The ION Audio Total PA Apex is a versatile, all-in-one portable speaker system that delivers powerful sound with wireless convenience. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about the ION Audio Total PA Apex.




TABLE OF CONTENTS


What is included in the box?


The following components and accessories are included in-box with your purchase of the Total PA Apex:

  • Total PA Apex
  • IEC Power Cable (150cm / 5 ft)
  • Wireless Microphone (2AA batteries not included)
  • Speaker Stand
  • Quickstart guide


Where can I access the complete user manual?


The complete user manual can be accessed digitally via this link: Total PA Apex User Guide 


Is the Total PA Apex Battery-powered?


Yes! The Total PA Apex features a high-performance lithium-ION battery rated at 6000mAh, enabling you with the convenience and freedom of movement to take the music wherever it needs to be. 


How long is the Total PA Apex's battery life?


Battery life will vary widely based on how the device is being used, especially in respect to volume level, and environmental factors like ambient temperature. As a benchmark, the Total PA Apex's battery can be expected to last 6-8 hours when volume is set to 50% with no lights enabled. Battery life will be lower at higher volumes and may increase at lower volumes. 


How long does it take to charge the Total PA Apex's battery?


The Total PA Apex's battery takes approximately 5 hours to charge from <10% charge level. For the quickest charging time, power on Total PA Apex and use the included power cable to connect the speaker to a power outlet. The lightning bolt icon on the display will light up when Total PA Apex is connected to a power source and charging. The battery icon will fill to display the battery life percentage. When charging is complete, the lightning bolt icon will disappear, and the battery icon will be completely filled.


Please see the complete user manual for additional tips and recommendations regarding the best use and care for your Total PA Apex's internal battery. 


Does the Total PA Apex include energy-saving features?


Yes! If no audio is played through Total PA Apex for 20 minutes, the unit will enter a standby mode to conserve battery life. This may mean the Bluetooth signal is paused, no audio is coming through a device connected to the aux port, or the volume is set to 0. To wake the unit, simply resume audio signal or press any button. 


What is the Total PA Apex's Output Wattage?


The Total PA Apex is rated at 100W RMS; The woofer comprises 90W while the tweeter comprises 10W.


What types of input devices can be used with the Total PA Apex?


The Total PA Apex can accept audio input from the following sources:

  • Bluetooth
  • 1/8" AUX input
  • USB (512 GB maximum, only MP3 files supported)
  • Microphones (via included wireless microphone or XLR/TS Microphone input on Channel 2)


See the connection diagram below for added visualization; Items not listed in the Box Contents sold separately:




How can I connect a Bluetooth device to the Total PA Apex?


To connect a Bluetooth device to the Total PA Apex, follow these steps:


  1. Power on the Total PA Apex by flipping the power switch on.
  2. When the unit is first turned on, it will automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode. If necessary, press the Source button to select Bluetooth mode. If voice prompts are enabled, you will hear “Bluetooth Pairing.”

  3. Navigate to your device’s Bluetooth setup screen, find Total PA Apex, and connect. Do not connect to iPA185A_BLE; this is reserved exclusively for connecting to the ION Sound Control™ app. When connected, the Bluetooth icon on the display will flash and you will hear “Bluetooth Connected”.


Note: The volume of Total PA™ Apex does not affect your Bluetooth device volume. For the best sound quality, set your input source volume to 100% and use the Source and Main Volume control of the speaker to adjust the volume.


If you experience issues connecting a Bluetooth device: Please see page 24 of the complete user manual for detailed troubleshooting instructions pertaining to Bluetooth connection issues.


Can the Total PA Apex be linked to a second speaker?


Yes! You can connect the Total PA Apex to a second speaker via two means:


  • Wireless Stereo Link: Wirelessly connect your Total PA Apex to a second Total PA Apex via Wireless Stereo Link. Steps are shown below:

  • Via XLR Cable from the MIX OUT port: You can send all audio from the Total PA Apex (excluding onboard EQ adjustments) to nearly any audio device that can accept a line-level input via XLR. See the following guide for step-by-step instructions: ION Audio | Linking Your Speakers using the MIX OUT Port 


How do I use the Total PA Apex's included wireless microphone:


The Total PA Apex's wireless microphone brings an added layer of convenience to your performance setup. See below for all the necessary knowledge to make the best use of your wireless microphone, sourced from the complete user manual:



Can the Total PA Apex be controlled by the ION Sound Control app?


Yes! The Total PA Apex's parameters, preferences, and settings can be controlled via the ION Sound Control App for iOS and Android. See page 22 of the complete user manual for detailed instructions on connection and control.


I have a question that wasn't answered here. What can I do?


The best source of information for the uses, features, and setup instructions of your Total PA Apex is the complete user manual. This document details the use and function of all elements of the speaker and includes full technical specifications in the appendix at the end of the document. 


If you believe you may be experiencing an issue with your Total PA Apex or require further setup assistance, our dedicated support team will be happy to lend a hand. We can be reached directly via the following link: Support : ION Audio