How I Use the Electro-Voice Evolve 50M for Live Acoustic Gigs

I'm sharing my FIRST-TIME experience with you using my new EVOLVE 50M portable column PA system by Electro-Voice.

Let me start by saying this has changed everything and has made my solo gigging life so much easier.

***Where I love the Evolve 50M, you may find that the 30M is perfect if you play mostly small to mid-size venues for solo shows. Here are my Sweetwater links to both:

In the video, I show you exactly how I use the Evolve 50M for my live solo gigs. These gigs are mainly acoustic but I also play some electric leads as well as acoustic instrumentals between singing songs.

I show you all of the connections and how to place portable column PA systems on the stage, in general.

This is all being demonstrated at my largest venue, Keel and Curley Winery in Plant City, FL. And I really appreciate the opportunity to play there (also thanks to Todd and Kuhl One Management for getting me this gig).

This is a larger stage than most venues and is set up for a full band. This place also gets packed, especially on weekends, which I was playing on a Friday while filming this video.

You'll also hear some of my live performances using the Electro-Voice Evolve 50M and for several instances that include: playing and singing, talking, acoustic instrumental, duo (my wife sings with me some), and acoustic instrumental with electric guitar solos.

This gives you a wide range of how you can use the Evolve 50M for live solo gigs adding other elements.

Of course, as you would expect from me, I share several live performance tips with you (be sure to hang around for the end where I share more context behind working with Electro-Voice for this).

I hope you enjoy the video and find it helpful. Be sure to leave any questions and your experience as a live music performer in the comments.

Keep Playing Music,
Jason

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[KobiHolliday]

Thank you Jason. Great video, and wisdom of giving. I have a pair of EV Evolve 50's. Every week for the last 4 years I have put these speakers throught their paces, and they have always provided a crisp and punchy sound. Ive used them with a 5 piece RnB band, 7 piece Afrobeat band, Acoustic solo gigs, acoustic duo for weddings (which I only use one speaker for), and for DJ's. The ease of setup and packdown alone has saved me much time that it is an incredible system for hard working musicians. I think its time to upgrade to the 50M!

[donstevenson]

I use a single 30M for my solo gigs. I have a one-man-band act. Keys, LH Bass, drum machine and vocal harmonizer. The 30M delivers a full range sound and provides plenty of horse power for 99% of my gigs. The 30M sub provides plenty of low end to handle my LH bass and the kick from the drum machine. The mid/high range column projects the sound very well. I have tried using my 30M as a keyboard rig in my band. It projects so well that the stage volume is just too much for the sound engineer. I know other users are not happy with the built-in mixer. I find the built-in mixer works great for my gigs. I love the app. I never touch a knob on the back of my 30M. There is plenty of head room when I play for upto 150 people. I have also done duo gigs with a drummer/singer. I mic his kick drum and of course his vocals. No issues sounds great. If I need more horse power, I have a pair of EV ZLX12Ps and EKX18SP sub.

[selbybopape]

Great insight into the experience of the system. Been using the 50s for about 3 years now and they still amazing System

[Fail]

I appreciate all of these videos. As a fellow metal musician without a band or ability to play live, putting this out as an idea is truly inspiring.

[cpfwriter]

Came across this in one of the EV FB forums--just an amazingly detailed and helpful rundown. I love my 30m and this video helped me tons, thanks for posting! Great closing commentary about giving value.

[stephenmitchell]

I did not know that they had added channels and connectivity to Evolve 50. Very useful! I used one Evo 50 to do a benefit with a friend of mine for an 80 year-something drummer that wanted to play one last gig. The casinos used to send limos for this guy to sit in with their headliners back in the day. We were on a very busy intersection in Boulder, NV. I played a Taylor 614-CE, my friend played a bass and our buddy played a cocktail set. We had only planned to play an hour, but played 4! I used a Profx12v3 into the EV for my front end. The audience loved the sound and the business wanted to have us back every weekend. Not possible with one coming from LA and me coming from Laughlin, NV area. The drummer has passed on now. So happy to give him fresh memories and live audience appreciation! BTW, my wife is from Mindanao, and after hearing her karaoke I would never let her near a PA system! Thanks for the video!

[jamesdhardy]

Thank you SO much! Going to gig with this unit for the first time tonight. Stoked!

[bradlee.rogers]

Thanks Jason, I'm doing exactly what you are doing and second gig is this weekend. First one levels where everywhere! lol. So I feel more prepared. Love the channel and your delivery of info.

[madness]

I have a pair of Evolve 30Ms in white and I couldn't be happier with them! I only need to take one out for smaller gigs and have the second one for larger gigs when I take both. They look and sound great and are great value considering the comprehensive mixer that's included in the system. Thanks for the video and keep up the great work.

[themagicalemcee]

This has been a great help! There aren't many videos that demonstrate the product in the type of venues I would use without going along and listening myself, so this has helped sway my decision 🤝🏼

[eamoncorbett]

Great to hear from a good ole fashioned hard working musician whose whole life is entertaining. Great demo, I’d be a bit nervous about the electric guitar as well with the EV but you seem to have conquered it . Keep up the good work from Ireland.

[davehernandez]

Wow! What a great video. I’ve really grown tired of taking a mixer, two speakers, speaker, stands and cables, etc. etc.. thanks to you and this video it’s time for me to transition

[KometDeinFace]

Hi Jason! This is the first video of your that I've watched which includes you and your wife singing, awesome man! I live in Florida so I hope to catch you live sometime!

[merickel]

Been running the 30m in our acoustic duo. Setup is soooo easy. Love that no external mixer is necessary. Sound is top notch.

[miggscountrymusic]

I love my 50m, I have two which is overkill, but I play a lot of outside gigs, and they can really CARRY! I tried the Bose Pro32s, and were not nearly as good. Great oversight on your equipment and workflow. It has helped me out.

[GregParr]

Hi Jason. I’ve been enjoying your gigging videos. I do the same here in NYC Metro area for past 25+ years. I was gonna recommend the EV50M to you, lol! I know how expensive they are but well worth it. I’d even recommend getting another one. Use as backup or together, adds better bass response when outside. Connect with a Cat 5 cable for stereo capability or dual mono.

I started with the Bose Pas systems and have used every iteration they have had. Bose was [is] great (clearer even) but this gives Much more versatility, power, Bluetooth transmission and control plus DJ capabilities. To my 30M brothers and sisters, I also recommend the 50M. [I had the 30M and valued the difference enough to sell off and trade up. I’ve also had various Fishmans and Acoustisonics, JBLs, QSCs K.2 10’S & 12s (Kept those) ]. Love the gear and your insights. Thanks Brother - Keep Rocking🤘🏾🤘🏾

[keithozment]

I got mine a month ago…. It made a world of difference!

[williamjones]

Jason is by far one of the coolest and nicest guys in the metal community.

[MarkJohnsonJams]

Sounds really good. In my duo we use an array system but it’s a cheap no name brand. I don’t think it sounds really good. However the higher quality EV and Bose arrays sound great. I def want to get one one day. As of now I have a Fishman Loudbox Performer for when I start solo gigging (hopefully soon). It handles just my vocals and acoustic. But one day I’d love to get a nice line array system. I just want to thank you Jason. Your channel has really inspired me to get out on my own and do solo gigs. I’m picking a niche genre like you too (80s with a side of 70s). Mine is 90s Rock, Grunge & More. I’ve taken a lot of your tips for my duo and definitely applying them to my future solo gigs too. Cheers and thank you!

[ghaus]

Excellent words of wisdom, to live by Jason, it's about positivity and giving the best that you can give and sharing in a positive way. Karma is real and yes what you give out will always come back to you.👍