Avante Audio ADJ Achromic AS8 ACDC 1000W Powered Line Array Column PA Speaker

The Achromic AS8 ACDC is a battery-powered active column system that covers a room from a footprint about the size of a milk crate. An active 8-inch neodymium subwoofer forms the base, with two stacking column units above it: one loaded with six precision-aligned 2.75-inch neodymium drivers, the other a spacer that lifts the array to ear height. A Class D amplifier with a built-in limiter delivers 250W RMS to the sub and 1000W peak.

The SAM (Secure Array Mount) system locks the columns to the sub and to each other, so the stack will not topple and audio passes up the array with no speaker cables between sections. Setup is two clicks and a power switch.

The rear panel carries a 4-input mixer: two XLR/TRS mic/line inputs, two 1/4" guitar/line inputs and a 1/8" stereo aux, with input gain per channel, 2-band EQ on the main out and a balanced XLR line output to feed a second box. Bluetooth 5.0 streams playlists and backing tracks from a phone, tablet or laptop.

An onboard 28.8V 5000mAh 144Wh lithium-ion battery runs an average of 4 to 5 hours on a full charge, with a battery life indicator on the panel, or you can plug into 100-240V AC. The sub covers 55-200Hz at up to 116dB SPL; the column covers 180Hz-20kHz at up to 110dB.

It travels in a small car: the sub is 25.8 lb, each column 11 lb, and a padded bag protects the columns in transit. Extended height is 79.1", dropping to 47.6" in compact position. Good fits include acoustic solo sets, small bands, patio gigs with no power drop, wedding ceremonies, markets and corporate presentations.