The Behringer CE500D is a compact, powered speaker designed for commercial sound installations. While not suited for stage use or large venues, the CE500D excels in providing clear and reliable audio in restaurants, shops, offices, and other background music applications. This review dives into the features, performance, and pros and cons of the CE500D to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Features:

  • 100-watt Class-D amplifier for efficient power delivery
  • 5.5″ woofer and 0.5″ tweeter for clear sound reproduction
  • XLR and 3.5mm TRS inputs for microphones and line-level sources
  • Balanced XLR output for linking additional speakers
  • Ultra-low noise mic/line input with gain control and peak LED
  • Built-in limiter for speaker protection
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Wall-mountable bracket included

Performance:

The CE500D delivers surprisingly loud and clear audio for its size. The Class-D amplifier ensures efficient power usage, and the speaker handles background music and announcements well. While the bass response is limited due to the small woofer, it’s sufficient for most background music applications that don’t require heavy low-end. The built-in limiter protects the speaker from overloading at high volumes.

Strengths:

  • Compact and Discreet: The small footprint and black finish make the CE500D ideal for mounting on walls or ceilings without being visually obtrusive.
  • Easy Installation: The included wall-mount bracket and simple connections make setup a breeze.
  • Versatile Inputs: The XLR and 3.5mm inputs allow for connecting microphones, music players, or other audio sources.
  • Linkable Design: The XLR output allows daisy-chaining multiple CE500D speakers for larger installations.
  • Cost-Effective: The CE500D offers a budget-friendly solution for commercial sound applications.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Bass Response: The 5.5″ woofer can’t reproduce deep bass, making it unsuitable for applications requiring heavy low-end audio.
  • No EQ: The CE500D lacks tone controls, so the sound signature is what it is.
  • Single Source Input: You can only connect one audio source at a time.

Overall:

The Behringer CE500D is a solid choice for background music and public address applications in small to medium-sized commercial spaces. It’s easy to install, delivers clear sound, and is budget-friendly. However, if you need deep bass response, extensive sound control, or the ability to mix multiple audio sources, you’ll need to consider a different speaker system.