TEST: Proel Session 4

 I admit that I had never heard of the Italian company Proel until now. After all, the company seems to exist since 1991 and has developed with the Proel Session 4 another product for the compact array area, which has emerged in recent years as the sales driver in the mobile sound industry. There is hardly a sound reinforcement manufacturer who has not sought his salvation in recent years in the separation of subwoofers and upright satellites and calls a typical representative of the array class his own.

The advantages of such systems are quickly outlined. The mobile systems should be small, transportable and dismountable, and due to powerful Class D power amplifiers, they should also be able to drive in the KW range. However, one should not be blinded by the array buzzword, because the compact solutions have absolutely nothing in common with a "real" array system. Let's take a look at what Italy has to offer.

Concept and construction of the Proel Session 4

Immediately after unpacking, one can see that Proel has written the adjective flexible very large in its Proel Session 4. Thus, the system can be operated in mono as well as in 2.1 stereo with the appropriate setup. The system, which consists of a subwoofer and two satellites, can be operated either mono with the two satellites on top of each other by interlocking the enclosures via a sliding device, or in typical stereo function with one satellite arranged above the woofer and a second to the left or right of it. In terms of dimensions, the system features an active bandpass subwoofer with 2x 6.5" woofers and 2 array tops with 4 x 2.75 Neodynium full-range speakers each.

For the woofer satellite a double screwable distance rod is included, for the second satellite a separate high stand for the 35 mm flange has to be purchased. Also, only a single Speakon cable is included with the system, which I absolutely cannot understand. A second Speakon cable would only increase the manufacturing costs by a few euros and at least leave a completely usable system. So the first thing you are forced to do is buy another Speakon cable. Clearly saved at the wrong end!

For transport, the two satellites are sunk into two corresponding tubes inside the subwoofer to save space. Very practical, but you should never forget to put the two tweeters in the supplied sleeves with the pull loop upwards beforehand, otherwise you will only get the satellites out of the slots again with great effort and manifold curses. In this case, you have to turn the woofer upside down and heave it upwards due to the millimeter-precise milled openings. You definitely only do that once, after that you remember the procedure. Further mounting points for cables or the spacer rods are unfortunately not available, a separate bag / case must be used here.

The Proel Session 4 is designed by its performance for small bands, moderate Dj or playback use in small locations. With 300 watts for the subwoofer and 100 watts per satellite (all continuous load data according to the manufacturer), you can make an unplugged combo or a moderate playing band audible for about 100 people. Physicality in the form of a punchy kick drum, for example, cannot be realized with this system. It is all the more important that the system draws as finely as possible even at low volumes in order to reproduce details in the sound shaping of a moderately playing band or corresponding playback material. More on this in the practical part of the test.

The operation of the Proel Session 4

Like most systems of this type, the manufacturer of the Proel Session 4 tries to keep the user as completely out of the technical part of the system as possible. What is certainly a blessing for the inexperienced occasional operator, leads on the other hand to the fact that fewer and fewer operators are seriously familiar with sound reinforcement material and above all can no longer actively intervene in the decisive parameters. Preset rules ...

Thus, the Proel Session 4 only has a rudimentary preset management of the usual suspects Music, DJ, Speech and Playback plus a simple 2-band EQ in front of you, with which you can shape the basic sound of the system a bit. Unfortunately, not even a parametric mid EQ has made it into the system, which would have been very helpful depending on the incoming signal. Probably the manufacturer was afraid of the user's incompetence and immediately denied him any capabilities. I know, parametric mids are a big challenge for the untrained ear, but to leave him completely out of the sound control because of that, I think is counterproductive and presumptuous. Further system management such as crossover frequencies, gain control etc. is unfortunately searched for in vain.

On board is still the popular, integrated Bluetooth player, so that the personal smartphone can keep the party going without a cable. Two XLR / TRS combo jacks are available as input sockets, which can also be looped through to other amplifier solutions via daisy chain via corresponding XLR outputs if required.

The Proel Session 4 in practice

The transportability of the Proel Session 4 is very pleasant. Even though the "pull-out-the-loops" solution for transporting the satellites is a bit shy, the speaker reduction to the subwoofer cube is very practical. With a total weight of 25 kilograms, a single person should make sure to only lift from the knees, but the weight can definitely be called moderate for the performance-related equivalent. I still recommend, if possible, to transport the system with 2 people on the two opposite transport handles.

The birch plywood case makes a good impression, the workmanship is impeccable, although the rather coarse textured paint makes the system look coarser than it is. The spacer rods can be connected to each other in a few easy steps, although you can of course only use the upper end. When it comes to adjusting the height of the satellites, the Proel Session 4 really is very flexible.

Already at the first frequencies that sound out of the Proel Session 4, the sonic preference of the system becomes clear. The system seems to drown in the bass range. However, the DJ preset was also activated, which is probably to account for the bass love of many productions. After switching to the Playback preset, the bass transparency improved significantly, but still delivered a very dominant bassiness that was comparatively manageable and didn't drift into an undefined slobber.

The Proel Session 4's weak point, on the other hand, is another. I'm inclined to say that the system lacks another speaker in the form of a high frequency driver. Up to the high midrange, the four tweeters/midrange drivers can maintain a hard but comparatively continuous sound image, but after that it's over. In the true high frequency range from about 6 kHz upwards, the reproduction collapses as if a medium wave radio is being transmitted. The sound is harsh and lacks any fine resolution.

This shortcoming cannot be remedied by the internal EQ either, since it only adds further harshness to the output signal. Possibly an upstream graphic EQ could still bring something in signal quality, but I fear that the internally installed tweeters also come here to their limits and can transmit the signal in its adjusted form only rudimentary.

Driving the system into saturation, once again the sonic design of the system comes into play. While the subwoofer remains surprisingly stable even into saturation, the tweeters/midrange speakers quickly add clippings to the signal due to their rather low power handling, which lowers the sound quality even more. A band playing quietly will never get into the embarrassment of this volume, but a system should nevertheless have enough headroom even at power peaks to absorb the impulse peaks accordingly clean.

Conclusion

With the Proel Session 4, the Italian manufacturer has a small, portable 2.1 speaker system in its range, which is easy to transport and quick to set up. The convincing sound in the bass range is unfortunately diminished by an insufficient treble reproduction, so I think that users should check in advance whether the treble reproduction is sufficient for their personal field of application.


Additional Informations:

Proel Audio: Empowering the World of Sound with Innovation and Excellence
Introduction: Proel Audio is a renowned and dynamic company that has been at the forefront of the professional audio industry for decades. Founded in 1991 in Sant' Omero, Italy, by Fabrizio Sorbi, the company has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing a wide range of high-quality audio equipment and musical accessories. With a strong commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Proel Audio has emerged as a global leader, serving musicians, sound engineers, installers, and audio enthusiasts worldwide.
Vision and Mission: Proel Audio's vision is to enrich the world of sound through innovation, craftsmanship, and technological excellence. The company's mission is to empower individuals and organizations with cutting-edge audio solutions that enhance creativity, performance, and the overall audio experience.

Product Range: Proel Audio boasts an extensive product portfolio that caters to a diverse array of audio needs. The company's offerings include:

a. Pro Audio Equipment: Proel Audio produces a wide range of professional audio equipment, including power amplifiers, mixers, signal processors, speakers, and microphones. These products are designed to meet the demanding requirements of live performances, studio recording, and installations.

b. Musical Instruments: The company manufactures musical instruments, such as electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, and electronic drums, ensuring that musicians have access to high-quality instruments to unleash their creativity.

c. Audio Cables and Connectors: Proel Audio is well-regarded for its durable and reliable audio cables and connectors, essential components for maintaining pristine audio signal transmission.

d. Lighting Solutions: In addition to audio equipment, Proel Audio offers innovative lighting solutions, including stage lighting, LED fixtures, and lighting controllers, catering to the needs of event organizers and lighting designers.

e. Accessories: Proel Audio's accessory line includes stands, brackets, flight cases, and other practical solutions that enhance the functionality and portability of audio equipment.
Research and Innovation: Proel Audio's commitment to research and innovation sets it apart as a pioneering force in the audio industry. The company invests heavily in research and development, collaborating with experienced engineers and musicians to create state-of-the-art products. The use of advanced materials, digital signal processing (DSP), and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques ensures that Proel Audio remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Global Presence: With its headquarters in Italy, Proel Audio has established a strong global presence through a network of authorized distributors and dealers. Its products are available in numerous countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other regions, making it a preferred choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

Customer Support and Training: Proel Audio places a strong emphasis on customer support and training. The company provides comprehensive technical support to assist customers in selecting, using, and troubleshooting their products. Moreover, Proel Audio organizes training sessions and workshops, educating users on best practices for audio equipment setup, maintenance, and optimization.

Environmental Responsibility: Proel Audio is committed to environmental sustainability and takes several measures to reduce its ecological footprint. The company adheres to eco-friendly manufacturing practices, implements energy-efficient processes, and uses recyclable materials in its packaging.

Endorsements and Partnerships: Proel Audio's dedication to quality and innovation has earned it endorsements from prominent musicians, recording studios, and sound professionals. Additionally, the company collaborates with leading audio companies, participating in joint ventures and technology-sharing initiatives.

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Conclusion: Proel Audio's journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized name in the professional audio industry reflects its unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. With a diverse product range, an unyielding dedication to research and development, and a passion for customer satisfaction, Proel Audio continues to elevate the world of sound, empowering musicians, audio professionals, and music enthusiasts alike with cutting-edge audio solutions.