EV Evolve 50m PLUS Harbinger MLS1000

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rickryan.com

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Dec 9, 2009
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I did a band gig this weekend and wanted to share in regards. As some of you may remember, I bought a single 50M to use on my twice-weekly karaoke gig. This one was my old garage band and we had a gig at a downtown venue. Rectangular room that'll hold roughly 100. I didn't want to push the 50 too hard so I decided to supplement with one of my MLS1000s. In short, it was superb. I split the boxes about 25 feet apart and used the 50 as the master then took an XLR from the mix out over to the MLS1000. In short, the sound was terrific, well-balanced and lots of compliments from the guests. Sorry I don't have any pics of the setup but it was live drums, 2 guitar and a bass, played over the top of backing tracks from both JamZone and Karafun. I prefer the Jamzone tracks for my songs, given its mixer lets me drop out the lead parts and play them live. Kara was used for tracks for a female singer, the other guitar player and a couple of guests who got up and sang with us. The owner was thrilled with it and said she'd never seen a "karaoke band".
 
The EV systems are nice, and I think I'd be more inclined to use the Harbinger before I used anything like it by Bose.

Bose keeps producing this in between line of stuff that's a little more than consumer grade, but not quite professional and I see way too many fails. Blew one up just by turning it on a few weeks ago, and that was the owner's 2nd or 3rd issue with that model. Their customer service is not what it appears - the real talent at Bose is knowing how to keep bad news quiet. It's a $1,000+ bill every time these things go back for repair.
 
The EV systems are nice, and I think I'd be more inclined to use the Harbinger before I used anything like it by Bose.

Bose keeps producing this in between line of stuff that's a little more than consumer grade, but not quite professional and I see way too many fails. Blew one up just by turning it on a few weeks ago, and that was the owner's 2nd or 3rd issue with that model. Their customer service is not what it appears - the real talent at Bose is knowing how to keep bad news quiet. It's a $1,000+ bill every time these things go back for repair.

The EV system is terrific and miles better than the old L1/M2 Bose I used to have. It also appears very sturdy and well built (although it's almost 5X what the MLS1000 cost). I have considered to sell the 1000s but I think I'll keep them, at least for now. It's rare that I have something that needs more than a single 50 but this fills the bill to supplement with the 1000.
 
The EV systems are nice, and I think I'd be more inclined to use the Harbinger before I used anything like it by Bose.

Bose keeps producing this in between line of stuff that's a little more than consumer grade, but not quite professional and I see way too many fails. Blew one up just by turning it on a few weeks ago, and that was the owner's 2nd or 3rd issue with that model. Their customer service is not what it appears - the real talent at Bose is knowing how to keep bad news quiet. It's a $1,000+ bill every time these things go back for repair.
😆
Blew it up just by turning it on?…that’s one mean on button!!

Lol
This has a fact check score of
Zero point zero


$1000+ bill each time these go back?… this is completely false. I’ve had systems repaired after 10 years. Never paid anywhere close to that.

As usual, unsubstantiated claims, no evidence, No first hand knowledge. Just headlines.

Nothing wrong with not liking something. Just like there was no problem with not taking a vaccine.
Spreading misinformation that’s easily disproven is a whole different thing.
 
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😆
Blew it up just by turning it on?…that’s one mean on button!!

Lol
This has a fact check score of
Zero point zero


$1000+ bill each time these go back… this is completely false. I’ve had systems repaired after 10 years. Never paid anywhere close to that.

As usual, unsubstantiated claims, no evidence, No first hand knowledge. Just headlines.

Nothing wrong with not liking something. Just like there was no problem with not taking a vaccine.
Spreading misinformation that’s easily disproven is a whole different thing.

I never had problems with my L1. The build quality was not as good as this new EV however. The tone and volume were also nowhere near close either. I tell you, one of the best systems I ever had was when I stacked the L1 over the top of a Yorkie LS801p. That thing ate a 3,000 sq ft room up.
 
I never had problems with my L1. The build quality was not as good as this new EV however. The tone and volume were also nowhere near close either. I tell you, one of the best systems I ever had was when I stacked the L1 over the top of a Yorkie LS801p. That thing ate a 3,000 sq ft room up.
Ev’s seem like great systems. I don’t have any 1st hand experience with them. But people who I know, like you, really seem to like them.
I just don’t see any benefit to spreading false info to try to back up an opinion😁
 
@rickryan.com I appreciate your thoughts on these with real world usage. I am debating getting a stick system for my arsenal. I still need to prioritize my feature list. The factors include:
  • Portability - The JBL EON One MK2 wins here. Its about 40lbs and the top sections fit into the base and it comes with a cover.
  • Remote app - I already use the JBL app with my EON One Compacts and I can control multiple speakers at once via the app. Not sure if I can run apps from different brands simultaneously on the same tablet.
  • Mixer capability - The Evolve M series seems to offer the most inputs. I have a full featured 20 input digital mixer that I can always use.
  • Output power - I don't trust published specs. The EON One sticks may be the least powerful of the bunch. Not sure if I want something that could replace my 15" 2-ways.
  • Sound quality - I don't know where I can compare these.
  • Horizontal dispersion - Some claim only 120 degrees, other 170. Again, specs aren't always believable.
  • Battery power - If I go this route, my choices are limited and I must sacrifice output power.
  • Price - Not a primary concern but I don't want to dump tons of money on something that will only get occasional use.
  • Bluetooth - Should support v5.0 or higher and hopefully aptX-HD or LL codecs. Even better if it supports LE Audio but I doubt any do yet.
I am thinking that I may make a purchase after NAMM. I am in no rush and there may be new models coming out, maybe with BT LE Audio.
 
@rickryan.com There is a local band here that specializes in live karaoke. They have about 500 songs in their repertoire. It is a lot of fun. However, they only manage about a dozen songs per set and do only three sets. You rarely get to do more than one song. I like your approach of using the backing tracks. I have asked Karafun about stems and they don't seem to have much interest. What I would really like is for the backing vocals to be on a separate output channel. That would let me feed the backing vocal to the singer to keep them on key but not to the front of house (unless really necessary).
 
@rickryan.com I appreciate your thoughts on these with real world usage. I am debating getting a stick system for my arsenal. I still need to prioritize my feature list. The factors include:
  • Portability - The JBL EON One MK2 wins here. Its about 40lbs and the top sections fit into the base and it comes with a cover.
  • Remote app - I already use the JBL app with my EON One Compacts and I can control multiple speakers at once via the app. Not sure if I can run apps from different brands simultaneously on the same tablet.
  • Mixer capability - The Evolve M series seems to offer the most inputs. I have a full featured 20 input digital mixer that I can always use.
  • Output power - I don't trust published specs. The EON One sticks may be the least powerful of the bunch. Not sure if I want something that could replace my 15" 2-ways.
  • Sound quality - I don't know where I can compare these.
  • Horizontal dispersion - Some claim only 120 degrees, other 170. Again, specs aren't always believable.
  • Battery power - If I go this route, my choices are limited and I must sacrifice output power.
  • Price - Not a primary concern but I don't want to dump tons of money on something that will only get occasional use.
  • Bluetooth - Should support v5.0 or higher and hopefully aptX-HD or LL codecs. Even better if it supports LE Audio but I doubt any do yet.
I am thinking that I may make a purchase after NAMM. I am in no rush and there may be new models coming out, maybe with BT LE Audio.

Ton of great column array options today. I think I that’s awesome. I’m sure you’ll like it!
 
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  • Mixer capability - The Evolve M series seems to offer the most inputs. I have a full featured 20 input digital mixer that I can always use.
It's best to make that decision up front: to mix externally or internally. I generally choose to use the most powerful mix solution - which in your case would be the Allen & Heath rather than the speaker. If your doubling their role for use at home - then maybe an internal mixer makes sense. In a rental circumstance the internal mixers are a source of error and abuse.

  • Sound quality - I don't know where I can compare these.
It's not really necessary unless you are trying to combine them with some other brand. Your audience will not be doing a comparison test, and how they ultimately sound will be equally as much a function of the space they are used in. If you like the JBL for example, you'll find a way to make it work for you.
  • Battery power - If I go this route, my choices are limited and I must sacrifice output power.
Professionally, we have to have a really good reason for using batteries. Wireless mics are the conspicuous example. The need is continuous, conspicuous, and without parallel. If you are not already faced with consistent regular work in areas with no other reasonable power option - then you get the battery model. Otherwise, what's the point?

Convenience is an illusion. The battery product will be heavier, but smaller, and lower powered. Old batteries are inconvenient or costly to discard, and replacement batteries are often no longer supported in favor of the next generation. (Changing battery form factors is how manufacturers drive new sales. If they change the shape or voltage of the battery - you need a whole new speaker!)

  • Bluetooth - Should support v5.0 or higher and hopefully aptX-HD or LL codecs. Even better if it supports LE Audio but I doubt any do yet.

Internal Bluetooth presumes you'll have discreet access to your speakers should you need to reset, recover, or lockout your link. I typically use external receivers that feed into a system via the XLRs so I can locate the receiver in a more convenient and discreet location.

If I had speakers hidden at the front of a presentation upon which I would not want to intrude - then BT receivers are actually located externally where I could conveniently resolve any issue without distraction. This is also helpful in any installation where height would make built in BT reset or lockout controls inaccessible.

Truth is, I never use Bluetooth AT ALL for any program specific content. It would only be deployed to allow a client side content add, or background music. I would never use Bluetooth as a path for example, during a wedding procession.
 
Ton of great column array options today. I think I that’s awesome. I’m sure you’ll like it!
Yup lots to choose from and no showrooms to compare them. I love my EON One Compacts and use them a fair amount but their output is quite limited. The EON One MK2s offer a similar feature set and claim about a dozen more dB in output power. That would definitely take care of all the situations where I have found the Compacts lacking so far. However, it is not enough power to be a primary system for larger gigs with dancing. So do I want an in-between system or do I want to replace my main speakers? I haven't decided yet.
 
Bob, I don't have any argument to your points on batteries. My situation is just a bit different from most. I do a lot of freebie stuff such as bringing some speakers to a friend's dinner/house party. This is where I am using the Compacts now. BT is fine for these because I mostly just select a playlist and let the thing go all night. The speaker stands are sometimes problematic in the confines of a living room. Also, older homes have fewer outlets and there is always furniture in front of them. Battery power keeps setup simple.

The last time I used the Compacts was for karaoke. The party was a bit louder than normal and I was pushing the Compacts to their max. I definitely could have made use of more output. My EV ZX1s would have been a better choice but these require an external amp and more cables.

I have external BT transceivers. My home AV system has BT built-in but it uses an older codec. I bought an external BT 5.3 receiver with a TOSLINK output to use instead. I keep it mounted much higher than the AV system so I can get better line of sight. I also have smaller ones but I tend to misplace them. The last one I bought was really small and meant for use with my earbuds while watching inflight movies. I have flown cross country 3 times in the last 5 weeks. I can't for the life of me find where I placed that transceiver. I had to take my wired buds. Having a decent receiver built-in just means one less thing to lose. Again, the primary use is for informal events.
 
@rickryan.com There is a local band here that specializes in live karaoke. They have about 500 songs in their repertoire. It is a lot of fun. However, they only manage about a dozen songs per set and do only three sets. You rarely get to do more than one song. I like your approach of using the backing tracks. I have asked Karafun about stems and they don't seem to have much interest. What I would really like is for the backing vocals to be on a separate output channel. That would let me feed the backing vocal to the singer to keep them on key but not to the front of house (unless really necessary).

JamZone is your tool. They have a very large library. Probably not as big as karafun (my guess) but so far they've had everything I was looking for. I'm not sure if you can separate out a track to a separate output. On the mixer, there's only a volume slider for each track but every part is on a separate track, unlike a lot of stems where certain batches of instruments may be combined on a single track. I also like the way they present lyrics. They have 2 lines of lyrics, so you can look ahead. They also have the chords, which helps in playing an instrument. Here's a screenshot. When I use this on my iPad, it shows the lyrics/chords AND the mixer on the same screen. When I'm using my iPhone, it shows either lyrics/chords OR mixer (not both at once).
lyric view (iPhone)
IMG_4954.PNG
mixer view (iPhone)
Screenshot 2024-10-08 at 8.32.02 AM.jpeg
 
Oops. Looks like I told you wrong. If you click "Routing" my iPhone is showing 2 outputs and any channel can be routed to either output.

One more thing I like about JZ, if you make a change on the mixer, the app will remember that change and the next time the song is played it's the way you left it last time. Mute a track and next time you pull it up, it's muted. Pull the slider down and next time the slider is where you left it last time. There's also a feature where you can tell it which instrument you play and whenever you pull up a new song the tracks that contain that instrument are muted by default.
 
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. . .freebie stuff such as bringing some speakers to a friend's dinner/house party. Also, older homes have fewer outlets and there is always furniture in front of them. Battery power keeps setup simple..
Seems like some serious over-kill. Will your friends still invite you over if you don't bring the speakers? :)

If you can fit a baby grand piano in the living room then maybe consider these personal monitor systems, but for home use there are far more practical, lightweight, powerful, and versatile products you could use. I think repeatedly lugging one of these around to social occasions will get old really fast.

I think what Rick is doing with them is perfect. It's exactly what they were designed for.
 
Seems like some serious over-kill. Will your friends still invite you over if you don't bring the speakers? :)
Yeah they do. Then they try to use a little personal BT speaker placed on a low table and drive it beyond their max. It just drives me nuts how bad that sounds. Others don't even think of background music and their get togethers can really suck. I will throw one of my Eon Compacts in the car if we think we are headed to either situation.

BTW, I like overkill. My wife and I throw epic parties. We had a 6-piece band at our July 4th party. The band said it was the most fun they ever had at a gig.
 
Yeah they do. Then they try to use a little personal BT speaker placed on a low table and drive it beyond their max. It just drives me nuts how bad that sounds. Others don't even think of background music and their get togethers can really suck. I will throw one of my Eon Compacts in the car if we think we are headed to either situation.

BTW, I like overkill. My wife and I throw epic parties. We had a 6-piece band at our July 4th party. The band said it was the most fun they ever had at a gig.
My more subtle point (for all) was: have we asked about their wishes or are we imposing with our own priorities?

Personally, I never bring sound equipment with me to an event unless I've specifically been asked to help with that in some way. Imagine someone showing up with linens and napkins because they don't think our tablescapes are up to their standards.
 
My more subtle point (for all) was: have we asked about their wishes or are we imposing with our own priorities?

Personally, I never bring sound equipment with me to an event unless I've specifically been asked to help with that in some way. Imagine someone showing up with linens and napkins because they don't think our tablescapes are up to their standards.

I would never just show up, with gear/instruments in hand to someone's event (without them asking) but I don't see anything wrong in having it in the car. If you see the party needs it then let the host know you can help and leave it up to them. Same thing goes with sitting in with a band. The gear stays in the car until you're invited to join.
 
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