Line array speakers began taking over the planet when designers discovered that a row of closely spaced identical drivers bent the traditional rules of sound dispersion. But the magic wasn't reserved just for huge hanging arrays. It turns out smaller drivers also collaborate to control dispersion in previously unheard-of ways.By now, most people have seen speakers that look like a narrow column growing up from a more traditional-looking subwoofer.
Open mic night, guitar and vocal in the coffee shop, addressing a gathering on the lawn, worship in the youth room—all are a great fit for StagePas 1K.
Yamaha's new StagePas 1K (street price: $1,199) fits this description, joining similar “stick” speakers from JBL, EV, Bose, Mackie, K-array and others.
An inside look
StagePas 1K has 10 1.5-inch cone-style drivers stacked vertically in close proximity. These drivers work together to both focus and disperse sound. Though it seems counter-intuitive, the vertical stack of drivers creates a very broad horizontal spread (about 170 degrees) and a very tight vertical spread (about 30 degrees). Underneath the high-frequency column sits the StagePas 1K woofer, which also houses a four-channel mixer. Yamaha decided to tap into their extensive digital mixer experience for StagePas 1K, with benefits of pristine sound, remote control and scene recall.With just four channels, it’s not the type of mixer you would use to mix a band.
Think of this system as something you’d use for playing recorded music at a youth event, for a vocalist singing to tracks, for voice or speech reinforcement at an outdoor service, as a small, portable back-up for the pastor’s sermon if the main PA were to fail, etc.Mixer channels 1-3 are traditional mono inputs with a mic/line switch to adjust input sensitivity. Channels 2 and 3 also include a Hi-Z button for electric bass, acoustic guitar and similar sources. All three channels have a single-knob EQ and effects send knob. Channel four isa stereo input with a 1/8-inch jack and dual 1/4-inch jacks; this channel also functions as the Bluetooth input. Because it's meant for pre-recorded sources, channel four has no effectssend knob. StagePas 1K takes an interesting and simple approach to EQ, putting two very different curves on a single knob.
The mixer is designed in part with a non-technical user in mind. A trained sound engineer will want more control. But that clearly wasn’t the intent. Back to the EQ. You turn the knob counter-clockwise, and deep bass is reduced (much like a variable high-pass filter). Turned clockwise, the EQ knob simultaneously increases deep bass and treble. Bass reduction is useful as the knob is decreased, but a bit heavy-handed when increased. The corresponding treble boost is limited. It's a tall order to build a useful EQ on a single knob, so I feel Yamaha's pain. Digging back again into prior experience, Yamaha loaded StagepPas 1K with an SPX-class effects unit with hall, plate, room and echo algorithms. A single knob selects from eight different variations for each effect type. Reverbs are rich and very useful, but I never found an application for the echo effect. The hall emulations are long and lush, balanced nicely by some fantastic shorter room presets. The plates are nice but don't go short enough, in my opinion. Oh wait, I keep forgetting, this mixer isn’t designed for mixing a band.
To the test
I tested the StagePas 1K's output with my ears and a spectrum analyzer. I found the system to be a bit bass-heavy (the analyzer agreed), and I longed for a woofer trim knob. But more bass adds to the perception of loudness, so the youth group will love it. Then again a subdued top end also contributes to a somewhat darker sound to the system. High-frequency response decreases noticeably as you move off-axis—probably a good thing to avoid feedback—but StagePas 1K still spreads sound wider than one expects. There's even a fair amount of sound coming off the back of the column, which could be good or bad depending on your application. I was originally concerned about the handoff between the sub and the system's very small high-frequency drivers, but I heard (and saw) no anomalies around the 240 Hz crossover point stated in the specs.
…the youthgroup will love it. Just bring a mic and a smartphone and you’re in business.
Total StagePas 1K system power is 1,000 watts, with about 800 watts driving the 12-inch woofer and 200 watts going topside to the high-frequency drivers. This allows the system to generate a maximum SPL of 119 dB before the mixer's built-in limiter kicks in. StagePas 1K won't rattle the organs of 1,000 people outside, but it generates ample volume for its target applications.About those applications—StagePas 1K has a host of them. Virtually anywhere a few mics and/or instruments need amplified to moderate volumes, StagePas 1K will deliver the goods. Open mic night, guitar and vocal in the coffee shop, addressing a gathering on the lawn, worship in the youth room—all are a great fit for StagePas 1K. The cozier the space, the more benefit you'll enjoy from the speaker's wide horizontal dispersion. You may not even need monitors. Mind that tight vertical dispersion, however, or your audience to the extreme right and left may miss crucial clarity and articulation. Use the column extensions to keep drivers and ears lined up.
Other notables
StagePas 1K has a well-conceived control app for Android and iOS devices. The controls are easy to use, and the screens uncluttered. Worthy of kudos is the integrated music player. This player has several thoughtful touches, like an adjustable delay between when you tap and when the track actually starts. The app goes beyond the on-board mixer controls in a few areas (such as effects return level knob), but Yamaha could have gone further. Maybe this is keep the non-technical “engineer” from getting in trouble by providing too many options. Regardless, the one-knob EQ limitation becomes arbitrary in software, for example, but they didn't add a more-flexible traditional EQ to the app.
It's worth noting that I had some issues with Bluetooth dropouts, and the control app would never work with one particular (and otherwise reliable) Android phone.StagePas 1K is easy to assemble, and the speaker feels very sturdy and well put-together. The included cover has handy pockets for cords or manuals or music. The whole system balances nicely when carried with its one handle, but, at about 50 pounds, it may be hard for some to move. A rolling cart is available for purchase, but I have to wonder why Yamaha didn't install a pair of luggage-style wheels to make moving the StagePas 1K a breeze for anyone.In conclusion, the new Yamaha StagePas 1K delivers major convenience and portability by being speaker system, mixer, amp and speaker stand (and maybe even monitors) in one. Just bring a mic and a smartphone and you’re in business. It's a great choice when you want to fill a wide area with sound from a speaker that's nearly invisible to the eye.
