TEST: LD Systems Revolver

 When I was recently on a business trip and was forced to look out the window in boredom for a long period of time due to a constantly interrupted internet connection, I noticed that I was no longer able to identify the different manufacturers of a mid-range sedan based on its external appearance recognize. Gone are the days when the different chrome decorations or even the headlights in the rearview mirror at night gave each vehicle type a unique outfit, and now the wind tunnel-optimized design, which is undoubtedly ahead in terms of consumption and production, but has long been the white flag in terms of individuality have hoisted.

Similar associations sometimes come to me when I look at the current area of small P.A. or vocal systems. Here, too, some fixed genres have emerged which, due to their high degree of popularity and their flexible area of application, have a high level of acceptance among users, but which have a wide range of conceptual parallels. However, if you go into detail, the individual test subjects sometimes differentiate themselves from one another and look for their niche in the two-way thicket.

A “new” representative in this segment is LD Systems, which is sold through Adam Hall GmbH and is entering the above-mentioned market with its revolver series. The test of the largest active variant, the LDPR15A, should show to what extent the type designation creates an association with the six-shot drum firearm. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out where the construction in question was developed or manufactured.



construction

The days of wood are numbered, at least when it comes to the vocal equipment market. Anyone who, like me, was able to balance passive Zeck 15/3s on high tripods in their early years will welcome this development, as the new plastic mixtures demonstrate similar resistance to the plywood solutions of the time thanks to their low weight and comparatively high stiffness.

This construction is also delivered in two coarse-grained plastic trays, which are joined together in the front area of the box. The product has housing dimensions of 73 cm x 49 cm x 40 cm and a total weight of 20.1 kilograms. A good value for the performance data offered, but you still need a lot of manpower to lift the construction onto the high stand.

The LD Systems 15 is an active two-way box. In terms of performance, the product generates 400 watts RMS with a peak of 450 watts from a Class D power amplifier, using a 15 inch bass speaker and a 1 inch tweeter driver with a 60 x 120 degree horn attachment. The construction is designed as a bass reflex, the output openings are located on the right/left below and in a circle above the bass speaker installed on the back.

As with many of its competitors, the product's area of application ranges from classic vocal systems to floor monitor operation to full-fledged club P.A. due to its trapezoidal shape. with appropriate daisy chain operation of several individual components. With moderate playing style, the construction can even be used as a drum fill.



In terms of transport, the product has two handles on the top and outside. In my opinion, there is no recessed grip on the opposite side for easy transport, including placing it on a high stand, but the handles provided are sufficient for average use. For a better grip, both handles were wrapped in hard rubber, which aided handling, but unfortunately (still) had strong odors of solvents, meaning your hands smelled quite strongly after coming into contact with the plastic.

The construction has four stacking bulges on the top and bottom, which meet the requirements of simple stacking. However, to ensure real stiffness, you definitely have to use tension straps. For high stand operation, the box has the standard flange on the underside of the housing.

All control options for the power amplifier section are located on the back of the housing. A special feature is the input section, which, in addition to an XLR and RCA input, also has a separate microphone XLR input, with both volumes being managed separately via an individual gain control. The overall volume is controlled with a master volume. All signals present are also sent via a three-band tone control, consisting of treble and bass shelving with an additional fixed center frequency, all adjustable in +/- 12 dB. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out the frequencies at which the filters work.

For daisy chain operation, an XLR and a jack socket are available as output, which absolutely meets normal requirements. In addition to a switchable ground lift and the on/off switch, there is a nice detail on the included cold device plug. The plug can be locked and thus prevents the power cable from accidentally slipping out, a point which always leads to problems, especially when used on high stands.




Practice


After activation, like almost all other representatives of this product line, a very bright blue LED lights up. In order to give a product its own external appearance, it would probably be enough to choose a different color such as green or yellow.

The first sound impression can best be described as “rough and powerful”. The construction pushes really well, especially in the bass range, even with neutral tone control, and gives all the signals present a voluminous appearance. With this box, you never get the impression that you would like to connect an additional subwoofer, of course depending on the size of the hall and the final volume.

The midrange has a fairly high degree of “roughness”, sometimes a bit “bony”, which is of course also due to the 15-inch bass / 1-inch driver design. Like almost all designs of this type, the LDPR15A also experiences a slight dip in the midrange spectrum due to the lack of a midrange driver. Due to its inert mass, the 15-inch model cannot resolve the midrange quite as well as a correspondingly lighter speaker could.


Personally, the tweeter is a little too heavy-handed for me, i.e. the resolution above 5 kilohertz is a bit “bulky”. If you are used to the finer “hissing” sound of a Mackie product range, for example, you may have to get used to the basic sound. Nevertheless, the construction impresses with its beefy basic sound and is definitely pleasing due to its “hearty” orientation. Especially in the rock sector, the LDPR15A will be your friends, or indeed all those who may reject the hi-fi leanings of some competitors as rather inappropriate.




Conclusion

Although the first visual impression suggests a comparison to many other competing products, with the LDPR15A, LD Systems has placed a very unique design on the market in terms of sound. Beefy, hearty and blessed with a decent low end, the product has a convincing sound and will leave its mark, especially in the daisy chain operation of several individual components.

With high-quality processing technology and a flexible design, the product has a wide range of uses. Test!

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Additional Informations:

Portable audio reinforcement systems have transformed the way events, performances, and gatherings are amplified and experienced. These compact yet powerful systems provide high-quality sound reproduction in a portable package, enabling users to bring professional-grade audio to a variety of environments. The story of portable audio reinforcement systems is a captivating narrative of innovation, technological progress, and the pursuit of sonic excellence.

The origins of portable audio reinforcement can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the advent of portable loudspeakers and amplification systems. In the decades leading up to World War II, portable PA systems were primarily used for military communication and public address purposes. These early systems were often bulky, cumbersome, and limited in their audio fidelity.

The post-war era saw significant advancements in audio technology, paving the way for the development of more compact and efficient portable PA systems. One of the key innovations during this period was the introduction of transistor technology, which revolutionized the design of amplifiers and reduced their size and weight significantly. This breakthrough made it possible to create portable PA systems that were both powerful and portable.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the popularity of live music performances and outdoor events fueled the demand for portable audio reinforcement systems. Companies like Bose, JBL, and Electro-Voice emerged as leaders in the field, introducing innovative products that combined high-performance audio with portability and ease of use. These early portable PA systems featured integrated amplifiers, speakers, and mixing consoles, providing a complete audio solution in a single package.

One of the seminal moments in the evolution of portable audio reinforcement systems came with the introduction of powered speakers in the 1980s. Powered speakers integrated the amplifier directly into the speaker enclosure, eliminating the need for external amplification and simplifying setup and operation. This innovation made portable PA systems even more compact, lightweight, and user-friendly, further expanding their applications and popularity.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, advancements in digital signal processing (DSP) and speaker design drove further improvements in portable audio reinforcement systems. DSP technology allowed for precise control over audio parameters such as equalization, compression, and delay, enabling users to tailor the sound to suit the acoustics of any venue. Meanwhile, advancements in speaker design, including the use of neodymium magnets and lightweight materials, resulted in speakers that were not only more compact but also more powerful and efficient.

The rise of digital audio technology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries ushered in a new era of innovation in portable audio reinforcement systems. Digital mixing consoles, wireless connectivity, and networked audio solutions became increasingly integrated into portable PA systems, offering users unprecedented flexibility and control over their sound reinforcement setups. These advancements also facilitated the development of line array systems, which provided superior coverage and coherence compared to traditional point source speakers.

In recent years, the trend towards smaller, lighter, and more powerful portable audio reinforcement systems has continued unabated. Advancements in amplifier technology, driver design, and battery technology have enabled manufacturers to create systems that deliver exceptional performance in an increasingly compact form factor. Today, portable PA systems are used in a wide range of applications, from small-scale events and presentations to large outdoor concerts and festivals.

Looking to the future, the evolution of portable audio reinforcement systems shows no signs of slowing down. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations in areas such as wireless connectivity, intelligent control systems, and immersive audio formats. With their ability to provide high-quality sound reproduction in a portable and user-friendly package, portable audio reinforcement systems will continue to play a vital role in shaping the way we experience live events and performances for years to come.

Title: The Evolution of Portable Audio Reinforcement Systems: A Comprehensive History

Portable audio reinforcement systems have revolutionized the way sound is amplified and distributed in various settings, from small gatherings to large-scale events. The journey of these systems from their humble beginnings to their current state of sophistication is a testament to human ingenuity, technological advancement, and the ever-present quest for sonic perfection.

The Early Days: Birth of Portable Sound

The concept of portable sound reinforcement can be traced back to the early 20th century when public address systems were first employed for military and governmental purposes. These systems typically consisted of large, cumbersome equipment that required manual setup and operation. However, they laid the foundation for future developments in portable audio technology.

In the years following World War II, advancements in electronics, particularly the invention of the transistor, paved the way for more compact and efficient audio amplification. Portable PA systems began to emerge, albeit still relatively bulky compared to modern standards. These early systems were primarily used for public address purposes, such as announcing events or making announcements in outdoor settings.

The 1960s and 1970s: Rise of Portable PA Systems

The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant expansion in the use of portable PA systems, driven largely by the burgeoning live music scene and the rise of outdoor festivals and events. Companies like Bose, JBL, and Electro-Voice led the way in developing portable PA solutions that combined high-performance audio with portability and ease of use.

One of the key innovations during this period was the integration of amplifiers and speakers into a single unit, known as powered speakers. This eliminated the need for external amplification and simplified setup, making portable PA systems more accessible to a wider range of users. Powered speakers also contributed to a reduction in size and weight, further enhancing the portability of these systems.

The 1980s: Powered Speakers and Digital Advancements

The 1980s marked a significant milestone in the evolution of portable audio reinforcement systems with the introduction of powered speakers. These speakers incorporated amplifiers directly into their enclosures, streamlining setup and reducing the overall footprint of portable PA systems. Powered speakers quickly became the standard in the industry, offering users greater convenience and flexibility.

Additionally, the 1980s saw the emergence of digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which revolutionized audio processing and control. DSP allowed for precise manipulation of audio signals, including equalization, compression, and delay, resulting in improved sound quality and system performance. Portable PA systems began to integrate DSP features, providing users with greater control over their sound reinforcement setups.

The 1990s and 2000s: Digital Revolution and Compact Design

The advent of digital audio technology in the late 20th century brought about further advancements in portable audio reinforcement systems. Digital mixing consoles, wireless connectivity, and networked audio solutions became increasingly integrated into portable PA systems, offering users unprecedented flexibility and control over their sound setups.

Simultaneously, advancements in speaker design, including the use of neodymium magnets and lightweight materials, resulted in speakers that were not only more compact but also more powerful and efficient. These advancements allowed manufacturers to create portable PA systems that delivered exceptional performance in a smaller form factor, catering to the growing demand for compact and portable audio solutions.

The Present and Future: Continued Innovation and Versatility

Today, portable audio reinforcement systems have become indispensable tools in a wide range of applications, from small-scale events and presentations to large concerts and festivals. Manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of technology, introducing innovations such as wireless connectivity, intelligent control systems, and immersive audio formats.

Looking to the future, the evolution of portable audio reinforcement systems shows no signs of slowing down. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations in areas such as battery technology, spatial audio processing, and environmental sustainability. Portable audio reinforcement systems will continue to play a vital role in shaping the way we experience live events and performances, providing high-quality sound reproduction in a portable and user-friendly package.