JBL IRX ONE: What is it?
The IRX ONE is certainly a triumph in design and form factor. Everything packs neatly into itself, allowing for a truly portable and lightweight All-In-One solution. The speakers consist of an 8” Sub in the bass unit, with six 2” tweeters in the C-shaped column. It boasts an extremely wide sound coverage of 160 degrees, giving the illusion of warm, punchy and clear stereo sound.
A 3-channel mixer caters for both mic and line inputs, with the addition of Bluetooth technically making this a 4-channel system. A global EQ knob allows for the sound to be catered for different situations whilst not giving any specific tailoring options for individual channels. Setting the system up could not be any easier, with two additional spacers included for the column speakers. Additional features such as ‘ducking’ and feedback suppression are included, along with basic bass and treble on the individual channels.
Control for the Bluetooth option is virtually zero, meaning the levels would need to be set on the chosen device itself. That being said, connecting the Bluetooth is quick and easy, and the sound quality is excellent.
Weighing in at a mere 15.5 kg, it is clear that JBL has done away with any and all superfluous features to keep this system at a size and weight to suit everyone. The carrying handle, which doubles up as the top flap to gain access to the column speaker and mixer, is comfortable and ergonomic.
JBL IRX ONE: Performance & verdict
Yamaha Stagepas 1k MKII: With more power and all the bells and whistles, this is a thoroughly solid choice. Watch out, though, the extra weight and expense are significant.
Bose L1 Pro16 Portable PA System: The trusted and reliable sound quality of Bose with a fully intuitive App control and impressive 180° dispersion.
dB Technologies ES 503 Comn PA System: A versatile system with a larger 12” sub and two line array speakers allowing for truly stereo sound. However, it's not quite as rich sounding to my ears.
JBL should be applauded for its thoughtful design and execution of the IRX ONE. I don’t think I’ve come across a system so easy and sleek that I had it set up and running within three minutes of getting it out of the box. The sound quality is truly excellent, and the C-shaped line array offers fantastic coverage, which truly fills the room with a max offering of 118 dB.
The frequency range is equally impressive for its size, from 40hz to 20khz. Clearly, this won’t be competing with a full-range stereo PA system, but I can think of a number of scenarios where this system will shine. Religious institutions, fitness instructors, school mobile DJ’s, Karaoke and Sports Days would all benefit from the IRX ONE.
As a matter of course, I always run a number of staple songs through systems such as this to test out the various sonic capabilities. The thumping kick and bass of Daft Punk’s ‘Around the World’ sounded surprisingly strong, with no apparent signs of distortion or crackling even when pushed. The pop sparkle of songs such as Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac sounded vibrant and suitably lush.
The ‘ducking’ option on the Bluetooth channel makes it a doddle to inform the owner of the VW Passat that their car is blocking someone in. Additionally, the feedback suppression (AFS) is surprisingly effective. No matter how hard I tried, with the microphone pointed directly at the speakers, the IRX ONE would not squeal. I can see this being particularly useful for acoustic guitars and vocals.
Sadly, there are drawbacks to the IRX ONE. Most notable for me is the distinct lack of fine sound detailing for each channel. A global EQ setting doesn’t really cut it for high-end music reproduction, but it does a valiant job.
I expect that for most people, the main drawback of this system will be the lack of any digital effects such as reverb and delay. The 3-channel mixer does deliver lovely rounded, clean and warm tones, but the absence of effects to create ambience is disappointing. Of course, there is always the option of plugging an external mixer into one or more of the provided inputs, which would give the user so much more to play with.
I plugged a Mackie ProFX12 into the first two channels and didn’t experience any issues. It’s a real shame that these options could not have come built-in to the IRX ONE. As it stands, if it were me using this system, I would have to travel with a few more items to get the absolute most out of it.
I see this portable PA System occupying a very specific space within the current offering of column PA solutions. The IRX ONE is not trying to compete with the versatility and power of something like the Yamaha Stagepas 1K MKII. For just shy of £700, the IRX ONE is a whopping £300 less expensive than the admittedly fantastic Yamaha option. Crucially, the JBL is a huge 8kg lighter than the Yamaha.
If making life easier and preserving the lifetime of your back is important to you, I would advise against overlooking this effort from JBL. An inconspicuous, fantastically priced and great-sounding workhorse, the IRX ONE is an easy recommendation.
JBL IRX ONE: Hands-on demos
Performer Magazine
JBL IRX ONE: Specifications
- Speakers: 8” Bass Reflex Woofer, 6 x 2” high-frequency driver, 2 x Spaces for a variety of line array heights
- Max output: 118dB
- Frequency range: 40hz to 20khz
- Horizontal dispersion: 160°
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
- Weight: 15.5kg
- Contact: JBL
