Roland gets loud with BA-330 portable P.A.

The Roland BA-330 portable P.A. system gets real loud using eight AA batteries.

(Credit: Roland)

For those who like getting loud in places where power outlets are hard to come by, the Roland BA-330 delivers all the comforts of a full-fledged stereo P.A. system using just eight AA batteries.

Just how loud are we talking? Cranked all the way up, the BA-330 can hit a 109dB sound pressure level--roughly the equivalent of standing next to a jack hammer. The eight AA batteries can deliver up to 10 hours of continuous power, although probably not at full blast (plug-in AC power is also available).

The front of the system offers four 6.5-inch and two tweeters, all wired for stereo. On the back, you'll get a four-channel mixer with XLR, 1/4-inch, RCA, and minijack inputs, and an effects section for adding EQ, reverb, delay, or a stereo-widening effect. If 109dB of ear-melting sound just isn't enough, a stereo link feature allows you to wire two BA-330 speakers together.

Of course, at around $829, street musicians are going to have to hustle hard to get their hands on this thing. Consider this your head start, since it's not due out until November.

[gildorluthien]

this would be great to start my wedding singer business

[ca128]

My iHome iPod dock only costs a fraction of this! And I'm sure it sounds just as good! <sarcasm off>

[acme401]

***i said a hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop, a you dont stop the rock it to the bang bang boogie say up jumped the ...***

[naples_video]

I received from B&H boxed-up nice and secure. I installed 8 used AA batteries (in a solid built and designed battery compartment) just to see if it had life and to my surprise, it was loud as could be with clean sound from the the 6 spkrs (stereo) in the cabinet. Plugged in a couple mics (wireless and a wired hand-held with XLRs) while the music was playing (lots of inputs on this monster for guitars and keyboards) from a mp3 player (stereo1/8 in plus a rca) and it rocked! Very impressed with this unit to say the least! I used this at a wedding ceremony (in Clewiston, FL) for about 70 guests and it carried perfectly without any feedback. Of course, you have to be careful so do your homework first when it comes to positioning the mics and the amp. I will make money on this over a period of time offering audio service for beach and outdoor weddings so go for it if you need something like this for your business. Built very solid with a tray on top to hold transmitters/receivers/iPods/etc./etc.. The pot knobs (tone and volume) are tight with no static. Thanks Roland and thanks B&H for your prompt delivery and service.