The Expedition Express from Samson is a self-powered, single enclosure housing a two-way speaker with six-inch woofer and one-inch, high-frequency driver. There are three physical inputs on the back, XLR (microphone), ¼-inch (instrument), and 1/8-inch (MP3), each with individual volume control. Master, bass and treble controls allow you simple, but adequate sound shaping. The units can be cascaded with a ¼-inch ‘link output' which means you can connect multiple units together.
At only 10 lbs with a built-in handle this looks like a very portable solution. With its small size you could fit one almost anywhere. On the floor, on a shelf, on its side as a small wedge, plus it has a speaker stand mount so you can also put it up in the air
One of the real stand-out features here is the internal rechargeable battery. On a full charge the unit is said to give the user up to eight hours of continuous use. That is a pretty impressive number. I hope it can deliver. This makes the Expedition Express an ideal candidate for use in outdoor gatherings, location-based ministry events, and any room that might need walk-in music in a pinch.
The other significant feature here is the Bluetooth-capability. The user can sync any Bluetooth device (smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc...), and play music wirelessly. This is a really cool feature, and to my knowledge, completely unique in the pro A/V or MI markets. No worries about loosing an MP3 player or smart phone because it is connected to the sound system all day unattended. The youth pastor or event leader has Bluetooth control of what is being played on the system at all times.
There are endless possibilities for this type of portable sound system solution. By adding the Bluetooth capabilities, Sampson has made the Expedition Express a stand-out product. And at about $200 street price, its not going to break the bank. This looks to be very handy, portable sound solution for your next location-based event. Anywhere you need sound you could find a use for one of these units.
We'll be sure to run it through its full paces when our review unit arrives later this month. Look for a full review in the October, 2013 issue of Church Production Magazine, and online that same month.
