ matters as well for producing the desired sound. There are some sophisticated controls and other features of such speakers which the DJ needs to master.
We will guide you here about each and everything related to the DJ speakers so that you could make a quality purchase with full confidence.
Top 10 DJ Speakers to Buy
Different manufacturers have come up with a range of DJ speakers offering a different level of productivity through each.
We have carefully devised the below list of the topmost DJ speakers available in the market. If you are clear with your needs then you could surely find one good speaker of your choice from the below list:
Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker
Bose is a renowned manufacturer and quite popular for its revolutionized live studio small ensembles and solo artists. This particular model is a very thoughtful production that optimizes power, portability, and ease of use.
The mobile DJs will find it as an ideal option especially when they are playing for a larger audience in bigger venues. This speaker comes in a versatile design that you could employ into four distinct patterns for the audience.
The built is sturdy that comes with scratch-resistant polypropylene stuff along with the ergonomic handles. This would make these speakers quite easy to carry around. The quality of sound is great and you will find it to be clear, clean, and dimensional. It offers 1000 watts of power along with 132 dB SPL.
Pros
- Offers excellent power and frequency range
- Compact size and sturdy built
- Excellent versatile design with ergonomic handles
- Several control features
Cons
- Slightly heavier
Electro-Voice 15 inches ZLX12P 2Way Full Range 1000 Watts Loudspeaker
This is one of the most productive, economical, and feature enriched 15 inches loudspeakers that you could find in the range. Whether you like to use it with a subwoofer or not, you will get clean and crisp sound along with the deep lows which will be great for a large audience.
The bod of this DJ speaker is extra durable and lightweight. The hi/ lo kind of a grip design makes it easy to mount on some pole if required. The split baffle design allows for excellent driver time alignment along with the much-enhanced sound impact.
The grill provided in the front comes with durable steel along with LED. What else, you will find this speaker extremely easy to use. It is more of a plug-and-play model where you just need to crank up its volume.
Pros
- High-quality design
- Built-in DSP control
- Sturdy built and lightweight design
- No overheating
Cons
- The body may get easily scratched
Pioneer DJ Studio Monitor DJ Speaker
This beautiful set of studio monitors from Pioneer offers great value for money with lots of exciting features for the DJs as well. This makes a superior option for practicing and bedroom DJing. This is certainly not a product for any life gigging at all.
You will find this active powered pair quite easy to use and operate with all of its controls. It comes with a 1RCA input line along with a mini-jack option as well. You will also have a headphone monitoring output connection.
These speakers are quite solid and well-constructed. You will also find them to be compact where the size would be decent enough to be carried, placed, or stored with ease. Excellent frequency handling through the DECO codec option.
Pros
- The wooden enclosure offers excellent dampening
- Efficient frequency handling
- The two-way bass reflex port
- Solid and sturdy construction
Cons
- The sound delay experienced when turned on
QSC K10.2 10 inches Active Powered 2000 Watts DJ Speaker
This specific model is popular among DJs for its excellent sonic performance and upscale tone. It provides a superb balance of impactful bass and crisp high quite well.
The equipment is packed with a range of superior and convenient features which would make it extremely productive and versatile. The system comes with robust built which would conveniently shrug off any sort of accidental knocks or even scratches.
The lightness is another brilliant feature of this speaker which comes through its hi-tech and durable plastic along with the well-built drivers. On top of that, you will get it in compact size as well.
This full-range speaker comes with 100 Watts RMS along with a 10 inches woofer hoked with a compression driver of 1.75 inches.
There are a few other intelligent features as well such as a built-in limiter, EQ settings, and an effective DEEP setting feature.
Pros
- Lightweight and solid design
- Audio with high precision
- Digital display with multiple functions
- Built-in limiter option
Cons
- Costly for the features
Pyle PA Active and Passive Bluetooth Speaker Set
If your choice is to have an active and passive pair of the speaker to be used as left and right options then this is the best set for you.
This 700 Watts PA system offers a portable, lightweight design with two-way full-range audio. It will offer a high projection combo of woofer-tweeter which works in unison for the sake of covering an extremely wide frequency.
The woofer measure around 8 inches and you will be facilitated with superb bass response. It also has a port for ensuring a distortion-free experience.
The tweeter provided comes with a 1-inch titanium compression driver. You will find it working with excellent efficiency. You will also be provided with a productive LCD digital display along with a rear panel as well which comes with a rotary dial.
Pros
- A mounted pair of the PA system
- Robust equipment but quite lightweight
- Digital LCD interface provided
- Variety of input options
Cons
- The sound quality is not much impressive
Electro-Voice ZLX12P 12 inches 2-Way Full Range 1000 Watts DJ Speaker
If you are looking for a passive speaker or maybe the top quality speakers for home use then this one is your ultimate pick. The manufacturer has made this beauty with music in mind only, rather than preferring volume only. It has a pro design with a structure that boosts sonic performance. The front grill of this equipment has a specific pattern which provides it with a very good industrial look.
On top of that, the angled edges of this speaker are a superb deviation from the usual flat-faced type of DJ speakers. If you are not looking to mount it then you will be happy to experience its stability that comes through the rubber bottom feet.
This equipment is extremely lightweight and you will get it with the carry handles which makes it quite easy to transport. The sound quality is superb too and you will benefit a lot from the mids and highs of the speaker which are quite crisp and ideally balanced.
Pros
- Offered with several tuning options
- Excellent frequency response guaranteed
- Four playing modes offered
- Large LCD
Cons
- Bass sound is low quality
JBL Profession Portable EON612 2-Way Self-Powered DJ Speaker
This 12 inches DJ speaker is considered one of the most dependable systems for mobile DJs. You will find this one to be incredibly light in weight and there is an ergonomic built design overall. You will have it in working order in multiple configurations. It could work as a floor monitor, suspended from the top, tripod stand, pole-mounted, or stacked upon each other through molded feet.
The 1000 Watts speaker promises to deliver within the frequency range of 48 Hz to 20 kHz along with 126 dB of SPL output. The crisp and clear sound produced is equally distributed as well. The distinctive feature of this speaker in the range is its DSP processor that comes with a Bluetooth controller.
The speaker could be fine-tuned using your smartphone in different types of acoustic settings. You may easily switch between four different types of sound modes with the use of a single button only on the speaker.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Bluetooth control
- Four sound modes on offer
- Highly portable
Cons
- Dedicated power source required for each speaker
Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT 12 inches 1000 Watts Bluetooth Powered DJ Speaker
This speaker set from Electro-Voice can work as the primary speaker in the mobile DJ setup. In other scenarios, you may also use it for recording purposes, live performances, get-togethers at home, and a lot more. It is quite lightweight, durable, and versatile in its design.
The manufacturer has provided a speaker option that the musicians, DJs, and all other music enthusiasts would love. The system controls are quite simple which would enable you to tweak the settings so that you could extract maximum out of the speaker.
The speaker also comes with a highly productive Quick Smart type of DSP controller along with a useful SST waveguide design.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight design
- Bluetooth powered system
- Simple and easy to use controls onboard
- DSP controller option provided
Cons
- Bluetooth has a poor signal range
Mackie THUMP Series 12 inches 1300 Watts DJ Speaker with High-Performance Amps
If you are looking for a super thick bass tone then this DJ speaker is the best one for you. It comes with a range of other quality features as well which matches its price quite evenly.
The speaker has a solid construction with impact-resistant plastic, which could survive accidental bumping or scratches. The sound quality of this 12 inches speaker is outclassed.
You have the option of tuning down the frequencies up to or down through the EQ settings to get a much-balanced sound. It is essentially built for the low end that comes with the well-rounded type of enclosure which you will find to be quite punchy and warm.
Pros
- Crisp, clear, and loud sound
- Sturdy built
- No feedback sound issue
- Excellent power
Cons
- Not much lightweight
JBL Professional PRX4252-Way Compact DJ Speaker System
This professional DJ speaker from the JBL brand offers music enthusiasts and DJs with super high-powered performance. This is all thanks to the dual subs of 15 inches. The speaker has got the potential of pushing 600 watts of nonstop power that comes with an ideal 2400 Watts of peak power.
The system has got the potential of handling all the audio needs whether you look to play rock or maybe spin the hip hop sets.
The speaker cabinets are quite durable which is good for those DJs who are mostly on the road. The unique selling point of this set is the clarity and detailing in the sound. The users will get the best value for their money spent on this product.
Pros
- 2400 watts power
- Dual subs provided
- Durable design
- Excellent sound with clarity
Cons
- The design is a bit heavy to move around with ease
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DJ Speakers
How could I determine the wattage needs for my DJ speaker?
It depends on the nature of your use. If you need it for large crows then go with a speaker in the range of 1500 Watts, A speaker of 1000 Watts will be sufficient for medium crowds or home use.
What is SPL for a DJ speaker?
This would tell that how far the sound could travel from the speaker and also if it will be evenly distributed or not.
What is DSP in a DJ speaker?
DSP stands for Digital Signal processor which manipulates the digitized audio mathematically. Therefore, a speaker that has DSP will be much more precise and will perform better as compared with the RAW type.
When is subwoofer best required with a DJ speaker?
They are much more desirable for live sounds. Such systems would provide a much more vibrant and richer sound that comes with extra treble and bass.
How could I determine the wattage needs for my DJ speaker?
It depends on the nature of your use. If you need it for large crows then go with a speaker in the range of 1500 Watts, A speaker of 1000 Watts will be sufficient for medium crowds or home use.
When is subwoofer best required with a DJ speaker?
They are much more desirable for live sounds. Such systems would provide a much more vibrant and richer sound that comes with extra treble and bass.
What are the best DJ speaker brands?
Bose, Mackie, JBL, Yamaha, and Electro-Voice are the most popular brands of speakers.
What to Look for in a DJ Speaker?
- Active speakers require a separate amplifier, while passive speakers do not.
- You should use a powered speaker if you want better sound quality and control over your music.
- You can use a speaker’s wattage rating to determine how loud it can play.
- For a small house party with fewer than 50 people, you should try to get a 200 Watt speaker.
- For a dance in a large hall with hundreds of people, try getting a 1000 Watt speaker.
- Woofer cones determine how much bass your speaker can produce.
- You should consider getting a pair of speakers with a larger woofer cone if you’re planning to play at smaller venues.
- You should consider getting a subwoofer.
- It’s easier to carry a subwoofer than a big speaker.
- If you’re looking for a cheap DJ speaker, you’ll be disappointed.
- You don’t need to spend over $1000 to get started with a DJ setup.
How much should I spend on DJ speakers?
- If you charge too much, you won’t make any money.
- Mobile DJs provide an essential service.
- You should buy a good quality speaker at an affordable price.
- You should spend at least $500 on speakers if you want them to work properly.
What to Look For in a Set of DJ Speakers?
A passive pair is always better than an active model because it doesn’t need batteries. However, a passive model is also much harder to use since it needs to be connected to something else (like a wall socket) while an active model can operate without any external power supply.
What’s The Point Of A Subwoofer?
- You should have a subwoofers if you play electronic dance or hip hop.
- Subwoofers are good for DJs who want to make loud beats.
- Woofers are usually smaller than subs.
- The woofer produces bass sounds.
- Subs produce deeper bass sounds.
How Many Watts Do I Need For My DJ Speakers?
A speaker system needs a minimum of 5W power per person to cover an indoor party. Anything more than this requires a festival amplifier.
Is 500 Watts Loud Enough For A Party?
A reasonable amount of power is needed to play music in a room. For a medium-sized or large party, 500 watts is enough.
How Do Monitor Speakers Fit Into A DJ Set Up?
Studio Monitors are designed to help you hear your vocals better when performing. They are basically just normal speakers with a wide frequency range. You should use them while you are recording your songs because they allow you to hear yourself more easily. A DBR10TS310 would work well for this purpose.
Things to Consider when Buying DJ Speakers
All DJ speakers of the same type cannot be equal. Even, you could get completely different DJ speakers from the same manufacturer as well.
The need is to evaluate the speakers, which is done based upon its features and the overall package they have got to offer.
Considering all the below things related to the DJ speakers would make your life much easier with the subject purchase:
Types
The DJ speakers are of the following three types:
Active
The active DJ speakers are also commonly known as the Powered DJ speakers. They come with a built-in amplifier system which makes this type quite convenient to use. This type promises to save the DJ from any kind of stress associated with looking up for a compatible mic that had to suit the chosen speaker type.
The active speakers are connected with the mixer through a cable. Moreover, these speakers should also have a connecting cable hooked to the power source. For this type of DJ speaker, make sure that you give top consideration to the design of the speakers, their rating, and also the overall sound quality.
Passive
These speakers are also commonly known as U-powered speakers. You will need to have an external amplifier with this type which is then connected with the passive speaker. Do take care of the power rating of such speakers and you must also get an amplifier that could fit well with the speaker.
The idea here should be to prevent the amplifier from getting heated up when it is used with the speaker. DJs usually prefer such types of speakers for big places. They have their specific set of advantages where especially they do not get overheated and that allows for more sustainable use.
Subwoofer
For DJs, this is the lesser common type of speaker but still good enough to discuss here. This type is determined by the use or the purpose of having a speaker. This type of system complements other speakers. The subwoofer monitor speaker could be used for monitoring progress and also for the sake of determining those parts which require any type of enhancement.
Size
The majority of the DJ speakers are usually between 8 and 15 inches. The greater bass is dependent upon the size of the cone where bigger cones produce more bass. However, the small size of the speaker is responsible for providing higher frequencies at a much better volume, and those lack bass as well. A suitable size must be chosen as per your needs.
Power Rating
The power rating of speakers is measured in watts. Two critical measurements used here are RMS and Peak. RMS is the volume of the speaker or how much it is capable of providing output on an average. On the other hand, Peak is the max volume that any specific speaker can run on.
If you are looking to play very loud music in large places with big crowds then you must look for a speaker with higher wattage. You must be sure to check a few other aspects which could make up for a top-quality speaker. Make sure that more wattage wouldn’t always translate to better and louder sound.
Frequency
A good frequency range for a DJ speaker is a must thing to check. This is the range within which a DJ speaker could play itself. If you are playing some music that produces frequency outside the speaker’s range then the system would not be able to play it.
It is also something that determines the response of the frequency. This is how loud the DJ speaker could play at the tones which are audible to you. As a rough idea, the desired frequency range for the DJ speaker range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Sound Quality
The loudness of the speaker is not the quality always. You must be considerate of the Total Harmonic Distortion before putting your finger on particular equipment to purchase. It determines that how well your DJ speaker can produce quality sound and play your desirable music with no distortion at all.
Amplifier
For the sake of efficiency, you must look for the best amplifier. The Class D amp is considered the best as it allows an excellent efficiency rate between 90 and 95 percent. One must pay close attention to the class or quality of an amp.
The main purpose is to produce output that could best handle the signal but it must also be big enough to provide the main requirements of the speaker. There are four distinct classes of amps which namely are Class A, B, AB, and D.
Weight
The lighter is the weight of your speaker, the better it will be for you. This is more important when you are looking to move with your equipment from one venue to the other. This means that it will be quite convenient for you to set up, pack, and carry the DJ speaker from one place to another.
Compatibility
You must look to go for such a DJ speaker which offers higher compatibility with the other speakers. This is important when you are looking to connect your DJ speaker with other speakers, such as with a subwoofer for getting enhanced sounds.
It is also seen that those speaker systems which come with built-in Bluetooth are known to have much higher compatibility with other speakers and devices.
Conclusion
Budget is the very first thing that comes to our mind when we think about the much-needed musical equipment including the DJ speakers.
However, the need must be to evaluate the features which you want to have in the equipment. If you plan smartly for the purchase then you could surely get one that will not only meet your needs but it will also fit your budget.
A DJ speaker needs to be one that should match the purpose for which you need it. For this thing, you need to first determine its type. Once that is done then the things come down to the power of the speaker, frequency, cone size, mixer, DJ controllers, input devices, headphones, and other features and functionalities.
If you are able to give due consideration to each of these features then you will surely come home with the most desirable DJ speaker.