TEST: LD Systems Road Buddy 10

 Many of my colleagues still mourn various decades in which there were golden times for musicians and artists in general in terms of creativity and craftsmanship. Even if in the current times of ready-made loops, groove recognition software and Melodyne and consortia, creativity is drifting into a secondary area, the development in terms of sound reinforcement should put a smile on the lips of even the biggest skeptic.

There has been a real boom, especially in the mobile sound reinforcement industry, so that artists/musicians/entertainers can accommodate any form of sound reinforcement in the smallest possible but still good-sounding box. What might previously have been seen in the pedestrian zones of various large cities with the help of adventurous constructions in the car battery sector is now experiencing a new upswing thanks to radio technology and high-performance batteries.

There is hardly a manufacturer in the sound reinforcement sector that does not have a trolley-like vehicle in its portfolio, so it is not surprising that the company LD Systems has a similarly designed mini P.A. with its LD Systems Road Buddy 10. brought to market.


construction

It's cute, the Road Buddy, to be honest, a short association with the "cute" Starwars droid R2D2 inevitably came to mind, especially when you look at the back of the LD Systems Road Buddy 10, which has everyone on it controls are located. The multi-function amplifier, designed as a trolley, has an extendable telescopic handle and two rubberized wheels, similar to a trolley case. As with a regular suitcase, the telescopic handle is a bit wobbly, but the smooth-running wheels provide a good grip even on smooth surfaces when cornering.

Conceptually, the LD Systems Road Buddy 10 is a transportable speaker that can also run on battery power. According to the manufacturer, a battery charge lasts up to 8 hours. 4 LEDs on the back of the housing provide information about the charging status. At the same time, it can also be operated regularly using a cold appliance plug. In terms of performance, a 10 inch bass speaker and a 1 inch tweeter driver share a 120 watt (RMS) Class D power amplifier with an SPL (1W/1m) of 96 dB.

To protect it from external influences, a sturdy, black metal grille was placed in front of the bass speaker, while the tweeter is only protected by its horn offset in the rear part of the housing. This is an acceptable performance for voice reproduction and acoustic guitars with vocals, but you should keep in mind that instruments such as electric bass or possibly drums are important here when it comes to P.A. Sound systems are out of place. For better radiation characteristics, a 35 mm flange is installed on the underside, which allows it to be placed on a tripod.

The Road Buddy is available in two versions, the LD Systems Road Buddy 10 with an included handheld radio microphone and the LD Systems Road Buddy 10 HS with a headset and body pack. However, both have the same structure. On the one hand, there is a pressure flap on the top of the sturdy plastic housing, which, in addition to the storage option for the UHF antenna (registration-free 863 - 865 MHz range) and all sorts of small items, also contains a recess for the handheld microphone supplied, the whole thing being a second radio system can upgrade.

For the instrument and external microphone area (switchable), the LD Systems Road Buddy 10 has 2 lockable combination sockets (XLR / TRS), which have separate volume controls. A separate catch-up amplifier is not installed; the connected devices must be able to cope with the factory-set input sensitivity. There are 2 mono-summated RCA sockets and a 3.5 mm mini jack available for the AUX area.

A Bluetooth-enabled player was installed as the third signal path, which can play the mp3, WMA and WAV formats. In addition to Bluetooth transmission, a USB or SD card slot can also be used for music playback. All input sources are controlled via a dual equalizer. On the back, an on/off switch, a voltage selector switch and a line out for daisy chain operation round off the connection panel, which is quite extensive for an amplifier of this size.


Bluetooth

Let's just start with the Bluetooth player. Switch on LD Systems Road Buddy 10, switch on iPhone, select LD System, done! It really couldn't be easier. The pairing worked smoothly, and the device was then shown on the player's display as a signal source. We first feed the amplifier with a few loops, a fully mastered acoustic guitar, an electric bass sample and finally with a fully mastered reference rock production.

sound

It is immediately noticeable that the LD Systems Road Buddy 10 has an unexpectedly high bass volume for its size. Even with the equalizer set linearly, the bass pushes very nicely up to an estimated 150 Hertz. The frequency response specified by the manufacturer up to 55 Hertz once again proves to be a nice promotional statement, but I would not have expected this volume, especially since the final sound is pleasantly soft.

The tweeter driver also leaves a good impression, although it seems a little harsh around 2 kHz, but this is within limits and also far above the sound quality that I would have expected. All signals are emitted powerfully and only reach their limits in terms of muddy bass and biting highs when the equalizer is used excessively. On a small scale, the LD Systems Road Buddy 10 should be interesting for DJs, although of course it cannot generate sound for discotheques.

When it comes to the connection field, you might have enough inputs available with a pre-mixer to entertain a small party. If you want to use a USB stick as a sound source, make sure that the stick is formatted in FAT32, otherwise reading problems may occur. If necessary, the player can also be controlled remotely using the included remote unit.


microphone

Next, we take a look at the included microphone, which is powered by 2 type AA batteries and, according to the manufacturer, has an operating time of approx. 10 hours. Switch on the microphone, set the channel on the amplifier section, done! Here too, the LD Systems Road Buddy 10 shines with its very simple configuration. The rubber-coated microphone, made of aluminum and weighing only 285 grams, sits comfortably and securely in the hand, but due to its lightweight construction it tends to transmit a slightly higher level of structure-borne noise.

The proximity effect is moderate, but the microphone quickly turns into a rather musty sound when lip contact occurs. You won't find the proximity effect of the Shure SM 57/58 capsule here. In general, you get the impression that the microphone was primarily designed for speech, rather than for large dynamic strokes such as those that occur in singing. However, the microphone covers this range with a pleasantly neutral sound that works for both male and female voices.

The microphone is also very insensitive to feedback at high volumes, which is a very important criterion, especially when used on a tripod. Balancing 16.5 kilograms onto a tripod isn't something you can easily throw from your hips, but it's not an insurmountable challenge for a man of normal strength. What's a negative, however, is the manual that comes with it, which is difficult to understand is to be surpassed. LD Systems should take a little more care here.


Conclusion

The LD Systems Road Buddy 10 is a real all-rounder when it comes to signal amplification on the market. The comparatively small trolley impresses with a voluminous sound, all-encompassing input peripherals and a concept that makes it equally interesting for speakers, solo entertainers, DJs and street musicians.

The product leaves an all-round very good impression in every direction, only the echo effect is, in my opinion, an unnecessary extra, as it has no other adjustable parameters apart from a mixing control and you only run the risk of unnecessarily washing out your sound material.

———————-

Additional Informations:

All-in-one sound reinforcement systems have emerged as a versatile solution for amplifying audio in various settings, from small events to large gatherings. The evolution of these systems from their inception to their current state of sophistication reflects the relentless pursuit of convenience, efficiency, and high-quality sound reproduction. This article delves into the fascinating history of all-in-one sound reinforcement systems, tracing their development from early innovations to modern-day technological marvels.

Early Innovations: The Birth of Integrated Sound Systems

The concept of integrating multiple audio components into a single unit dates back to the mid-20th century when companies began to explore ways to streamline sound reinforcement setups. Early innovations in integrated sound systems focused on combining amplifiers, mixers, and speakers into cohesive units, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying setup and operation.

In the 1960s and 1970s, pioneering companies like Bose and JBL introduced integrated sound systems that revolutionized the way sound was amplified and distributed. These systems typically featured built-in amplifiers and mixers, along with compact speaker enclosures, providing users with a complete audio solution in a single package. While early iterations of integrated sound systems were relatively basic compared to modern standards, they laid the groundwork for future developments in the field.

The Rise of Portable All-In-One Systems

The 1980s marked a significant advancement in the evolution of all-in-one sound reinforcement systems with the introduction of portable solutions designed for easy transport and setup. Companies like Yamaha, Mackie, and Behringer led the way in developing compact and portable systems that combined amplification, mixing, and speaker components into integrated units.

One of the key innovations during this period was the integration of powered speakers into all-in-one systems. Powered speakers incorporated amplifiers directly into their enclosures, eliminating the need for external amplification and reducing the overall footprint of sound reinforcement setups. This made portable all-in-one systems more convenient and accessible to a wider range of users, including musicians, presenters, and event organizers.

Additionally, advancements in amplifier technology and digital signal processing (DSP) allowed for greater flexibility and control over sound reinforcement setups. Integrated mixers with digital processing capabilities enabled users to adjust audio parameters such as equalization, compression, and effects, enhancing the overall sound quality and performance of all-in-one systems.

The Digital Revolution: Advancements in Technology

The turn of the millennium brought about further advancements in all-in-one sound reinforcement systems, driven by the rapid progression of digital audio technology. Digital mixing consoles, wireless connectivity, and networked audio solutions became increasingly integrated into all-in-one systems, offering users unprecedented flexibility and control over their sound setups.

Digital mixing consoles allowed for precise manipulation of audio signals, including routing, processing, and mixing, resulting in improved sound quality and system performance. Wireless connectivity enabled users to stream audio wirelessly from mobile devices or connect multiple speakers without the need for cumbersome cables. Networked audio solutions facilitated remote control and monitoring of all-in-one systems, allowing for seamless integration into larger audio setups.

The Present and Future: Versatility and Innovation

Today, all-in-one sound reinforcement systems have become essential tools in a wide range of applications, from live performances and events to corporate presentations and educational settings. Modern systems offer a host of features and capabilities, including Bluetooth connectivity, built-in effects processing, and customizable presets, catering to the diverse needs of users.

Looking to the future, the evolution of all-in-one sound reinforcement systems shows no signs of slowing down. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, spatial audio processing, and environmental sustainability. All-in-one systems will continue to play a vital role in shaping the way we experience sound, providing convenient, efficient, and high-quality audio solutions for years to come.