Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Alesis TransActive Mobile & ION Block Rocker virtually identical @ an excellent price:
In case you have done some research and also happened to stumble on the ION Block Rocker while contrasting with the Alesis TransActive Mobile, you need not do too much comparison if you have all information available for these two units before realizing that they are both built on virtually the same housing chassis and contain virtually all of the same internal electronics and feature capabilities. As a matter of fact, they are also built at the same manufacturing plant in Cumberland, RI. Whether or not ION is some sort of subsidiary of Alesis or shares some common denominators with them on a corporate level, or if, simply, some of their gear happens to be made at the same plant, I do not know, but I do have both of these units and can tell you that they are both excellent for their intended purposes, especially for the purchase price. The Alesis can be purchased at 200.00 including shipping, and the ION for 170.00, also including shipping...both through Amazon. Considering they are both pretty much the same unit, obviously the ION is a slightly better value.
Both have a very good sound on the high and midrange levels for a PA of their size, and a somewhat limited bass due to the diaphragm size of the conventional push-pull woofer driver. Both are easy to use from a standpoint of feature accessibilities, with gain controls and line and mic inputs all on the front panel, as well as a 1/4" instrument jack and separate volume controls for each input.
Minor differences: the Alesis has the on/off, power chord outlet, stereo quarter inch speaker output for accommodating a second passive speaker for stereo sound, IPod charge switch and battery level meters on a top rear panel while the ION has them on the right side. Aside from the color differences (Alesis is black while the ION is white), other minor differences are that the ION has recessed side handles while the Alesis has metal retracting handles which, given the weight of the unit, does feel like it is under some stress while lifting. The telescoping tote-handle and rubberized castors for rolling these units are both pretty much identical. Both are good features and well-manufactured in order to make transport on smooth surfaces more manageable.
The microphones and mic chords are also identical, and are good quality considering they are included accessories. One last difference is that the Alesis also includes a quarter inch to XLR audio chord in addition to the AC power and mic chords, while the ION just includes the power and mic chords.
Considering these units were priced out with an MSRP of 400.00 - 600.00 each, they are definitely worth every penny for a portable PA with power to size output, good sound, ease of use, and additional features, especially the IPod doc. I am speculating that after observing and utilizing both of these units first hand, the only reason the ION has a lower MSRP is that it was manufactured to be a more cost-effective line in comparison the well-known and long-established Alesis brand, even though it couldn't cost any less to manufacture the ION.
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Alesis TransActive Mobile (Black)Ideal for outdoor parties, live gigs, business meetings, sporting events, and tailgate parties, the Alesis TransActive Mobile PA system offers easy single-handed portability. A built-in retractable handle and flight-case style roller wheels allow this PA to travel with you wherever you go.
Simply attach your CD player, musical instruments or the included microphone and you're ready to rock. The integrated Universal Dock for iPod lets you quickly and easily dock your iPod right in the top, for fast control and playlist changes. A long-lasting rechargeable battery, a high-efficiency amplifier with four inputs, sturdy aluminum construction and portable design, ensures the TransActive Mobile can be taken anywhere and everywhere.
Key Features
High-output powered mountable 2-way speaker system
Built-in rechargeable battery with level indicator lasts over 12 hours
Outputs high-fidelity sound to over 150 feet
Enhanced bass output creates a full, rich sound
Professional quality microphone included
Heavy-duty aluminum construction
Two-wheel system with retractable handle for easy portability
1-3/8-inch PA speaker stand mountable
Specifications
Power Consumption: 20W (110/220V), 36W (220/240V)
Output Wattage: 22W (Peak); 15W, 1%THD (RMS)
Frequency Response: 70Hz~ 50kHz +/- 3dB
Bottom pole mount specifications: 80mm depth, 35.5mm diameter (standard pole Mount found at professional audio retailer)
Battery life: Up to 12 hours at full volume of the Transactive Mobile when fully charged.
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