Tech reviews: The Yamaha Stagepas 100 BTR

One of the biggest challenges I've faced as a music teacher is amplifying students for various events: productions, concerts, parents' evenings, carol services, and exam performances. Over the years, I've directed so many mini-gigs that I've become familiar with the inevitable chaos. Beyond the rats' nest of cabling, there's the hassle of mic'ing up acoustic guitars and vocalists, often involving a cumbersome pair of heavy speakers and mixing desk that only work if the wind and electrons are blowing in the right direction.

Rechargeable, portable speakers have been around for a while, but they've rarely provided enough ‘oomph’ for live applications. The Stagepas 100 BTR includes a built-in rechargeable, non-removable battery with overheating protection and a traffic-light warning system to indicate charge levels. While the battery cannot be swapped out for a spare, it charges in just twoand-a-half hours and easily lasts long enough for gigs – I gave up trying to drain the battery when using it quietly as a Bluetooth speaker at home after seven hours. The speaker can also be attached to a microphone stand for optimal placement, and its compact design makes it highly portable, especially with the optional carry bag.