My son, who does acoustic shows here regularly, and I went to our local GC to test some of the available line arrays in person. We used my Tayler 214 and a Senheiser 935 direct in to each system. We tested the Harbinger MLS 1000, the Evolve 30, and the Bose L1 Pro 8. Like many of you, we are very particular about our sound. We invest our hard earned $$$ in this equipment to improve our listeners experience and at the same time feel more confident that we sound the best we can. We have both used point source powered speakers on stands in the past and this was our first really close look at line array systems. The Harbinger MLS 1000 was first. The construction was mostly plastic but assembled easy and seemed pretty sturdy once assembled. It had decent dispersion and seemed pretty transparent in sound reproduction. It wasn’t as loud as either of the other systems. It would probably be fine for quieter venues, coffee shops and such. I have a friend that gigs with two of these and he loves them especially at the $699 price point and can be had even cheaper during sales at GC. The Evolve 30M was the most feature laden of all the systems. The controls on the back were horrible to try and navigate the the system with. The app was far better to use to adjust the unit. It’s built like a tank, sounds really good. Much louder and clearer than the harbinger was. Sound dispersion was great. Overall, a very solid system. The Bose L1 Pro 8 was easy to use. We downloaded the app and off we went. We used the regular settings for the mic and guitar but switched to the closest tone match settings we could find. Though good, the construction was not as sturdy as the evolve but was fine, I didn’t feel like it was going to come apart at any time during our test. I will say that in the past, I’ve never been impressed with any Bose products I’ve purchased, but this thing has some kind of mojo going on with it. It was crystal clear, bass had some punch. Sound dispersion was the best of the three units tested. There is something going on with what I would term perceived sound vs power output if that makes sense. You can stand right next to it and your ears aren’t hurting and still be sounding great 40 feet away in the back of the room. It’s pretty impressive to hear in person but not easily described. I didn’t like not having a master volume on the system. To get that, I think you have to buy one of the Bose mixers which they want outrageous money for ($700 for a 4 channel mixer). I still may wind up with a Pro 8 though, we’ll see. The best thing to do of course is to go test them out for yourself if you can.
I just did a wedding with 120 guests last night in a 47' x 65' room with like a 18' high ceiling. I used a pair of MLS1000s, and this was my first big event with them. The sound was AWESOME! I love how hard these Subs hit for 10" Subs. I never hit the signal limit light, and I was playing loud all night. They are the best bang for the buck speakers!
A lot of people don’t know the value for the money you can buy two of these for the price of one 30M , the 30 are nice, but for the money, I’d rather have two harbinger with a sub box
Just to update I'm so impressed with my dual MLS 1000's I wish they had been around when I first started. The subs on the MLS 1000 hit way harder than some Rockville 12's I had before(and yes they were powered subs too but I didn't run a mixer to them). I will say this I think the EV30M is harder to make clip than te MLS1000, but my MLS can really take a lot before it begins to clip. The carry bags are so nice, and they go together and come apart so easy! I can be set up and ready in under 30 minutes, and it all fits in the back of a tiny hatchback. Such an excellent set up. I'm trying to get out of being a DJ now, and it sucks because I kind of want to keep my speakers, but they are the only thing worth selling LOL!
Thank you so much Robin. I didn't think about the extra cost of the digital mixer(which I don't really need). I will probably buy at least one but probably 2 of the Harbinger MLS1000. I'm looking forward to you next video or two as well.
@@darrickcato9499 I got the MLS900's on sale for $ 399 a few months ago. Couldn't pass that up for talking head work and smaller audio gigs. I think they are back to $ 599 though. When I saw the $ 399 I had a feeling it was to clear out stock for a newer model...but I was wrong. The newer MSL1000 didn't replace the MLS900, just supplemented the line. I like the MLS900 but I have to say the gain in the pre-amps is a little weak if you are just going to plug a mic into the mixer. I get plenty more gain taking the mics into an external mixer and then feeding the MLS900's.
The 'line array' design may work well in low ceiling rooms with the narrow speaker attached to the ceiling horizontally. Drop acoustical tile ceilings, as an example. You could have three line arrays horizontally attached to the ceiling across the front of the stage, and another two further back in the room, 20 to 50 feet from the stage with a few milliseconds delay. I think the coverage will work better than, say, two 12" Altos at front L/R. A note about sub speakers. I've been at an event where they were using Turbo Sound sub woofers, and it was the most powerful low end I've ever experienced in my life. I believe they had one 2,000 watt Turbo sub per side.
Ive compared a few of these side by side at my local guitar center. MLS 1000, L1 Pro 8, Evolve 30M. This all depends on what you are going to use them for, the right tool for the job right? I’m not a DJ, I would be looking at these for live sound reinforcement. I went in to this biased somewhat against Bose. Anything I’ve ever purchased from them in the home audio arena, I’ve returned. I am needing something for small to medium venues to support a duo and backing tracks for drums and bass occasionally. The Harbinger was ok and will get the job done, it will make sound. I was surprised by the Bose I have to admit, full and clear sounding. The tone match presets are very good for mics and guitars and non of the units match the sound dispersion that the Bose has (180) degrees. The evolve 30M is more versatile than either of the other two. Hands down better IOS app for controlling your mix remotely. The 30M sounds great and packs a punch too. In my opinion, having heard all three of these, Ive still not decided on which to get but to put the harbinger against the evolve 30M is a joke. The electro voice unit blows it out of the water and is not a fair comparison. I do appreciate the work you did on this review, it made me get off my behind to go hear each of the units in person!
There are users who like to think they can spend little money to get great sound. Others, such as real working pros, understand that outstanding products require a large investment. This review channel is not for the latter.
I am a happy owner of the Electro-Voice Everse8 which only came out a few months ago. Wow, it is just awesome! I suspect that it uses the extensive EQ settings borrowed from the Evolve series. I have also owned a Bose S1 Pro, which has pathetically poor Mic Preamps; I traded it in for the Everse8. I also have a JBL Eon One (the original one) which I continue to have using a Mackie mixer. Its sound is rich and of very pleasing fidelity.
HK Audio (Hughes and Kettner) have two new Column speakers. The Polar 10 and the Polar 12. They sound great. Probably the nicest sounding I’ve heard in a long time. I do want to take them to do a show of 200 to see how they do. You should try them out if you can.
I got really confused now. Went to GC the other day. Listened to MLS 1st due to price difference. Next I listened to Pro 8 and Evolve 50. I didn’t really dig in much but, pro8 has really good vocals comparing it while playing through phone a karaoke from youtube. I am also looking more towards L1 model 2 but, they don’t have it. Arrghhh am really torned
I just purchased 2 EV 30’s and our band has an outdoor gig to do this summer and I was asked do you think we will have have enough gas to sound great outdoors with them, what do you think?
The Harbinger products seem to be great value I’d be interested in besides entry brands like Alto and Behringer. Professionals will not take you seriously with brands like that. At least no one really knows Harbinger. You seem to praise them but I don’t see any at your store?
Hello Carter, We closed our Showroom in Oakville over a year ago, so we are not really adding to our Website. We have added Guitar Center to our product links because they Have Harbinger and they ship to Canada. As for the Price points of the Products in my video, I'm Here to help you make a buying decision if you're looking to spend $2000 on a Speaker or More. I think You Should be going out in person to some of the Stores, based on your UA-cam Channel it looks like you're in Toronto so Cosmo Music would be a great store to visit. FYI - your comment "Professionals will not take you seriously with brands like that" Ya, is Not True. Have Fun with your Music on your Channel.
Thanks so much. I really enjoyed your video and appreciated your informative explanations. If you don’t mind the questions, do you think the 30m has sufficient power and reach to support a solo singer/electric guitarist with backing tracks at venues reaching 100 people? I wasn’t interested in moving up to the 50m due to cost. Also curious what your comparison related thoughts would be between the EV 30m and the Boss L1 Pro 16. Thanks!
The Titan Looks Very Nice but we have not tried it Rockville sells direct so pricing is good but they have not offered one to use to try out. I would say over all Rockville is good brand for artists that play for Fun & for Free. There are not many brands that are Pro Consumer brands vs all the Pro Production brands.
The Evolve 50's would be a more suited comparison for the Evox, they're 127db and the Evox is 128db whereas the 30M & Harbinger are both 123db. In my opinion the RCF's are more aggressive and have more bass than the EV 50's. I listened to both in person when I was shopping and the Evox's just hit harder. The Evolve 50's sounded great it just didn't have a lot of low end and I feel like I'd need a sub for sure with the 50's and could do without when using Evox's. Evox goes to 40hz and Evolve 50's go to 43hz.
I heard the RCF Evox 8s and 12s at the DJ Expo 2 years in a row a few years ago. They are the absolute best sounding array speakers I have heard. Even better than the Bose. They also have an incredible throw for array speakers. I would give the RCF Evox essentially a 10 in terms of sound quality. I would give the Evolve like a 9 which is what I would give the Bose L1 Model 2. I have not heard the MLS1000 at a very loud volume so can't comment on it's sound quality.
Sorry, very disappointing review. You didn't plug in a microphone and test the mic preamps, the volume and clarity. Or playback music via line or Bluetooth either. As I wrote below today, I am a happy owner of the Electro-Voice Everse8. Excellent volume and clarity and phenomenal EQ controls. Indeed, it is a next-generation speaker and has raised the bar for such speakers to a new high.
My son, who does acoustic shows here regularly, and I went to our local GC to test some of the available line arrays in person. We used my Tayler 214 and a Senheiser 935 direct in to each system. We tested the Harbinger MLS 1000, the Evolve 30, and the Bose L1 Pro 8. Like many of you, we are very particular about our sound. We invest our hard earned $$$ in this equipment to improve our listeners experience and at the same time feel more confident that we sound the best we can. We have both used point source powered speakers on stands in the past and this was our first really close look at line array systems.
The Harbinger MLS 1000 was first. The construction was mostly plastic but assembled easy and seemed pretty sturdy once assembled. It had decent dispersion and seemed pretty transparent in sound reproduction. It wasn’t as loud as either of the other systems. It would probably be fine for quieter venues, coffee shops and such. I have a friend that gigs with two of these and he loves them especially at the $699 price point and can be had even cheaper during sales at GC.
The Evolve 30M was the most feature laden of all the systems. The controls on the back were horrible to try and navigate the the system with. The app was far better to use to adjust the unit. It’s built like a tank, sounds really good. Much louder and clearer than the harbinger was. Sound dispersion was great. Overall, a very solid system.
The Bose L1 Pro 8 was easy to use. We downloaded the app and off we went. We used the regular settings for the mic and guitar but switched to the closest tone match settings we could find. Though good, the construction was not as sturdy as the evolve but was fine, I didn’t feel like it was going to come apart at any time during our test. I will say that in the past, I’ve never been impressed with any Bose products I’ve purchased, but this thing has some kind of mojo going on with it. It was crystal clear, bass had some punch. Sound dispersion was the best of the three units tested. There is something going on with what I would term perceived sound vs power output if that makes sense. You can stand right next to it and your ears aren’t hurting and still be sounding great 40 feet away in the back of the room. It’s pretty impressive to hear in person but not easily described. I didn’t like not having a master volume on the system. To get that, I think you have to buy one of the Bose mixers which they want outrageous money for ($700 for a 4 channel mixer). I still may wind up with a Pro 8 though, we’ll see.
The best thing to do of course is to go test them out for yourself if you can.
I just did a wedding with 120 guests last night in a 47' x 65' room with like a 18' high ceiling. I used a pair of MLS1000s, and this was my first big event with them. The sound was AWESOME! I love how hard these Subs hit for 10" Subs. I never hit the signal limit light, and I was playing loud all night. They are the best bang for the buck speakers!
A lot of people don’t know the value for the money you can buy two of these for the price of one 30M , the 30 are nice, but for the money, I’d rather have two harbinger with a sub box
Thanks for dissecting verbally and visually, in a way that let me quickly learn what a line array and the benefits of them are!
Just to update I'm so impressed with my dual MLS 1000's I wish they had been around when I first started. The subs on the MLS 1000 hit way harder than some Rockville 12's I had before(and yes they were powered subs too but I didn't run a mixer to them). I will say this I think the EV30M is harder to make clip than te MLS1000, but my MLS can really take a lot before it begins to clip.
The carry bags are so nice, and they go together and come apart so easy! I can be set up and ready in under 30 minutes, and it all fits in the back of a tiny hatchback. Such an excellent set up.
I'm trying to get out of being a DJ now, and it sucks because I kind of want to keep my speakers, but they are the only thing worth selling LOL!
Thank you so much Robin. I didn't think about the extra cost of the digital mixer(which I don't really need). I will probably buy at least one but probably 2 of the Harbinger MLS1000. I'm looking forward to you next video or two as well.
Agreed. I'm thinking 2 1000's and 2 900's for me.
@@kellyaustin7487 you going to use all four at the same time? I bet the 900's are discounted now that the 1000 is out
@@darrickcato9499 I got the MLS900's on sale for $ 399 a few months ago. Couldn't pass that up for talking head work and smaller audio gigs. I think they are back to $ 599 though. When I saw the $ 399 I had a feeling it was to clear out stock for a newer model...but I was wrong. The newer MSL1000 didn't replace the MLS900, just supplemented the line. I like the MLS900 but I have to say the gain in the pre-amps is a little weak if you are just going to plug a mic into the mixer. I get plenty more gain taking the mics into an external mixer and then feeding the MLS900's.
The 'line array' design may work well in low ceiling rooms with the narrow speaker attached to the ceiling horizontally. Drop acoustical tile ceilings, as an example. You could have three line arrays horizontally attached to the ceiling across the front of the stage, and another two further back in the room, 20 to 50 feet from the stage with a few milliseconds delay. I think the coverage will work better than, say, two 12" Altos at front L/R.
A note about sub speakers.
I've been at an event where they were using Turbo Sound sub woofers, and it was the most powerful low end I've ever experienced in my life. I believe they had one 2,000 watt Turbo sub per side.
Ive compared a few of these side by side at my local guitar center. MLS 1000, L1 Pro 8, Evolve 30M. This all depends on what you are going to use them for, the right tool for the job right? I’m not a DJ, I would be looking at these for live sound reinforcement. I went in to this biased somewhat against Bose. Anything I’ve ever purchased from them in the home audio arena, I’ve returned. I am needing something for small to medium venues to support a duo and backing tracks for drums and bass occasionally. The Harbinger was ok and will get the job done, it will make sound. I was surprised by the Bose I have to admit, full and clear sounding. The tone match presets are very good for mics and guitars and non of the units match the sound dispersion that the Bose has (180) degrees. The evolve 30M is more versatile than either of the other two. Hands down better IOS app for controlling your mix remotely. The 30M sounds great and packs a punch too. In my opinion, having heard all three of these, Ive still not decided on which to get but to put the harbinger against the evolve 30M is a joke. The electro voice unit blows it out of the water and is not a fair comparison. I do appreciate the work you did on this review, it made me get off my behind to go hear each of the units in person!
If you will pick 1 right away for long investment what would you pick on 3
There are users who like to think they can spend little money to get great sound. Others, such as real working pros, understand that outstanding products require a large investment. This review channel is not for the latter.
Thanks for the review, I will like to see a comparison of the ld Maui system vs rcf or the ev one day
Great work Robin always interesting to see what is new on the market
I am a happy owner of the Electro-Voice Everse8 which only came out a few months ago. Wow, it is just awesome! I suspect that it uses the extensive EQ settings borrowed from the Evolve series. I have also owned a Bose S1 Pro, which has pathetically poor Mic Preamps; I traded it in for the Everse8. I also have a JBL Eon One (the original one) which I continue to have using a Mackie mixer. Its sound is rich and of very pleasing fidelity.
HK Audio (Hughes and Kettner) have two new Column speakers. The Polar 10 and the Polar 12. They sound great. Probably the nicest sounding I’ve heard in a long time. I do want to take them to do a show of 200 to see how they do.
You should try them out if you can.
No effects such as reverb.
@@snicklefritzthetab8411 you’re right. No onboard effects for mic’s. Honestly, exactly what I want. Less to mess with. But that’s just me
I like the Peavey LN1063
I got really confused now. Went to GC the other day. Listened to MLS 1st due to price difference. Next I listened to Pro 8 and Evolve 50. I didn’t really dig in much but, pro8 has really good vocals comparing it while playing through phone a karaoke from youtube. I am also looking more towards L1 model 2 but, they don’t have it. Arrghhh am really torned
I just purchased 2 EV 30’s and our band has an outdoor gig to do this summer and I was asked do you think we will have have enough gas to sound great outdoors with them, what do you think?
Hell yeah my boss have a pair of 30m in white and they sounds Awsome don’t hesitated to trying out just plug and play
JBL’s app is really 8nfinished, but they are working hard on getting it right eventually. Prx one
The MLS 1000 has a sub woofer!!!!!!
Great video and comenta thanks
The Harbinger products seem to be great value I’d be interested in besides entry brands like Alto and Behringer. Professionals will not take you seriously with brands like that. At least no one really knows Harbinger. You seem to praise them but I don’t see any at your store?
Hello Carter, We closed our Showroom in Oakville over a year ago, so we are not really adding to our Website.
We have added Guitar Center to our product links because they Have Harbinger and they ship to Canada.
As for the Price points of the Products in my video, I'm Here to help you make a buying decision if you're looking to spend $2000 on a Speaker or More. I think You Should be going out in person to some of the Stores, based on your UA-cam Channel it looks like you're in Toronto so Cosmo Music would be a great store to visit.
FYI - your comment "Professionals will not take you seriously with brands like that" Ya, is Not True.
Have Fun with your Music on your Channel.
I got the mls1000 but make sense to returned it and get the evolve 30 the sound quality is way better or not?
Thanks so much. I really enjoyed your video and appreciated your informative explanations. If you don’t mind the questions, do you think the 30m has sufficient power and reach to support a solo singer/electric guitarist with backing tracks at venues reaching 100 people? I wasn’t interested in moving up to the 50m due to cost.
Also curious what your comparison related thoughts would be between the EV 30m and the Boss L1 Pro 16. Thanks!
Hi bro, Yes it is.. I’m singer and this system should be enough for 100. EV 30M
Hello there!
What is your take on the Rockville Titan array speakers & think at better than the Harbinger SL900
The Titan Looks Very Nice but we have not tried it Rockville sells direct so pricing is good but they have not offered one to use to try out.
I would say over all Rockville is good brand for artists that play for Fun & for Free. There are not many brands that are Pro Consumer brands vs all the Pro Production brands.
Wish Harbringer 1000 will have a built in mixer app like the EV Evolves 30m so no need to buy a mixer yo 🤷
Curious how the MLS1000 and Evolve30 compare to the RCF Evox J8.
The Evolve 50's would be a more suited comparison for the Evox, they're 127db and the Evox is 128db whereas the 30M & Harbinger are both 123db.
In my opinion the RCF's are more aggressive and have more bass than the EV 50's. I listened to both in person when I was shopping and the Evox's just hit harder. The Evolve 50's sounded great it just didn't have a lot of low end and I feel like I'd need a sub for sure with the 50's and could do without when using Evox's.
Evox goes to 40hz and Evolve 50's go to 43hz.
@@justingarret4776 thank you for the feedback - 👍
I heard the RCF Evox 8s and 12s at the DJ Expo 2 years in a row a few years ago. They are the absolute best sounding array speakers I have heard. Even better than the Bose. They also have an incredible throw for array speakers. I would give the RCF Evox essentially a 10 in terms of sound quality. I would give the Evolve like a 9 which is what I would give the Bose L1 Model 2. I have not heard the MLS1000 at a very loud volume so can't comment on it's sound quality.
I love the harbinger mls 1000 it up the with ev and jbl for $499 a pair well worth it!
Sorry, very disappointing review. You didn't plug in a microphone and test the mic preamps, the volume and clarity. Or playback music via line or Bluetooth either. As I wrote below today, I am a happy owner of the Electro-Voice Everse8. Excellent volume and clarity and phenomenal EQ controls. Indeed, it is a next-generation speaker and has raised the bar for such speakers to a new high.
Harbinger is trash period
Thanks for Watching - Having an opinion is good, filling it in with Context is Better.
Harbingers has more puncher bass and the crossover is better to the sub, so what you said is not entirely true , know your specs