-DUO and the WAVE-EIGHT portable DJ system, I got really excited. The WAVE-EIGHT is a class-D amplified 8" portable battery speaker. It has been designed to be used outdoors, boasting an IPX4 waterproof rating, which I guess is a good thing considering the weather we’ve endured so far this year! 82 And it's clearly aimed at smaller events like beach parties, camping get-togethers, pool parties, and venues where there is no mains power available.

For us mobile DJs, cables can be a real pain. They get in the way, and they take time to deploy and pack up at the end of an event. So, the opportunity of getting my hands on a wireless, battery-powered PA system was fantastic. Wireless systems have been around for years but often only using Bluetooth connectivity, which brings its own problems.

Bluetooth is impossible to DJ with due to the inherent delays it creates, capable of throwing any DJ who mixes into an impossible situation. I have used batterypowered Bluetooth PA speakers for background music for years, but you would never use them for live mixing a DJ set! There are a few other solutions out there, but this one is really quite unique and impressive. Each WAVE-EIGHT includes a built-in Bluetooth receiver, which is great for background music, for example.

But there is also a proprietary built-in 2.4GHz SonicLink, an ultralow latency connection that allows us to use the speaker as a PA system for mixing live DJ sets with no delays. This is achieved with the aid of a supplied stereo, rechargeable battery-powered transmitter, which is docked inside the WAVE- EIGHT for easy recharging and transport. The system is genius and works really well in practice. You can also expand the system to include multiple WAVE-EIGHT speakers in left, right or mono, and there are presets which allow you to use different sound profiles.

Each WAVE-EIGHT can be configured using a built-in DSP as MUSIC, SUBWOOFER, MUSIC LOW CUT (to accompany a sub), FLAT, VOCAL, or FLAT LOW CUT. These are all selected from a control panel on the top at the back of the speaker. Underneath a waterproof flap are further controls and connections, including two XLR/TRS combo line inputs, a 3.5mm jack AUX input, a 1/4" TRS jack MIC input, a USB-C power output (2.1A 5V), MIC EQ, gain, and echo controls, and an XLR line out.

Being able to charge a phone or tablet from a battery speaker is brilliant, though it will obviously have an effect on the run-time. There is also an IEC socket to allow mains use, as well as for charging the internal battery and the docked transmitter. The internal battery will run for about eight hours from full, which is plenty of time for an average party. You can always top up the battery power from the mains whilst the speaker is running.

ALPHATHETA WAVE-EIGHT The plastic construction of the WAVE-EIGHT is very sturdy and features several waterproof flaps to cover the various panels and protect the internals. I love the solid-feeling handles – fitted to the top and one side, they’re ideal for transport. Meanwhile, the rubberised feet on the base and sides allow for multiple placement. The WAVE- EIGHT also has a pair of wheels at the back and a telescopic handle to help you move the unit around, but I would suggest using this on perfect floors only! (Besides, the WAVE-EIGHT is not particularly heavy.) On the base is a standard 35mm pole mount, which means you can mount this on a standard The front of speaker tripod or stand. a tough grille woofer, and protect the discreet full-metal the whole of a distinctive appeal to two LEDs on indicates power, the connectivity. power indicator the battery connectivity green to connection or Bluetooth I have actually of WAVE-EIGHTs, a fair few these speakers. was to an in the Midlands, sounded great. demonstrated AGM, where bit of interest, them to provide ceremony which was My son Simon them fun to an outdoor ALPHATHETA WAVE-EIGHT ALPHATHETA WAVE-EIGHT the speaker features With the weather improving (I to protect the hope), I have many more events a plastic bar to lined up where I’m sure the WAVE- tweeter.

I prefer a EIGHTs will prove their worth. grille to cover the front, but it’s Ideal for mobile DJs, I love the look that may well fact that the WAVE-EIGHT is others. There are also so portable and the battery life the front – one is plenty for a day’s work. But the other shows it also sounds great, especially Usefully, the considering it’s only an 8” speaker. will blink when I also feel the SonicLink is well runs low, and the thought out and implemented, indicator glows and great to use overall. indicate SonicLink blue to indicate I do prefer a more discreet look connection. for my speakers, with a single metal grille, and I would’ve loved bought a pair it if the WAVE-EIGHT came as I can see with protective transit covers. benefits to owning Thankfully, Andy Dykes of Paladyn Their first outing created some great slip on covers NADJ speaker event for me, which do the job well.

This where they is all down to personal taste and Since then, I have preference at the end of the day. them at the SEDA they created a fair With the continued use of as well as using sound limiters in more and more background and venues, I could see these speakers music at a wedding, becoming the choice of many perfect. mobile DJs out there! Although, I do hope the WAVE-EIGHT is the and I also found start of a wider series from Alphause when we DJed Theta, as I would also love to see a event together. slightly bigger unit.