Review: Alto Professional UBER FX2 Portable PA

I have seen my fair share of portable PA systems over the past 30 years, I’ve probably seen your fair share too. The improvements that I’ve witnessed over time are nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s face it, the term ‘portable’ was somewhat of a joke with what was on offer in the early 90’s. In those days, the only factor that was bigger than the weight being the price tag. Both were enough to scare any musician back into their rehearsal room for the rest of the winter. But nowadays that has all changed, with the price becoming more palatable, the weight actually being portable, and the sound quality and feature set far ahead of what the price suggests. On that note, let me introduce you to the Alto Professional Uber FX2.

Uber FX2

At 23lbs, I have caught bigger fish that the Alto Professional Uber FX2, so you’ll have no problem holding this unit up for a trophy photo, should you wish. The fact that it has a retractable handle and wheels on the rear, means you won’t really be lifting it much anyway. You can roll in and out of the venue with ease, and it isn’t too great of a strain to lift in and out of a car boot. With this in mind, it’s an ideal unit for retail spruikers, dance instructors, motivational speakers, sports coaches and just about any other situation where portable amplification is needed with a very minimum of effort. Should you need to relocate the Uber FX2, it’s just a matter of unlocking the handle, and rolling away. You’re not constricted by limitations such as power cables, or speaker mounts.

For those wanting to use the Uber FX2 outdoors, or in a location that doesn’t offer mains power, you’re well and truly covered with up to 100 hours of use in a single battery charge. At first, I thought that seemed OK, enough to get a vocal duo through a set at the local pub. Then I realised the spec sheet said ‘hours’ and not ‘minutes’. Yes, 100 hours of use. To put that into perspective, that’s even longer than a Cure Greatest Hits concert, and more than some musicians will work in a year. So, if you’re worried about it not keeping up, you’d better get some sleep before the gig, because the Uber FX2 is likely to outlast everyone.

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So, we know it can go the distance, but what’s it packing as far as grunt for all those hours? The Uber FX2 offers a 200 watt five-speaker system built into the one housing. What makes this stand out from many other portable PA systems is the 320-degree spread it offers. The front of the unit has an 8-inch with two tweeters for a more directional sound. On the outer edge of these are two side facing full range drivers, which work as side fill and almost encompass the unit in sound. This is a standout design wanting to fill a space from a fairly central location for vocal presentations and teaching environments. If you’re looking for a more traditional two speaker system, or just wish to add more power and volume, multiple units can be linked together via the Uber FX2’s wireless Bluetooth capabilities. The linked units can them be remotely controlled via the Alto Pro app which is available for iOS and Android devices alike. From there, you can control music playback, EQ and effects settings, as well as a bunch of other parameters in the mix control.

Of course, you don’t have to use the Bluetooth connections to operate a single unit. Many features can be accessed from the front panel, especially for basic instrument and microphone use. There are two main inputs on the front panel, both offering line or microphone input levels on combination TRS/XLR connectors. On top of this, there’s a 3.5mm stereo jack for an auxiliary input, and two USB connections that offer device charging from the unit’s ample battery source. A line output is supplied on a stereo TRS connector too, so you can run the mix signal to a larger system, or additional powered speaker, should you need.

Bluetooth speaker

Alto Professional have mastered the art of value for money in a speaker system with this compact unit. It really offers a lot more than you’d expect at first glance. The speakers deliver a clear sound response for both music and spoken word, making it ideal for small music duos as well as presentation work. Whilst no wireless microphone option is provided, this is really just an unnecessary hinderance, as battery life in wireless microphones cannot keep up with the Uber FX2 at any rate. Wired microphones are a sensible option, with the two XLR connections on the front panel. Although, Bluetooth microphones could be integrated with the device. 

The top panel holds a secret compartment, which slide open from under the handle. Sadly, that is no longer a secret since I mentioned it here. In there, you’ll find the second USB charging port and enough space to stow your mobile device and other essentials. Just be sure you don’t have your phone’s Bluetooth linked up, or you might find an ill-time call or two will interrupt proceedings.

In short, the Alto Uber FX2 is the little PA that offers big things. It’s not going to get you home after a night out, like you might expect when you hear the name Uber, but it will create that night out to start with. And the driver won’t mind lifting it in and out of the boot on your homeward journey, as it really has set the benchmark for portable PA.

For local Alto enquiries, visit Electric Factory.