By Full Compass LiveThere’s a reason why Bluetooth has become ubiquitous. In some ways, along with wi-fi, Bluetooth is the ultimate cord-cutting protocol.
Bluetooth has been around long enough to outgrow its teething problems, pairing has become ever-easier, and wireless technology applications keep inspiring more and more useful products—for cars, the home, and all the way up to pro audio and contracting.
For us, one of Bluetooth’s big advantages is being able to stream stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. audio wirelessly from one device to another. Of course, to receive Bluetooth audio, you need something that transmits Bluetooth audio. Smart phones and tablets are obvious choices, especially now that many people store everything from pre-show music, to music sets, to personal music collections, to podcasts on smart devices. Computers and laptops can also generate Bluetooth audio, and more Bluetooth-capable gearDefinition:
Musical or performance equipment. is appearing all the time.
The problem is getting the audio from your personal device to a public-facing device, but that’s where Bluetooth comes into play. The wireless range can be up to 100 feet (depending on the device, and whether physical objects like walls interfere with the signal), with 60 feet being typical and 30 feet more or less guaranteed. So now that you’re ready to cut the cord, let’s get started.
Bluetooth Portable PA Systems
Whether for events, meetings, parties, or gigs at small-to-medium size venues, portable PAs pack punch in a small package—and being able to stream Bluetooth to them makes them even more useful. Many of the following systems are battery-powered, and they’re affordable—the ones listed here range from $300 to $700.
JBL’s EON208P (Fig. 1) is an all-in-one portable PA system that includes an 8-channelDefinition:
1. In radio, television, citizen's band radio, and other wireless communications modes, a specific frequency for communication. 2. In mixers and video, an input or output signal path with controls. 3. In MIDI, one of 16 data paths., detachable mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals.. Essentially, streamingDefinition:
A method of sending a continuous flow of digital content over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, and often, tailors itself to the user's receiving capability. Bluetooth audio becomes another audio source for the mixer.
For a super-portable solution that goes into the “look ma, no wires” category, Samson’s XP106W (Fig. 2) features an internal, rechargeable batteryDefinition:
An assembly of series-wired cells that provides higher voltages than individual cells. but also includes a wireless mic with matching receiver—between that and streaming Bluetooth, you have a totally wireless system. It’s a good choice for outdoor situations (like competitions and school events) where you need something more powerful than a megaphone, but almost as compact.
.Performers aren’t left out of the Bluetooth revolution, either. Bose’s S1 Pro system (Fig. 3), which can also serve as a floor monitorDefinition:
1. (audio) A loudspeaker or headphone/earphone used for accurate reference monitoring for recording or broadcast. 2. (live performance) A device that reproduces sound, like an in-ear monitor or speaker wedge, so performers can hear themselves. 3. (computers) A device that provides a graphic representation of operations occurring inside the computer. 4. (video) A device that enables seeing what is occurring with a video shoot, or program material from a broadcast or other video media source., is ideal for soloDefinition:
A switch in a mixer or DAW that allows one or more channels to be auditioned while muting other channels. Some mixers include a separate role bus for routing to monitors of headphones. See also: Exclusive Solo. acts and DJs thanks to its mic- and guitar-friendly inputs. The physical aux in, or wireless Bluetooth streaming, are convenient for pre-show music, backing tracks, or breakDefinition:
An interruption in programming for commercials or station identification. music.
In a similar vein, but at a lower price point, the Mackie Freeplay-LiveDefinition:
Live broadcast of an event or program without substantial delay or editing. also offers an internal rechargeable battery, but includes some unique features—like an app (Fig. 4) for control over levels, EQ, and reverbDefinition:
Short for Reverberation. The myriad echoes of decaying amplitude created in an acoustic environment. Reverberation may be simulated electronically, mechanically using springs or a metal plate, or in a specially built physical chamber with reflective surfaces where a speaker sends audio into the chamber, and a microphone picks up the reflections., and the ability to link to an optional, second FreePlay speaker for more coverageDefinition:
In film making, additional footage shot from additional cameras that's useful for editing and backup..
More Power, But Still Portable: Bluetooth Powered Speakers
When you need a more powerful speaker that can stream Bluetooth audio to larger crowds and in large venues, powered speakers with Bluetooth are the answer. They’re not battery-powered and are both larger and heavier than the systems mentioned above, but there’s a reason why—they can get loud.
Electro-Voice has two suitable offerings, the ZLX-15BT 15" and ZLX-12BT 12" powered speakers with two mic/line inputs, physical aux input, and Bluetooth (Fig. 5). Both have titanium high-frequencyDefinition:
A value, expressed in Hertz, that indicates how many cycles of a periodic signal occur in one second. drivers and can generate up to 1000 watts.
The 15" version is somewhat more expensive, due to its larger size and extended bass range. But both models, being designed for larger venues, have useful convenience features like onboard DSPDefinition:
1. (Digital Signal Processor): An integrated circuit or device that mathematically alters sound or video signals. 2. (Digital Signal Processing): The technique of converting an analog signal into digital data, manipulating that data, then producing an analog output that reflects the changes caused by these manipulations done in the digital domain. with four EQ presets for different types of applications, overloadDefinition:
Causing a device to exceed its capability, usually undesirable but used for an "overdrive" effect in music. Also called "blooming" in classic recordings. See: Overdrive. protection if they’re pushed too hard, the ability to daisy-chain multiple speakers, and two mic/line combo inputs (as well as a 1/8"Definition:
3.5mm mini phone connector, which is sometimes referred to by the close non-metric 1/8 inch dimension. physical aux in jackDefinition:
A connector, normally female, that works in conjunction wit a plug. Usually located in a piece of equipment, or as part of a cable.). For DJs who want to stream a set via Bluetooth and need floor-shaking bass, either speaker is designed to work with the ELX-118P powered subwooferDefinition:
A low-frequency speaker, typically optimized for response below 120 Hz, for augmenting full-range sound systems.. And if you really want to pour on the power, as well as maximize dispersion, there’s a cost-saving bundle with a pair of ZLX-12P speakers and the ELX118P, as well as another bundle with a pair of ZLX-15P speakers and the ELX118P.
Not to be outdone, Mackie offers two powered speakers—the Mackie Thump15BST two-way speaker with 15" driverDefinition:
A system software routine that provides a means of communication between a computer and an associated peripheral (audio interface, hardware controller. etc.). Drivers are updated often for improved efficiency, or compatibility with newer operating systems., and the Mackie Thump12BST two-way speaker with 12" driver (Fig. 6).
Both have some compelling features, like wireless linking for more coverage or power, an iOS/Android control app, color LCDDefinition:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): A display that uses fluid crystals that can block, reflect, or transmit light from a back illuminator, and uses very little power. for parameter adjustments, and six speaker-voicing modes. There are two physical mic/line/instrument combo inputs; Bluetooth streaming provides an aux input. Similarly to the subwoofer-friendly Electro-Voice models, the Thump speakers work with Mackie’s 18" Thump 18S powered subwoofer.
Bluetooth Distribution to Existing Systems
Listen up, sports bars, hotels, conferences, and schools: if you already have a complete PA or sound system in place, you can still take advantage of Bluetooth streaming—thanks to dedicatedDefinition:
Designed or used to do a specific task or set of tasks. Bluetooth receivers that accept a streaming input, then distribute pro-level audio outputs to your system.
As one example of a simple, compact Bluetooth receiver, Radial Engineering’s BT-Pro (Fig. 7) accepts a stereo Bluetooth stream, and converts it to balanced, stereo XLR outputs suitable for patching into a PA system, mixer, or other analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. amplification system.
Under ideal conditions, the reception distance is 60 feet. A cool safety feature is that the BT-Pro requires a passcode to initialize the connection, which prevents nearby Bluetooth devices from hijacking the system. Note that power comes from a USBDefinition:
(Universal Serial Bus) A standard, bi-directional serial connection between computers and peripheral devices. power adapter (not included), or laptop/computer USB port.
For a lower-priced alternative that’s a similarly compact, unobtrusive box, the Denon DN-200BR (Fig. 8) translates a Bluetooth stereo stream to balanced XLR or unbalancedDefinition:
A two-conductor signal connection where one wire connects to ground. Unbalanced connections are prone to ground loop hum if equipment is not in close proximity. ¼" outputs.
Thanks to a separate, wired antennaDefinition:
A device for radiating or receiving electromagnetic signals. that can be placed for optimum reception, the claimed range is 100 feet under unobstructed conditions. The unit includes an external AC adapterDefinition:
A power supply that allows using conventional alternating current as a power source instead of batteries..
For rack-based systems, Denon’s DN-300BR offers a single-rackDefinition:
A frame for holding gear that meets an industry standard for enclosures. This specifies a 19 inch width, and a height that is some multiple of 1.75 inches. A rack frame can be open or enclosed, and has rails drilled with standardized screw holes for attaching rack equipment. space solution (Fig. 9). Like the DN-200BR, the antenna is separate to allow for optimum placement, and the unit works up to 100 feet away from the Bluetooth transmitterDefinition:
Any device that sends an electrical signal, typically radio waves or by wire..
Unlike the DN-200BR, there’s an output level control, and RCA jacks provide the unbalanced output (the balanced outputs are still XLR-type connectors). And because being in a rack may make the DN-300BR less accessible, a rear-panel Euroblock connectorDefinition:
Also Phoenix Connector. The connector is detachable, and uses screw terminals. provides terminals for remoteDefinition:
A broadcast from the field, not from the studio. A Remote Control. pairing connections.
So What’s Not to Like?
As long as you can verify that the signal strength is sufficient (you can almost always count on Bluetooth if the transmitter and receiver are line of sight within a reasonable distance), that the devices you want to pair are designed to connect to one another, that there aren’t too many sources of interference, and are aware that different devices may have different pairing protocols, you’ll find that today’s Bluetooth devices are much more advanced than older designs. Sometimes simply re-orienting a device solves any Bluetooth issues.
What’s more, the technology continues to get better, easier to use, and more reliable as companies continueDefinition:
A MIDI message that tells drum machines, sequencers, etc. to continue playing from the current location if they have been stopped previously by a Stop message. to scale the learning curve. Do note that with computers, it’s important to keep any Bluetooth drivers up to date—especially given the rising popularity of BLEDefinition:
(Bluetooth Low-Energy): A short-range, low-power variant of the Bluetooth specification often used for portable equipment, MIDI devices, miniature devices, and trackers. See also: Bluetooth. (Bluetooth Low EnergyDefinition:
(BLE): Short-range, low-power Bluetooth standard, used for low power miniature devices and trackers.), which requires so little power that devices like Bluetooth earbuds can run for hours (and sometimes lots of hours!) without recharging.
Although wi-fi remains more robust in terms of signal strength, its downside is that it lacks the seamless pairing that Bluetooth offers, opting instead for manual entry of a user name and/or password, or a manufacturer-specific solution. However, remember that Bluetooth usually pairs well only with single devices. That’s changing (for example, Apple laptops have a multiple output option that can drive two Bluetooth headphones), but we’re not in multiple Bluetooth pairing nirvana yet.
Overall, though, Bluetooth is a solution to a number of needs for performances, conferences, events, and much more—and fortunately, there’s never been a better time to get on boardDefinition:
A sound or lighting control console..
