If you look on my rig page, you’ll see that for my solo gigs, I use the very wonderful Fishman SoloAmp. This is a great, integrated PA that I’ve been using to great success for the past year or so. Very easy to set up, and it has a nice on-board mixer with decent reverb effects (which I never use, since I always use my vocalizer’s reverb). But the other day, I demoed the HK Audio Elements system while I was browsing “The Music Tree” in Morgan Hill, CA. This is an audio system that is similar to the Bose L1, but unlike the Bose L1, the Elements system allows you to expand by adding more “elements” as your audience size grows. Super-cool!!!
Sound-wise, I plugged an acoustic guitar directly into the system, and was absolutely blown away by the sound! While I love my Fishman, and it has served me well, compared to something like the Elements system, a subwoofer really makes a difference, despite the fact that the SoloAmp’s speakers have good bass response.
But honestly, this entry isn’t about the Elements system. 🙂 While trying to get more information online about the Elements system, I ran across another, just-released, integrated PA system from HK Audio called the Sound Caddy One, that is based upon the same audio technology as the Elements system. But with the Sound Caddy One, there are NO parts to put together! The line array is housed within the PA’s body (which also serves as the housing for the subwoofers), and to set up the system, you release the line array, that pops up out of the housing, secure it, plug in, turn on and you’re ready to go! Damn!
Check out this demo video from Musikmesse 2011:
Here are the Sound Caddy’s technical features:
| Model | SOUNDCADDY ONE |
| Max SPL calculated | 125 dB |
| Max SPL peak | 125 dB |
| Max SPL | 120 dB @10% THD |
| Output power system | 600W Class D |
| Frequency response +/- 3 dB | 49 Hz – 18 kHz |
| Frequency response -10 dB | 42 Hz – 18 kHz |
| Connections | integrated 4-channel-mixer |
| LF Speaker | 3x 6″ |
| Mid/High Speaker | 6x 3,5″ |
| Directivity | 70° x 15° |
| Crossover frequency | 150 Hz, 12 dB/oct. |
| Enclosure | 15 mm (5/8“), 13-ply (plywood) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 27 x 102 x 34 cm 10-5/8“ x 40-5/32 x 13-25/64 |
| Weight | 29 kg / 63,9lbs |
Delivering a max 125dB at 600 Watts, this unit can move some air. Some people have said it isn’t powerful enough for their uses, but for a solo musician, this is more than enough power! Also, I have to question the negative feedback because systems like this are all about sound dispersal, getting an even volume anywhere within the sound dispersal cone which, for this system, is 70 degrees. When I first started using a line array system, it took me awhile to get used to the volume seemingly not being as loud. But it’s deceptive with a line array because the sound actually reaches fairly extreme angles, and what you’re trying to do is get your sound dispersed, and not necessarily through volume.
I dig that unlike the Elements system which is pure sound reinforcement, this has an integrated 4-channel mixer, which is an absolute MUST for me. But the only thing that I’d be wary of is the stability of the system. The base seems rather narrow, and I’m wondering how it would fair in windy conditions. In any case, here’s another demo video that demonstrates the sound. The singer aside, even through the camcorder’s microphone, it’s clear that the Sound Caddy One provides some very clear, clean sound.
As for cost, the video above mentioned a price of “2000.” If that’s in German deutsche marks, then the price would be around $1450 USD. That’s not bad, even as an MSRP, which would make the street price even lower. I’ll have to find out more information.
In any case, for more information on HK Audio products, go to: http://www.hkaudio.com.
Guitar Gear 
Hi Dawg,
as far as I can see at large online dealers, price is in euros. Deutsche mark is not in use since 2001 …
best regards
Ha! I’m dating myself as I still think of currencies in their respective countries’ denominations. 🙂
dj jp in ireland ,recently purchased the hk caddy one ,very impressed with the sound quality , and ease of handling ,one little thing missing ,for such a modern product ,it does not include a usb connection ,which is in almost every piece of tec. these days ,wonder whu that is an comments
That is interesting. Can’t you use an aux for that though? Not sure if it has one.
The K-Array KB1 is similar and destroys the Bose l1 and fishman. I have used all three and put the K-Array first, Bose L1 model 2 second and the Fishamn in last place. The Fishamn lacks the bass that’s makes you tap yur feet to the music. Would love to try the HK Soundcaddy, it looks very cool.
Definitely spot-on with the lack of bass response in the Fishman, but as a solo rig with acoustic guitar, it has served me quite well for the last three years. I probably won’t replace it until it starts acting janky. But cost was also a factor when I got mine, and at $999, it had the price/performance that I could live with.
As far as the HK is concerned, it’s an incredible system. If I had the funds, I’d actually go for an Elements rig that I could size up or down depending upon the venue. Alas though, even the SoundCaddy is a too much for my pocketbook for now.
Thanks for the input!
A couple of major negatives with the Soundcaddy is no phantom power or reverb. The KB1 has phantom and by hooking up a PC a full sound board mixer. The Bose mixer for the l1 model 2 would probably Orkney nice but that adds another $500 to the cost.
Dang! 50 lbs! The thing I like about the Fishman is that it’s only 25 lbs. Yeah, not a very big bottom end, but it works, and more importantly, it’s much easier to lug along.
I had the Fishman, all I can say is. Night and Day the quality of these high end units cannot even be compared. Not beating up the Fishman, it is just not in the league of the KB1 or Soundcaddy.
That’s a given. But for my purposes, it works perfectly. I never plug a mic directly into the unit. I actually run my mic first into my TC Helicon VoiceLive Play GTX box that has fantastic vocal processing (even auto-tune, but I never use it since I sing on key). That makes a world of different with respect to my sound. Same goes for guitar. I never plug my guitar in directly in the Fishman. I run through effects and I can shape my tone to where I want it.
All that said, with the processing of my signal, the SA220 is merely a speaker system and rudimentary mixing board for me. Admittedly, all by itself, it certainly does pale in comparison to the really high-end systems, but the sound I get combined with my signal processing gives me a very rich sound that is light years beyond the raw sound of the unit. Given that, it’s a reason I’ve been really slow to move to another system, and am willing to wait until my SA220 goes on the fritz.
BTW, thanks for all the input, Chris! I’m definitely going to check out the the KB1!
I am surprised the KB1 virtually has no US press or reviews. I have uses a Bose L1 model 2 with 2 b1 subs and the KB1 beat it in all areas. It is smaller, easier to carry, better made in Italy not China and sounds amazing.
I love the looks of the soundcaddy and agree with the above author, I felt that the vocals sound extremely clear considering the circumstances, the lower bass would be a concern. I know Bose l1 fans are extremely defensive as their system is very cool expecially when used with the tone match box, but believe my ears and my buddies, the KB1 is better.
I have now played with the Soundcaddy, all I can say is amazing. The system is so clear and sounds incredible. Yes you have to add a vocal processor for effects, there are a bunch by TC Helicon which are small and will sound better than what is built into the PA such as the Solo Amp. Expensive? Not if you shop, Amazon has dropped down t under $1,900 you must keep watching as it will climb back up within a few days.
I have played with the K-array KB1 and the Soundcaddy and have to give the edge to the Souncaddy for over clarity and dynamics. The K-array will go lower if you also need to DJ. I lke both of these units
Better than the Bose L1, the quality was better and the amps and speakers sound better to my ears,
Chris, thanks so much for sharing your experience. And it’s VERY nice to know that you’ve been able to compare these units. I can’t wait until I can get my hands on one of these. BTW, I looked into the KB-1 and really dug what I was seeing/hearing. And even if the two units sounded equivalently good, I’d still probably go with the SoundCaddy because hands-down, it wins in the transportability area. As a solo artist, that’s a major factor in my decision.
I heard the sound caddy at a outdoor wedding and was very impressed.
My wife plays bass, I play guitar and both sing. We also use a SR-16 drum unit. I was hoping to use the Sound Caddy and a mixer for smaller venues. Any thoughts or idea’s if this would be possible? Money is not the issue but portability is. Your thoughts? Thanks
There’s already a 4-channel mixer built into the unit, so you can run your instruments and drum machine directly into unit’s mixer. If you need more inputs, you’d probably have to go with another mixer. But from what I can tell, the SoundCaddy One is super portable. If you don’t need all that power, HK also has the Lucas Nano 300, which has separate stands for the mid/tweeter speakers. But it packs up really nice and compact. I’d recommend getting the roller bag to help transport the unit. The Nano 300 doesn’t have 4-channel mixer, but it’s only $799 plus $129 for the roller bag, so you’re saving quite a bit of money on this one. Here’s a vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9obrq-itk4.
Let me weigh into the discussion. I’m a professional singer and my main business is doing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Bobby Darin impersonations. I sometimes perform with a band, but people’s budget’s being what they are these days, most of my shows are done to pre-recorded tracks. For years I used a conventional sound system with self powered speakers, but what was looking for something smaller and more portable, but without sacrificing sound quality. So, I began looking at the various line array systems available.
I’ve heard and sung through the top of the line Bose system and although I was impressed with the even sound dispersion throughout the venue, the sound quality itself was lacking in my opinion.
I investigated many of the units you’ve discussed here, HK Elements, Soundcaddy, K Array KB1, The Vertus by F.B.T. and the Linea system by Fohhn from Germany.
The problem with most of them is that very few of the are available from suppliers in the U.S. which already creates headaches with customer support should you need it. It also makes it difficult to find one to hear it before you buy it.
From the reviews and technical date, the Fohhn unites may be the best of the bunch, but also the most expensive. HK Elements looked good, they have a presence in the U.S. but neither the elements nor the Soundcaddy has phantom power a must for me since I favor condenser mice.
The Soundcady is definitely the most portable of the bunch, but 1) it doesn’t have much low end to support the tracks, the voice will sound fine. 2) HK themselves only rates the unit as being good for very small audiences (like 50 to 100 people). I need more than that. Bose on the other hand is overly optimistic about the capacity of their unit when they say the Lll with B2 Bass can handle audiences of 500 people!. Well, if you get a room that can seat 500 people and then play the Bose system in it, I’m sure it will fill the room with sound, WHEN IT”S EMPTY! As soon as you add 500 real people, who are having dinner, or talking, like at a wedding, forget it! So it may be the case that Bose overestimates their capability and HK underestimates theirs.
I’ve heard good things about the Vertus by F.B.T. A plus for them is that the line array and the sub both have their own amps and can work independent whereas some of the others must operate as a unit. Downside? Virtually no U.S. distribution and apparently poor customer service.
All of these factors combined left with me with two options, the Bose or the K Array KB1. Since K Array is imported by Sennheiser I was not worried about customer service.
I contacted Sennheiser and they were more than happy to arrange a demo for me. Yesterday, I finally had the chance to test the the K Array Blueline KB1 line array system distributed by Sennheiser. The testing was done at Sam Ash in White Plains, NY which is where I buy all of my equipment. Many thanks to them and to Zach Salpeter, the sales rep from sennheiser who brought the unit and conducted the demo.
All the staff who were present, myself and several customers were thouroughly impressed with the unit including one customer who currently uses a BOSE tower. The subwoofer puts out more lows than my current Mackie 450 SRMv2’s, and the highs were clearer and less harsh than the Mackie’s. I’m not saying that my Mackie’s are harsh, but they are harsher than the KB1.
The digital mixing program run from the laptop is fantastic and will allow you to do anything you could do on a conventional mixer and more. Further, K Array has eliminated the KBW model and has added the wifi capability to the KB1 for the same price. So, if you wish, your sound engineer can wirelessly mix from an ipad while moving around the room checking the sound in all areas in addition to using the laptop from a USB. Additionally, the unit can be run by any conventional external mixer, or in a pinch, you can plug directly into the integral mixer housed in the subwoofer.
Setup was incredibly fast. I arrived at the same time the rep did. After introducing myself, I excused myself to use the restroom and when I came back, he already had it out of the cases and up and running. The whole unit breaksdown into two components, a softcase with the subwoofer, and a short “rifle style” hard case for the pole and the line array.
The sound was great. I sang through it along with some of my tracks and they sounded as good as they ever have. Prior to the test I had been apprehensive, because the horizontal angle of dispersion listed in the specs was 90 degrees so I was worried how dramatic the fall off would be outside that range. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not that noticeable and found the sound to be virtually unchanged for at least a span of 120-140 degrees, beyond that on either side the loss of highs was more apparent, but even at almost 180 degrees it was still acceptable. It is also very expandable as a second unit can be added for larger venues AND the second unit can be the less expensive KBR unit ( no mixer).
Bottom line, I ordered the KB1 today. The sound quality was excellent, as was the coverage area. It was the least expensive of all the portable line array systems, but still well made ($1999 all in.) You can get the KBR which has no mixer for $1499. It’s as compact or more so than any of the othesr and lastly, since it is imported by a reputable company (Sennheiser) with a strong presence in the U.S. market, I’m confident that if I encounter a problem or a question, it will be resolved quickly and competently. I use Sennheiser microphones and my dealings with the company have been excellent.
In any event, that’s my take on it and you can take it for what it’s worth, but with sennheiser backing them, I think you will see more and more portable K Array sound systems here in the U.S. in the next few years. They are already highly sought after in the U.K. and elsewhere in Europe. After today, I know why.
Frankie Sands
Frankie,
GREAT FEEDBACK! Since writing the article, I’ve taken a long look at the KB1, and your very detailed description of your experience is strongly pushing me towards the KB1. Thanks so much for sharing this!
—GoofyDawg
GoofyDawg,
It’s my pleasure. I callem’ like I see ’em.
Frankie Sands
Well i think you have made my mind up
Hi all. I’ve read all posts with interest coming from a now-defunct Bose classic and looking to replace it in pursuit of the imaging and dispersion factor of the Bose. I am running single acoustic guitar, vocalized vocals and a Yamaha QY100 sequencer’s drum voices as recorded in my Looper. If the system will handle it, there is significant high end and kick drum. Bose did it all fine.
I won’t buy another Bose and I’ve had the Fishman (with the same conclusion about its lack-luster base response.) I’ve been trying out the HK nano 600. Interesting….plenty of power and (notwithstanding its appearance,) it’s NOT a line array system and even without a mixer, sounds pretty nice.
I’m about to audition the JBL Eon One ($900.) At 380 watts and 118 DB (nano is 460 watts and 124 db) and class D amp. and it is a line array, I’m looking for that lovely imaging of the Bose, transparent high end like the Fishman and base response as per the HK. Talk about wanting it all.
Anybody have updates on there finding the best bang for solo performer’s buck?
Sorry, no updates… I’m not familiar with the JBL system. But its cost is in line with other systems. Yeah, you do want it all… 🙂 That SoundCaddy rocks, but it’s certainly pricey. Great sound. The Nano would be my second choice. I’ve played both.
This is a great post…I have had several acoustic amps and have used PA’s for my solo system. This is well thought out and engineered. I use a Digitize Vocal 3. Give some more tips related to this.
bose l1
Not sure if this thread is still active but here are my 2 cents…. I play acoustic guitar and sing in small, almost exclusively indoor venues (50 – 100 people) and sometimes play with other string players (banjo, mandolin, guitar, cello) who also all sing. My main guitar is a Martin D42 with a K&K pure mini transducer.
I was searching for a small, flexible, preferably modular PA recently which would not break our backs, our bank accounts, or the limited space in our car, and which would sound best with our acoustic appalachia type of music.
I tested the BOSE line array models (all of them), the HK Elements (with a setup directly comparable to the BOSE so as to allow a better direct comparison), the HK Nano 600, the Fishman sa330x, and the Line 6 Stage Source L3t. With the exception of the Fishman, I tested the systems as single tower units and as stereo pairs.
The short of it: for acoustic guitar with multiple vocals, I found that the HK Elements and the Line 6 system sounded more natural, transparent, and clearer than the Fishman or the BOSE. The HK Nano didn’t convince me regarding a faithful reproduction of my acoustic guitar or the fullness of the overall sound.
The HK Elements has tight, strong bass response, provided great acoustic reproduction, and also sounded convincing with keyboards (Nordstage 2). The Line 6 units sounded solid and full, with plenty of transparency and can also be used as monitors, making them interesting if you are intending on playing larger venues with their own FOH systems. The HK Elements requires an external mixer, but that wasn’t a knockout criteria for me.
In the end, I opted for the HK Elements system. I wanted a modular system which allows lots of scalability (dreaming of larger gigs which may never come!), great vocal and acoustic guitar reproduction, and solid construction. Never regretted the purchase!