The Behringer Eurolive B210D is a powered speaker that can be used Front of House or on the floor as a monitor. It packs 200W of peak power split into 180W for the LF and 42W for the HF drivers. All while being under 20lbs per speaker.

It also has integrated DSP that filters out lows progressively as you go louder to keep the signal clean. An internal limiter keeps the signal from overloading your drivers, extending their long-term reliability.

One thing the B201D is known for is its good power-to-weight ratio. This might not mean much for static setups but for equipment rentals, touring musicians and street performers, travelling weight is very important.

Having a lighter speaker without compromising power is always welcome in these situations.

A gripe that I have with the unit after encountering it in some venues is that the front grille gets dented easily. This is commonly seen when it's used as a floor wedge.

It doesn't technically affect performance, but it looks unsightly and reflects badly on the venue's upkeep. I've also encountered units that hiss but when I checked, it has more to do with the venue's electrical system. It could be avoided with better internal component shielding but I assume that would raise the price.

Fortunately, this issue is mostly cosmetic and the venues I've performed and teched for reported that it took years before the speakers needed servicing.

Overall, the B210D isn't perfect, but it's still the best powered speaker in its class with good power output and decent features. Just hope that the overenthusiastic guitar players that perform at your venue don't step on it during their solos and it'll last you a surprising amount of time.

Specifications

• LF Driver: 1 x 10"
• HF Driver: 1.35" Aluminum diaphragm compression driver
• Amplifier: Bi-amped
• Output Power Peak: 220W (180W LF, 42W HF)
• Frequency Response: 65Hz-20kHz
• Maximum Peak SPL: 113dB
• Crossover Frequency: 2.4kHz
• Enclosure: Molded Plastic
• Mounting: Pole Mount with 1.37" socket, Floor Wedge
• Inputs:1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR
• Outputs: 1 x XLR
• Controls: Power Switch, 1 x Level Knob, High EQ, Low EQ
• Dimensions: 18.3" x 11.5" x 9.6"
• Weight: 18.8 lbs.

For a powered speaker that weighs under 25 pounds, the Yamaha DBR10 is one loud PA speaker: putting out a massive 129 SPL with good clarity and at an agreeable price.

With a 10" main speaker you might expect that it would be a bit lacking in the bass department, but it performs reasonably well there too, with a frequency range down to 55Hz. It's the combination of portability, power and price that makes this such a compelling option and why so it's been so popular and well regarded since it was released in 2014.

And it's very versatile. I personally have used the DBR10 as an 'FRFR' (Full Range Full Response) amp with guitar modeling as well as a PA / FOH speaker and stage monitor. I consider it to be the best powered speaker to pair with guitar processors.

Yamaha DBR10 with a PRS SE Custom Semihollow to give you an idea of the size.

It has a mixer and two channels each with an XLR/TRS combo input and volume controls but keep in mind that only one of the channels can accept a mic level input (switchable between Mic/Line).

The second channel also has stereo RCA phono connectors for adding program music. I can confirm that you can actually use these at the same time as the line input. It's probably not the best way to do it but if you can balance the volumes of these inputs you could call it a 3 channel mixer.

Yamaha DBR10 Rear Mixer Panel

As standalone FOH speakers a pair of these perform well in smaller venues and medium sized venues for styles that aren't loud or bass heavy. The sound they offer is best described as clean, loud and surprisingly full.

They provide reasonable bass for many styles but if you want some real 'thump' or are in a larger venue then you'll want to pair them with subwoofers. I haven't done this, but they have great reputation for combining well with subwoofers and the HPF switch works well for this purpose.

Although others say it can get scratched too easily, I've only experienced a few minor ones. It's a good idea to at least get a 'Speaker Tote Bag' for a 10" speaker enclosure like this one made by Gator to keep those classy looks. That particular bag has worked well for me.

The Yamaha DBR series has been around since 2014 when they brought some of the DSP magic from their higher priced DXR series to this more affordable range and they've been quite popular and well regarded ever since.

This is a fantastic, affordable, lightweight speaker that sounds great and offers a ton of versatility. It looks good and has been a reliable workhorse for many (including me) that is backed by Yamaha's 7 year warranty. It's suitable for use everywhere from practice at home, on stage as a monitor or an instrument amp, as the main speakers for smaller venues or coupled with subwoofers in larger venues.

The power at such a light weight is really the standout feature making it suitable for a wider range of situations. There may be bigger, better, more expensive powered speakers out there but at this weight the DBR10 is in a class of its own.

Specifications

• LF Driver: 10" Cone, 2" Voice Coil Ferrite Magnet
• HF Driver: 1" Throat Compression
• Amplifier: Bi-amplified Class D
• Output Power Peak: 700W (500W LF, 200W HF)
• Output Power Continuous: 325W (260W LF, 65W HF)
• Frequency Response: 55Hz-20kHz (-10dB)
• Maximum Peak SPL: 129dB
• Crossover Frequency: 2.1kHz
• Enclosure: Plastic
• Mounting: Pole, Floor, Wedge
• Inputs: 1 x XLR/TRS Combo (Mic/Line) , 1 x XLR/TRS Combo (line only), 1 x Stereo
• Outputs: 1 x XLR
• Controls: Power Switch, 3 x Level Knobs, Mic/Line Switch, D-Contour (FOH, Off, Monitor), HPF Switch (120Hz, 100Hz, Off)
• Dimensions: 19.4" x 12.1" x 11.4"
• Weight: 23.2 lbs.

QSC is the brand to beat when it comes to quality, reflected by the almost perfect ratings that a number of their products are getting. The K8.2 is one of their highest rated speakers, sporting an 8" speaker and a 2000W amplifier with a built-in 3-channel mixer.

Compared to the CP series, The K series adds premium speakers, DSP and cooling. QSC also adds a bit more power to the LF driver, which means a bit more low-end emphasis, which helps its small 8" speaker to sound fuller. These all add up to a cleaner, tighter sound and even better long term reliability.

I am impressed by its detailed sound, especially in the midrange, which works very well for acoustic guitar with vocals - soloists and duos. Although the low end is a little limited due to the 8" woofer, it does pair well with subs. I don't do DJ work myself, but I've seen reports from DJs who really like the sound when paired with a good sub.

If you're looking for a great sounding speaker that can be used for both FOH and as a stage monitor, then get the QSC K8.2. It shines best at acoustic performance venues where detail is favored over loudness.

Specifications

• LF Driver: 8" Cone
• HF Driver: 1.75" Titanium Compression
• Amplifier: Bi-amplified Class D
• Output Power Peak: 2000W (1800W LF, 225W HF)
• Output Power Continuous: 1000W (900W LF, 100W HF)
• Frequency Response: 59 Hz - 20 kHz (-6dB) | 55 Hz - 20 kHz (-10dB)
• Maximum Peak SPL: 128dB
• Crossover Frequency: User Adjustable
• Enclosure: ABS Thermoplastic with 18 AWG Steel Grille
• Mounting: Pole, Floor Wedge, Flown
• Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (line/Hi-Z), 1 x 1/8" (Aux Stereo-in)
• Outputs: 2 x XLR (Thru), 1 x XLR (Mix out)
• Controls: 3 x Gain Knobs, DSP Controls, Power Switch
• Dimensions: 17.7" × 11" × 10.6"
• Weight: 27 lbs.

The KW153 is another one of QSC's top rated PA powered speakers, enjoying perfect ratings at almost all major retailers.

This particular model comes with a three-way speaker design that can really put out some serious volume, sporting a 15" LF driver, a 6.6" MF driver and a 1.75" tweeter.

Unlike the JBL SRX835P this is only bi-amped, however the crossovers do their job and I don't think there's any lack of mid or high-end response; even at high volume you still get a great deal of detail and nuance.

I'm happy using these for any style of music and I've seen reports of other audio engineers using them for orchestra and classical style music which goes to show just how versatile they are.

If you're looking for a premium quality 3-way speaker for permanent installation or large venues, then this is your best bet.

Specifications

• LF Driver: 15" Cone
• MF Driver: 6.5" Mid Range Cone
• HF Driver: 1.75" Titanium Diaphragm Compression
• Amplifier: Bi-amplified Class D
• Output Power Peak: 2000W (1000W LF, 1000W HF)
• Output Power Continuous: 1000W (500W LF, 500W MF/HF)
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz – 18 kHz (-6dB) | 33 Hz – 20 kHz (-10dB)
• Maximum Peak SPL: 134dB
• Crossover Frequency: DSP Controlled
• Enclosure: 15mm Painted Birch Plywood
• Mounting: Pole, Fly
• Inputs: 1 x XLR/TRS Combo (Mic/Line), 1 x XLR/TRS Combo (Line), 2 x RCA
• Outputs: 1 x XLR (Line), 2 x XLR (Direct)
• Controls: Power, Gain A & B, Input Gain (0 dB / 12 dB / 24 dB / 36 dB), LF Mode (Ext Sub /Norm/DEEP), HF Mode (Flat/ Vocal Boost), Front LED (On /Off/Limit)
• Dimensions: 43.1" × 18.5" × 16.8"
• Weight: 87 lbs.