MULTI-PURPOSE: YAMAHA’S STAGEPAS BT

Bluetooth-Enabled: STAGEPAS units go wireless.

Obviously, the cornerstone of many DJ set-ups is its loudspeaker system. From small monitors to the most-robust line arrays, the right speakers allow DJs to share their music with a variety of audiences.

And, much like the variations in other types of DJ gear, there is a plethora of speaker systems available to DJs. Home set-ups and studios can make do with small, highly-responsive monitors. Large concerts, touring acts, and many clubs rely on installed line-array speakers. In between monitors and the installed sound of large venues, mobile-DJ setups often use powered PA systems with inbuilt amplifiers and additional powered subwoofers. These are known for their portability and sound quality, allowing DJs to transport them to various venues.

Yamaha STAGEPAS BT

Such is the case with Yamaha’s STAGEPAS line of portable PA systems, which promises to offer a complete, all-in-one solution for anyone looking for a portable PA system.

Initially launched a few years ago, Yamaha’s STAGEPAS series of portable PA systems ships with two speaker units and an analog powered mixer that sends sound signals to the two speakers through included cables. STAGEPAS comes in two sizes – the 400 or the 600 – loosely referring to the overall wattage. The 400 comes with a two-band, 8-channel mixer, and the 600 gets an upgraded three-band, 10-channel mixer.

Not only used by DJs, these systems are purchased by bands, venues needing live sound, mobile speakers giving presentations, and entertainers – and they have been known for their versatility, reliability, and portability. Legions of fans purchased thousands and have made them currently one of the most popular PA systems currently available. For DJs specifically, they offer an exciting all-in-one solution that provides good sound coverage for small- to medium-sized events, especially with background music or additional zones of sound.

Updating them, Yamaha in 2018 launched the second version (STAGEPAS BT), which stays true to the original design and adds wireless Bluetooth functionality to the mixer. The mixer now features a Bluetooth receiver that can be paired to any Bluetooth-enabled device. Yamaha claims the Bluetooth range is 10 meters or about 33 feet, and I found that to be mostly true.

With any Bluetooth device, there are other factors that impact range, including the room dimensions and layout. For instance, I would probably hesitate to leave the STAGEPAS system running a Bluetooth connection in a different room, even if it was less than 10 meters away. If I wanted to run an additional room of music, I would probably use a laptop, an MP3 player, or a phone connected via headphone jack directly to the mixer.

Similar to many other PA systems, unboxing the STAGEPAS BT system is a simple, straightforward affair. The large box that the speakers come in is split into two separate compartments, one to accommodate each speaker. To avoid damage during transit, each speaker is wrapped with a protective covering, and the box offers ample padding all around. Inside the box, there are the two speakers, the mixer, and an assortment of cables and wires. The mixer receives power and, in turn, powers the speakers via cables. This makes setting up the STAGEPAS easier, as only the mixer needs to be plugged in.

Weighing in at either 17 pounds or 24 pounds, depending on the wattage, each speaker is housed in a plastic casing with a robust metal faceplate covering the subwoofer driver. The 600BT uses a 10-inch, low-frequency driver and the 400BT uses a smaller 8-inch, low-frequency driver. Both deliver a healthy performance, with the 400BT reaching a maximum of 125 dB, and the 600 BT reaching 129 dB.

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Despite being plastic, the speakers seem plenty durable for mobile use. For the user’s convenience, there are handles on the top of each speaker and a sturdy hole on the bottom for mounting them to a speaker stand. The mixer that accompanies the unit has a dedicated stowage location at the back of one of the speakers. To ensure it doesn’t fall out, it locks in place and is detached with the flip of a spring-loaded switch. For more compact setups that might not have room for the mixer, it is still fully operational when stowed. On the other speaker, there is a concealed cubby where the mixer would go that can carry cables and other extra accessories.

As for the mixer itself, it certainly is a nice addition to the STAGEPAS speakers. Not only powering the speakers, it can easily serve as an analog mixer for general studio use or other applications. It receives signal from either XLR, TRS, RCA, or an 1/8-inch stereo input (to connect the headphone output of a phone, PC or other device), easily enough to support several DJs, multiple microphones, or even a full band. I really liked how Yamaha was able to incorporate so many potential inputs into such a small form factor, especially considering that the STAGEPAS is marketed as a one-stop PA solution.

For condenser microphones, the mixer can even support 48V phantom power. The only drawback of the external mixer and amplifier is the fact that it needs almost constant cooling, meaning that there is a perceptible hum coming from unit’s cooling fan, which, according to the company, allows it to put out more power than similar, competing products. When there is music playing loudly, it’s impossible to hear, but when there isn’t audio coming from the speakers, the hum is certainly noticeable, especially close to the mixer.

Personally, I used the STAGEPAS for mobile applications, as studio speakers, and as stage monitors. In the studio, I enjoyed having the flexibility of the included mixer, which allowed me to plug in several different inputs. As a booth monitor, the STAGEPAS system performs well, giving DJs a good, clear sound that is distinguishable from the main house sound.

However, it was in mobile applications where the STAGEPAS really shone. I found the STAGEPAS system decently loud for small-to-medium events, especially when coupled with an external subwoofer or two. Its low weight and self-contained form factor eliminated my need to pack an additional analog mixer, which decreased my setup and teardown times. In terms of sound quality, the speakers aren’t designed to be as crystal-clear as hi-fidelity audiophile speakers, but they certainly do a good job amplifying music at high volumes with minimal distortion.

It should also be noted that STAGEPAS includes some nifty effects and other features. They include: SPX digital reverb, which gives users access to four reverb settings (plate, room, hall and echo); Reverb footswitch for instant, hands-free control – good for quick muting when MCing events; 1-Knob Master EQ; and Feedback Suppressor.

In conclusion, the STAGEPAS BT line of speakers is a good choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one PA system that fulfills live-sound applications – DJs or bands. I could also see frequent house partiers, or even corporate customers purchasing these if they regularly need amplified sound.

In a competitive pro-audio market, the biggest competitor to the STAGEPAS BT, in my opinion, might even be the original STAGEPAS. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity isn’t a must-have feature for many, unless wireless operation is necessary from the get-go; in that sense, the original STAGEPAS line make fine speakers and are incrementally cheaper than their Bluetoothequipped stablemates. That being said, the STAGEPAS BT speakers are definitely worth checking out. STAGEPAS 400BT costs $699, and STAGEPAS 600BT costs $899. Thumbs up, Yamaha.

By DJ Deets