The EVERSE 8 battery-powered two-way speaker is a portable high-performance audio solution that combines E-V’s engineering expertise with the latest advances in technology.
This lightweight, compact, 2-way powerhouse delivers quality sound at up to 121 dB SPLs and wide, even 100×100 degree dispersion. Under the hood is an 8” woofer and a high-output titanium tweeter on a custom waveguide. Driven by a high-efficiency Dynacord 400-watt Class-D amplifier and DSP module, the EVERSE 8’s performance capabilities defy its compact form factor.
Built-in Mixer… and More
An integral 4-channel digital mixer offers extensive audio control with full DSP. The first two inputs have combo XLR-1/4” connectors; inputs three and four can be selected to Bluetooth or an 1/8” TRS (stereo) aux jack. Input one has switchable 48V phantom for condenser mics and input two can accommodate a Hi-Z instrument. All inputs have individual level, pan, and 3-band EQ. Inputs 1 and 2 also offer variable compression, FX send and a ducker that overrides input 3-4. Selectable presets on inputs 1 and 2 quickly configure channel settings for different E-V mics, along with speech, guitar, bass and line level.
The EVERSE 8 offers 30 built-in preset studio-quality digital effects including reverbs, chorus, echo and tap delay. These sounded clean and natural and a rear-panel footswitch jack lets users toggle the effects on or off.
The main mix output has a selectable 7-band parametric or graphic equalizer. A configurable (Mono, Left, Right) mix output XLR sends signal to a sub or another device. Using two EVERSE 8s, I could provide stereo playback from my mixed inputs. A switchable Automatic Feedback Suppression (AFS) feature helps manage acoustical feedback, while a global “Basic” mode bypasses the advanced mixer features, allowing the EVERSE 8 to function like a traditional multi-input powered speaker.
There’s an App for That
Although rear panel controls and a bright LCD display allow input configuration and mixer control, E-V’s iOS or Android QuickSmart app makes it easier to manage your sound. Using Bluetooth control via a phone or tablet this provides access to the mixer, speaker configuration, FX choices and system presets. The app can control multiple EVERSE 8s and they can be individually named. A minor inconvenience when using both speakers was remembering which one was which. I solved the issue with a couple simple labels. Bluetooth connectivity was rock solid, and I could maintain speaker control from considerable distance.
Along with Bluetooth control, the EVERSE 8 can pair to a Bluetooth audio playback device. Configurable Bluetooth linking allows for True Bluetooth stereo using two EVERSE 8 speakers. However, my older iPad does not support the newer Bluetooth protocols used by EVERSE 8 and would not connect.
Get a Charge Out of This
EVERSE 8 is powered by a high-capacity, internal Li-ion removable battery for up to 12 hours of run time on a full charge. Protection circuitry reduces the risk of the battery fully discharging while tool-free screws simplify removing the battery pack. A standby function puts the speaker to “sleep” if no signal appears after a certain time. This can be set from 1-60 minutes or turned off if desired. During my testing, I could run all day on battery at nominal levels and still have plenty of battery remaining.
Charging takes place whenever EVERSE 8 is connected to AC power, whether it’s turned on or off. Recharge time (with speaker turned off) is under four hours, and the EVERSE 8 can be charged while using it.
A 500 mA 12 VDC power outlet lets EVERSE 8 power an E-V wireless mic receiver or other device and a USB-C charging port is available for charging mobile devices.
Positions and Presets
Available in black or white, EVERSE 8 is built around a rugged, lightweight, polypropylene enclosure with a steel grille. When the included weatherized plastic input cover is used with the unit running on battery power while Bluetooth streaming, EVERSE 8 meets the IP43 rating (water resistant for splashes and light rain). An optional rain cover is available for situations where access is needed to the rear panel connectors. I would also like to see an accessory cover that would allow an XLR cable to be plugged in while still providing some water resistance. An optional “top shelf” unit that attaches to the EVERSE 8 is available for holding a wireless receiver or other device.
EVERSE 8 is designed to be tripod mounted, or set on the ground in a kick back vertical position or used horizontally as a monitor. The unit is well balanced and even in “kick-back” mode, did not feel tippy. Selectable “location” presets optimize performance for each setup while preset “mode” settings allow quick selection for music, live, speech or club applications. Once configured, settings can be stored, named and recalled into five user presets.
In the Field
For this review, E-V sent a pair of EVERSE 8s. After an initial charging session, I powered the EVERSE 8 on battery with a dynamic vocal mic on input one. Via the rear panel controls, I experimented with the settings. Operation was straightforward and the LCD display is easy to read even in bright light. With no input selected, the rotary knob acts as master volume control and locks to prevent inadvertent adjustments. Pressing it unlocks it, a nice touch. I easily paired my phone to the speaker and played some tunes. With the channel 3-4 input setting flat, I cranked up the level. Wow… the sound from this small speaker was impressive with solid lows and silky highs.
Next, I loaded the free QuickSmart app on my phone, set up the second speaker and dug in. Using the app opens a whole new opportunity for mixing and control and I found the app to be intuitive, easy and fun to use.
No AC? No Problem!
The obvious application for battery-powered speakers is the busking musician, but since I don’t profess to be a busker, I looked at other applications.
A vocalist friend needed a small P.A. for an art gallery opening. I used a single EVERSE 8 for her vocal mic along with a line output from the keyboard player. Although AC power was available, accessing it required an extension cord stretched across the floor, so I opted for battery power. One speaker easily covered the midsize gallery, and the QuickSmart app made it easy to mix the sound and toggle the FX from across the room. After two sets, the battery indicator on the EVERSE 8 still showed all bars and the piano player asked where he could buy one.
Next was a multi-act music gig where I used the EVERSE 8s as stage wedges. Even though AC power was available, I ran the EVERSE 8s on battery. Here, I had the performance and control flexibility of powered monitors with single cable convenience for moving them around on the stage.
I do a lot of community events (ribbon cuttings, dedications, grand openings) that require a sound system. For a recent park facility dedication, the nearest AC power was 500’ away. No problem for the EVERSE 8. Set it up on a tripod, plugged in a mic and I was good to go. And when the mayor decided to move to the other side of the park, it was a simple task to move the speaker and mic without having to deal with AC cables. Local TV on site wanted an audio feed, so I simply connected their line to the mix out to give them what they needed.
One of my venues has a back patio/bar where they want to hear the show. This requires a speaker, a 50’ AC cord, and a really long XLR cable. Here an EVERSE 8 on battery, fed from an IEM receiver pack easily solved the problem. I gave the bartender the iPad with the QuickSmart app set for “Basic” and he had remote level control for his area.
A local park district baseball tournament wanted to play music and announce starting lineups. In this park, AC power was nonexistent. So, I set up both EVERSE 8s, configured Bluetooth stereo for music playback and set the ducking function so the announcer’s mic would duck the music whenever he talked. The sound was a home run, and the parents loved hearing their kids’ names called out loud and clear over the P.A.
The Show Must Go On!
When you are scheduled to run a Music on Main Street event for holiday shoppers and the power goes out due to high winds, you step back and punt.
Although the shops across the street were lit, the lines feeding my panel in the park were down. Public power told the organizers it might be awhile before I would get power restored in the park and the organizers were about to cancel the event. I thought, I have two EVERSE 8’s in the car and the show must go on…
I used the minivan’s internal inverter to power the computer, while the idling engine kept me warm in the 20-degree temps. (I normally carry a small ceramic furnace heater to keep warm at these events.) I set up the Electro-Voice EVERSE 8 battery powered speakers to kick out the tunes. I placed one on the roof of the van and the other on a stand across the park, with a wireless feed from an IEM pack.
The EVerse 8’s multiple inputs and internal mixer managed my microphone and music source while the built-in ducking featured automatically lowered the music level when announcements were made.
Although it was not the big AC-powered rig I had packed for the event, the EVerse 8’s saved the day and we had music and announcements.
The EVerdict? EVERSE-atile!
In the past, I never used battery-operated sound systems as I felt they didn’t have real pro-audio performance. EVERSE has changed that, opening my eyes to some cool possibilities, packing a punch and at $749/street, is a useful tool for pro live sound applications. For more info, visit electrovoice.com.
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At-a-Glance: Electro-Voice EVERSE 8
A DC-powered loudspeaker with an extensive feature set, amazing sound quality, long-life battery, advanced Bluetooth control and an intuitive control app.
PROS
Long-life battery operation
Small size yet packs a punch
Intuitive QuickSmart app
True Bluetooth Stereo
Water Resistant (IP43 Rated)
CONS
Firmware update is slow over Bluetooth
Can’t use XLR inputs with weatherized input cover
An EVerse DC-powered sub would be nice
STATS
Response: 60Hz to 20kHz (-3dB)
Max SPL: 121 dB @ 1m
Dispersion (HxV): 100×100°
Amplifier: 400W, peak
LF Driver: 8” with ferrite magnet
HF Driver: 1” titanium dome, neodymium magnet
Battery Type: Li-Ion, 86.4 watt-hours
Battery Run Time: 6+ hours (max output); 12+ hours (95dB output)
Enclosure: Polypropylene w/steel grill
Color: Black or white
Dimensions: 15.75×10.83×10.7”
Weight: 16.81 pounds
Street Price: $749
MORE INFO: electrovoice.com
