If you love the idea behind powered speakers, but find them limited in their inputs and mono operation, you're gonna love this announcement. A direct descendant of their SA-300 Portable PA System, the new Roland BA-330 Portable Digital PA System combines an active loudspeaker form factor with stereo sound and digital Roland effects.

At the core of this self-contained PA system is a stereo digital amplifier driving four 6.5" bass / midrange drivers and a pair of HF tweeters. The speakers are positioned for wide stereo dispersion using only one BA-330 unit, but a Stereo Link mode allows for a second unit to be slaved to the first for a more traditional active loudspeaker PA system arrangement and even wider coverage. The BA-330 can be pole-mounted or tilted back for floor situation.

The four-channel BA-330 provides two dedicated microphone channels and two additional instrument / line-level inputs. Each channel has independent controls for tone adjustment and effects switching, and high-quality Roland effects like reverb, delay, and stereo widening tools are all on board. The BA-330 also provides an "Intelligent Anti-Feedback" function not found on most PA's in this class. Roland claims that this allows the BA-330 to be placed behind the performers, potentially eliminating the need for any additional monitoring.

Roland claims "superior" battery technology, and the BA-330 features an "Eco" mode for extending the battery life. The system runs off either eight AA Alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (or AC power, natch) while still providing enough output for audience of up to 80 people.

The Roland BA-330 Portable Digital PA System will be available in November 2009 with an MSRP of $829.50.