Founded by live sound engineer Rikki Farr, Electrotec Audio’s Stage One speaker drew its inspiration from Rikki’s renowned side-fill monitor used at venues around the world. Easy to use, the powerful Stage One puts the raw sound of a live performance in a portable 40-pound box.
Portable Powerhouse
Hand-built in the U.S., the Stage One incorporates custom drivers, integrated amplification, multiple input options and high quality SKAA wireless audio. Powered by two hot-swappable 22.2V Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the Stage One is capable of an impressive 120 hours of runtime at mid-volume using both batteries. Even when cranked wide open it plays over 18 hours when fully charged. Batteries charge in 2.5 hours using the included rapid charger, and a battery can be charged while in the Stage One without diminishing audio performance. Rear-panel USB-A and -C ports can be used for charging playback devices. If no signal is present after about 60 minutes, a built-in battery saver shuts down the speaker. Touching the power button restores operation.
True 3-way Design
With its wide 28 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, Stage One is a true 3-way design. Low frequencies are handled by a bespoke 10” neodymium woofer driven by a Merus™ MA3502 200-watt amplifier. A Merus MS12070P 60-watt amplifier drives Stage One’s neodymium 8” midrange driver and a second MS12070P powers a 1” neodymium compression driver coupled to a custom horn. This compact powerful amplification, along with Electrotec’s Triple Acoustic Chambering system, results in a full-range sound with a solid low end, high-fidelity mids and detailed highs. The Stage One incorporates a unique stepped rear panel volume control. Offering 30 different level settings, each step is fine-tuned with a different loudness curve, providing the best frequency response for each volume setting.
Built for the Road
Engineered with aerospace-grade materials for exceptional all-weather durability, the Stage One cabinet is constructed using 6-ply birch and poplar plywood covered with Phenolic epoxy resin. An 18-gauge powder-coated carbon-steel grille protects the speakers. Although the open style grille is attractive, I prefer a backing scrim to keep dust and moisture out. Cabinet corners incorporate rubber bumpers for isolation, and they lock together for stacking. Recessed handles are slightly off-center for ease in lifting the speaker, and a standard 1-3/8” socket allows for tripod or pole mounting. Rear panel controls and connections are recessed for additional protection, and the batteries are held securely in place by metal latches. An easy-to-read nameplate lists the speaker ID number for wireless configuration and pairing.
I/O for Everything
The Stage One uses the Bluetooth 5.3 LE protocol with a 150’ line-of-sight range for fast, clean connectivity. Additionally, the USB-C port allows playback from smartphones and tablets. A rear-panel 3.5 mm stereo Aux jack is available for connecting consumer analog audio sources. Users can use the USB-A connector for direct MP3 audio playback from a thumb drive. The dedicated play/pause button controls playback operation.
Two rear-panel XLR-1/4” inputs are provided for wired microphones and balanced TRS line level sources. Each input is equipped with a level control and signal presence LED that blinks red on input peaks. A selector button configures input one for microphone or electric guitar/bass.
A “Speaker” button routes a left, right or mono summed output signal for the speaker. Two XLR output connectors provide balanced +4 dBU line level signals to feed additional powered speakers or other devices. Pressing the “Outs” button configures the connectors for L&R or Mono. A 3.5 mm TRS connector provides an additional -10 dBV unbalanced stereo aux level output.
Press and hold the power button to turn on the Stage One speaker. Once powered on, touching the power button cycles through four operational modes. Choose Bluetooth for playback from a paired Bluetooth device or Aux to utilize the rear panel inputs including the XLR’s. These modes have a relay feature allowing the Stage One to transmit wireless audio to other Stage One speakers using the built-in SKAA protocol. Selecting “Play-All” enables the Bluetooth, Aux, USB and the XLR inputs to play simultaneously to the speaker, but does not allow the relay feature.
SKAA for the Distance
SKAA is a protocol used specifically for wireless audio with higher fidelity, greater range and more stable connections. SKAA has a lower 36 ms fixed latency (19 ms with SKAA Pro) compared to the typical 200 ms latency found on Bluetooth devices. SKAA also allows simultaneous wireless transmission with perfect synchronization to four receiving devices (two using SKAA Pro). SKAA transmitters are available for smart phones, tablets, 3.5 MM analog audio and balanced pro level audio signals. Electrotec offers a SKAA remote control app (Apple or Android) allowing control of five SKAA enabled speakers along with music source playback control and configurable equalization curves with presets.
Selecting SKAA mode enables the Stage One speaker to bond with and receive audio from a SKAA transmitter. Additionally, the speaker can function as a SKAA Hub, relaying wireless audio to four additional Stage One speakers (two if SKAA Pro is used), providing an easy to deploy long range wireless solution.
Outstanding in the Field
For this review, I received a Stage One speaker, charger and two batteries. A note in the box reminded me that the batteries are shipped upside down in their bays to prevent accidental discharge. Unlike other battery powered devices, the Stage One batteries were fully charged and ready to play. After flipping the batteries, I powered it up and connected my Bluetooth player. Like a new car, Electrotec recommends “break in periods” of two hours at 50% level and a third hour at 75% level for the transducers. (Just ask the neighbors.) As I lowered the volume, I noticed the Stage One maintained its overall tonal balance (like engaging the “loudness contour” switch on a Hi-Fi system) with enhanced low end and clear, clean mids and highs.
This year, a site change at my hot air balloon launch event meant my power source was now 500 feet from my setup. Rather than running a ton of AC cords (not to mention the voltage drop), I simply set the Stage One on a tripod and connected a battery powered wireless mic and Bluetooth player. I had more than enough level and no wires to get in the way. At the festival’s 5K event, the Stage One did a stellar job of getting the runners fired up for their race! Even after using the Stage One all weekend, I had not depleted the batteries.
Since I only had one Stage One, I couldn’t try the SKAA transmission feature. However, I can see how it would be an ideal solution for event rental companies needing distributed remote speakers.
The Electrotec Stage One seems to fulfill the promise of high-powered mobile audio, with extended battery life and wireless connectivity, for a dynamic listening experience made in America. Welcome to the party!
At a Glance:
A Wireless Portable Solution
Electrotec’s Stage One wireless portable speaker serves as a sound reinforcement solution anywhere, with extended battery operation, powerful audio performance and SKAA quality wireless in an easy-to-deploy portable package. And it’s made in the USA.
Electrotec Stage One
PROS
- Extra-long battery life
- It gets really loud
- Wide range of inputs
- SKAA wireless
CONS
- Pricey
- True onboard mixer would be nice
- Not a fan of the open grille
SPECS
Driver Configuration: Three-way active
Drivers: Neodymium; 10” LF, 8” MF, 1” compression HF
Output Power: 320 Watts RMS total
Frequency Response: 28 Hz – 20 kHz
Inputs: Bluetooth, USB, Analog Balanced Analog Unbalanced
Outputs: XLR-M balanced, 3.5 mm stereo, SKAA mode wireless
Bluetooth: 5.3 LE for extended range
Wireless Range: SKAA – 164’ (50 m); Bluetooth – 140’ (46 m)
Power: 21.9 V Li-ion 5200 mAh battery x 2
Battery Run Time: 120 hours @ 55% volume, 20 hours @ max volume
Weight: 40 lbs.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 15” x 25.5” x 14”
Price: $1,449 (From Electrotec Website)
Manufacturer: Electrotec Audio
More Info: www.electrotecaudio.com
