Our band almost didn't buy this system because of the reviews -- sounds crappy, etc. We were realistic in our expectations, and did not expect it to really pump out the kick drum or bass with this tiny speaker. It sounds GREAT to us, a 3-piece acoustic rock-n-roll folk band (Dog Mountain Band). Nice highs and mids, weak bass (of course, its not a 15 inch driver!) We drive 2 of the passive Galaxy monitors with it. When special guests join us, they rave about how good the sound on stage is. Near field monitors are a great new idea, and our entire monitor system fits in a suitcase...that was a big part of the decision to spend $600 on this system. We were tired hauling around 3 big floor monitors for our little band, and we are absolutely sold on near field monitors now. I'm guessing that the folks who think this monitor sounds crappy are rock n rollers who have already blown out their ears with floor monitors and have to turn it up too loud. ;~) We're acoustic, and think it sounds great.

XLR and 1/4" inputs with separate gain, 3 band EQ, easy mounting on a mic stand. You can use it as a micro PA for intimate venues too -- this unit for power, driving up to 2 passive near field Galaxy monitors. We've tried this once off a 4-channel passive mixer, and it worked like a charm. You can drive more of these powered units as satellites, with them driving their own passive satellites.

Our ONLY complaint is that this unit is much louder than the 2 passive satllite monitors from Galaxy, even when the passive ones are turned up full. We wish there was a way to get more volume from the satellite ones, to match this one, or lower the volume on this one. So 2 of us share this one, our drummer gets a satellite monitor, and any guests get the 3rd one.

Heavy, solid, thermoplastic body that takes dings well. We torture these things. I've dropped it twice, it's HEAVY. No problems. The satellites are light, but this thing needs a sturdy mic stand.

Kinda pricey. But not many options out there. We'll never switch back to floor monitors, and they are pricey too.

Had a couple questions while putting the system together, and emails were answered same day.

If you've never tried near field monitors, you should. Rent or borrow some. It's a very different experience on stage. For our small acoustic band, it's perfect. For a loud rock n roll band, your mileage may vary. Our band split buyning our PA. One guy buoght the amp head, the other bought the Mains, I bought the monitors. We have to set up our own part of the system for every show. Now I carry my part in a suitcase, and get it set up in 10 minutes!

Active musician

Home-skooled vintage crab grass

25+ years experience, professional player, I play guitar, bass, and drums, and im a vocalist!

Country, Outlaw Country, Rock & Roll, Blues, Funk, R&B, Soul, Jazz, Punk, Hard Rock, Fusion

sound is not that good at all.my audio technica monitor blows it away but its not powered

mine stopped working it just makes a buzz.ill have to have it repaired

Active Musician

all types

I tried to use it as part of a Piano monitor and while it has the power, it does NOT have the bass response for a piano monitor. This thing would be good for vocals or for a alto/soprano instrument (like a sax)

Active Musician

Jazz, Easy Listening, Rock

It may be small but it's powerful as heck. The only problem I came to was when I plug my laptop to it, it sounded bad. I tried making my laptop output mono and it sounded perfect! Piano, sounds good, Ipod sounds good, vocals sound good. I haven't tested my guitar to it yet.

I wish that track one and two were combo plugs so I had the option of plugging in one of the 3 combinations of XLR and Phone Cable. I'm happy that it does have one XLR and one phone at least.

Plug and play

I think it will last forever. I've literally just dropped it, (by mistake of course), and it's fine.

The thing is, I like music gear that is good and doesn't cost so much. I might maybe 200-250 for this.

The sound that comes from this speaker is alot like a computers internal speaker on the motherboard. Do not waste your money on this novelty. I am sorry I did.

The most useful feature about this product is its ability to work as a door stop while I setup the rest of my usefull equipment.