JBL PRX815

First off, the PRX 800 speakers are really hard to beat for the price. I owned a pair of PRX715 speakers for about 7 - 8 years. Absolutely phenomenal speakers. Never needed a sub with them except for huge school dances where they want a LOT of bass. I have done weddings up to 175 people with the PRX715s and no subwoofer. It sounded a great. A little back story - I tried buying the PRX812s. I was looking to reduce size/weight. However, I was really disappointed with the sound out of the box. I did some EQ work in the app and got them to sound much better. I still did not think they had quite enough low end without needing a subwoofer, which defeats the purpose of downsizing/saving space and weight. So I decided to send them back and get the PRX815s (yes I probably shouldn’t have sold the 715s but I jumped the gun). I did similar EQ work on the PRX app (will comment on this later), and they sound amazing. Similar to what I recall with the 715s. I have not used them for a gig yet but I will soon. There is much more noticeable bass on the 815s than the 812s. The 812s are probably okay for smaller gigs (up to 100 people indoors) without a sub if it is properly EQ’d. They are loud, but not extremely bass-y like the 815s. Otherwise, you’ll need a 15 or 18 inch sub. I also hit the limiter on the 812s while setting up the EQ and had to dial back the low end. I have almost never hit the limiter on the 715 speakers after over 100 gigs. The 815s though I do not think will need a sub unless it is a really large gig (over 150-200 people) or outdoors. JBL is also extremely reliable (read up on their 100 hour torture test). I owned the 515XT eon for years with no issue either. The PRXs sound way better though, but it’s a different class of speakers. I would put the PRXs up against EKX series EV or any QSC. QSC K12.2s are $2,000 for a set or $1,400 for two PRX815s—your choice. I think the highs and mids sound great and clear as well. A con I would say is the weight. They are close to 50 lb, which is enough if you have a long walk from your car to where you’re playing. I’d recommend a cart if possible. From my extensive comparisons, all the higher end 15” PA active speakers are around 45-50 lb. This is mostly due to wood cabinet, amp, and magnet weight. Now, on to the app. Yes, a lot of people have complained about the PRX connect app. I’m also an engineer, so I have a good tech background, and it is a bit cumbersome to use. Just read the instructions carefully, and it should work. It is annoying that it uses WiFi and not Bluetooth. Once it is setup and connected, it is easy to arrange the speakers and set up the 8 band parametric equalizer. However, JBL notes you have to bring the same router with you to adjust on the fly at gigs. It also only works with an iPad, which I think is a downside that they didn’t make an iPhone app. This is a bit annoying. I tried using my cell hotspot but was unsuccessful. I will have to try again since that may be a workaround for when I’m at a gig away from home. Otherwise, not being able to adjust it may be an issue if your last gig was low key and the bass was turned down for it and now you need more low-end for example. Can be adjusted on a mixer though, but the whole point of the 800s is that they have this capability built in. Mackie and others use Bluetooth, which is probably easier. The 900 series use a different app, so maybe it has been improved. Overall on the sound, it is impressive like I have mentioned. I just don’t think you’re going to find any speaker within the price range that comes close. Normally, these go for over $1,000, so yes there are speakers in that range that can compete. If you need something more insane than the PRXs, then look at SRX series. I have heard them at gigs when sound companies brought them. They’re absolutely ridiculous but very expensive and heavy. Lastly, please go purchase padded covers for these. My 715s did probably hundreds of gigs and looked in mint condition because I KEPT THEM IN THE PADDED COVERS. The amount of people I see selling used speakers that look like they were stored in a WWII bunker is appalling. Take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you. It will be worth it in resell value alone years down the road when you can get much more out of them. If you are doing gigs, they get banged off of doorways, walls, cars, etc. when loading/unloading, even when you’re careful. Google the covers and you may be able to find a better deal under $100. Bottom line, buy these speakers if you’re a band or DJ that needs high quality, adjustable sound on the fly with good low-end and who performs fairly large events/weddings. You won’t be disappointed.

WOW JBL speakers paired with Crown amps produce big time results, in quality of sound and clarity of amplification.

The true potential of this speaker is when you have outdoor gigs. Then this speaker thrives in an environment where there is plenty noise. Get two of these speakers at least and you are on your way to building a great sound system

I was searching for a speaker to drown out my co workers jbl 1000 party speaker. As well as to fill the entire warehouse with MY music. Yes, I can be an obnoxious a**. My entire warehouse crew, just the same lol. Anyways, I did extensive research before buying this speaker. Out of the box (without equalizing), this speaker is very loud! Love it there are a COUPLE of things that I wish were different. Using the app takes some tinkering with to really get a feel for it. 1. It's not bluetooth capable. In order to connect, you have to use audio out cables and plug into your source. 2. You HAVE to use a tablet in order to use the prx application. I was quite disappointed with this. But I went and added a line with my phone carrier for $8/month. Without the tablet, your stuck only with the EQ on your source/phone. You'd figure with a speaker this expensive, that it would send you a remote to use as an equalizer. But I understand that you wouldn't be able to have access to all of your setup that way. Possibly they could have an equalizer remote to purchase separately. Overall I love it, alot. It sounds like you're in the front rows of a concert. It's pretty big to haul around. I like the handle that it has on it. Still pretty heavy and somewhat difficult to move around. I recommend purchasing the carrying case. I purchased only the one PRX815W, but I am seriously considering adding onto it and being a dj for weddings and such on the side. I live in a large 2 story house and this speaker alone will shake the upstairs. At work you can hear it from all around, even with all the added noises of a very large warehouse. It will shake the windows of the breakroom if I have it turned up and within 150ft. That isn't with the volume or bass all the way up. The speaker far exceeds the purpose that I bought it for and has also opened me up to maybe starting a new side job. I hope this review is helpful. I DEFINITELY recommend this speaker. I BELIEVE (don't quote me on this) that the higher end models (srx) of this speaker are able to stream audio from the source via bluetooth.

I have been using it and it is working properly. I bought one and bought another. The second one is more than two hundred dollars cheaper than the first one, why? Promotions?

Sounded great for 3 gigs, then nothing. No input signal recognized on the amp panel. I have 5 of these and this is the first one that failed and it is only a few months old. Amazon offers no recourse. I went to JBL and am now going through their warranty process hoping for the best.

great speakers at a great price!

Es una maravilla. Me encanta. Desearía poder comprarme otro. Claro que tendría que mudarme a un lugar donde no tenga vecinos jajaja