NAMM 2023: Yamaha STAGEPAS 200 - Sand, software and sound

Buskers and coffee house players should take note of the new Yamaha STAGEPAS 200 portable PA system. The STAGEPAS 200 is a compact unit packing 2-way bi-amplification, 5 mixing channels (3 mono + 1 stereo), SPX digital reverb, a low frequency driver (8″ cone, 150W) and a 1″ high frequency driver. Dial in parameters with the STAGEPAS Controller iOS/Android app.

Yamaha have two models on offer: with battery (200BTR) and without (200). They weigh 27.6 pounds (12.5kg) and 26.5 pounds (12kg), respectively. Both models are essentially a cube measuring 12″ (310mm) per side.

Battery operating time is 8 hours (estimated) at 6% continuous use. I suspect that real-world will be less as 6% seems rather conservative sound-wise. I don’t think Yamaha are being disingenuous; it’s hard to rate operating time as expected use may vary from quiet background music to thundering blare. Accessorize with a spare battery pack, if you need a security blanket.

The STAGEPAS 200BTR should street around $650USD and the battery-less model at $550USD. Yamaha are going head-to-head with Bose S1 Pro ($700USD) and JBL ONE Compact ($630USD).

Yamaha have finally announced the P-S500 portable digital Smart Piano in North America. It’s being pitched more for home and studio than stage. The whole concept is to simplify the front panel while moving access to auto-accompaniment and such to the Smart Pianist tablet-based application.

These two announcements appear in the run-up to NAMM 2023 to be held April 13-15 in Anaheim. NAMM has along runway this year as the April show combines the former winter and summer trade-shows. Expect to see more product announcements in the next several weeks.