PRODUCT
TESTS
Proel Session4 Compact Portable Array System
By Jay Thompson
I
recently had a chance to try out the Session4 from Proel, a com-
pact portable array PA system in an active 2.1 configuration with
twin top speakers and a single subwoofer. The system is relatively
compact when it’s stowed for travel and when set-up with the
included pole mount, making for a versatile solution across many
different live sound applications, from solo or small ensemble perfor-
mances to mobile DJs to music and speech playback in corporate or
other rental situations.
Of course, the Session4 lives in a relatively crowded field of com-
pact and portable “all-in-one” PA solutions from various manufacturers,
all of which differ slightly in terms of size and weight, onboard effects
and DSP, connectivity options, and of course, sonic performance. I’ve
used a few of these in the past for both live music and playback and
was interested to see how the Session4 stacked up.
Out of the Box
The Session4 features two top speakers with four individual 2.75-in.
drivers each in a vertical array configuration, arranged to offer even
and consistent vertical coverage. The sub features a pair of 6.5-in.
woofers in a band-pass configuration, with all of the cabinets having
notably robust plywood construction. I also think the components
look very sleek compared to other portable PA offerings, and having
worked with a few corporate AV providers and rental companies, think
that makes this system an attractive option in that world – meetings,
schools, weddings, etc.
The sub has cavities to hold the two tops in their respective
padded bags along with the speaker pole and included four-wire
Speakon cable for one-package portability. That said, the Session4
weighs in at about 55 lbs., putting it at the heavier end of the “all-in-
one” PA offerings.
In use, the two tops can either be stacked one on top of the other
with the included pole mount for a mono, eight-driver array, or one
can be placed on a second speaker stand for a simple but effective
2.1 set-up. (You can also use two separate speaker stands for the tops
for more flexibility with the sub placement.) There’s also the “Double”
mode, in which two Session4 systems in the mono array configuration
can work in tandem, which could appeal to users needing to cover
more space with more output.
An onboard three-channel, 1,200-W Class D amplifier drives the
system, controlled via Proel’s Core LT DSP. Processing options include
a dynamic EQ with four presets for basic music playback, live music,
DJing, and speech. The interface is comprised of an LCD display with
a single rotary knob to navigate menus. This handles the DSP settings,
two selectable mic/line inputs, system configuration (mono, stereo,
double), and Bluetooth.
In Use
As I expected, it was very easy to physically set up the unit in both
mono and stereo configurations with an extra speaker stand (not
included). Most of the weight is in the sub, of course, so setting up
the polemount and two tops was no trouble.
From there, I found the control interface for the mixer and DSP fairly
easy to navigate after going through everything and getting a handle
on it. I’m personally split on the rotary encoder. While everything was
easy to find and configure on the front end, it’s not as conducive to
on-the-fly adjustments as having dedicated controls for the different
parameters as with some of the other systems I’ve put to work. Having
24 PROFESSIONAL SOUND
said that, I can also appreciate that, once you’ve got everything dialed-
in, this is more “tamper-proof,” which I’ve learned from experience is
something to keep in mind for rental applications.
Sonically, I’m a big fan of this system. The highs were clear and
smooth and mids quite pleasing, but in particular, the sub output was
the true highlight – impactful and dynamic without muddying up the
sound. The coverage was nice and wide relative to both the mono and
2.1 configurations, with good consistency across the listening field.
Going through the four presets – Music, Live, DJ, and Speech – I
found each to work well and be relatively pleasing for its intended use.
I invited a friend over with her acoustic guitar and a simple looper
for a live performance trial and she was as impressed with the sound
as I was. We had more than enough volume and the mix carried well
from lower to higher levels.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I enjoyed my experience with the Session4 despite being
new to Proel gear and would say it’s as good if not better-sounding
than other systems in its class that I’ve used in the past. As far as
functionality and onboard features, your choice will depend on
your particular needs, but I’d definitely recommend giving the Proel
system a close look. As far as I’m concerned, it strikes a very attractive
combination of sonic performance, portability, and, considering it’s
priced at under $1,500 CAD, overall value.
Jay Thompson is a studio and live sound engineer from Southwestern
Ontario.