YA M A H A S TA G E PA : £. The Yamaha STAGEPAS has been around for many years, in a number of different versions, which has allowed the product to be refined to offer a unique all-in-one PA solution that packs an inordinate number of features into an extremely small setup. This review will focus on the latest top-of-the-range model, the STAGEPAS 600BT, although the concept remains the same across all of the STAGEPAS models: ultra-portable active PA solutions complete with multi-input mixing.

80 The STAGEPAS 600BT takes the form of two 10” passive speaker cabinets, one of which features a slot that holds a compact active PA mixer, while the other has a rear compartment for the storage of leads. This means that a fully-featured PA rig can be contained within just these two speaker cabinets, making it extremely portable and therefore ideal for when storage or transport space is limited. From a mobile DJ perspective, the system could be used for playing small parties, however I think it is much more attractive for wedding ceremonies or speeches.

This is an area that I know many DJs are expanding into, and the STAGEPASS 600BT is ideal because of its compact design combined with an extremely versatile mixer section. Despite being small enough to fit in the back of one of the speaker cabinets, the mixer offers seven input channels (four mono and three stereo) as well as a wide range of EQ and signal processing tools built-in. This makes it ideal for use at wedding ceremonies and other similar occasions, even if multiple mics and even musical instruments need to be incorporated into the mix.

All of the input channels feature independent level and three-band EQ controls, and there are also Master level and EQ dials. The master EQ has an implementation that I’ve never seen before, but one that I thought was ideal for this system as a way to not only save space but also make it easy to operate. A single dial is labelled with ‘Speech’ at one end, ‘Music’ in the middle and ‘Bass Boost’ at the other end. This allows the system to be easily tailored to a specific application, but with more flexibility than the EQ pre-set switches that are more common.

The four mono channels are all switchable between mic and line level, while the fourth channel also features a ‘Hi-Z’ switch which allows for the direct connection of a guitar or other similar instrument without the need for a separate DI box. This is an extremely useful feature when you’re providing ceremony PA and may find that the ‘featured musicians’ are friends and family rather than professional performers. The first two channels feature standard XLR input sockets, and can be set to supply ‘phantom power’ for microphones that require it (such as boundary or shotgun mics).

The second two channels feature combination XLR / ¼” jack sockets for added YAMAHA STAGEPAS 600BT flexibility. All three of the stereo to prevent channels feature twin 1/4” jack accidentally sockets, while one also offers There is also a the option of RCA phono sockets connection, and another features a 3.5mm be used by a mini jack connection. They are activate the also switchable between stereo singing but and mono, allowing for flexible while they speak connection of music playback sources, stereo instruments (such I found the as high-end keyboards) and mono and intuitive instruments such as guitars (via a sounding great DI box). and was very results.

It’s ideal An in-built reverb effect can be effect to enhance applied independently to each will be more of the first four channels using happy even dedicated dials. A master control singer you’re – again with a uniquely simple yet powerful single knob control Yamaha have interface – then allows selection shoehorn a between four different effect circuit into types (Hall, Plate, Room and is activated Echo) each with variable delay button with time. There is also a push button on/off status with status LED for activating and come across deactivating the delay feature, in the past, I which I can imagine being useful I was very SYATAMYAINHGA MSTOABGIELEPAS 600BT YAMAHA STAGEPAS 600BT it being applied previously found that they make when not required. very little difference.

However, reverb footswitch I was pleasantly surprised when which is designed to te sting out the STAGEPAS singer who wants to 600BT! It worked remarkably well, effect when they are significantly reducing the ‘howl’ then subtly disable it when a mic started to feedback. between songs. The final aspect of the mixer that reverb extremely easy needs a mention is the signature to setup. I had it feature of this incarnation of the in no time at all STAGEPAS system: Bluetooth.

The impressed with the mixer features an in-built receiver for adding a subtle that allows wireless connection sung vocals and of a smartphone or tablet for than enough to keep music playback. The Bluetooth the most diva-ish circuit routes to the final mixer likely to come across! channel and there is a dedicated push button for pairing and an also managed to associated status LED. I must feedback suppression admit, that on first attempt I the mixer, which failed to pair my phone following by a simple pushthe instructions in the manual. a corresponding However, after I switched the mixer indicator.

Having off and back on again it then paired this type of feature without issue and the connection must admit that remained stable and reliable from sceptical as I’ve that point on. THE EARLY DAYS In addition to the two ¼” jack a mic or two. I did sockets for connection of the system was let mixer to the two supplied the speaker leads. speakers, there is also a separate a good length (6m) passive mono ¼” jack output the ‘figure of 8’ socket for the connection of a and have a rather separate active subwoofer.

In feel where the rest addition, a separate stereo pair oozes quality. of ¼” sockets are provided for the connection of a separate powered The speaker cabinets monitor speaker. This output has are constructed a dedicated level dial, however it plastic and have isn’t possible to alter the mix of without being too input signals separately for the speaker weighs monitor. mixer is an additional 10” low frequency As I have already mentioned, the with a 1.4” voice coil mixer clips into the back of one driver, allowing for a of the speakers for convenient frequency range. transportation.

The mechanism for holding the mixer in place Large rubber feet on is nicely robust and it is held the cabinets allow securely in place until you slide directly on the floor, the plastic release switch. It did are also fitted with occur to me that perhaps the sockets for use Yamaha design team missed a speaker stands. trick in not allowing the mixer to Yamaha’s StageLok™ be reversable and slot in with its which allows the controls facing inwards to provide to the stand for protection for the knobs and switches during transit.

The stereo amplifier the mixer drives Since all of the connections with 280W (continuous) are positioned on the front of (peak) of power the mixer panel, I don’t see any deliver an output reason why the mixer couldn’t be (measured at 1m). operated from inside the speaker the system I was should you wish. However it can both the sound also comfortably sit or a table volume that could or desk, and is fitted with screw I did notice a holes for attaching an optional adaptor (BMS-10A) which allows it be attached to a standard mic stand.

This allows for a very compact standalone mixing station, ideal for use in venues with limited space. The compartment in the back of the second speaker offers ample space to store the supplied mains IEC lead and speaker cables as well as a few XLR cables and even 82 feel that the background hiss, but not enough down a little by that it would be a problem in a They are of room full of people. Also, as you but feature might expect from 10" speakers, style of cable some of the deep low end was thin and cheap missing.

However this could easily of the system be rectified by pairing the system with one of Yamaha’s active sub cabinets such as the DXS15mkII. themselves from moulded I’m confident that the STAGEPAS a robust feel 600BT would be adequate on its heavy (each own for filling some of the smaller 10.9kg, while the hotel function rooms that I play. 3.8kg). The And, with a separate sub added, cone is paired it should be able to cover most of compression the medium-sized rooms that are 55Hz – 20kHz the mobile DJs’ bread and butter.

However, it is this system’s mixer section that really makes it stand the bottom of out. The level of connectivity and them to stand advanced feature-set that has while they been cleverly engineered into pole mount this extremely compact product with standard is really impressive. For that These feature reason, I really do think this is technology the ideal system for mobile DJs speaker to clamp who also provide PA services for secure mounting. wedding ceremonies and other similar occasions that call for both built-in to amplified speech and a mix of preeach speaker recorded and live acoustic music. / 340W allowing them to of 129 dB SPL When I tested impressed by quality and the be achieved. little bit of YAMAHA STAGEPAS THE EARLY 600BT DAYS SPARKULAR-MINI-FALL INVERTED COLD SPARK MACHINE FOR INSTALLATION ON A TRUSS SYSTEM 2 DMX channels DMX or remote controlled (remote control included) LCD screen Activation only via the supplied card for improved safety Fall length 2 – 4m depending on spark granulate Cold sparks, no danger of burns Flame-proof ABS case Spark granulate available, order code HC8200-L or HC8200-M SPARKULAR-MINI COLD SPARK MACHINE 2 DMX channels DMX or remote controlled (remote control included) LCD screen Activation only via the supplied card for improved safety Fountain height 3 – 3.5m Cold sparks, no danger of burns Flame-proof ABS case Spark granulate available, order code HC8200-L or HC8200-M HTTPS:// LOTRONIC A F X - L I G H T .