The P1500Xs four on/off switches engage Enhanced EQ (designed for DJ/playback only apps where an attenuated midrange is desired); C-Vs lauded Vega Bass Boost (adding sculpted low frequency gain); high-pass filter (HPF) attenuating below 80 Hz (engaged for stage monitor use or pairing with a subwoofer); and a helpful "limiter engaged" light behind the cabinets thicker-than-average 18 gauge perforated steel grille. The P1500X measures 27.5" x 17" x 18.5" in size. The 77 lb. P1800SX ($999 street) is similarly equipped and built. It boasts an appropriately bigger Class D amp (rated 2,000 W peak/650 W continuous power); 18 mm-thick reinforced wood cabinet; and 18-inch low frequency driver for a maximum of 136 dB SPL. I/O includes dual Neutrik XLR/TRS combo-equipped input channels, each with discrete XLR thru-puts, and a XLR "link" output (the sum of the P1800SX's inputs, conceived to connect to an additional subwoofer). The sub also offers the aforementioned three-pin terminal connector for remote volume control, Vega Bass Boost, and a front panel limiting indicator. Additionally, polarity reverse and HPF Thru and LPF Sub switches are provided; the latter engages two filters—a low-pass to attenuate frequencies for the sub itself (above 80 Hz) and a high-pass to attenuate (below 80 Hz) via both thru-put channels 1 and 2. The P1800SX measures 24.25" x 20" x 24.5" in size.
Both the P1500X and P1800SX are designed for flexible use. On its side, the P1500X is an ideal floor wedge with a 45 degree angle toward the artist; pole-mounted, the cabinet provides two mounting angles, level and 7.5 degrees downward. An auxiliary mounting pole (CVPOLE-1A) is available from Cerwin-Vega for main/sub speaker mounting; I would recommend that buyers spend the extra $39 (street) per pole, especially if they expect to use one or two P1800SX subs with a mono or stereo P1500X system. For installed applications, the P1500X offers M10/25mm threaded suspension points: two on the cabinet's top handle and two vertically-arranged, rear panel "pull back" points.
In Use
A mark of a solid, modern portable PA system lies in its flexibility. As any regularly gigging performing musician, DJ/KJ, or live sound provider has experienced, sound reinforcement needs are often unknown until we are on-site to size up the space. Though we don't want to unnecessarily carry around extra weight and size, we don't want to arrive with a potentially underpowered rig, either. Personally speaking, the worst gigs I've ever played seem to include an undersized, underpowered PA in an oversized, untreated room (or outdoor setting).
In use, this P1500X/P1800SX rig did not disappoint. The full range cabinet's built-in three channel mixer was ideal for small environment, one- to two-person "acoustic" performances; except for one instance (where two vocal mics and a DI acoustic guitar input required an external mixer), the P1500X served as our only PA component, placed on its side as a floor monitor and angled for both the performer and bar patrons. Even with the HPF engaged and levels pushed near maximum SPL, both vocal and acoustic guitar low frequencies were full and rich—notably more so than with other standard PA cabinet options I've regularly used—while high-frequency details were precise and pleasing to the ear.
Next, I rolled out a mono P1500X/P1800SX rig with CVPOLE-1A pole mount to DJ a wedding party featuring prerecorded music only. Did this system convince the revelers to dance? You bet it did! The wedding had club-quality sound, and the largely 20-something crowd sweated on the dance floor for two hours to prove it. For this reason, I'd recommend any bar or small club owner to check out a P1500X/P1800SX system, mono or stereo based on budget, before investing in any portable PA with the goal of getting their customers moving on the dance floor.
Finally, a full stereo P1500X/P1800SX system (dual tops and dual subs) delivered what the father-of-the-bride deemed "concert sound!" for his daughter's outdoor wedding and reception featuring a full retro R&B band with pre-recorded modern dance music between sets. This is where Cerwin-Vega's R&D efforts become clear; the P-Series with Vega Bass Boost is basically "instant club sound." However, I must note that the band (myself included) still preferred using the system without Bass Boost during live performance; engaged, Bass Boost sunk vocals and lead instrument melodies too far back in the frequency mix for our tastes. No big deal, though—we simply switched in Vega Bass for music DJing between band sets and back off for our performances.
The P-Series ships with a well-written user's manual. For less confident and/or experienced users, its six application examples provide users with most common signal flow scenarios—a good starting point for most every gig.
Summary
Comparing Cerwin-Vega's Active Series and the new P-Series components isn't exactly apples to apples; if I could only have one pair of portable powered PA speakers, I'd still choose the full-range CVA-28 (800 W peak/400 W continuous power at $599 street, each) enclosure for its overall sound and build quality (featuring painted wood cabinets and a construction resembling high-end touring/line array systems). However, to meet the same power capabilities of the fullrange P1500X, you'd need dual CVA-28s per side.
Further, C-V's Active Series is far less flexible that the new cost-conscious P-Series; the singer/songwriter setup described earlier wouldn't be possible with just a CVA-28. For potential portable PA buyers with a truly wide range of gigs, I'd recommend an initial purchase of a mono P1500X/ P1800SX rig, which could essentially cover most any gig where the band (or DJ, or KJ, or combination thereof) is expected to provide its own sound reinforcement. From there, a stereo
P1500X/P1800SX system is only bigger, better, more flexible, and more than ready for the 2013 outdoor live gigging season.
Price:
P1500X: $699
P1800SX: $899
