Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Muisc Pro Editorial Team
In the realm of portable PA systems, the Yamaha STAGEPAS 200 emerges as a standout contender, blending innovative features with astonishing high-quality sound. Designed to cater to the versatile needs of musicians, performers, and speakers, this compact setup offers an impressive combination of clarity, precision, and ease of use. Whether it’s for outdoor busking, small indoor gigs, or as a reliable backline component, the STAGEPAS 200 promises to deliver exceptional sound quality and functionality. This review delves into the intricacies of its design, performance, and unique features, such as its mixing capability and audio streaming options, comparing it with other options in the market, and evaluating its pros and cons to determine if it truly sets a new standard for compact, battery-powered PA systems.
Design and Build
The Yamaha STAGEPAS 200 not only captures the eye with its cube-shaped design but also conveys a sense of purpose and serious intent. A notable design feature is the inclusion of two dense rubber moulded components on its underside, acting as non-slip feet or transformable floor stands, suitable for virtually any environment. These components serve dual purposes: when clipped in place, they act as non-slip feet, stabilizing the speaker on various surfaces. Remarkably, these feet can be detached and reattached to the sides of the speaker, transforming them into floor stands. This innovative feature allows the speaker to be angled upwards at either 30° or 60°, enhancing sound projection and coverage in different settings. Additionally, the STAGEPAS 200 is equipped with a ‘top-hat’ speaker stand hole on one side, enabling it to be mounted at height, with dedicated Stagepas controller knobs remaining easily accessible, even when the speaker is elevated. Despite its compact dimensions, the speaker has a substantial weight of 12kg, which, although it requires some effort to lift onto a speaker pole, underscores its solid construction and reliability.
Performance and Sound
Audio Components and Technology
At the heart of the Yamaha STAGEPAS 200 lies a powerful audio system, featuring a power amp and microphone simulators, concealed behind a sturdy, perforated metal grille. The speaker houses a 200mm-diameter bass/mid driver with a 50mm voice-coil, paired with a concentrically mounted high-frequency driver featuring a 25mm-throat and a 31mm voice-coil. This high-frequency driver is horn-loaded, optimizing its efficiency and projection. The inclusion of two triangular ports enhances the speaker’s low-frequency response, extending its bandwidth and reducing the excursion of the bass driver diaphragm. The drivers are powered by Class-D amplifiers, with the low frequencies and high frequencies receiving 150 Watts and 30 Watts, respectively. The system’s crossover is set at 2kHz, ensuring a seamless blend of the sound across the frequency spectrum. Yamaha’s engineering prowess is evident in the claimed system frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz, indicating a broad and capable sound reproduction range.
Acoustic Performance
To gauge the STAGEPAS 200’s acoustic performance, a detailed analysis was conducted, revealing that the speaker provides a superb overall performance suitable for audiences alike. The speaker’s frequency response, both axial and 30° off-axis, was measured, showcasing its capability to deliver live sound features effectively. Despite some irregularities, the overall frequency response was surprisingly linear, making it the best portable karaoke machine for karaoke fans seeking high-quality sound. A notable peak was observed in the 1kHz range, falling within the human ear’s most sensitive region. This characteristic is likely to influence the speaker’s overall tonality, adding a distinct coloration that may be perceived as beneficial or detrimental, depending on the listener’s preference. Another positive finding was the speaker’s off-axis response, which maintained more consistency across frequencies than anticipated. This attribute means the STAGEPAS 200BTR is not overly directional, allowing for a wider dispersion of sound and making it suitable for various listening environments.
Connectivity and Control
The Yamaha STAGEPAS 200BTR mixer section stands out for its versatility and innovative design, offering a total of five inputs – three mono and one stereo pair. The mono inputs are accessible through XLR/jack combination sockets, equipped with gain knobs and mic/line sensitivity switches. Inputs 2 and 3 further include a high-impedance option, accommodating a wide range of instruments. All three mono inputs can provide 48V phantom power, switched globally, supporting microphones that require external power. The Yamaha STAGEPAS 200 distinguishes itself with the Stagepas controller app, compatible with iOS or Android service, enhancing its mixing capability and ease of use. This wireless system, designed for musicians and performers who require flexibility, such as those using an acoustic guitar, benefits from wireless microphones and the option for audio streaming directly from a smartphone or tablet, making it an ultimate karaoke machine for every setting.
EQ and Effects
The mixer introduces a unique single-knob EQ function for each input, designed for intuitive operation. Turning the knob counterclockwise applies a bass cut, while a clockwise turn reduces the midrange, up to a midpoint. Beyond simple EQ adjustments, the extremes of the knob’s travel activate preset EQ, gain, and compression settings, aimed at optimizing voice and instrument inputs quickly. This approach, though unconventional, is lauded for packing substantial functionality into a limited space, offering quick adjustments for live sound scenarios.
The effects system on the STAGEPAS 200BTR is similarly distinctive. For channels 1 to 3, an effects knob controls both the level and type of effect applied, ranging from reverb to a combination of reverb, delay, and chorus across its rotation. The master output section complements this with a knob for selecting global reverb and delay types, further enhancing the unit’s sound tailoring capabilities.
Stereo Inputs and Bluetooth Functionality
Channels 4 and 5 serve as a stereo line-level input, sharing the EQ capabilities of the mono inputs but without sensitivity adjustments or an effects knob. These channels are designed for easy connectivity, accommodating stereo sources with a suitable adapter. Additionally, the STAGEPAS 200BTR’s Bluetooth feature allows for wireless streaming, integrating seamlessly with the mixer’s input channels. This adds a layer of convenience and flexibility, enabling users to play audio from Bluetooth-enabled devices alongside traditional inputs.
The Bluetooth capability extends to remote control via the Yamaha Stagepas Controller app for iOS and Android. This app unlocks advanced configuration options beyond the hardware controls, including detailed EQ settings, effects, compression, and microphone modeling. It represents a significant enhancement in managing the mixer’s sound and functionality, providing users with greater control and customization.
Master Section and Battery Operation
Master Output and Feedback Suppression
Following the input channels, the STAGEPAS 200BTR’s master section incorporates several key features for overall sound management. A global EQ knob offers preset profiles for different environments, such as ‘club’ and ‘speech’, adjusting the sound to fit the setting. The effects selection knob and master volume control are straightforward, allowing for easy adjustments to the mix. A notable addition is the Feedback Suppressor button, which, despite minimal documentation, proves effective in reducing feedback during use. For expanding the sound system, the Monitor Link knob facilitates connection to additional speakers or venue PA systems, highlighting the STAGEPAS 200BTR’s adaptability in various setups.
Battery Life and Portability
An optional feature of the STAGEPAS 200BTR is its battery-powered capability, enhancing its portability and usability in locations without convenient power sources. The Yamaha BTR-STP200 battery pack, sold separately, affixes to the unit’s underside and promises up to 10 hours of operation. Testing this claim with continuous playback of pink noise revealed the battery’s longevity exceeds expectations, lasting 12 hours before indicating low charge. This endurance not only validates Yamaha’s claim but suggests a conservative estimate, ensuring users can rely on the STAGEPAS 200BTR for extended use without power constraints.
Overall, the Yamaha STAGEPAS 200BTR’s mixer and master sections, alongside its innovative Bluetooth functionality and battery option, offer a comprehensive solution for audio mixing and amplification needs. Its unique features, like the single-knob EQ and effects, simplified controls, and extended battery life, cater to both novice and experienced users seeking flexibility and reliability in their sound systems.
Practical Performance
The Yamaha STAGEPAS 200BTR, upon testing, fulfilled all the high expectations set for it. When used as a personal PA system for guitar and voice performances, it demonstrated its ability to project sound with clarity and volume suitable for both outdoor and indoor settings. The distinct clarity and precision in sound delivery can be attributed to its acoustic design, particularly the emphasized frequency at 1kHz, which enhances voice intelligibility. This feature ensures that the speaker maintains a balanced sound across different listening angles, with higher frequencies remaining consistent even off-axis. The inbuilt EQ and effects settings, while effective by default, offer room for customization through the STAGEPAS Controller app, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences. Additionally, the speaker’s performance remains consistent across both battery and mains power, showcasing its reliability and versatility in various usage scenarios.
Adaptable
The STAGEPAS 200BTR proved its worth beyond solo performances by handling electric bass backline duties with ease during a band performance in a medium-sized venue. Despite its compact size and smaller bass driver, which limits its low-frequency response to above 60Hz, the speaker delivered clear and reliable sound quality. This performance underscores the STAGEPAS 200BTR’s capability to meet the essential needs of musicians, prioritizing audibility and tone over extreme bass levels, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of musical applications.
Pros
- Excels in versatility, build quality, sound quality, and battery life
- Highly competitive in the market for compact, portable PA systems
- Offers a reliable and high-performing audio solution
- Suitable for a variety of settings
Cons
- Channel EQ setup considered unconventional
- May present a learning curve for some users
- Does not significantly detract from product’s value
Comparison and Alternatives
When considering alternatives to the Yamaha STAGEPAS 200BTR, few products match its combination of compactness, portability, and sound quality. Comparable options include the Roland Cube Street EX, Electro‑Voice Everse 8, Mackie’s Thump Go, the Bose S1 Pro, and the JBL EON One. These alternatives highlight the competitive landscape of portable PA systems, where the STAGEPAS 200BTR stands out for its unique features and overall performance. For more, you can look up other Best Battery-Powered Portable PA system.
Conclusion
In summary, the Yamaha STAGEPAS 200BTR is a thoughtfully designed and highly capable portable PA system that meets and exceeds the demands of its intended use cases. It sets a benchmark for quality and versatility in the realm of battery-powered PA systems, offering an exceptional blend of sound quality, portability, and user-friendly features. Its minor quirks do not overshadow the significant benefits it brings to musicians and performers seeking a reliable audio solution for diverse environments.