Alto Professional is a well-known brand in the audio equipment world, particularly for its range of PA (Public Address) speakers and active speaker systems. Their products are often chosen for live events, DJ setups, and other professional applications. Alto speakers are generally appreciated for their combination of affordability and quality, especially in the entry-to-mid-range market.
Here’s a breakdown of reviews and ratings for some popular Alto Professional speaker models:
1. Alto TS Series (TS310, TS312, TS315, etc.)
The Alto TS series is known for being a versatile line of powered speakers that offer good performance at a relatively affordable price.
Pros:
- Clear Sound: These speakers are praised for their clear and crisp sound quality across a range of frequencies. They handle vocals, mids, and highs well, with enough low-end punch for most gigs.
- Powerful Output: The TS series has powerful amplifiers, with models like the TS315 offering up to 2000 watts peak power. They can easily fill a medium to large venue with sound, making them great for live events, DJs, and public speaking engagements.
- Lightweight and Portable: Despite the power they offer, these speakers are surprisingly lightweight, with the TS310 weighing just around 15.5 kg (34 lbs). This makes them easy to transport and set up.
- Built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing): The TS series comes with built-in DSP, which optimizes sound and protects the speaker from distortion at high volumes. This is great for preserving the sound quality and preventing speaker damage.
- Affordable: Compared to other professional PA speakers, Alto’s TS series is considered very affordable, offering a balance of performance and price.
Cons:
- Bass Response: Some users report that the bass response isn’t as deep or punchy as higher-end PA systems. It works well for general use, but if you’re looking for extreme low-end performance, you might need a subwoofer.
- Plastic Construction: While sturdy, the plastic construction of the TS series is a common complaint. Some users feel that the build quality isn’t as premium as other brands in the same price range.
- Limited Features on Lower Models: The lower-end models (like the TS310) may lack some advanced features and inputs found in the higher-end models, which can be limiting for more complex setups.
Rating:
- Overall Rating: Around 4.3 to 4.6 stars out of 5 on various platforms like Amazon, Sweetwater, and Guitar Center. Reviewers often highlight the value for money, ease of use, and sound clarity.
2. Alto TS3 Series (TS308, TS310, TS312)
The TS3 Series is an updated version of the TS series, offering some enhancements in sound quality and design.
Pros:
- Enhanced Sound Clarity: The TS3 series offers even better sound clarity and power compared to the TS2 series, with more dynamic range and less distortion at high volumes.
- Improved Durability: Alto upgraded the build with a more durable construction, though still using plastic for portability. The speaker design is also sleeker and more modern.
- Versatility: The TS3 series can be used in a wide range of applications—small gigs, DJ events, or even as home studio monitors.
- Built-in Mixer: The TS3 series has a built-in 2-channel mixer in some models, which makes it easy to connect a microphone or an instrument directly to the speaker without needing an external mixer.
Cons:
- Price Increase: The TS3 series is slightly more expensive than the TS2, which might be a downside for those on a strict budget. However, many feel the price increase is justified by the improved sound quality and added features.
- Bass Still Not Deep Enough: While the bass is better than previous iterations, some users still find it lacking when compared to other subwoofer-equipped systems.
Rating:
- Overall Rating: Around 4.4 to 4.7 stars out of 5. Users appreciate the improved sound and durability but note that bass-heavy music might still require a subwoofer.
3. Alto TX Series (TX8, TX10, TX12)
The Alto TX series is another option in Alto’s range of powered speakers. This series is designed to be lightweight, powerful, and easily portable.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact: The TX series is very portable, making it ideal for smaller setups or mobile events.
- Powerful and Clear Sound: These speakers provide solid performance in small-to-medium venues. They’re designed for users who need clear sound at moderate volumes but may not require the power of larger, more expensive systems.
- Built-in EQ: Some models in the TX series come with built-in equalizers for adjusting sound based on your specific environment.
Cons:
- Limited Power for Large Venues: While great for small to medium-sized events, the TX series doesn’t offer enough power for larger, louder events. For huge outdoor concerts or very large venues, you might need something like the TS or ZLX series.
- Sound Quality at High Volume: Some reviewers mention that the sound starts to lose its clarity at higher volumes, especially for the lower frequencies.
Rating:
- Overall Rating: Around 4.1 to 4.5 stars out of 5. They’re highly rated for smaller setups and mobile DJs but not as suited for very large events.
4. Alto Subwoofers (TS Sub, TX Sub)
For those looking for deeper bass, Alto also offers subwoofers like the TS Sub and TX Sub. These are great companions to the full-range speakers and can enhance bass performance for larger events.
Pros:
- Deep Bass: These subwoofers are designed to handle the low-end frequencies, offering powerful bass to complement Alto’s PA speakers.
- Affordable: Like the full-range speakers, Alto subwoofers are reasonably priced compared to competitors in the same class.
- Easy Setup: These subwoofers integrate easily with Alto’s active speakers, making setup and sound balancing straightforward.
Cons:
- Size: These subwoofers can be large and heavy, which may not be ideal for smaller gigs or mobile setups.
- Not the Deepest Bass: While they provide good bass for most setups, audiophiles or users in need of extreme low-end punch might find the bass performance lacking.
Rating:
- Overall Rating: Around 4.3 to 4.5 stars out of 5. Reviewers like the performance and price but mention that the bass, while good, is not as powerful as higher-end subwoofers.
Summary
- Best for: DJs, small to medium live performances, mobile sound setups, and public speaking events.
- Pros: Good sound quality for the price, lightweight and portable, powerful output for small to medium venues, and solid build quality.
- Cons: Lacks extreme bass depth, construction could be more premium, and the sound quality may degrade at very high volumes.
Top-rated Alto Models:
- TS Series for powerful sound and portability.
- TS3 Series for improved clarity and durability.
- TX Series for smaller, more portable setups.
- Subwoofers to enhance bass response.