That's a good point about the fixed height of the Turbosounds. I use them all the time and it can be a problem in a big crowd. The simple solution is to set the columns on a box of some sort if you don't have a stage. Just 18" will usually suffice. One problem I've run into with RCF's is you have to watch and make sure someone doesn't turn the head. I had rang out the mains and was using a DBX box, in other words I had done due diligence, and unknown to me (between sets) someone accidentally turned the top box on the left speaker toward the stage. Feedback city. We made some changes after that, but it would never happen with the Turbosounds.
I own both the turbosound 3000 and this new J8. Your review between the two is pretty spot on and all of the reasons for changing to the J8 are the same reasons as yours (weight/sound quality). The reason ip3000/ip2000 gets lost with crowds standing in front of the column is partly due to the fact they have a 5 way crossover. They don't disclose the crossover points, but I feel that is the main culprit and have experienced it first hand. They are also LOUD AF from behind the speaker. We A/B tested the J8 and the ip2000 and ip3000 and the one noticeable difference was how much better vocals sounded in the J8. With Music they were pretty even. The J8 did lack some mid range clarity. I'm guessing because the crossover over point is unusually high for a sub/sat combo at 220 hz. As far as a scale-able column array. The closest thing I have found is the DB Technologies ES 503 or better yet the ES1203. I wish someone on the east coast had one to demo. Would love to listen to it!
In about a month I'm going back to the school where I had trouble with the iP3000's getting lost in the crowd. I'm going to bring the J8 system to see if it handles the crowd better. I'm not expecting to get the same bass response but I'm hoping for better projection and clarity of the highs over the crowd. This gig will be the stress test for the J8 system. With that being said I didn't buy this system with the intent to do schools dances with 300 people in attendance. For that I eventually plan to get the EVOX 12 system. But I'm curious to see how these do.
I don't know about using the J8 at a school dance or even the Evox 12. That would be a stretch. They have the same amp in both boxes (700 watt rms) and the improvement moving up to the bigger cabinet and drivers is marginal in the Evox 12. The more I look at the numbers the more I like the DB Technologies ES 1203 (1200 RMS) at the same price as the Evox 12 and the DB comes included with all cases.
I need to do better research! I didn't realize the J8 and the Evox 12 had the same amp.... You're also the second person to tell me the EVOX 12 isn't as impressive as a person would think. I've also looked at the ES1203 and the specs look pretty good. I think I've steered clear of it because I have the iP3000 and that's also a dual 12". Although I'm sure the ES1203 would blow the iP3000 away. IDK.... The more I think about it maybe I should just look at going with something like the Ingenia IG4T or NXL 24-A for a big column array system so I can have some flexibility with which subs I choose to use.
@@TheAngrySoundTech Hello again, Did You consider putting a system together yourself ? I'm matching the Turbosound ip300 together with a decent 15" sub ( preferably Turbosound ) + straight speaker pole without 'knobs' for the clean look. It could cost me around 720 Euros - The Evox 12 is 1999 Euro..../ See: Stewards productions: He did the same thing ( ip300 + M15b ) Via this way You could have your own 'flexible' line type array system for a fraction of the cost and it could be as good as the EVOX12.
I had not thought about doing this but I do like the idea. I like that the tops have their own amps for redundancy and I like the ability to have a user selectable crossover point between the sub and the top. One of the issues I have with pretty much every column array is how high the crossover point always is. Even on the RCF JMIX8 the crossover is at 220 hz. When I get some extra cash I might buy a pair of the iP300's and give this a test run.
DJStylus i played on 2 evox 8 tonight they sound much better then 2 712a mk2! Hitting -2db was just right for small room full guests was shocked! I do wonder now if the J8 or Evox8 v2 any help?
Thanks for the great review and a lot of great info in the comments here. I currently have a set of Yamaha dxr10's and dxr12's along with one dxs15. Great speakers as far as Clarity and throw goes. The reason I got two sets was at the time I was in a band that I was doing sound for and needed monitors. Have stopped playing in bands and am considering selling one of the pairs, but I might just keep them and ad in a dbx rack for a delayed speaker setup for larger events. I still do a lot of live music that's mostly a solo and sometimes Duo Act for small restaurants and bars. I first got into the line array system using one of those cheap Kustom 12in Subs with a 50 watt top that has the small drivers. I've ditched the tops (very weak & feedback proned) and bought a turbosound ip300 top to use with the cheap Kustom 12in sub as a hybrid array system. The sound is clear and very omnidirectional which works well for the smaller rooms I play. I bought one of those hydraulic gator sub poles so I can get the speakers above the audience no problem. I just wish I could put a tilt on them to face down at the audience. I use an old Yamaha mg10 Channel mixer and aux feed the sub so that I can have separation for a kick drum and a guitar bass octave pedal that I used to enhance the low end of solo/duo performances. The J mix and j8 sound like a great option for me to enhance my sound a bit while saving on setup/teardown time with the built in mixer and smaller footprint. The higher crossover of the sub to top and not having the aux fed sub (ability to control what channels go to the sub) does make me question whether the purchase would be worth it for me. My Yamahas are great for gigs where I need to put out a lot of sound such as DJing events and my hybrid column array system works very well, for the price ($600 for sub & top), in small rooms or outdoor areas where people are conversating and just want background music. I just think it would be nice to not have to bring the backpack with the mixer and all the wires that come with it and have to fuss with them before and after the gig. But mainly, I want the best audio quality possible. Do you think the jmix would be a wise investment for my smaller solo gigs?
Your current setup is basically what I've now switched to. I loved the ease of setup and the built in mixer of the JMIX8 but I began to want a more full featured mixer and a real subwoofer. So I now use Yamaha DXS12MKII's with DXR10MKII's on top and a QSC Touchmix8 that I got a sweet deal on. You should check out my "Are column array's a fad video" and "column array vs point source". I go into technical detail about the array projection. It's kind of my final thoughts on column arrays and explains why I decided to move away from them.
I just purchased the the RCF EVOX 12 but they messed up shipping me the sub module so I'm just waiting on it to tryout. $2500/Ea. The compression ability I still feeling is better with a stand alone mixer. Hopefully some day they will pack these system with more.
The Angry Sound Tech you will love the evox 12 once on mixer -3db to 0db i cant afford them yet unless sell all my rcf might do for 2 if i have to say difference now more fuller sound bass, mid bass, mids bit treble - i got to test them last year
I have a question about the jmix8. I know this is an older upload thank you for the great info. Are the fx settings assigned globally or per channel? In other words can you have different effects applied to different channels and/or more than one effect at once? Cheers mate
Thank you for your in-depth, well-balanced take on this - and for saving me from buying the JMix8! :-) Also thanks for being a RU-vidr who actually takes the time to respond to comments, with helpful input. So give ‚em an inch and they‘ll take a mile, eh? ;-) So here‘s my question: I note from your replies that you have moved on from this to a normal speaker set-up. That said, can you recommend ANY current column system with a more favorable (or user-selectable) crossover frequency? Use: Acoustic male/female duo with various guitars, an electric bass, kick via stomp pedal, BeatBuddy for some songs. We will be playing smallish venues. I have a great digital mixer (RCF M18), so that‘s not an issue. But clarity is, and so far I haven‘t found any column system that pleased my ears across the entire range of frequencies like my ancient Mackie (RCF) 12-inch full-rangers (which I no longer wish to lift up on stands, and which are kinda ugly and need tripods and just don‘t fit my aesthetic objective any more). Any recommendations would be very welcome!
I would go with the Yamaha system. The only minor change would be that I would do the DXS15MKII instead. I used to own 6 of the DXS12MKII's and they worked well but I did find myself wishing I had 15" subs at larger events. When I had the DXS12MKII's i did find that I preferred to cross the system over at 80Hz to let the subs focus on the lower frequencies. As for the RCF it's good if you are looking for a light weight and clean looking system. But it doesn't hold up against the Yamaha system when it comes to sound quality, feedback rejection and overall output.
I hear somebody say: the column speaker (Evox j8, EV 50M, 30M…) that is good for DJ music. But it is not good for vocals singing. The old system (DXR12 MKII + Sub 15”) It is good for everything. What do you think?
I've owned or used every column array you mentioned plus a few others. I can tell you DJ's like them because they have a clean look for wedding dances and they are light weight and portable. They don't own them because they have a superior sound.
@@TheAngrySoundTech thank you so much for your answers! About 3 years ago, I watched your video and then I bought a pairs Yamaha DXR15 mkii. The sound very good and the model look nice. Now I want to change the Yamaha DZR10 or DZR12 and I am waiting for your new video talk about them. Thank you!
Did you try the new RCF 935a speakers, they rock, i have 1500 xps underneath and no need of them the 935 has plenty punch in them, but column array systems if I were to change and have something fit in the boot of the car I would consider the Evolve 50M system, I spoke to a few bands that use these and love them, honestly I would be very slow going for a column array again after my experience with the yamaha stagepas 1k, I would have to be really really impressed and get the ok from our angry tech guy 👍
What was your issue with the Yamaha stagepas 1K? I was considering a pair of the Stagepas 1K MKII or a pair of the Yamaha DXL1K's (basically the stagepas 1K MKII without the mixer portion).
How do u dial in the eq for vocals do u use dj or do u play backing tracks tru. If so how do u dual the mid sweep and mid minus or plus. Just interested how others dial in the sound. Vocals need some mid.
Hey bud. I'm currently deciding between a RCF JMIX 8 & a RCF EVOX 8v2. I'm a singer/songwriter that plays solo gigs (1 guitar/1 vocal) & Trio gigs (2 guitars/1 vocal/mic'd kick drum or drum pad) at small indoor bars/restaurants on a weekly basis. I currently own a Yamaha MG10XU mixer. Should I go with the EVOX 8v2 and use my Yamaha mixer or switch over to the JMIX8? Thanks in advance. I dig your video reviews. :)
I like the simplicity of having the mixer built right into the speaker with the JMIX8. It's one of the things that keeps me using the system. Interestingly the mixer is also my main complaint of the system. I wish it was more advanced... It's basically a digital version of a $200 analog mixer. So here's my recommendation... If you ever plan on moving into a more advanced digital mixer (QSC Touchmix, Soundcraft Ui16, behringer x-air, etc..) I would go with the EVOX 8V2 and stick with an external mixer. But if you're happy with the features of the Yamaha you are currently using I think you'll like the slight upgrade the JMIX8's mixer will give you. It has amp modeling, lots of effects, plus the ability to use a two button foot pedal and you can program what you want the buttons to do.
If you had to chose between a J8 and J8MIX, or a pair of DXR15 mk2s as your only rig starting out (outdoors events and indoor events/weddings) which would you go for?
DXR15MKII it's what I've currently been using. Well I recently got a pair of the DXR12MKII's so I've been using those but I still have my 15's and will use those for bigger events.
I have one, not happy with it or the sound, I was ringing frequencies with the 7 band EQ and a mic and I heard a pop, the audio switched off but the power stated on, I didn't get audio back for at least 60 seconds. Can't risk that happening at a gig. The sound is muffled at best and the APP mixer is very limited and not very user friendly constant switching between pages, 7 band eq is not nearly enough. My DB tech es503 sounds much better and costs less, check out my review of the db es503
I do continue using these regularly. I have a JMIX8 and a J8. The mixer comes in handy to attach extra microphones or a backup laptop/ipad. The sound quality is better than a pair of 12's or 15" speakers. But if you're doing a larger show that you would typically add a subwoofer to I would recommend bringing out a standard system with a real subwoofer. Also if you're doing sound for a live performance or corporate event you will still need an external mixer as the built in mixer is not powerful enough to properly ring out a room. They should have put a fully parametric eq on each channel and a 31 band graphic eq on the mains. I don't think I would spend the extra money to get the EVOX8v2. These are expensive enough for having just slightly better performance than a pair of 12's or 15's. What you're really paying for is a system that doesn't require tripods. Your paying for the look of the system.
how are you getting on with the mixer and app? I've had my RCFs 3 years now and have only just tried using the onboard mixer with the android app. I just need it for EQing my DJ controller in a bit better. I do karaoke but didn't want to risk a live session for any problems to arise. What I've found, is that the new firmware and app updates still have major issues: For some reason the local mixer functions lock up and the app looses control too. on the plus side, audio and current settings still work. Another problem I noticed was even though the controller was plugged into channel 8, the mixer was receiving sound by bluetooth form my phone with the app on. Looks like you can only hardwire to channel 7 and mute 8 to stop this issue.
I actually sold my RCF's a while back. Since then I have also owned the RCF M20x Digital Mixer and didn't like it at all and sold that too. RCF is a good speaker company but not a very good mixer company. I believe I read somewhere that they bought a mixer company and folded it into the RCF group. This could be the reason they aren't very good.
@@TheAngrySoundTech managed to go for a full 5 hours with only one mishap. no freezing, but the channel somehow got muted for no reason. Luckily the control panel on the speaker responded
I tried a few different things. I slowly slid the high pass filter up until the feedback went away but that made everything pretty thin. I think if I was to do it again I'd just get two J8's and pair them with a good digital mixer so I could properly notch out the problem areas. I have the RCF M 20X mixer now and I feel like that would be a good combo with a pair of J8's.
Hello there I have just bought jmix8 but there is one thing I do not like about it-constant hissing noice comming from HF driver... did you have that issue on your unit? Cheers!
@@TheAngrySoundTech thank you for quick answer! I went to store, tried j8, hiss is also present but more like waterfall sound, mine jmix has that plus high piched hiss. O well I try to adapt if not I ll sell it, to bad since I like the sound and features. Cheers mate!
Very interesting thanks. I'm looking at buying a pair of these. A question that's come up I'm not sure if you know - are you able to change the volume level of each channel separately using the app from a mobile/tablet? I'm thinking it would be a great feature to get the right sound balance from afar. I've heard you can't though. Could you confirm. Thanks again
Yes, there was a firmware update and you can now control channel volumes from the app. Obviously the knobs don't turn so if you use the app you don't want to touch the knobs at all because as soon as you move the knob the volume will skip to the knob level.
I just realized that you your critique on the ip3000 though valid wouldn’t apply to me since my primary usage will be to amp a small group!.....would you suggest the ip3000 for my case scenario?
I've used the iP3000 for DJing, speech (corporate event), an acoustic show and a full band as well as PA for a cross country meet. For every one of those situations I would have been happier with the sound if I had a pair of Yamaha DXR10's over DXS12MKII's. And the Yamaha system would have been less expensive. It's a tough one... I love the idea of a column array but I have not yet heard one that made me go wow. This sounds great! Point source overall offers a better price point and better sound. If you get a column array just know you're buying it for looks and portability. Not superior sound.
@@TheAngrySoundTech 😳😳😳.............wow! I've listen to a crap load of reviews already and I was coming to the similar conclusion! Much much appreciated advice! Big salute to ya'...........👍🏾😎
If you have a JMIX8 & J8 combo and you plan on using the built in mixer I don't believe there would be any way to loop a driverack in the mix. Now if you just have 2 of the J8's without a built in mixer you don't need a drive rack but it could come in handy being able to EQ them as I had run into some feedback frequencies with microphones. I'd prefer using some type of digital mixer with them over a driverack. I just bought the EVOX 12's and I plan on eventually getting an RCF M20X digital mixer to run with them.
Great video... has anybody used the RCF EVOX 12 for a full band? I mean drums/bass/acoustic/electric and vocals... I am really considering the EVOX 12 but I am not sure if it will be enough for a full band especially the kick drum. I know they sound great with recorded music but how about live music? thx in advance.
I have not personally used the RCF EVOX 12 but I'll tell you I've tried a few of these column arrays and I've been less than impressed with them in a live setting. Some of it has to do with the lack of a real sub. The crossover point is always pretty high which means vocals come through the sub/low mid driver. The "array" is never long enough to provide line array focus so all the mids and most of the highs are omnidirectional. I came very close to purchasing an EVOX 12 or ES1203 and I talk myself out of it every time. I'm keeping the JMIX8/J8 combo I have not for it's portability. But I wouldn't buy one of these to replace a big system. With that being said I know people are going to disagree with me. If you're in a Jazz band and you're playing in a 100 person club sure it'll work. But if you're in a rock band you'll need something with more horsepower.
@@TheAngrySoundTech thx for the reply that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I am a DJ but also play in a rock band so your opinion has really helped me with deciding to buy or not to buy and from what you said it doesn't seem like I will be going with this system. The portability is good but that's it
We have similar backgrounds. I am a DJ but I also do live sound events (bands, corporate gigs). So I'm always looking for systems that work well in more than one situation. Column arrays are great for wedding DJ's but they seem to fall short for me in all other areas. I've been considering selling my JMIX8 and J8 to swap over to using 2 Yamaha DXS12MKII's with Yamaha DXR8's. I see the DXR8MKII will be out this fall so I've been holding off. And it's so nice if I'm doing a small karaoke gig to just bring in one JMIX8...
@@TheAngrySoundTech i Will try an experiment with Fbt cs 1000, i just want the xover of the sub between the 100hz and 300hz, the other frequencies to the column. Under 100 hz will be my EV 18. The point Is use the Cs 1000 sub as a mid-bass and column as midhigh.
I sold my JMIX8 and I don't remember off the top of my head what the settings were that I used. But in general I typically will use either a vocal plate or some type of vintage reverb with around a 1.8 to 2 second decay. I usually combo that with a mono delay with feedback set to zero for a very short delay. I tap this one in if i can if not I'll adjust it somewhere between 80 to 120 ms. I use longer delays on bigger boards for certain songs but wouldn't keep it as an always on effect.
You know I've been really going back and forth on buying a couple PRX One's to give them a test run. The J8's get loud but they only have 8 - 2" drivers. JBL really stepped it up when they put 12 - 2.5" drivers in the PRX one. One of my big complaints with these column arrays has been that the manufacturers don't create a long enough line for the line array effect. JBL has a 30" line while the RCF has a 16" line. Now I haven't heard or used the PRX One but it should sound louder and have a fuller sound at a distance than the J8. But that's purely speculation as I have not used one yet. My curiosity really has me wanting to buy some though... I had the RCF Evox 12 which had a 32" line and you could tell the difference.
@@TheAngrySoundTech I bought 2x j8 for 1580 euro. They are stupid loud 🔊. 3 months ago I bought a prx for 1660 euro, returned the same day. Limiter led start to flash when the volume is 65%.I can't stand to play music 6 hours with limiter turned on. The worst thing of the prx is the bad vertical dispersion... I prefere 1000 times the output of a j8 and it has adjustable pole for lower or higher throw
@@TheAngrySoundTech I'm a full time solo musician who uses backing tracks. I split my time between Florida and NY. When in Florida I do a lot of vacation resorts on the beach and I'm tired of lugging 2 tops and 2 subs through the sand. Been looking at two of these instead. Any thoughts?
Hey Frankie! Two tops and subs will provide you with overall better sound. The main benefit of these is the size and weight. I've been thinking about buying a pair of these again because I wish I had them for some of my bar gigs and weddings. When you push them hard with open mics/acoustic guitars I did find that they were a little feedback prone and there isn't much you can do with the built in mixer. It's a very basic digital mixer. You'll just have to decide if the pros outweigh the cons. I will say I have also been wanting to try out the Bose L1 Pro16 that just came out. It's way more expensive but I'm curious if it handles feedback better or if it projects better due to the longer line of speakers. If I buy the RCF's again I would probably bypass the built in mixer for some gigs and use an external one for more control over the sound. Something I wish I had tried when I owned them previously. If I sound a little wishy washy on these... It's because I am. I sold them for a reason but I want them back for their all in one portability. If you do get these the biggest tip I can give you is have some distance between you and the speaker. It will help with the feedback issue. I can tell you it will be tempting to have the speaker with the mixer right next to you so you can make adjustments easily but the closer you are the more prone to feedback they are.
@@TheAngrySoundTech I'm definitely intrigued by the new Bose L1 pro 16 too. I like the RCF's because you have the flexibility to raise and lower the top and swivel it. Have you had the opportunity to stare and compare the Evox 8 and the Evox J8? My biggest concern is sound quality. I usually have the speakers on either side of me like I would in a full band so feedback shouldn't be an issue. If I'm right next to one of these, chances are the venue is too small and I won't be loud enough for feedback, lol.
There is a little better projection in the high end frequencies but they both suffer from the same issues. Check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Tqrwn0DBj2U.html
Thanks man. These are great and informative reviews. I'm think of having *one* of this at home (large room) for live rehearsals and karaoke. Do you think it's suitable for this application? One thing I'm afraid of is that we'll be sitting and it can be too tall and not optimal for people sitting down. Also, can you comment on the Bluetooth input? Thanks.
One of the benefits of this column array is that it uses an adjustable pole. So if people are sitting down just adjust the top speaker lower. Bluetooth works great in this speaker. I've had connectivity issues with other speakers but with this one it connects fast and has a good solid connection. The bluetooth connection is also how you use the app to control the speaker wirelessly.
@@TheAngrySoundTech This is great information. Can you adjust the height of the pole "continuously" or they have discrete sections where you can only move it ~2ft up or down? Thanks.
It comes in two sections and the top section is adjustable. If you need it shorter don't use the bottom section just use the adjustable section. Pin holes are about every 6 inches (If I remember correctly). But there is a tightening knob as well so you don't need to use the pin.
Are you wanting to use the mixer on the JMIX8 and use an external sub? If so I think the only way you could make it work would be to use the Aux out to run signal to an external sub. This isn't a scalable system but that would be a workaround to add an external sub. You might run into some phase issues doing it this way but it will work. If you don't plan on using the mixer of the JMIX8 there is a better way to do it.
I thought they sounded good but keep in mind the 2" drivers are doing full range down to the 200hz range. So if you like really crispy highs then you'll probably need a horn loaded compression driver that just focuses on the highs.
I no longer own the system and to be honest I don't know if I found a good EQ setting on the JMIX8. The limited digital mixer is part of my reason for selling.
I've never used the standard Evox 8. I only have the Evox J8 and Evox JMIX8. But when comparing them I would say they're very close in build quality and sound quality. I don't think you would go wrong buying either one of them. But I do prefer the RCF because of the adjustable pole and I feel as though it has a flatter frequency response. From what I've head when listening to the Evolve 50 it sounds to me that it has more of a scooped DJ sound. But this is definitely a comparison where at the end of the day I would say they are equal it just depends on what you are going to use it for.
We tested the Evolve 50 against the EVOX JMIX8 and we bought the JMIX. It was so much better in volume. The EVOX 50 is good and you cant go wrong with it but its no match for the JMIX.
MATE, I THINK YOUR JUST FAR , FAR TOO LOUD WITH ALL YOUR GEAR. IF YOUR GETTING FEEDBACK! FROM THAT LITTLE EVOX SYSTEM I THINK YOU BEST GET YOUR HEARING TESTED BEFORE YOUR BAD BACK LOL! YOU SEAM TO ME YOU LIKE PLAYING LOUD AND I'LL BET YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF BLOWING UP RIGS! LOL PEACE .
