Set up the speaker stands
- Place each speaker stand on a flat, stable surface.
- Loosen the leg adjustment knob.
- Spread the tripod legs fully.
- Tighten the leg adjustment knob so the stand is stable.
- Adjust the height if needed.
- Tighten the height adjustment knob securely.
- Repeat for the second stand.
Do not make the stands too high. For most rooms, having the speakers slightly above head height is enough.
Put the speakers on the stands
The speakers are heavy, so use two people if needed.
- Remove each speaker from its cover.
- Lift the first speaker carefully.
- Lower it onto the pole at the top of the first stand.
- Make sure the speaker is fully seated on the stand.
- Tighten the knob on the bottom of the speaker so it grips the stand securely.
- Repeat for the second speaker.
Do not move a stand around once a speaker is mounted.
- Put one speaker to the left of the listening area and one to the right where possible.
- Turn both front grilles towards the guests.
- Keep the speakers clear of walls and corners if the bass sounds too heavy.
- Keep the speakers away from tables, drinks, and places people will lean or dance.
- Make sure both stands still feel stable after positioning.
For most parties, a wider left/right position gives better coverage than putting both speakers next to each other.
- Make sure both speakers are switched off.
- Plug a power cable into the back of each speaker.
- Plug the other end of each cable into a mains socket.
- Keep power cables tucked safely out of the way where possible.
- Do not switch the speakers on yet.
Avoid stretching cables across walkways. Use tape or cable covers if a cable has to cross a walking route.
Option 1: connect by Bluetooth
For a simple party setup, Bluetooth from a phone, tablet, or laptop is usually the easiest option.
- Turn the first speaker on using the power switch on the back.
- On the back of the speaker, tap the Bluetooth button once until it lights up.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button for around 5 seconds.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Look for the EV ZLX speaker in the list of available devices.
- Tap the EV ZLX speaker to pair.
- Once connected, open your music app.
- Play a test track quietly.
- Check that audio is coming through the connected speaker.
If the speaker does not appear, turn Bluetooth off and on again on your device, move closer to the speaker, and try pairing mode again.
Option 2: connect DJ decks using the DI20
Use this option when connecting DJ decks or a DJ controller with RCA outputs.
- Start with the DJ deck master volume turned down and both speaker volumes turned down.
- Place the DI20 DI box near the DJ decks.
- Connect the left and right RCA outputs from the DJ decks using the two RCA to 1/4" jack cables.
- Plug the 1/4" jack ends into the DI20 inputs.
- Connect XLR output 1 from the DI20 to Input 1 on the left speaker using the first XLR cable.
- Connect XLR output 2 from the DI20 to Input 1 on the right speaker using the second XLR cable.
- Turn both speakers on.
- Start a track quietly on the DJ decks.
- Slowly raise the DJ deck master volume.
- Slowly raise the speaker input and main volumes until the room level is clear.
Keep left and right consistent from the DJ decks through the DI20 to the speakers. If the sound distorts, turn the DJ deck master volume down first.
Turn on and match both speakers
- Turn the second speaker on.
- Start with the volume low on your music source and both speakers.
- Raise the first speaker gradually until it is clear.
- Raise the second speaker gradually so it feels balanced with the first.
- Walk around the room and check that the volume is even.
- Make small changes and test again.
If one side is much louder than the other, turn that speaker down slightly rather than turning the quieter one up too far.
Test before guests arrive
- Play a full track at a normal listening level.
- Check both speakers are working.
- Walk to the back of the room and check the music is clear.
- Check that no cables are creating trip hazards.
- Listen for distortion and turn the volume down if the sound becomes harsh or unclear.
The system should sound clear and comfortable for the room, not painfully loud.
Turn the system off in the right order
- Turn down the speaker volumes.
- Stop the music on your phone, tablet, laptop, or mixer.
- Turn off both speakers.
- Unplug cables only after both speakers are off.
Turning the volume down first helps avoid loud pops or sudden noise.