The P-Series is one of two powered live loudspeaker lines by Cerwin-Vega, the other being C-V’s flagship CVA Series—quite possibly the best all-around PPA (portable PA) gear I’ve ever used. The P-Series incorporates some notable CVA-influenced features as well as a variety of unique and useful touches too. For this review, I received a P1000X pair, a two-way bi-amped full-range bass-reflex speaker featuring a 10in. LF driver and 1-3/4in. HF driver; polypropylene cabinet with steel accents and handles incorporating a flush waveguide and 18-gauge perforated steel grille; and a Class D amp providing 1000W of peak power.
The P1000X is compact for what it offers, with dimensions of 25.5”x15”x15” and a weight of 37lbs. Frequency response is relatively flat and balanced for PPA gear, at a reported 61.0Hz to 20.6kHz, (±3dB), with a 128dB maximum SPL (1W@1m).
I/O for the 3-channel mixer includes Neutrik XLR/TRS inputs on channels 1 and 2, switchable mic-DI or line plus an XLR throughput each; dual quarter-inch TS line inputs on channel 3; and a mix output on XLR. EQ-based parameters include Enhanced EQ (contour adjustment with feedback-reducing midrange attenuation); Vega Bass Boost (LF gain); and a High Pass Filter (attenuation below 80 Hz), each with on/off switches.
After several months of use in a half-dozen gig applications—club/theater, outdoor venue and rehearsal use—I found the P1000X to be a great stage monitor and main speaker (when used as a pair coupled with a powered subwoofer). It’s plenty powerful in most PPA applications and seems to be physically overbuilt in typical Cerwin-Vega fashion, with an overall better and thicker grade of polypropylene than I find in the vast majority of PPA products.
However, if shopping for active PPA gear today, I’d honestly choose an older Cerwin-Vega full-range model—the more compact, tour grade-built Active Series CVA-28 dual 8in. speaker (at $599 street, each, with 800W peak power) over the P1000X; there are several products very comparable to the P1000X in the market yet nothing out there quite like the CVA Series. That said, for those looking for a more traditional PPA powered enclosure with Cerwin-Vega’s well-earned reputation for quality sound and rugged construction, the P1000X is a very worthy choice and notably user-friendly to boot.
Strother Bullins is NewBay Media’s Reviews Editor, AV/Pro Audio Group, active musician, recordist, and club-level sound reinforcement wrangler.
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PRODUCT SUMMARY
COMPANY: Cerwin-Vega | www.cerwinvega.com
PRODUCT: Cerwin-Vega P1000X P-Series Portable Powered Loudspeaker
PROS: Physically “overbuilt” in typical Cerwin-Vega fashion with thicker grade of polypropylene cabinetry; 3-channel mixer with Neutrik XLR/TRS inputs on channels 1 and 2; useful, good-sounding Enhanced EQ (contour adjustment with feedback-reducing midrange attenuation) and Vega Bass Boost LF gain.
CONS: Several products on the market are very comparable to the P1000X.
APPLICATIONS: Club/theater, HOW/institutional and rehearsal use
PRICE (STREET): $699 each
SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE: Two-way bi-amped full-range bass-reflex speaker featuring a 10in. LF driver and 1-3/4in. HF driver
FREQUENCY RANGE: 61Hz-20.6kHz, (±3dB)
MAXIMUM SPL (PEAK BEFORE CLIPPING): 128dB
PEAK RATED OUTPUT: 1000W
INPUT/OUTPUT: I/O for the 3-channel mixer with Neutrik XLR/TRS inputs (1 & 2); switchable mic-DI/line plus XLR throughput (1 & 2); dual quarter-inch TS line inputs (3); XLR mix output.
ONBOARD DSP: EQ-based parameters include switchable Enhanced EQ (contour adjustment with feedback-reducing midrange attenuation); Vega Bass Boost (LF gain); and a High-Pass Filter (attenuation below 80Hz).
EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS: 25.5”x15”x15” (WxHxD)
WEIGHT: 37lbs.
