Electro-Voice EVOLVE 90 Portable PA System User Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Electro-Voice EVOLVE 90 Portable PA System is designed to deliver high-quality audio performance for various applications, including bands, musicians, DJs, and AV rental companies. This system combines an 18-inch powered subwoofer with a column array speaker to provide a wide frequency response and high sound pressure level (SPL) output in a compact and portable design.

Key features include:

• 2000W of Class-D Amplification for powerful sound.
• Custom Waveguides for wide coverage, ensuring sound reaches the entire audience.
• Advanced 6-channel mixer with onboard DSP, offering presets, EQ, and effects for precise sound control.
• Bluetooth audio streaming and control capabilities for wireless convenience.
• Connectivity options to link two EVOLVE 50Ms via RJ45 cable for expanded setups.

Figure 1: The Electro-Voice EVOLVE 90 Portable PA System, fully assembled.

2. What's in the Box

Upon unpacking your EVOLVE 90 system, ensure all components are present:

• EVOLVE 90 Active Subwoofer
• EVOLVE 90 Column Speaker Array
• Magnetically Locking Mounting Pole
• Power Cord (x2)
• Carry Bag for Column Array and Pole

3. Setup Instructions

Setting up your EVOLVE 90 system is designed for simplicity and speed. Follow these steps for proper assembly:

1. Position the Subwoofer: Place the EVOLVE 90 subwoofer on a stable, flat surface in your desired location. Ensure adequate space around the unit for ventilation and cable connections.
2. Insert the Mounting Pole: Locate the magnetically locking mounting pole. Insert the bottom end of the pole into the designated hole on the top surface of the subwoofer. The magnetic mechanism will secure the pole in place.


Figure 2: Subwoofer top panel with pole mount.

3. Attach the Column Array: Carefully place the EVOLVE 90 column speaker array onto the top of the mounting pole. The audio connection between the subwoofer and the column array is established automatically via internal cabling within the pole, eliminating the need for external speaker cables.

Figure 3: EVOLVE 90 column array speaker.
4. Connect Power: Connect the provided power cord to the subwoofer's power inlet and then to a suitable AC power outlet.

4. Operating Instructions

Once the system is set up, you can begin operation:

1. Power On: Press the power button located on the subwoofer's rear panel to turn on the system. The system will perform a self-test, and indicators will illuminate.
2. Input Connections: Connect your audio sources (microphones, instruments, media players) to the appropriate input channels on the subwoofer's integrated mixer. The mixer supports XLR, 1/4" Instrument, RCA, and Bluetooth inputs.
3. Adjust Levels: Use the gain controls for each channel to set appropriate input levels. Monitor the level indicators to avoid clipping.
4. Master Volume: Adjust the master volume control to achieve the desired overall sound level.

5. Bluetooth Connectivity

The EVOLVE 90 system supports Bluetooth audio streaming and control via a compatible mobile device.

1. Enable Bluetooth: Activate Bluetooth on your mobile device.
2. Pairing Mode: On the EVOLVE 90 mixer, activate Bluetooth pairing mode. Refer to the display or indicator lights for confirmation.
3. Connect Device: On your mobile device, select "EVOLVE 90" from the list of available Bluetooth devices. Once connected, you can stream audio wirelessly to the PA system.
4. Remote Control: Download the official Electro-Voice control application for your mobile device to remotely manage mixer settings, DSP functions, and system parameters.

6. Advanced Mixer Features

The integrated 6-channel mixer provides comprehensive control over your audio. It includes onboard Digital Signal Processing (DSP) with various presets, EQ, and effects to optimize your sound for different environments and performances.

Figure 4: EVOLVE 90 subwoofer rear panel with mixer controls.

• DSP Presets: Utilize the factory or user-defined DSP presets to quickly adapt the system's sound characteristics to specific applications (e.g., Music, Speech, Live).
• Equalization (EQ): Adjust the multi-band EQ for each channel and the master output to fine-tune the tonal balance.
• Effects: Apply built-in effects such as reverb and delay to enhance vocals and instruments.
• Channel Routing: Configure input routing and output mixes as needed for complex setups.

7. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your EVOLVE 90 system, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Regularly wipe down the exterior surfaces with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth and mild soap, then dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the subwoofer's ventilation ports are clear of obstructions to prevent overheating.
• Storage: When not in use, store the system in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. Use the provided carry bag for the column array and pole to protect them during transport and storage.
• Cable Inspection: Periodically inspect all cables for signs of wear or damage. Replace any damaged cables immediately.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your EVOLVE 90 system, consult the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Power:
  • Check if the power cord is securely connected to both the subwoofer and the AC outlet.
  • Verify that the AC outlet is functional.
  • Ensure the power switch on the subwoofer is in the 'ON' position.
• No Sound:
  • Confirm that the column array is properly seated on the mounting pole.
  • Check all input cable connections.
  • Ensure input channel gains and master volume are turned up.
  • Verify that the correct input source is selected on the mixer.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce input gain levels to prevent clipping.
  • Lower the master volume.
  • Check for damaged cables or faulty audio sources.
• Bluetooth Connection Issues:
  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the EVOLVE 90 and your mobile device.
  • Move your mobile device closer to the EVOLVE 90 to improve signal strength.
  • Try unpairing and re-pairing the device.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

The Electro-Voice EVOLVE 90 Portable PA System comes with a Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical support, service, or further inquiries, please visit the official Electro-Voice website or contact their customer service department. Detailed contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or in the product packaging.