TEST: Fender Passport Event Series

 A new Fender guitar combo? As expected, this was my first assessment when the parcel delivery person handed me a comparatively large, but not overly heavy parcel marked “Fender”. “Aha, a transistor amp,” I suspected because of the weight, but the oval shape of the product when viewed from above, which revealed itself to me after opening the package, made me think a little. It is not without reason that the Fender Passport Event Series 2 is a portable audio system, far removed from any amplifier, which, among other things, has contributed to the brand's worldwide fame. Fender is now also making audio systems?

The construction of the Fender Passport Event Series 2

It is in the nature of things that one of the world's most famous trademarks does not always rest on its icons such as Strat, Tele, Precision and Bassman, but in the last few decades Fender has more or less only appeared when it was was about taking over other guitar-focused manufacturers such as Jackson, Charvel, Ovation or Hamer Guitars. The entry into the audio system sector, previously often referred to as “vocal systems”, can therefore be understood as a significant expansion of the core business.

With the Fender Passport Event Series 2, the American manufacturer offers the middle representative of a sound system consisting of 3 variants, which in terms of performance and range of functions is rounded off at the bottom by the Conference version and at the top by the Venue version. All three models were built with the same focus on easy handling and transport, which is an increasingly important selling point for audio systems in this performance class. Only a few amateur users feel the need to familiarize themselves with audio matters and are increasingly giving preference to a pure plug-and-play solution.

In order to capture exactly this target group from the garden party, hobby DJ and simple street party sound system, Fender has broken down the handling of the Fender Passport Event Series 2 audio-technically to only a few control options, but instead put a lot of thought into transport and the appearance of the product. The first impression already shows one of the strengths of the system. The system, which consists of two boxes and a control console, can be assembled into a suitcase and transported with just one hand. The dimensions (W x H x D): 737 m x 559 mm x 286 mm and a weight of 21.1 kg are very moderate for an audio system that advertises a total output power of 375 watts. An 8-inch woofer and a 1.2-inch tweeter driver are used as speakers per box.

The two boxes have a standard 35 mm flange on the bottom for high stand operation, which the boxes can also make good use of. The boxes, which are oval to the rear, may look good visually, but when it comes to stability, the two boxes prove to be extremely prone to tipping over. A slight push from the side and the center of gravity passes the side edge of the case. What is also very rarely installed is the speaker connection on the front of the housing, as is the case here with the Fender Passport Event Series 2 speakers. The reason can be found in portability. Since the boxes also represent the external parts of the transport case, with an external connection socket there would be a risk of the socket breaking or becoming dirty. However, you always have the speaker cables dangling in front of the box during operation. Well, everyone should decide for themselves whether this detail bothers them.

The backside

The center console offers all the control elements on the front, while the back has three small compartments in which cables or a microphone can be placed. The structure of the system is solid enough for easy transport, but a few details, such as the closure of the rear flap, seem a little “plastic-esque”. So be it. In addition to the cold device socket, on/off switch and operating voltage selection, the two sockets for connecting the boxes are also located here.

The front

As already mentioned, the control elements of the Fender Passport Event Series 2 have been reduced to a minimum in order not to overwhelm the user, which of course always requires a certain willingness to compromise for the professional. User brings with it. The seven-channel mixer offers four unlocked XLR / TSS combination sockets, a mono jack and a stereo jack input. The sensitivity of the combination sockets can be switched between microphone and line level, and the mono jack channel can be switched between line level and high impedance (for example for a passive electric bass). The left jack input of the stereo jack inputs can also be used for mono operation. There is also an analog 3.5 mm stereo mini jack input for connecting mobile devices or similar. The system also has a Bluetooth input, which is activated with an illuminated push button and initiates pairing.

Each of the input channels has a separate volume control, but you will probably look in vain for a gain control due to the often incorrect handling. It is clear that this must lead to mismatches, particularly in the microphone area, and should be taken into account. A two-band solution consisting of bass and treble was used for the tone control, probably also for ease of use. The channels are rounded off by a reverb control, which allows the addition of a fixed reverb program. 4 controls per channel, that's it. As mentioned, it reduces incorrect operation, but also limits the options.

In contrast to the very limited mixing console area, the master section has a connection that I wouldn't necessarily have expected. The Fender Passport Event Series 2 has a subwoofer connection with a fixed crossover frequency of 120 Hz, which, if adjustable, should also be set there when operating a subwoofer. The transfer frequency seems to be well chosen, as even an 18-inch device still goes up to around 180 Hz and it relieves the satellites of a considerable amount of low bass.

The system also has a mono out for connecting an active monitor, the level of which is picked up before the master volume control and which has its own volume control, which also controls a headphone output (3.5 mm mini jack). At the end of the panel you can see two LEDs (Power and Protect), the master volume controller and 2 LED chains that provide information about the power output.

The Fender Passport Event Series 2 in practice

According to the target group, the Fender Passport Event Series 2 is ready for use within 2 minutes. Plug in the power cable, plug in the LS cable, plug in the microphone or line instrument, turn up the volume, briefly adjust the sound roughly, and you're done. I have rarely seen an active system that was ready for operation in such a short time. In order to test the sound of the system, the system had to endure the standard procedure, which meant various loops and final productions plus microphone operation in the room, a small hall and an open field over approx. 50 meters.

The first sound impression was indeed surprising. Considering the components used, the Fender Passport Event Series 2 delivers an unusually high bass content that I would not have expected from either the size of the case or the 8-inch bass speakers used. The power amplifier also offers an unexpectedly high headroom, even with strong impulses. The midrange is very balanced and pleasant and is significantly more present than many competing products of this type.

Opinions can be divided about the treble range, as it was designed to be a bit “rougher” in favor of the “live range”, which means that you won’t find a fine resolution with the corresponding “hissing” sound like on high-quality studio monitors. However, everyone has to decide for themselves to what extent this is necessary for their personal area of application. Unfortunately, due to the reduced tone control, no “repairs” can be carried out on the delivered sound material, which means that great attention must be paid to the quality of the material.

However, what Fender offers here in terms of sound for a retail price of €629 is actually well above what the majority of users would have expected. In summary, the system has good sound and excellent portability.

Conclusion

With the Fender Passport Event Series 2, one of the biggest names in the guitar sector offers a very powerful active system for quick use. Very good portability along with a good basic sound create a very good price/performance ratio, especially since the system does not present insoluble detailed problems even for inexperienced users.

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Additional Informations:

The Fender Passport Event Series represents a milestone in the realm of portable PA systems, blending Fender's renowned craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to provide musicians, performers, and presenters with a versatile and high-quality audio solution. From its inception to its latest iterations, the Passport Event Series has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of users in various settings. Delving into its history unveils a story of innovation, adaptation, and a commitment to delivering exceptional sound experiences.

Inception of the Passport Series:
The roots of the Passport Series trace back to the late 1990s when Fender recognized the growing demand for portable sound reinforcement systems among musicians and presenters. Leveraging its expertise in amplification and audio engineering, Fender introduced the first Passport Series model in 1997, aiming to provide users with a compact and easy-to-use PA system that didn't compromise on sound quality. The initial Passport models featured a sleek, all-in-one design with built-in speakers, mixer, and amplifier, making them ideal for small gigs, rehearsals, and presentations.

Evolution and Innovation:
As technology advanced and user expectations evolved, so too did the Passport Series. Fender continuously refined and improved upon the design and functionality of the Passport systems, incorporating feedback from users and integrating new features to enhance performance and versatility. With each iteration, the Passport Series became more powerful, more portable, and more user-friendly, solidifying its reputation as a go-to choice for musicians and presenters alike.

One notable evolution in the Passport Series was the introduction of the Event Series, designed to cater specifically to the needs of event planners, corporate presenters, and educational institutions. Launched in the early 2010s, the Passport Event Series retained the core features of its predecessors while introducing enhancements tailored to the requirements of professional users. These enhancements included expanded connectivity options, improved audio clarity, and greater control over sound settings, making the Passport Event Series a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

Features and Benefits:
The Fender Passport Event Series distinguishes itself with a host of features designed to streamline setup, optimize performance, and deliver exceptional sound quality. Key features include:

1. Portability: The Passport Event Series is designed for maximum portability, with lightweight construction and a compact form factor that makes it easy to transport and set up in any venue.

2. Versatility: With its flexible input options, built-in mixer, and powerful amplification, the Passport Event Series is capable of handling a variety of audio sources and applications, from live music performances to corporate presentations and educational seminars.

3. Sound Quality: Fender's commitment to audio excellence is evident in the Passport Event Series, which delivers clear, balanced sound with ample volume and projection, ensuring that every word and note is heard with clarity and precision.

4. Ease of Use: Whether you're a seasoned audio professional or a novice user, the Passport Event Series is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with simple controls and plug-and-play functionality that make setup and operation a breeze.

5. Connectivity: The Passport Event Series offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including XLR, 1/4-inch, and RCA inputs, as well as Bluetooth compatibility for wireless audio streaming, ensuring seamless integration with any audio source or device.

Cultural Impact and Legacy:
The Fender Passport Event Series has made a significant impact on the world of live sound reinforcement, providing users with a reliable and portable solution for amplifying their voices and music. Its versatility, ease of use, and exceptional sound quality have made it a favorite among musicians, presenters, and event planners around the world, earning it a reputation as one of the most trusted names in portable PA systems.

Conclusion:
From its humble beginnings in the late 1990s to its current status as a cornerstone of Fender's audio lineup, the Passport Event Series represents the culmination of decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and a dedication to providing users with the best possible sound experiences. As technology continues to evolve and user needs change, one thing remains constant: the Fender Passport Event Series will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that musicians, presenters, and event planners have the tools they need to deliver unforgettable performances and presentations, anytime and anywhere.