LD Systems DAVE G4X – One system, four setups

The requirements for sound reinforcement systems can be as varied as the styles of music and their consumers or users. But what is the right PA? It makes a big difference if I am a DJ at an electro house party and want to provide hours of continuous power with a deep bass, or if I want to make sure that every syllable of a reading is precisely intelligible. The acoustic duo has a different idea of the optimal sound than the five-piece rock band with roasting guitars. And at the end of the day, the listener is the one being served. A single PA cannot meet this requirement – or can it?

The answer is DAVE G4X

With the new DAVE G4X series, LD Systems offers active 2.1 PA systems in four sizes and four power classes, each of which can be flexibly adapted to different musical or spatial conditions. They are technically advanced yet easy to use and are aimed primarily at musicians, entertainers and DJs. Each compact system consists of a subwoofer and two satellites. Based on the dimensions of the built-in woofers, there are four different sized versions: DAVE 10 G4X, DAVE 12 G4X, DAVE 15 G4X and DAVE 18 G4X. The power outputs are equally varied, ranging from 340 watts RMS for the DAVE 10 G4X to a whopping 2,000 watts RMS for the DAVE 18 G4X. All DAVE G4X versions also feature a 6-channel mixer, including reverb, with state-of-the-art input options for a wide range of mic, instrument, line level and player setups – wired and wireless with built-in Bluetooth for easy streaming from a smartphone or tablet.

Setup 1 – Stereo Mode

The subwoofer is in the centre, with the satellites on separate stands to the left and right. This is the classic stereo set-up that you will often see. It makes a nice stage set-up and is suitable where there is enough room for two speaker stands and the subwoofer. Depending on the desired distance from the subwoofer, the satellites are connected to the left and right satellite outputs using appropriate Speakon cables. As a recommendation for the cable cross-section, 2 x 1.5 mm² is generally a good starting point for all set-ups. The Mode Select switch on the mixing console for the DSP is set to Stereo Mode, the left symbol is lit.

Setup 2 – Compact Stereo Mode

The second option for a typical stereo configuration is much more space efficient. This requires one speaker stand and a single distance rod, which is screwed tightly into the subwoofer’s M20 flange. One satellite sits directly on the subwoofer, while the second can be placed at any distance on its stand. As deep bass is undetectable to the human ear, the placement of the subwoofer is not critical and it will fill the room with crisp and precise bass frequencies. The greater distance between the two satellites provides a wide base for excellent stereo enjoyment.

The minimum lengths of the two Speakon cables required are different. A fairly short cable is required and a longer one that is determined by the distance between the satellite mounted on the stand and the connection socket in the subwoofer. The Mode Select switch in the mixing console for the DSP is switched as in the Stereo Mode setup.

Setup 3 – Cluster Mode

A special alternative is offered by the Cluster Mode configuration. This extremely space-saving option is useful when the standard set-up is not desired or not possible. Both satellites are mounted on the subwoofer using a distance rod and a stand fork. Two short Speakon cables are required for the left and right channels.

When loudspeakers are placed close to each other, there is usually interference that makes the sound woolly and degrades it significantly due to overlapping. The new DAVE G4X-SERIES eliminates this problem with intelligent DSP control. The Cluster Mode (Mode Select switch: right symbol) prevents interference caused by overlapping frequencies or different running times and ensures excellent stereo enjoyment even with this extremely space-saving setup. This setup requires the stereo inputs INPUT 3L / 4R (combo or RCA) to be used for the source players.

Setup 4 – Power Setup

With this set-up, sound reinforcement for larger events should be no problem. Two complete DAVE G4X systems per side are used in cluster mode. In stereo mode this makes a total of two subwoofers and four tops. With the DAVE 18 G4X, a system output of 4,000 watts RMS (8,000 watts peak) can be achieved, which is more than enough for live bands. With the DAVE 12 G4X it’s still a whopping 1,460 watts RMS (or almost 3,000 watts peak).

In addition to two DAVE G4X systems of the appropriate size, this setup requires two distance rods and four short Speakon cables. For each cluster (left and right) the corresponding DSP-PRESET (right symbol) is selected. Feed from a mixing console or any other line-level source. In order to obtain an optimal stereo sound image, only mono INPUT 1 per side (cluster) is used in line mode. On one side, the Speakon loudspeaker cable is crossed with the satellites to achieve interference-free sound.