Portable column-array systems are usually bought by DJs and live musicians when they need speakers that take up less room, or they want faster set up times, or they want to save their backs. But another reason might be that when they hear one, they simply love the sound!

Most mobile DJs will play to audiences of 100 or less at the majority of their gigs, so these compact speakers make complete sense. What’s more, the modern versions provide the type of flexibility that big cabs just weren’t designed for.

Yamaha’s flagship portable PA system, the STAGEPAS 1K, was a welcome addition to the compact all-in-one systems on the market when it launched in 2019. With class-leading flexibility, sleek looks and plenty of punch, the system has proven hugely popular with both DJs and live musicians. I first saw the speaker at BPM in October of that year and was lucky enough to be sent one to review for this magazine. There were many things I loved about the original, so I was curious to see how Yamaha would set about improving what was already a brilliant package for the STAGEPAS 1K mkII.

On paper, the headline is that the new version offers more power and flexibility. The original STAGEPAS 1K was a fantastic speaker and whilst it’s hard to immediately see where changes have been made, they soon become obvious when you power up the STAGEPAS 1K mkII and start using it.

It’s also worth noting that Yamaha has released an additional unit called the DXL1K (something I know the UK Yamaha team requested soon after the original’s launch), which is designed to sit alongside the main unit and does not include a full on-board mixer.

The STAGEPAS 1K mkII offers us a high-output 1100W amplifier that powers an array speaker system with ten 1.5-inch drivers and a 12-inch subwoofer, producing up to 125dB SPL (sound pressure level). Where the original version came with a 1000W amplifier, the mkII’s 1100W amp results in an SPL increase from 119 to 125dB – a big leap.

The subwoofer features a 12-inch speaker unit that’s the largest in its class. But despite this, the cabinet is actually the smallest on the market for a subwoofer of this size and power.
Yamaha utilise what they call their Twisted Flare Port™ technology to reduce port wind noise, so that low-end output is maximised for distortion-free bass.

The cabinet weighs in at 20kg, made from wood and coated with what feels like a very tough polyurea. On top is a good size carry handle, as well as the on-board mixer and a recess for inserting the columns. A metal grill adorns the front, with Yamaha’s usual distinct, smart and sleek design.

The top speaker array is comprised of ten 1.5-inch small diameter speakers. Using a J-curve array configuration, the high-frequency unit achieves 170° horizontal and 30° vertical coverage, ensuring your sound is consistent from the front to the rear of the audience. There are also two space units, which take the system to its full height of 2m.
On the rear of the main sub cabinet is a five-channel digital mixer, which offers three channels of mono microphone/line inputs, two of which are equipped with Hi-Z connectivity for the direct input of electro- acoustic guitars and other instruments. There are stereo phone and 1/8-inch mini jack connections too. And of course, you have Bluetooth.

As with the original STAGEPAS 1K, the single EQ knob can be turned left to cut unnecessary low end for speeches (also helping reduce feedback) or turned right to increase bass (for when you get that club music on). A reverb knob gives you access to four of Yamaha's proprietary SPX reverb settings – Hall, Plate, Room and Echo – which can be applied to the overall sound.

Each input has its own reverb control, which means that you can isolate vocals, something especially useful for musicians, but great for anyone using the system for a wedding ceremony, for instance. I’ve supplied PA for a number of live singers over the years and this system would make life very easy indeed for these circumstances.

Another control is the mode knob, which provides various master EQ output settings, with the bass steadily increasing from Speech to Music to Club. Finally, you have the ‘Ducker’ on/off button, a function controlled from the STAGEPAS Controller app, which we’ll touch on in a moment. Below the mixer you’ll find jack/XLR inputs, stereo jack inputs, two link outputs for another system, and a monitor output.

It’s clear the STAGEPAS 1K mkII gives you a huge amount of flexibility. But there is more.

STAGEPAS Controller is an app that allows you to remotely control your PA using an Android or iOS device. A handy scene recall feature lets you save particular settings and easily call them up when you’re back in the same environment.

This will be especially handy for DJs who work in a variety of venues, but also makes it easy to use the system at the same venue but for different uses (for example, outdoors for a ceremony, indoors for background music and speeches, and then with your DJ setup).

I imagine that controlling the PA remotely during speeches will be especially useful, as you can position yourself to hear what the audience is hearing, rather than standing right next to the PA. You can also buy purpose-built Yamaha dollies for your new STAGEPAS speakers.
They’re well-made and they integrate with the included covers, which are good quality and include handy pockets. I’d much prefer all speakers to be supplied with covers – it’s not always the case but it’s vital when spending significant money and wanting to take your new kit out to work!

The STAGEPAS 1K mkII is the focus of this review, but it’s also worth mentioning the DXL1K that we touched on earlier. Note that the DXL1K is not a mark 2 version, as there never was a mark 1! It’s designed to work with the STAGEPAS 1K as an additional unit, so it doesn’t include the full mixer. But Yamaha does give us two line/mic channels, a link in, a link out, and the same controls for EQ and reverb.

When I plugged in the DXL1K as a send system, it became apparent that it was simply doing what the main system told it to. So by increasing the volume on the STAGEPAS 1K mkII, the DXL1K went up as well. This is a clever little party trick, if you’ll excuse the pun.

In terms of testing out the STAGEPAS 1K mkII on the road, it arrived on my door close to Christmas, a time of year when I have so many events happening that I don’t get to DJ many parties. However, Pro Mobile contributor and award-winning DJ Alan Marshall happened to be working at one of our venues and he was happy to include the speakers in his rig.

I dropped by to have a listen, which turned out to be a great idea – it’s much better to hear the system without worrying about needing to get back behind the decks. Before the party, I’d dropped the speakers off in the room and had some time to play with them on Bluetooth.
Of course, we’re talking about Yamaha speakers here – you’re not really expecting me to do anything but love the sound are you? Even without a controller, the sound was very impressive. By using the knob which controls bass output, I could easily fine tune the amount of low end. But I found that you can definitely go too far with this – the sub is remarkably loud whilst keeping the sound controlled.

When I turned up later to hear the speakers in full-on DJ mode, I was more than impressed. It goes without saying that Alan was playing some absolute bangers, which sounded fantastic. His comments were that the speakers were awesome – and as someone who uses a column array speaker set, I know that he will have had just as much gear lust as I experienced!

The purpose of line-array is that the sound you produce is distributed evenly, both sideways and ahead of you. The bass is always going to fill the room and bounce off of walls, whilst the challenge for traditional cab speakers is sounding good at the back of the room, but ensuring that those closest to you aren't suffering an overload of harsh sound.

The Stagepas 1k mkII sounded great wherever I stood in the room - those 10 drivers work well to make sure your sound output is at its most efficient.

If you’re in the market for some truly compact, portable speakers that still pack a punch and offer reams of versatility, then the Yamaha STAGEPAS 1K mkII and its accompanying DXL1K is a system that you need to see and hear. Get to your local retailer and have a listen, your ears will thank me.