LD Systems DDQ 10 – A product test by beat.de

According to the manufacturer, the DDQ 10 active PA box demonstrates its strengths at any PA event. Does it mean that every party is now firmly under control?

With the DDQ Series, LD Systems intends to create a new standard for PA speakers around the 1000 euro price mark. According to the manufacturer, all models are assembled exclusively from high-quality components; through the system-optimised digital signal processing, a distortion-free playback with extraordinary dynamics, precise directivity and an amazing sound pressure is possible. Ambitious promises that should whet the appetite of event organisers and performers alike. In detail, the DDQ family includes three full-range boxes with ten, twelve and 15-inch woofers. In addition, you can buy one of two subwoofer models. The smallest full-range system in the product line, the DDQ 10, was available for the test. Will it hold true to the marketing promises?

Solid
The housing of the DDQ 10 consists of 15 mm birch plywood; thanks to the relatively small dimensions of 30 x 52 x 35 centimetres, it looks pleasantly compact. Its weight is a low 15.5 kg, and transport and setup are easy thanks to the handle. The speaker can be operated either vertically or horizontally, the latter setup is primarily suitable for use as a stage monitor. Alternatively, the DDQ 10 can be suspended by means of M8-threaded bolts or mounted on a stand. It is worth noting that the screw-on flange on the floor can be tilted to angle the speaker. This way, you can always provide optimal sound for your audience. The speakers are protected by a sturdy metal grill, which can be easily removed if necessary. All sockets and control elements are located on the back panel of the DDQ 10. Four LEDs indicate the operational status, settings, and any issues. All components are high-quality and durable.

Straight into action
Audio signals are fed into the DDQ 10 by means of an XLR socket. Once inside, they go through an A/D converter with 24 bit and 48 kHz. This is followed by a Sharc DSP. This allows you to control the volume by means of potentiometers, before the audio signals move on to the crossover at 1.5 kHz in addition to various levels of sound processing. These settings cannot be directly adjusted. The processed signals are then passed on to a peak limiter with one millisecond look-ahead time, as well as supplementary protection devices. Finally, a D/A converter transmits the results back to the analogue world and sends it to the amplifiers. The latter are Hypex Ucd400, with a power rating of 400 watts (RMS) each.

Out with it!
As a woofer, the DDQ10 uses a ten inch neodymium woofer with 2½ inch voice coil, more precisely a Faital Pro PR300. The high frequencies are represented by a single inch ceramic driver from BMS; an asymmetrical horn tweeter ensures proper sound level distribution. In order to achieve this, in both vertical or horizontal position, the speakers can be turned by 90 degrees. Heat sinks and an almost noiseless fan ensure that the system does not overheat.

Outputs are available as a chain path that picks up the signal ahead of the A/D converter, and as a subwoofer interface. It provides either the full sound spectrum or only low frequencies. This is achieved by a switchable low-pass filter which has a slew rate of 18 dB at 100 Hz. In addition, a high-pass filter is inserted in the main pathway of the DDQ 10 upon activation of the low-pass filter. It works also at 100 Hz with 18 dB/octave. The frequency response of the speakers is rated 59 Hz to 20 kHz, while the maximum sound pressure level is specified as 132 dB. There is no built-in mixer or EQ; such equipment must be purchased separately if needed.

Conclusion
In terms of sound, the DDQ 10 was quite impressive from the onset. All frequency ranges were extremely detailed and powerful. If the bass is still not “fat” enough on its own, you can use a subwoofer. No disturbing noises were perceived during the test; the dynamics and sound dispersion were also convincing. In conjunction with the robust, compact design, the DDQ 10 seems to be the ideal speaker for mobile outdoor party systems, monitor applications and also for permanent installations. The absence of mixer and EQ elements might disturb some users, but if this doesn’t apply to you, buy it without hesitation!

Pro
+ compact and rugged
+ easy setup
+ excellent sound quality
+ integrated DSP system
+ high-quality components

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Source: Beat.de, August 2014, Germany: http://www.beat.de/test/test-ld-systems-ddq-10-10057938.html Author: Marco Scherer

Complete product information on the LD Systems DDQ 10 is available here:
http://www.ld-systems.com/en/series/ddq-series/ddq-10-10-inch-active-pa-speaker-with-dsp/