Yamaha Stagepas 300 user reviews ( 6/10) - 32 user reviews

• 05/31/11

  Steve_Boudreaux's review "Good If Somewhat Limited Portable PA"

  1 people found this review helpful

  Overall Opinion

  The Yamaha Stage Pass 300 is a very usable, portable, small and complete PA system, best used for vocals-only solo or group acts needing no more than four dynamic microphones. Venues it is best used include small coffee houses, house concerts, smaller houses of worship, and outdoor events where attendance is less than 75 to 100 people, or up to about 200 people if using the Stage Pass 300 for mostly spoken voice.
  
  
  
  The Stage Pass 300's best attributes are it's portability (when used with the optional carry case,) clean sound, and easy to use controls. It's 40 pound weight (carry case and accessories not included) make it light enough to be carried, if with some difficulty, by most reasonably healthy people, although one is a bit off-balance with the Stage Pass 300 on one shoulder and nothing on the other, and balancing it with another 40-pound load on the other shoulder would be too heavy for most folks to carry any distance at all. Yamaha has done what it can, for the most part, to keep the unit's weight manageable, using poly-carbonate (reinforced plastic) cabinetry for both speakers and the PA mixer/amp unit. It appears not much more could be done to further lighten the basic "three boxes."
  
  
  
  Even when pushed to it's maximum output (main output and mic gain turned to full or max,) the Stage Pass 300 produces a (presumably) clean 300 watts. The 10% THD reported in Yammie's specs is not objectionable, so if you need to push it to it's max, you will not be punished by horrible distortion. The power amp and speakers seem to be well-matched (as you would expect, from a 3-box PA, and from Yamaha;) I have not heard speaker-destroying amplifier clipping, or self-destroying speaker distortion, even when the controls were turned to full.
  
  
  
  Tapco established the standard for non-expert mixer controls more than 30 years ago, doing away with both mic gain and input-channel slider in favor of a single "output" or "volume" knob, and Yamaha wisely follows that lead with the Stage Pass 300. Each input channel features a mic and line input, a switch to toggle between the two (but no LED to let you know which is chosen, and the push-on/push-off button lacks enough throw to give the operator adequate visual reference, a two-band EQ with up to 15dB of cut or boost for "treble" and "bass," a push-button to turn "reverb" on and off for each channel, and a level control marked for "unity" gain- marked with a hash mark, but not identified as "unity. A pro sound man would know what this is, but most amateurs who are the Stage Pass 300's core user might not. The EQ controls have a center detent, but the level control lacks this feature. Pity. Four of the input channels have XLR mic inputs (and thus, pre-amps,) the last two are stereo but lack XLR inputs. Input channel five has both TS and RCA inputs, channel six has RCA only. I dislike that cost-saving option- I like for EVERY channel to have mic capability, but that's must me- the TS/RCA inputs are actually often a plus for it's intended use- solo or small-ensemble acts can easily plug in a CD or MP3 player or a backing-track into either of these channels. Yamaha suggest channel five could be used for a keyboard, but the 10-inch speakers may not be able to handle the lower frequencies of an 88-key keyboard, so be careful. The output side of the mixer/amp is also noob-friendly, with only monitor out, reverb (global,) and Master Level knobs and a speech/music push button. Both main and monitor output jacks are 1/4" TS, and it is easy to plug in a cable to the wrong out, but at least there is a visual difference- the main speaker outs are black plastic, the monitors are chrome metal. Actually, it should have been the other way 'round- the mains will get much more use, and plastic jacks are much more easily damaged by force put on the plugs. RCA jacks are provided for Tape out, and a single LED level meter is included, too- although it is of questionable use, as the Stage Pass 300 includes an output limiter- I have never been able to make this thing distort, even when the top-most red LED was lit often. The UPC AC input is on the face of the mixer, which seems odd until you want to mount the mixer/amp in the back of either speaker cab- a very cool feature, as you have more portability (only two boxes to carry and setup,) and less room used. If the AC input were on the back or side, such mounting would be impossible. Both speakers have the same cavity (they are the same speaker, not L and R mirror images of each other,) so the mixer'/amp can be mounted in either; a filler plate fits in the other one to make for a small storage area for the user manual and perhaps a couple of microphones.
  
  
  
  The speakers are well-matched, as mentioned, but lack pole-mount cups. Additional-cost pole mounts must be bought and installed to the bottom; these are ugly, lack any adjustability, and take up room in the canvas carrying case that could be better used for cables and such. They are not cheap, either. This could have been done much better.
  
  
  
  All those features make the Stage Pass 300 easy to use and it turns out good sound. It begins to fall down on the job when you ask too much of it. Although the 5th channel's TS inputs can be used to slave a bigger mixer board to the SP3C, the user will want to limit these added mic inputs to about two- beyond that and things get muddy, fast, regardless of the room (or lack of a room, if used outdoors.) This cute little thing can only handle so much. The system has a strang 6-ohm operating impedance, you could probably use a pair of 8-ohm speakers (say, if you wanted 12-inch woofers for more bass,) but Yamaha would not comment on this, and you should NOT daisy-chain speakers- the resulting speaker load would be below the Yamaha-recommended 6-ohm load. This wierd 6-ohm load also means that if you blow a driver, you must replace it with one bought from Yamaha, which will no doubt make for a VERY expensive day (see below.) You can easily expand the output of the system by using the monitor outs and a power amp/speaker combo, or powered speakers.
  
  
  
  We've used the Stage Pass 300 for about 4 years, for Sunday morning services- a diminutive, soft-voiced interim minister could not be heard without, and the congregation has become dependent on it, even though the called minister has much better projection and can do fine without it. We's also used it for a number of rock, jazz or pops combo concerts, in the same 100-person space, and on occasion outside for the same kind of groups' picnic concerts. It has performed well, when not asked to do too much- too may added mics overwhelm it, and it does poorly when asked to reinforce instruments already amplified, like electric guitars. Yamaha put "only" four mic inputs on it for a reason- respect that limitation and you will be fine. The SP3C does not feed back badly or too easily- good thing, with it's basic-as-it-gets EQ. Just keep the speakers in FRONT of the mics, and you should be okay.
  
  
  
  If there is one fly in the ointment, here, it would certainly be the cost of service parts. This one developed a noisy, inefficient cooling fan (there are two in the unit,) and a replacement from Yamaha was almost $70, plus shipping. I found an exact duplicate, only lacking the plug (I spliced the plug from the original fan) for $12, locally. I don't EVEN want to know what one of those 6-ohm (and thus probably proprietary) drivers or horns would cost.
  
  
  
  Small, thoughtful features like the mic-stand mount (also optional) and ability to mount the mixer/amp in the back of either speaker make this a versatile little PA, much more so than the basic 3-box PA's often seen. Whether it is worth the extra $200 or so it costs is a question the user will have to answer for him or her self.
  
  
  
  We rarely move our ST3C very far, so if I were making the original buying decision (or had it to do over,) I probably would have bought a not-so-portable PA that has more inputs, power, and features, but this one has served us well. I prefer it's design over the "clamshell" type portable PA's from Peavey, Fender and others- If you need or appreciate the portability, it is a good bet.
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• 03/27/13

  bzil's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " STAGE PASS 300"

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 3 or 4 years now.
  
  
  
  This is the first sound of any kind (laptop) that I use, I did not try any other model screen.
  
  
  
  What I like most about this model is its weight / power / size. Because they are good camera far from heavy and bulky but very robust, with a very respectable sound quality. Over time, this system has been the victim of traveling fast and not very careful, still no breaks!
  
  Negative: It is true that the reverb is only used when you want to mumuse but otherwise uninteresting, never used!
  
  
  
  Q / P, great, I bought around 350 € new at the time and I think it holds up as much gear Yam!
  
  
  
  Over time, with experience, I remake this choice with your eyes closed as much for listening to music, or even small PA small back (especially back) I am very satisfied! Of course I do not compare to real returns but the extra is great!
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• 12/08/12

  Roberto_92's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Overall Opinion

  Bought new in 2007, used for 2 years and sold for as much disappointed by Yamaha ... Why?
  
  1 - infernal noise of the fan for one musician Home-Studio! (For the Live Bar in one loud, it can go ...)
  
  2 - Reverb Crappy (I confirm!)
  
  3 - The carrying case purchased Yamaha 100 € option sold after 3 use "soft"
  
  Since mono 250W version is released with cooling fins (without noise so) SPX reverb and better, so you now know that it is better to avoid the 300 and the 500 as well (I think, because even noise problem) ...
  
  News: 2 versions 400 and 600W (SPX reverb better) just made their entrance, so watch the fan noise (I do not know, nobody talks about it ...)
  
  Otherwise, high reliability electronic Yamaha for the rest of the gear acquired.
  
  Well, I hope this review will help you in your choice ...
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• 12/07/12

  eikichi8's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Very good"

  Overall Opinion

  Used for 6 years.
  
  
  
  I have not tried other models, I relied on the price (quite expensive) and the reputation of Yamaha. I have not been disappointed.
  
  
  
  The reverb is void against very digital.
  
  
  
  The set is very practical and excellent sound reproduction. The amp and cables fall into the speakers which is very very convenient. Can be used back on stage and console output is available on the table.
  
  
  
  I would do this choice without hesitation, I would look at his big brother even more powerful 250 W.
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• 07/09/12

  patrick.m's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Overall Opinion

  I have for several years and I used a guitar amp for a pod + x 3 + a rocktron intellipitch live, all in stereo and it's heaven because I put them on stands tilted 45 ° to a left, one right there ... and it bathes!
  
  Beware of the too powerful low hp 8 "are not made to collect the large sweet keyboard or bass (that's why I put 9).
  
  For cons, I never tried to sound in a group with (it seems a little "just").
  
  I put all these people in a suitcase on wheels (stagepass, pod, rocktron, extension cables, etc. ...) my guitar in the back and stands in my other hand and I have a set of 300w stereo hyper- Mobile ... It is not life beautiful?? ...
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• 06/23/12

  Garage poissard's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Overall Opinion

  I have used for at least 3 years
  
  
  
  Yes (lucas. .. Many amplified speakers)
  
  
  
  The least: power limited but the 500 is no match for a pair of amplified.
  
  
  
  Very handy, versatile, quality price is well placed but it's some time since I have not tried or experienced real copies.
  
  At the time of my purchase one but Yamaha did not offer a real equivalence.
  
  
  
  But Yamaha is Yamaha with its legendary value for money ...
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• 06/23/12

  jardindunord's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " good console"

  Overall Opinion

  I use the set for more than 1year, I had no problem.
  
  I have sold because I had the power, in fact I have a studio monitor 300W X6, I wanted to drive a pair on the whole but it miss some power dout the sale of the console.
  
  Console and amplified by two, there are two amplifiers in the interior which are interested in small volume.
  
  
  
  I think the console + Hp if you find a set between 80 and 160 € hesitate not, above it is better to buy new (that's my opinion)
  
  
  
  Good purchase.
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• 06/23/12

  Philippe 3410's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " practical and versatile"

  Overall Opinion

  Not being an expert in sound, I was looking for a highly mobile sound system (bravo for the transport softcase: Just perfect) and easy to use. Everything is there. I use it only rarely, but in very different occasions (concerts, conferences, events ...) and she always answers the call.
  
  Plus, this is the mixer that fits into the thickness of an enclosure and cable management in the other.
  
  It blithely branch guitars, keyboards, computers, CD players and, of course, microphones in CSF ports, jacks or din. Reverb available on certain routes. Versatility and simplicity to all floors.
  
  I am delighted with this choice I would do without hesitation.
  
  Those who want more watts will opt for its big sister the 500.
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• 06/06/12

  ExomRecords's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Really Fun"

  Overall Opinion

  How long you use it?
  
  
  
  Few months.
  
  
  
  Did you tried many other models before buying it?
  
  
  
  No.
  
  
  
  How long you use it? What is so special that you love the most, least?
  
  
  
  + Do not blow too, unless you grow all the way.
  
  
  
  
  
  How would you rate the quality / price? With experience, you do again this choice? ...
  
  
  
  Good for use on stage, at least in home studio.
  
  
  
  It is a tool for my work so yes.
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• 05/09/12

  redcarp's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for about 4 years for coffee / concert mainly for vocals and acoustic guitar, folk and nylon. I play with a drummer and it works well. I think the value for money is exceptional. it is reliable, sturdy and lightweight too cher.C 'really is a great product.The weak point is the integrated reverb. It's a crap unusable. Otherwise nothing to throw.
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