JBL EON One. All-in-one line array PA review

Prolight & Sound 2016 was the stage for the launch of this powerful and versatile "all-in-one line array." It stands out for its sound among the many vertical column systems and features a six-channel mixer and Bluetooth. After the wait, and very eager to try this product, we break down its performance in the tests we ran on the unit in the lab.

Compact column systems have shifted into high gear over the last two years. Following the lead of a few companies that pioneered this format a while back, such as Bose L1 or the (now large family of) Maui or Curv 500 from LD Systems, today almost every company has refined its vertical column line arrays or launched its first models.

Perhaps because of a need that has become a priority recently: versatile systems that are easy to transport and set up, that work for a conference, a small (or not so small) gig, or that can be linked together. In short, systems that save on setup and installation costs and are highly versatile.

We had high expectations for this JBL Professional development. We had seen the system at various trade shows, starting with Prolight & Sound Frankfurt 2016, but hadn't had the chance to put it through our demanding performance tests. Finally, thanks to Earpro (distributor in Spain and Portugal), we had the opportunity to compare it with several "similar" systems and give it a real workout to see exactly why JBL is and remains JBL. One of the undisputed leading brands in the industry.

Portability, construction

The system is especially cleverly designed. It brilliantly handles the requirements of this kind of product: rugged, good-looking, easy to set up - plug and play -, lightweight and highly portable. Compared with other systems (depending on which ones, of course), we found it stands out for the solidity and apparent durability of its handles, fittings, latches and overall structure. A portable system is expected to go from gig to gig, subject to constant wear and tear.

The structure consists of a lower cabinet that houses the mixer and the subwoofer. It also serves to store the mid/high system (vertical bar) with Directivity Control Geometry technology and the two -especially light- extension poles that let us configure the system in three modes, varying the height from which the vertical bar projects mids/highs.

Under a strong handle/lid, we store the two extension poles and the bar, so we can move the whole system with one hand. A single 18.5 kg package. We think that's extremely light for the quality and punch of its power and sound.

Sound and configurations

Thanks to its class D amplifier, the unit can deliver 250 W of low end through its 10" bass-reflex subwoofer and 130 W for the highs via the 6 speakers built into its array. Its maximum (peak) sound pressure level is 118 dB.

The two included poles let you vary the height of the vertical array. Using both extension poles we get long-throw sound for our busiest events. Removing one of them and placing the array on top of a single extension piece, we get optimal coverage for conferences, gyms and, in general, a moderate-size audience. The third option is to place the array directly on the subwoofer, a perfect configuration for private events, small gatherings or intimate parties, but with excellent performance and power.

Although the rest of the system's features add up to the same result, great finishes and a very appealing system that stands out alongside the most brilliant of the competition, the sound is one of its strong points, in my opinion. Considering its weight, size and portability, we have to praise its punchy power. Very powerful yet controlled, well-defined lows, natural mids and well-distributed highs with presence and detail and no harshness. I don't know if the phrase "it sounds pretty" sounds strange, but that's the impression it gave me over the various run-throughs we did.

What can we connect and how?

The EON ONE has a 6-channel mixer, with XLR & 1/4" TRS combo inputs for channels 1 and 2, a Bluetooth connection, a 1/4" TRS jack on channel 3, RCA on channel 4, and RCA and stereo minijack inputs on inputs 5/6. It also has a "stereo Monitor Out" output in RCA format.

The first two inputs have treble and bass EQ controls. They also have a channel volume knob, a button to engage the reverb (and a reverb/signal mix knob), as well as a button to select MIC or LINE input. Inputs 3/4 include an overall volume knob for the stereo mix, and inputs 5 and 6 are controlled by the main master volume.

Two more knobs: the aforementioned master and the monitor OUT volume.

For our part, we ran plenty of experiments, connecting, for example:

• Acoustic guitars, looking for crystal-clear definition with punch and body
• Electric bass. Hard-hitting, thick and solid
• Keyboards and sequencers / Groovebox. A wealth of nuance, body and all the power we could expect
• Mics. Excellent speech intelligibility
• Music / mp3, or straight from Spotify, via iPhone and Bluetooth. Here we took the time to play a variety of styles to check its performance: blues, acoustic unplugged, dance, disco, brutal metal. We missed having independent control over the sub and being able to tweak the EQ a little on this input depending on the case, although by going through a small mixer first we can keep the session perfectly under control. So it will depend on whether we're setting up something quick that "works" right away, or a long session where we'll take care of every detail as much as possible. In any case, the "automatic" balance is good and delivers excellent results with practically anything you "plug into" the "beast."

Following on from what I said in that last paragraph, we could consider setting up two EON ONEs, panning left and right to create an extra-powerful stereo system that doubles the power. But... let's not overcomplicate things; the essence of this system is portability and quick setup. And it achieves its goals perfectly.

In some cases it seems that marketing and brand power have an overwhelming influence on the public. That makes sense. However, on many occasions, and this is one of them, testing a system from a leading brand confirms the reasons it holds that position. Obviously users aren't "stupid," and as with any product or service, what stands out is what works.

I read a comment online asking about the value for money of the system's €999 (suggested retail price). At ISP Música, having tested and listened to a great many column systems, we can say this price seems reasonable to us considering the good (rugged) build, the lightness and cleverness of its design, the ample power it puts out and its balance between clarity and depth of sound.

As I said a bit earlier, I would have liked a slightly more detailed (more extensive) mixer and separate control of the sub and the mids/highs. Nonetheless, I fully understand that the aim is simplicity and ease of use, and not complicating things, which would ultimately lead to a higher price.

Taking all its aspects into account, we conclude that the JBL EON ONE is an excellent choice among all-in-one, vertical column systems.