Professional quality speakers are designed with the utmost detail focusing on everything that matters and make sure you will find them working at their best when placed in several places. The first of these is power output, as it dramatically effects how well the speaker can produce loud and distortion-free sound. For example, if you play mostly midsize to large venues a speaker with 1k watts or more of power output will provide enough volume for the sound waves reach every corner of those spaces. A speaker like the QSC K12. 2—the 2,000-watt behemoth—is that level of performance.
Frequency responseAnother thing you'll typically want to look for in a good speaker is good frequency response, which tells how low or high the sound can go before it starts losing accuracy. Most high-quality professional speakers have a frequency response that spans the entire audio spectrum – 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This range ensures that both the low tight bass, and high crisp treble notes are audible creating an even sounding immersive audio experience. Take for instance Yamaha DSR115 speaker that has the capability to handle different types of music genres and live performance accuracy with a frequency range spanning from 50 Hz up till 20 kHz.
For the professional speakers that will be used on tour, or for outdoor events and so forth—build quality needs to be durable. The most natural sounding speakers are fully contained with solid enclosures which can prevent breakage from traveling and are designed to endure any weather. For example, the JBL SRX835P boasts a tough body so professionals can rely on them to carry their equipment with heavy usage and rugged environments.
EfficiencyThis beneficial stat is one often overlooked by shoppers, but the efficiency rating of a speaker can actually make or break your listening experience.db/W So, when a speaker has high efficiency that means the speaker will be able to create more sound with fewer power input which makes it more energy-efficient and cost-effective in long run. Speakers that are 95 dB/W or more efficient are rated as Pro, and hence highest because they deliver powerful sound with less energy. This is particular relevant when many speakers are used at the same time in large scale events.
The connectivity features also make professional speakers quality good. With many connectivity options (XLR, TRS and RCA) for input and XLR output as well these speakers easily communicate with a multitude of audio equipment like allergic systems or mikes. For instance, the Electo-Voice EKX-15P has a variety of input options making it versatile for various configurations for events and gives sound engineers an easy time connecting and operating their audio systems.
A hallmark of top-tier professional speakers, is that they need to be able to fine tune audio settings. The built-in digital signal processing (DSP) also makes it possible to adjust equalization, crossover frequencies and delay settings so the sound can be optimized for a particular room. In environments with demanding acoustics, this feature can be especially useful as even slight adjustments might provide audible quality improvements. And one of the top contenders is Mackie's SRM450--which features some serious DSP mojo that provides essential audio shaping control.
Frequency response, output power and level of durability are some factors to consider when assessing professional speakers at the high end of the market. These features allow the company to deliver excellent sound quality no matter where one will it be an inside a club or in an outdoors event. Author For further information on some of the top professional speeker, click ProSpeakers.