Thank you for stopping by The DJs Guru today to check out our RCF EVOX J8 MIX vs EVOX J8 Review. The EVOXJ8 and EVOX JMIX8 from RCF are two very similar speakers. They look the same and even their specs are super close to one another. So what sets these two apart from each other? Today we’re going to look at their similarities, their differences, their pros, and their cons in our Rcf Evox J8 Vs. EvoxJmix8 Review.
RCF EVOX JMIX8 – The Nitty Gritty
The first spec that jumps out is the 128db SPL rating, which is loud for a speaker this size. Inside the cabinet is a 1400 watt peak amplifier with a 700 watt RMS rating. This amp is driving a 12″ woofer in the base with eight individual 2″ drivers up top. The speaker has a 120 degree by 30 degree dispersion pattern. The wide horizontal and narrow vertical dispersion means that sound is not wasted on the floor and ceiling.
The entire system comes in under 60 pounds, plenty light for a full-range setup. We’re all about portability, especially in the current climate of smaller events. You can grab either speaker in the standard black or a sexy white finish.
The EVOX JMIX8 has the same specs as the J8 with regards to power and speaker size. The differences start to become apparent when you take a look at the back of the subwoofer. There you’ll find a nice 8-channel digital mixer with name brand Neutrik connections. Above the inputs, you’ll find a digital display that gives you control over a whole range of features. The mixer has 4 combo mic/line inputs with phantom power available if needed. Additionally, there are stereo line inputs and Bluetooth connectivity. On the output side is an aux output to which specific channels can be assigned. This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to linking speakers together.
Having two models of speakers (one with a digital mixer) offers us the chance to mix and match. Because the specs are identical, it would be easy to purchase one JMIX8 and use the onboard mixer to send signal to a second speaker – in this case, a J8. This eliminates the need to carry a separate outboard mixer, again saving you space during transport.
Setting things up
Specs and digital mixers are nice, but they don’t mean anything if the speaker doesn’t sound good. RCF is a brand known for their attention to sound quality, so this wouldn’t be a proper review without a music test. Off the bat, it’s important to note the difference between the J8 and the more expensive EVOX8 – the enclosure. While the EVOX8 uses a wooden cabinet to hold the speakers, the J8 uses a plastic composite construction. This difference accounts for the big difference in price between the two models. A composite cabinet may not sound as good as a wood cabinet, but many great PA speakers have composite enclosures.
Taking the speakers outside for our demo we noticed how light and easy to transport they were. At the end of a long event, those weight savings matter! One of the other great things about these speakers? The fact that the column fits inside the back of the subwoofer on both models! We love how it all fits together. The column attaches to the sub using a tilt-able, threaded pole-mount system.
We hooked up the J8 first and feel like it’s worth mentioning the hookups on this model. Instead of the digital mixer, you’ll find the standard RCA inputs and outputs, which are very simple. You have an XLR input and output, a volume control knob, a few status LEDs, input sensitivity selection, and a flat/bass boost selector switch.
The increased number of controls and inputs on the JMIX8 offer you a lot more flexibility when it comes to application. Solo acts, houses of worship, and small bands will be able to mix their sound right on the speaker itself. We appreciate the variety of inputs (like 1/4″ and RCA) that offer us options in the event our gear uses multiple different connectors.
RCF EVOX JMIX8 – Sound check and stress test
For our first song, we started with some slow trap beats with a heavy low end. We specifically wanted to compare the sound of the composite enclosures to the wooden boxes of the EVOX series. There wasn’t as much “thump” as the EVOX (as expected) but the sound we did hear was clean and distortion-free. The speaker easily filled the backyard we were testing in with sound.
Our next track was a pop/rock track we’ve used in previous tests. The sound characteristics were typical RCF – even and balanced. No matter where we moved in the yard the sound was the same. At the very extreme edges of the yard, we noticed a little dropoff, but it was minimal. The speakers performed well with the guitars, highlighting their use outside of the DJ sphere.
Next up was an EDM track with a big kick sound. Standing centered to the speaker we felt the bass like we’d want at a wedding or similar event. The mids and highs were loud but not blaring or harsh (thanks to the column design). Again, clarity and smoothness were the defining features of the music.
Lastly, we put the speakers to the test with a “stress test.” Little by little, we started upping the signal with the goal of redlining our mixer. At 80% of our output signal, we were still happily seeing green on our limiter light. Pushing higher (close to 90% output) we were shocked to still see green on the limit light. Eventually, we ran out of space on our volume knob with no limit light in sight. Can you say headroom?! These speakers definitely lived up to their high 128db output spec.
What we like
The price point is a huge win for us. Comparing cost to all of the features and benefits, it seems like the benefits are the clear winner. Especially with the JMIX8 and its included digital mixer, we feel like we are getting a great deal. While it didn’t sound as full as the wooden enclosure EVOX system, the sound punches above its price class. The portability is second to none for column arrays. With the column slipping inside the subwoofer, we don’t know how transporting this system could get any easier.
We also love the IOS and android app offered by EVOX. This app will allow users to take control of their speakers wireless and perform a soundcheck or adjust settings on the fly. If you’re a solo operator, there’s no need to run back and forth from the speaker to the dancefloor to soundcheck – just use your phone.
What we’d change
We had to get pretty nit-picky to find something to label as a “con” of the J8 and JMIX8. It’s not a big deal, but we’d probably swap out the M20 threaded pole mount for a different option with this speaker. With such a wide dispersion pattern, we don’t see the need to adjust the angle.
And hey, would it be too hard to throw a white cable in with the white speaker in the future?
In conclusion
The J8 and JMIX8 are a solid contender in the affordable column array category. They will have no problem handling a crowd between 100-200 people at a wedding, party, or another event. Musicians and venues will love the large number of inputs on the JMIX8, making this system a “swiss-army knife” of sorts. The speakers deliver the classic RCF sound in a more portable and cost-friendly package that’s perfect for someone looking to pick up their first column array system.
We hope you enjoyed our article, we’re happy to answer any questions so feel free to drop a comment below. Also, check out our coaching services, or contact us direct with anything else you may need assistance with. We are here to help you learn, grow and succeed.
You can see our video review and sound check/stress test below.
