Excellent for small to medium indoor and outdoor venues
596790
Impressive sound quality and dynamic range.  Excellent for small to medium indoor and outdoor venues.
4968140
I added the Big Knob to my small home-based studio. This was perfect for my multi-use, PC-based setup. While I have a TEAC TM-D1000 16 channel mixer for input duties, I was lacking in a simple method to switch between two different monitoring sets (Mackie HR824 mkII and a small set of bookshelf speakers to hear what mixes would sound played over a typical small home stereo) and different audio sources. The Big Knob allowed me to consolidate the "output" side of my workstation and have up-front, easy-to-reach controls for volume, signal routing and level indications. The two channel headphone amps/outputs are very welcome. The unbalanced signal paths and low-noise internal amplifiers keep the signal clean and true, adding no noisy artifacts or frequency response aberrations. Every input and output have level controls for normalizing signal levels. With the gain wide open and no signal, the internal preamps are dead silent. The Big Knob includes a phono input with built-in RIAA equalization and amplification for MM phono cartridges. There is a set up shorting plugs for the phono preamp input to use when this feature is not used; when the phono input is selected with nothing connected to it, the phono pre will produce a significant amount of white noise, this goes away when the turntable or the shorting plugs are connected.

The system is very solidly constructed, just like all Mackie products of this type. There is sufficient weight to ensure the thing will not slide around on the table, and won't get tugged about even with a full load of cables connected to the myriad rear panel jacks. The unit is supplied with two line cords, for USA and EU installations, and these cords are very generous in length. A built-in talkback mic is included to allow the engineer to talk with the performers on the other side of the glass either through the studio monitors or a separate headphone mix for the performers. Finally, as the central feature of the unit, the large volume knob is nicely weighted and operates a high-grade potentiometer allowing fine control of monitor speaker levels without any unbalanced audio levels at the lowest setting. The stereo mix comes up evenly from both channels from the zero setting on up. With most computer-based recording and playback systems, adjusting monitor levels is often done with onscreen controls. Being able to reach for a prominent physical knob for those times when the mix is too loud or inaudible rather than fumbling with the mouse is most welcome. Buttons around the knob allow for instant mute, a "dim" of the sound level to allow for discussions while the music is still audible in the background, and a hardwired mono function, the latter very useful for discovering out-of-phase stereo mixes or excessive phase shifts between channels. Your mix might sound fine in stereo, but it might get totally whacked when played back in mono. A quick press of the mono button lets you know in an instant.

I've been in need of something exactly like this for years, and the Big Knob fit the bill perfectly.
979711
This small unit is fantastic! Portable, nice sound quality, Bluetooth, great battery life and more. Had outdoor party and streamed from my iPad, which was comfortably and safely in the house! Even at the lower volume levels this unit cranks. Just make sure your device is at highest volume. Also comes with microphone - I did not use, but think this would be great as outdoor system for small event.
3090343
Good sized practice amp or for a small venue. Small, easy to transport and works well with both my 6 string and my twelve string, having a good response, fairly flat output over the range of the guitar. After all, it is a Marshall. By now, they know what they are doing. Also, if you are using one the Dean Markley sound hole pickups, the overdrive channel can still give a pretty darned good, uncolored output without the need for an in-line preamplifier. It also works well with a mic for a small PA amp as well.

Now that I've been using this amp for awhile, I would like to add some comments on my experiences with it, which frankly are quite good. The first item is that I live in a three story condominium complex. To avoid annoying my neighbors I either have to use it with headphones, which means that I have to use a 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter for the headphone jack, or use the amp at low volume levels. Remember that most amps carry a lot further than you think so easy on the volume or incur the wrath of your neighbors!

I have twice played for small gigs and have found out that this amp is good for about a 30ft maximum throw with adequate sound levels. I wish that I'd gotten the model with the reverb, but even so this is a good amp for the price and the 15W RMS is more than adequate for most practice or small venue applications. Even with the overdrive channel in operation, you can prevent having the neighbors come for you with pitchforks and torches as the amount of distortion is separately controlled by the overdrive channel's gain and volume controls to prevent disturbing the neighbors.

All in all I am very satisfied with this amp for use with both mic'd Irish whistles, harmonicas and electric guitars. However, it is a bit thin when it comes to being a good amp for a bass guitar due to its speaker size.
1821288
Perfect for pool parties, open houses, and virtually any small setting where a DJ can enhance the environment.  Excellent buy!!!
650814
To make this easy, here's a list-style review:

How long I've owned it: about a year

How much I use it: as often as possible ('cause it's AWESOME!)

What I use it for: Small DJ, karaoke & band gigs in smaller venues.
Note - On several occasions, I have ran my 4 piece classic rock band in a small club through this unit (minus the drums & bass guitar) using the Yamaha speakers as monitors and Alto TS110A 10" active cabs for mains, and it rocked the house. We were actually asked to turn down.

Sound quality: Excellent. Obviously an 8" woofer isn't going to thump your chest with bass, but the bass that is there is surprisingly good for it's size. Sound is full, clean, and crisp.

Power: Surprisingly loud, and stays clean. The built-in limiter helps to prevent damage. You're not going to fill a big hall with it, but it'll handle any application where you would expect to use such a small PA. Hook up a powered sub and you will be amazed.

Mixer layout: About as good as it gets. Everything is right where it should be. Soooooo much better than the weird layout of the Fender Passport series.

Effects: The built-in digital reverbs and delays are very high quality, and there are several kinds to choose from. (Plate, Hall, Spring, etc.) Whether you want just a little subtle vocal ambience or want to sound like you're in a cave, it's all there.

Reliability: Rock solid. I've had zero problems with it.

Ease of use: It's a snap to use. It's light weight, small size and superb ergonomics make it the easiest PA I've ever used.

Build quality: Excellent. Controls and jacks are solid, everything fits together as it should. Not sure whether the semi-gloss finish of the speakers would hold up to abuse, but mine still look like new after a lot of use. I take care of my gear, though. I have the optional rolling case Yamaha makes for it, and I consider it a necessity.

Cons: It's tough to find anything on this unit to criticize. I can think of only two, and they're minor: 1) No individual monitor sends on each channel, and 2) Only 2 band (Low & High) EQ. Neither has been an issue for me, however. I've always been able to easily get the sound I want out of it. Adding these features would make the mixer footprint larger, so I can understand why Yamaha omitted them. There's only so many things you can cram into a small space.

To sum it up, it shines in any situation where you'd want to use such a small PA rig. I own and use larger gear, but whenever possible, I use this little fella. It's just too easy. In my opinion, Yamaha got everything right with the Stagepas series.
989683
I purchased this unit and the "Ion Party Starter Portable Bluetooth Speaker With Built-In Light Show." The lights are great on both units, especially considering they are such small devices, and the sound is loud enough for such small devices. You can't expect much bass sound out of devices this small, but I prefer the "Ion Audio Party On Ultra-Compact Bluetooth Speaker with Built-In Party Lights" instead. It has just enough more depth, or bass, to the sound to make it both a dazzling light show, and very acceptable sound . . . for such a small device. (Both units have bluetooth and AUX IN, and the light show is controlled separately on both units also.) Remember, Party On, not Party Starter. ;)
76920
I got this speaker for the sole purpose of using it to play music for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hour when a speaker is needed in a separate location. My main speakers are QSC K12's, enough said there. These Behringer 12 inch speakers pack quite a punch for their size and weight. Speaking of weight,most DJ's know you need light and portable especially for ceremonies and cocktail hour. Another great feature is they have not one but two handles to pick up the speaker. I would not be afraid to use it for a main speaker if I needed to. If you DJ a lot of weddings you can not go wrong with this. I DJ a lot of weddings and at my young age of 49 I'm using my head more and my back less.
2877234
I'm no DJ but I do enjoy music and have a lot of experience with audio equipment. With that being said I am very pleased with this speaker. It is easy to use, several connectivity options. Great sound and really good for small venues. Remember its a 10", so it won't produce a lot of low end bass but it does perform great with mids. I highly  recommend it.
2687252
Outstanding little mixer! Perfect for small venues and loaded with nice effects. Rock solid performance.
961673
These serve us well in small venues as main speakers and in larger venues or outdoors as stage monitors. Lots of power in a small package. The cables and stands are great too. Haven't had any issues with them after months of use.

The first set we received had one bad amp, but it was promptly repaired at no cost to us. Major points for that.
2308294
Very nice, easy to set up, not to big to be a problem
1383443
Great value. I use these in a small living room for band rehearsal and karaoke parties. They're mounted high with the EQ flat, the gain at 50%, and the volume at 80% so that I have a good range of control from my mixer. Even at those low settings, they can easily overpower a 7-piece band when needed.

I don't hear any of the noise some have mentioned, so as with most audio noise it's likely from the user's power system.
437379
At such an inexpensive price, I did not have high expectations for this product. But I needed a party light for an Elementary School DJ gig, and settled on this one because it fit well within my budget. This product HIGHLY EXCEEDED my expectations! First, the product arrived quickly and in perfect shape. I reviewed the easy-to-follow directions and was running the light show within moments. (I had no issues with the two-prong (wide on one side) plug as some others have stated. I suspect they need to merely squeeze the prongs together a bit for a snug fit.) The LED lights in this unit are remarkably BRIGHT. The instructions directed me to the series of 10 dip-switches that control the light-show speed and a knob that controls sensitivity to sound. I turned up some music and tuned the unit until I found a setting that I thought was satisfactorily reactive. It is very light-weight and comes with a mounting arm that fits snugly on top of the unit. The armature can then be removed again for storage. On the night of the show, I had no trouble mounting the unit up high, aimed at the floor. The kids at the party loved dancing in the lights, and it definitely added some great atmosphere. I ran it for four hours straight, and had no trouble with over-heating, etc. (The unit has a built-in fan) If you have a hazer or fog machine, the lights will look like the pictures. This unit alone will not fill a large room or dance floor, and awkwardly begins the loop by spelling out "LOVE LOVE" before doing a 4-bit version of the "Running Man" and then displaying the series of other patterns, so I won't be using this unit for classier weddings -- but for a Halloween gig, 70's-80's party or any kid event, it's perfect. In fact, I'm thinking of adding a second unit.
2313979
Excellent portable backdrop stand.  Simple and sturdy.  Took off a star for the bag, which is just one size too small, making it nearly impossible to get the whole kit into (we have to leave one cross bar out, but that's ok for our typical use on location).  And the bag does fraysomewhat easily, so treat it gently.

Still, for most location photographers, this is a great solution.

We use the 53" rolls of Savage paper on this, and even up about eight feet it is solid and steady.  We haven't tried the 106" rolls because this is for location shoots, and I can't fit the longer roll in my car.  Of course the stand and crossbars are great for cloth backdrops.

Also note that I obtained great customer support from DTX International, the actual distributor of this kit.  One of the tightening bolts for a stand was about 1/4" too short; after reporting the issue, I received a replacement in just a couple of days.  Thanks!
416371
These speakers easily fill my enclosed bonus room that is over 400 sq ft with 10ft ceilings.  The center channel holds its own even during action scenes.  The left and right fronts do an excellent job of filling the room even though they are located twenty feet from one another and about twenty feet from my seating position.  The speakers produce excellent and clear highs.  Though small, the speakers have heft.  Their appearance is sleek (my wife definitely approves).  A subwoofer is surely needed.  These paired well with my Klipsch 10'' sub.  Movies sound VERY good.

I gave the speakers four stars because I'm not sure if they measure up to another set of speakers in their price range (Klipsch Quintet III's).  For starters, the Quintets can handle more power and have binding posts instead of spring clips.  Also, the dual-driver (two way) technology used in the left and right front speakers of the Polks is NOT used in the rear surrounds.  In the case of the Quintet III's, every satellite is the same.  That being said, if you can find a killer deal on the Polks like I did - pull the trigger!
1119102
Solid construction and great value for indoor growing applications. The unit is relatively lightweight for it's size. Multiple switches allow for control of outer 4 lights or inner 4 lights to be controlled independently. Very low heat output - using an IR thermometer, the central ballast area on top of the unit did not exceed 90-95F on the surface, and the lamps themselves do not exceed 130F, so you can place this unit much closer to the plants without overheating.