Overview

The Yamaha StagePas 1K MkII is an all-in-one portable column PA comprising a 12-inch subwoofer and a 10×1.5-inch slim line array reaching 2,000 mm assembled height. It uses Class-D amplification rated at 1100 W, is specified at 125 dB SPL (peak, 1 m) with 170° (H) × 30° (V) coverage, a 240 Hz crossover, and 37 Hz–20 kHz (−10 dB) frequency range[1]. The integrated 5-channel digital mixer adds SPX reverbs, one-knob EQ, a master MODE compressor, and Bluetooth audio input[1].

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.5}\]

Independent, lab-style measurements (e.g., THD vs SPL, gated on-axis FR with ±dB tolerance, S/N) remain scarce; assessment relies mainly on manufacturer specifications (125 dB SPL, 37 Hz–20 kHz, 240 Hz crossover)[1]. A third-party review notes audible strain past ~105 dB as a listening observation without controlled test details[2]. Given the limited reproducible data, we assign 0.5 pending future third-party measurements.

Technology Level

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A J-curve 10-driver array over a 12-inch sub with onboard DSP (1-knob EQ, MODE, SPX reverbs) is competent contemporary engineering for uniform coverage and quick setup[1]. No measurement-driven breakthrough is evident, so we keep a mid-tier score.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

We standardize CP in USD. The cheapest equivalent-or-better alternative is RCF EVOX J8 (column/sub, 128 dB max SPL), normalized with a Yamaha MG10XU mixer to match mic inputs and FX[4][5][6]. Typical US pricing: EVOX J8 999 USD and MG10XU 289.99 USD; StagePas 1K MkII typical market price 1,449.99 USD (ignoring temporary promotions)[5][6][7][8].
CP = (999 + 289.99) ÷ 1,449.99 = 0.889… ≈ 0.9.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.5}\]

Yamaha provides official support channels and warranty information; however, objective durability statistics (e.g., MTBF) are not published[1]. We keep a neutral 0.5.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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This model is purpose-built for small/medium venues, emphasizing fast setup and error-resistant operation via an integrated mixer, one-knob EQ/SPX/Ducker, and remote app control[1]. The 170°×30° coverage targets consistent audience experience with minimal gear; the MKII iteration adds higher SPL and improved remote functionality over the prior version[2]. The design is cohesive for its use case, warranting a slightly-above-neutral score.

Advice

Choose StagePas 1K MkII if you value setup speed and integrated mixing/DSP with predictable coverage. If you need more headroom per dollar, consider RCF EVOX J8 + Yamaha MG10XU: combined 1,288.99 USD versus 1,449.99 USD for the StagePas, with higher stated max SPL[4][5][6][7][8]. The trade-off is extra cabling and a separate mixer.

References

[1] Yamaha USA — “STAGEPAS 1K mkII (Specs/Overview)”, https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/pa_systems/stagepas_1k_mkii/specs.html ; https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/pa_systems/stagepas_1k_mkii/index.html
[2] MusicRadar — “Yamaha Stagepas 1K MKII portable PA review”, https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/yamaha-stagepas-1k-mkii-portable-pa-review
[3] (intentionally unused)
[4] RCF Official — “EVOX J8”, https://www.rcf.it/en/products/product-detail/evox-j8
[5] Sweetwater — “RCF EVOX J8”, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EVOXJ8–rcf-evox-j8-active-portable-pa-system
[6] Sweetwater — “Yamaha MG10XU 10-channel Mixer with USB and FX”, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MG10XU–yamaha-mg10xu-10-channel-mixer-with-usb-and-fx
[7] Yamaha US Shop — “STAGEPAS 1K MKII (product page)”, https://shop.usa.yamaha.com/en/p/pro-audio/pa-systems/stagepas-1k-mkii-portable-column-pa-system
[8] Yamaha US Shop — “PA Systems (category page; shows original price 1,449.99 USD)”, https://shop.usa.yamaha.com/en/c/pro-audio/pa-systems
[9] Shimamura Music (JP) — “STAGEPAS 1K mkII” ¥169,400, https://store.shimamura.co.jp/ec/pro/disp/1/mt0133504
[10] Miyaji Music (JP) — “STAGEPAS 1K mkII” ¥169,400, https://shop.miyaji.co.jp/SHOP/ka-r-121922-mt01.html

(2025.8.16)