SFM is excited to partner exclusively with Electro-Voice (EV) in Canada—but what exactly makes Electro-Voice so special? Rather than a sales pitch, let’s have a straightforward conversation about the brand, the products, and how they can genuinely benefit you and your customers.
Quick Historical Fun Facts
Electro-Voice has been around since 1927, and that’s a long time in the audio world. They’ve built a strong reputation over decades for reliability, solid performance, and constant innovation. EV products aren’t just tested in labs—they’re put through rigorous real-world scenarios to ensure durability and dependability. That’s why so many audio professionals trust EV gear on stage, in studios, and throughout commercial installations.
Pro Audio vs. Commercial Audio
Electro-Voice divides their speaker offerings into two straightforward segments: Pro Audio and Commercial Audio. Each is tailored to meet different applications and environments.
Pro Audio Solutions
Pro Audio gear is aimed at live sound professionals, touring bands, DJs, and event producers who need reliable, high-powered equipment. Products in this segment include ETX Powered Loudspeakers, ZLX speakers, and the popular EVOLVE portable column systems.
The ZLX series, while popular for portable setups, offers passive models like the ZLX-12 and ZLX-15. What’s great about these speakers is their versatility—they’re not just for bands and DJs. With easy-to-install U-shaped brackets, ZLX passive speakers can quickly become part of permanent setups in bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, providing consistent sound quality and coverage.
Another standout in the Pro Audio lineup is the EVOLVE portable column speaker. These sleek systems offer excellent coverage, clarity, and quick setup, making them ideal for smaller venues such as cafés, bars, and restaurants. Their discreet design and impressive audio output allow venue owners to deliver great sound without the need for bulky equipment.
Commercial Audio Solutions
On the other hand, EV’s Commercial Audio line caters to fixed installation needs—think retail stores, restaurants, corporate offices, schools, houses of worship, and hospitality venues. These systems focus on consistent coverage, speech clarity, and integration into the aesthetic of the venue.
One of Electro-Voice’s most famous commercial products is their EVID speaker series. Recently redesigned, the new EVID lineup has significant improvements in audio performance and installation flexibility. With both ceiling and surface-mount options available, these speakers easily blend into their environments, whether used for subtle background music or clear announcement systems.
The new EVID ceiling models now feature built-in mounting hardware: a twist-lock C-ring plus tile-bridge assembly that snaps in and holds itself in place—no loose parts, no extra clamps, just push and turn to lock it up. This streamlines wiring and fits a wide range of ceiling types without juggling brackets.
On the wall-and-ceiling “S” models (like the EVID-S5.2T), EV’s proprietary mounting system arrives fully assembled. You screw the base plate to the wall, plug in the speaker’s captive-screw connector, then hang it on the “strong-arm” pivot. You get 90° of horizontal swivel and 45° of vertical tilt right out of the box—no fiddling with hex wrenches or extra pins.
Beyond Speakers: Microphone Innovation
EV’s microphone history is as impressive as their speaker lines. Electro-Voice famously introduced the humbucking coil—an innovation that greatly reduces electromagnetic interference, leading to clearer audio recordings and live sound performances.
Their iconic RE20 microphone remains a favorite in broadcast studios worldwide, prized for its consistent sound thanks to variable-D technology, which minimizes the proximity effect. Whether it’s broadcasting, podcasting, or studio work, the RE20 continues to be a top choice.
EV also offers a wide range of wireless microphone systems, each tailored for different user needs:
RE3 Series: Ideal for professional environments, such as concert venues, theaters, and large houses of worship. It offers excellent sound quality, robust wireless performance, and intuitive setup.
R300 Series: Perfect for smaller venues, educational institutions, corporate spaces, and entry-level users looking for ease-of-use and reliability at an affordable price.
Each wireless system is designed with specific user scenarios in mind, ensuring clear differentiation in terms of channel count, battery performance, RF management, and overall sound quality.
What This Means for You as a Dealer
Teaming up with EV through SFM is about more than just access to great products. It means comprehensive technical training, hands-on product demos, and solid support from a team that understands audio deeply. It’s all designed to help you confidently recommend and install the right solutions for your customers, whether they’re running a live music venue, opening a new restaurant, or upgrading a community church sound system.
Why Dealers Should Care
This partnership isn’t just about selling gear—it’s about enabling you to better serve your clients. Electro-Voice’s diverse product lines, combined with SFM’s dedicated support and technical expertise, mean you have reliable solutions to tackle almost any audio challenge your customers face. It’s about building trust, reliability, and providing sound solutions that genuinely work in real-world applications.
If you’re interested in exploring what Electro-Voice can bring to your next project, reach out—we’re here to help.
Book your live demo today: Book a demo – Bosch Communications – SFM
About SFM
A passion for the Canadian AV industry, now part of a global network.
Since 1978, we've supported the AV industry in Canada by connecting top-tier brands with AV professionals. In addition to product distribution, we provide technical expertise to enable successful projects across corporate, education, government, and live event sectors.