Peavey's new XRD 680S/Hi-Sys 1 PA system is a powerful package which reduces mixer, effects, amp and speakers to truly portable proportions. Rob Green puts his hatchback into overdrive...

Is it a PA, or is it a mixer? In fact it's something of a hybrid, with eight channels, 3-band EQ on each channel, nine-band graphic on the master channel, XLR and line inputs, digital effects, and auxiliary channels for monitor, effects and tape. The net result is a high-spec, powered mixer.

This is a rugged machine, built for on-the-road abuse. Housed in tough plastic with steel corner caps, the XRD 6808 has a chunky, giggable look. You'd have to be going some to damage the facade of this monster. But a rackmount version is also available, for those of us who prefer to use cases.

Out of the box

The unit features outputs for four speakers, its two internal amplifiers delivering 150 Watts per channel, into a minimum of four ohms. I thought the digital effects were a refreshing addition to the system. They make it the perfect package for artists who play in smaller venues such as pubs, without cash to spare for dedicated effects racks. As long as you aren't looking for studio quality effects, these will help expand your live sound.

Various basic effects patches are available here, with small room reverb, medium room, large room, extra-large room, gated, delay, echo, and multi-effects. The effects levels in the main mix are controlled by an 'EFX. RETURN' pot, but you can control external effects at the same time, via an effects master pot.

On all eight channels you have effects level, three-band fixed EQ, monitor mix level, pan pot and mix level. For a PA of this power, that represents more than enough mixer control. With tape return for backing tapes and DATs, this is starting to look a rather friendly and effective tool for small venue sound.

One minor quibble I had with XRD 6808 is its connections. As if cutting off the US-style 2-pin plug wasn't enough, I then had to dust off my soldering iron and assemble new speaker leads! The speakers come with Neutrik connectors, while the PA head has standard jacks — having Neutriks at both ends would have been preferable.

Room at the top

The HiSys 1 speakers provide ample headroom for this system's capabilities, with plentiful bass and top. They're capable of handling 350 watts continuous power; more than enough to cope with the XRD 680S. The speakers themselves are built to a high standard, but despite their build quality, you won't find them excessively heavy. It makes the system all the more suitable for the one-man show or DJ house party. Instruments such as synths, samplers and drum machines can be fed into the mix quickly and simply.

The speakers comprise a 4 ohm 12" Peavey Black Widow low-frequency driver, for oodles of bass, and the 22XT compression driver, loaded on a flat-front constant directivity horn. The 12" Black Widow is impregnated with Kevlar, which helps produce clean, undistorted output at higher levels. The Kevlar, coupled with the Titanium diaphragm, ensure an accurate response at the rated continuous handling limit of 350 Watts.

So what's the deal? Well, for the sort of package we're looking at, the price isn't too bad. For £1,279 you get an attractive entry-level package. It's perfect for performers in smaller venues, who want to get into mixing and effects without a huge budget. Basically, it puts big-system sound and functions into the hands of the small PA user. It also lets you retain the option of expanding, and running the mixer and effects through a larger slave amp. The XRD 6808 represents good value for the live artist on a limited budget.