Our Guide to the JBL IRX/EON/PRX traditional point-source PA speaker ranges

JBL IRX Series

The IRX range from JBL is the entry-level into the world of point-source portable PA speakers from JBL. Offering the simplest user interface with straightforward mic/line connectivity and Bluetooth streaming, the IRX is the perfect choice for smaller bands, solo acts or even presenters looking for something that’s portable but still projects to the back of the room!

The 8” IRX108BT is small in stature with a custom-moulded ABS enclosure but big in sound with an impressive 124dB SPL output, quick-access EQ presets, as well as Bluetooth Audio streaming for background music or DJing. The IRX’s power is in its flexibility - it's a utility speaker that is at home at the front of a conference room, café, roof terrace, or the boot of a Yoga instructor’s car! There’s a no-nonsense but still comprehensive rear panel with 2 XLR Combi jacks with mic connectivity and preamp Gain controls but there’s also a 4-way EQ preset switch with options for Music, Vocal, and Speech applications as well as a Bass Boost switch that tailors the response of the speaker’s output to suit your desired application. There’s also audio ducking for announcements and feedback suppression if required too!

Completing the range is the IRX112BT that JBL say has been tuned to perform like a 15” driver as well as an IRX 115S subwoofer with performance that belies its size with 128dB SPL output level, a built-in switchable-frequency Crossover, as well as thru outputs for correct frequency management when used as part of a larger system.

Whilst being the smallest speaker in the range, the IRX is a perfect portable option for traveling acoustic acts, small bands, or venues needing a versatile setup that doesn’t need to be excessively loud but must have the authority to be heard.

If you want to find out more about the JBL IRX Series, you can take a look at our IRX Series blog here.

JBL EON 700 Series

With a name synonymous with great sound and portability, the EON range from JBL has been a staple of live music since it was first released in 1995. The 700 range is JBL’s latest and greatest EON series and strikes the perfect balance between power, portability, and features bringing advanced DSP, app-control, and Bluetooth streaming to 3 new speaker models.

The EON700 family has 3 full-range models as well as a dedicated subwoofer that all share many of the same internal components. The EON710 has a 10” driver at its core in an enclosure that is sized to be portable and lightweight, but it still features the same 2414H compression driver for high-frequencies that can be found on the larger 12-inch (EON712) and 15-inch (EON715) models. All speakers in the family also feature the same built-in power amplifier with 1300w peak (650w RMS) power for maximum headroom between the models. 

There’s also an advanced DSP package in each speaker that has comprehensive control over EQ, limiters, delay, dbx Automatic Feedback Suppression, ducking and other speaker functions directly from the JBL Pro Connect App for iOS or Android. The app itself is the same app that controls other speakers in the JBL range including the EON ONE and PRX ONE, and allows you to control multiple units from one app. 

With a sleek interface and intuitive functions, it’s very easy to mix the whole show from the app without needing an external mixer or interface for basic functions. When you aren’t mixing live music and microphones, you can always use the EON’s Bluetooth audio streaming between sets of for DJing!

When picking a speaker in the EON700 family, the only considerations are its overall size/weight, frequency response, and maximum SPL as larger speakers such as the 715 often exhibit a wider, fuller response (55Hz to 20kHz) as well as more output for larger audiences. The EON715 would be best suited for larger rooms or applications where you can’t use the accompanying EON718S subwoofer.

For bands or DJ’s requiring more low-end extension, the EON range also has the EON718S – a single 18” subwoofer with plenty of output for all audience sizes. Featuring a powerful 1500w Peak (750w RMS) power amplifier and a rigid plywood enclosure, the EON718s is the perfect complement to the full range speakers with DSP-controlled crossover outputs to manage the frequency division and M20 screw mounts for mounting speakers on top of poles.

With their now iconic moulded ABS enclosures featuring unique feet, mounting points, and ergonomic handles, the EON range packs serious punch for its weight and a serious choice for travelling bands of all sizes.

It's also worth being aware the JBL EON 700 Series is included in JBL's very generous 7 Year Warranty. This industry-leading warranty is a product of JBL’s continuous dedication to quality components and testing that includes a standard 100-hour acoustic stress test, a battery of aging and drop tests and a wide range of stringent, global electronic testing and certification procedures.

If you want to find out more, you can also take a look at our EON700 Series blog here.

New JBL PRX900 Series

The PRX900 range starts where EON stops and offers more power and output for larger venues and grander performances but with the same powerful DSP and wireless control capabilities using the JBL Pro Connect App. With enclosure sizes ranging from 8”, 12”, and 15”, there’s a PRX900 box for more applications and more venues than ever before.

The PRX908 is the smallest enclosure in the range and is lightweight, punchy, and perfect for corporate events, speech, and small music applications. The PRX912 with its 12” driver has even more low-end extension whilst maintaining portability. It’s perfect for larger bands in smaller venues or medium-sized rooms when paired with a sub. Finally there’s the PRX915 which a 15” driver. It may be the largest, but it has enough LF extension to be used without a subwoofer or with one when maximum frequency response, throw and coverage is required in largest rooms.

The PRX900 range is not a subtle evolution of the previous PRX800 series, but has in fact been built entirely from the ground-up to leverage JBL’s most advanced and up to date acoustic innovations. A next-generation ferrite driver provides a smooth and natural bass response even at maximum volume and when paired with its new poly-annular 1.5” compression driver and powered by an efficient Class D amplifier, each speaker in the range is a remarkable step up from the EON range when larger venues and spaces need to be filled with top-quality sound. Crucially, the PRX900 range is designed to deliver peak performance even at maximum volume.

In a departure from the previous PRX offerings, the PRX900 series has a Polypropylene/talcum composite cabinet that has been optimised for rigidity and durability. Another advantage of this design is that JBL can easily design-in all of the supports, handles, and ergonomic shapes required to make a more versatile box - unlike MDF or plywood cabinets which by comparison are harder to work with, less flexible and of course, heavier!

To partner the full-range offerings, the PRX900 range has two subwoofers including a 15” 915XLF and an 18” 918XLF for massive low-end extension in very compact enclosures especially in the case of the PRX915XLF. With more power, the redesigned 915SG 15” driver, and an FEA flared port for less air noise and distortion, these PRX900 series subwoofers is a remarkable upgrade to their predecessors.

With the PRX900 range, JBL have also added the same powerful DSP and wireless mixing capabilities introduced with their EON range including comprehensive, wireless control over EQ, limiters, dbx Automatic Feedback Suppression, ducking and other speaker functions directly from the JBL Pro Connect App for iOS or Android. There’s also 180ms of sample delay that can be used by system integrators to time align multiple speakers in complex rooms or large outdoor spaces. The app itself is the same app that controls other speakers in the JBL range including the EON ONE and PRX ONE, and allows you to control multiple units from one app using Bluetooth - useful to tune multiple FOH and floor monitors at once!

The JBL PRX900 Series is also included in JBL's 7 year warranty.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a straight-forward point source PA for your band or DJ set, you shouldn’t look further than JBL’s IRX, EON, or PRX range. With tech filtered down from their high-performance line arrays and innovations inherited from JBL’s fellow companies in the Harman group (such as DBX and Lexicon), the Portable PA range from JBL is a scalable and powerful PA range that packs a punch!

If you need something that is super-compact, perhaps battery powered, and that consolidates all of your PA components into a central unit, then you may be interested in JBL’s all-in-one portable PA family that utilises miniature line-array technology and complete digital mixing for even more mix power.

Check out our guide to the JBL all-in-one Portable PA family here