HK Audio POLAR MKII Line: What's New and How to Choose (2026)
HK Audio's POLAR column PA line has been a go-to for mobile sound: one sub base, one snap-on column, built-in mixer, and enough output for small venues without a trailer full of gear. The MKII generation refines that formula with updated DSP, Bluetooth 5 with True Wireless Stereo, and finish options that actually look at home at weddings and corporate events.
The big news for 2026 at Blackout Audio is the POLAR 8 MKII, now available in black and white. That completes the MKII trio alongside the existing POLAR 10 MKII and POLAR 12 MKII. This guide walks through what's new, how the three sizes differ, and which model fits your room and budget.
What's New: POLAR 8 MKII (Black and White)
Until now, the smallest MKII model on our shelves was the POLAR 10. The POLAR 8 MKII closes the gap for solo acts, ceremony PA, rehearsal rooms, and presenters who need a column system that fits in a car trunk and sets up in minutes.
HK Audio positions it as the most compact system in the POLAR MK2 family. You still get the Curved Column layout with six 2.5-inch neodymium midrange drivers (120° horizontal and 45° vertical dispersion), an integrated 8-inch subwoofer, a 1,200 W Class D amplifier, 24-bit DSP, and the new Contour control that blends continuously between DJ, Music, and Voice voicings instead of locking you into fixed presets.
On the I/O side, the 8 MKII ships with a 3-channel mixer (two mic/line inputs plus aux/Bluetooth), Bluetooth 5 streaming, and TWS so you can run two units as a wireless stereo pair. Transport bags for the column and a case for the sub are included.
Choose black for the classic stage look, or white when the PA needs to disappear against light walls and draping. At the time of writing, the black model is $1,149 CAD and the white is $1,249 CAD.
Our Top Picks: POLAR MKII by Size
All three MKII models share the column-plus-sub form factor and Bluetooth TWS. The step up in woofer size, mixer channel count, and peak amplifier power is what drives the price and output. These are the configurations we recommend most often for Canadian buyers.
POLAR 8 MKII: Compact Coverage
POLAR 8 MKII (Black) and POLAR 8 MKII (White) are the entry point into the MKII line. If your gigs are acoustic sets, spoken word, background music in a cafe, or a 50-seat room, this is the sweet spot. The Contour dial is especially useful when you switch between speech and playback in the same afternoon.
You do not get phantom power or the 4-channel mixer of the larger models, but for many users that is a fair trade for size and price. Pair two units over TWS when you need stereo playback without running cables across the floor.
Best for: solo performers, mobile presenters, small indoor events, and anyone who prioritizes footprint over raw SPL.
POLAR 10 MKII: The All-Rounder
POLAR 10 MKII is the middleweight most bands and entertainers should audition first. HK Audio rates it at 2000 W peak, with a 10-inch sub and a 4-channel integrated mixer: two XLR/jack combo mic/line inputs, a 1/4-inch instrument input, stereo cinch aux, Bluetooth 5.0 TWS, phantom power, and a USB-C charging port for phones or tablets.
HK claims it can outperform many 12-inch systems in its class despite the slimmer cabinet. For typical bar gigs, wedding receptions, and worship applications in the low hundreds of attendees, this is the default recommendation.
At $1,449 CAD (black), it sits between the new 8 MKII and the 12 MKII. White finish is also available if your install is visible to the audience.
Best for: working musicians, DJs at moderate levels, and AV setups that need phantom-powered condenser mics on board.
POLAR 12 MKII: More Bass, More Level
POLAR 12 MKII is the line's heavy hitter for low end and headroom. The 12-inch woofer and larger cabinet volume deliver defined bass under continuous use, which matters for DJs, dance floors, and full-band setups where the 10-inch model runs out of steam.
You get the same 2000 W peak rating and 4-channel mixer feature set as the 10 MKII, plus deeper DSP tools: five storable user presets, delay, dimmable LCD, 3-band EQ, and semi-parametric mid EQ. That extra tuning matters when you are pushing level in difficult rooms.
Black is $1,699 CAD; white suits formal events where the PA should match the decor.
Best for: DJs, bands with bass and kick drum, and anyone who has outgrown a 10-inch column at dance volume.
POLAR 8 vs 10 vs 12 MKII at a Glance
| Model | Subwoofer | Peak power | Mixer | Price (CAD, black) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLAR 8 MKII | 8" | 1200 W Class D | 3 channels | $1,149 |
| POLAR 10 MKII | 10" | 2000 W peak | 4 channels, phantom, USB-C | $1,449 |
| POLAR 12 MKII | 12" | 2000 W peak | 4 channels + advanced DSP | $1,699 |
All MKII models include Bluetooth 5.0 with TWS, column transport bags, and subwoofer protection covers. White finishes are available on each size for a premium over black.
How to Choose Your POLAR MKII Size
- Room size and audience count. Under ~80 people indoors, start with the 8 MKII. For 80-200 with a full band or DJ, look at the 10 MKII. Past that, or if bass-heavy content is central, step up to the 12 MKII.
- Input needs. Need phantom power for a condenser vocal mic? Skip the 8 MKII and go 10 or 12.
- Visuals. Corporate and wedding clients often request white. All three MKII sizes offer it.
- Stereo playback. Any MKII pair can run TWS; budget for two of the same model if stereo matters more than raw SPL.
Also Worth Exploring
These listings round out the POLAR MKII family and the predecessor still on our site.
Original POLAR 8 (non-MKII) remains available for buyers who want the earlier generation at a lower price point. For new purchases in 2026, we generally steer customers toward the 8 MKII for the Contour control, updated DSP, and current accessories bundle.
More HK Audio at Blackout Audio
POLAR is one piece of a larger HK Audio catalog. If you are also comparing powered wedges, install speakers, or subs, read our full brand overview:
Shop HK Audio
Frequently Asked Questions
What is new in the HK Audio POLAR MKII line for 2026?
The POLAR 8 MKII in black and white is the latest addition, completing the MKII range at 8", 10", and 12". It brings Contour control, 24-bit DSP, Bluetooth 5 TWS, and bundled transport bags to the smallest column in the family.
Can I use two POLAR MKII speakers as a stereo pair without cables?
Yes. All POLAR MKII models support Bluetooth 5.0 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) so two matching units can link wirelessly for left/right playback.
Do I need a separate mixer with POLAR MKII systems?
Often no. The 8 MKII includes a 3-channel mixer; the 10 and 12 MKII include 4-channel mixers with additional inputs and phantom power on the larger two. You would only add an external mixer if you need more channels or dedicated aux sends.
What is the difference between POLAR 8 MKII and the original POLAR 8?
The MKII version adds Contour control, updated 24-bit DSP with multiband limiting, Bluetooth 5 TWS, and current HK Audio accessories. The original POLAR 8 is the prior generation still listed for buyers comparing price tiers.
Which POLAR MKII should I buy for wedding ceremonies?
For ceremonies and speeches in small to medium rooms, the POLAR 8 MKII in white is a strong fit. If you also cover dancing with a DJ in the same package, consider the POLAR 10 MKII for extra headroom and phantom-powered vocal mics.