Behringer Eurolive B115D 15 Inch Powered Speaker Review for Live Sound

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Behringer Eurolive B115D immediately catches the eye with its robust yet portable design. At 38.6 pounds, it strikes a balance between durability and portability, making it relatively easy to carry despite its size. The trapezoidal enclosure design is a thoughtful touch, providing flexibility in positioning—whether mounted on a stand or tilted on its side as a floor monitor. The ergonomically shaped handles feel sturdy and comfortable, which is vital when moving this around for gigs or events. Its composite material feels solid and well-constructed, giving me confidence about its longevity even with frequent use.

What stood out to me was the 35-mm pole socket, which made setting it up on a stand straightforward. The speaker doesn’t feel wobbly once mounted, which is reassuring during live performances. However, despite the excellent build quality, its large size might not be ideal for those with limited storage or transport space.

Performance and Audio Quality

This speaker truly shines in its audio performance. With its 1,000-watt Class-D amplifier, the sound output is both powerful and clear, even at higher volumes. I tested it in a medium-sized venue, and the 15-inch long-excursion driver delivered impressively deep bass without distortion. The 1.35-inch aluminum-diaphragm compression driver ensures crisp high frequencies, making vocals and instruments stand out.

The ultra-wide dispersion horn is another highlight, as it projects sound evenly across the room. Whether you’re standing right in front of it or off to the side, the sound quality remains consistent. I also appreciated the integrated sound processor, which helps protect the speaker and ensures smooth audio output. However, in smaller spaces, the bass might feel a bit overwhelming, so some tweaking with the 2-band EQ might be necessary.

Wireless Connectivity and Mixer Features

One of the key benefits of this speaker is its wireless-ready functionality. Though the Behringer ULTRALINK wireless microphones are sold separately, adding them is as easy as plugging in the compact receiver. This eliminates the hassle of tangled wires and makes it ideal for dynamic setups.

The built-in 2-channel mixer is straightforward and user-friendly. With separate Mic/Line inputs, individual volume controls, and clip LEDs, it’s easy to adjust settings on the fly. I found these features particularly helpful when using the speaker for both music playback and live performances. The additional Line output for linking multiple systems is a bonus, especially for larger events where you might need more than one speaker.

Favorable Aspects

• Powerful 1,000-watt sound output with minimal distortion.
• Wireless-ready design for seamless microphone integration.
• Versatile setup options, including stand mounting and floor monitoring.
• Lightweight design for its size, making it portable for live events.

Limitations

• Wireless microphone system sold separately, which adds to the overall cost.
• The size and weight might be cumbersome for smaller venues or transport.
• Bass-heavy output in confined spaces can require manual adjustments.

Challengers

When comparing this speaker to JBL EON615 and Mackie Thump15, a few distinctions stand out. The JBL model offers a slightly more refined sound profile, particularly in the mids and highs, but comes at a higher price point. The Mackie Thump15, on the other hand, is known for its affordability but lacks the wireless-ready functionality that the Behringer unit excels in.

Where the Eurolive B115D excels is in its power-to-weight ratio and built-in mixer features. While the JBL EON615 might suit audiophiles or those seeking pristine sound clarity, the B115D provides a more versatile and complete package for live sound reinforcement.

Affordable Quality

Considering its features and performance, this speaker offers excellent value for its price range. The inclusion of a 2-channel mixer, wireless-ready design, and powerful audio output makes it a strong contender in the PA speaker market. However, the additional cost of the wireless microphone system and its size might be considerations for some buyers.

For DJs, musicians, and event organizers, the Behringer Eurolive B115D strikes an impressive balance between price, performance, and functionality. It’s not perfect, but it certainly delivers where it counts.

Additional information