It’s fun to work at a pro audio store; especially if you have an interest in technology as it applies to music. We get lots of cool, new audio toys to play with and sell. One such new item is the Fender Passport Executive, a small, multi-use portable sound system. The Executive (MAP $599.99) is the latest in the popular Fender Passport line of portable, easy-to-use sound systems.

I unpacked the Passport Executive from the nice padded case it comes with and was immediately impressed by the simple, straight-forward design.  The flat-panel speaker (with 100W amp and 16-channel wireless receiver built in) is 11.5” x 15.5” x 4.5” and weighs less than eight pounds. In the bottom of the case I found the IEC power cord, a short 1/8”-1/8” line cable and the wireless transmitter/ body pack and headset mic. All components nest in cutouts in the bottom of the case, keeping everything safe and well-organized. I really liked the robust construction of the headset mic cord that connects to the body pack; often a source of wear and problems with headset mics. This one is surrounded by a nylon webbing that resists wear a little better than the more common rubber jackets.

The controls are uber-simple; master volume and tone, wireless mic volume and a volume control for the wired-mic (TS/XLR) input, channel scan for the wireless mic and a bass boost switch to enhance low frequencies for music. All controls are recessed in the back, as are 1/8” line in/out jacks; very simple for anyone to operate.
How’s it sound, you may ask? Well, to this musician, it sounds pretty good for it’s size, weight, complexity and cost. I imagine an instructor would find it very useful in front of crowds up to 50-75 people; maybe more with ideal placement.
To sum up, I’m a fan. You might want to consider the Fender Passport Executive if you need a simple, versatile, portable sound system with a wireless.
Sonically yours,
JR