The evolution of portable column systems. We had already had our eye on the Maui 5 because at first glance it looked like a unit that had refined some important aspects of this type of product. I mean its portability and transport, basically. Although it seems the design and sound have evolved as well. We have the product in the lab, so here we go
Everyone who opts for a column system is looking to cover the following aspects as well as possible:
Weighs as little as possible: lightweight. 13 kg.
Portable. Not bulky, and easy to carry from one place to another
Powerful. Has the power to cover the broadest possible audience
Quality and intelligibility. Obviously, it has to sound good, powerful and intelligible
Flexible, with various channels to handle several needs at the same time
Price. Doesn't cost an arm and a leg
Well, it seems LD Systems is well aware of these requirements and has pulled out all the stops to develop a powerhouse product. And why do I say this?
Ever since the market began demanding this type of product, which in many cases replaces the conventional PA with its (cumbersome?) tripod stands, cables and boxes, manufacturers have been racing to offer different solutions. The portable column PA system has several advantages over its predecessors. Given the number of personal and professional situations in which we need manageable systems (small gigs, parties, events, trade show booths, presentations), portability and ease of setup (clean, fast) become especially important.
LD Systems has been working on its MAUI line for years. Its acceptance in the market is plain to see from the number of units from the family and brand that can be seen at the most varied events. With the Maui 5 GO, the manufacturer has managed to optimize some of the aspects we mentioned at the start.
Design. The look is more modern, with more curves and fewer sharp edges, resulting in an ergonomic style.
Weight. The system is lightweight, with a somewhat smaller sub than other systems. Without losing punch or effectiveness, it's a factor that helps with transport.
Three-piece column. Since the column can be taken apart into 3 pieces, the bag that holds it is quite manageable.
No cables. LD Systems' plug&play system had already been used in earlier units. Minimizing cabling saves time and "hassle," and it also keeps the event, stage or room cleaner. But this time it goes further, because with a lithium battery, not even a power cable is needed.
Autonomy and independence. The battery charges to 80% in 2 hours and to 100% in three. It gives us 6 hours of runtime at full output and 20 hours at 50% of its power.
Charging. The battery is housed in one of the vertical pieces, and it charges in the sub itself. However, LD Systems sells an additional external charger (Maui 5 GO CD) that can be used to charge independently, so you can have one or more batteries (Maui 5 GO BC) ready for action.
The Sound and the Mixer
The unit gives us 800 W, which according to the manufacturer can cover up to 100 people with enough power and intelligibility. Although this figure is relative, since it will depend on the room's acoustic conditions and quirks, it works as an approximation. What we can vouch for is the quality you get for the 799 € it costs. It looks like a very well-rounded price for a very reasonable listening level from a well-made unit. Balanced lows and highs and control over its various channels let you build a mix that moves the listener as well as being easy to understand. After testing, we concluded that both at spoken-word events (in our view more complex because of the need to be clearly intelligible) and at party-style “oonts oonts, boom boom” gigs, where the listener's heart needs a lift, the MAUI 5 GO meets expectations.
Through the mixer, we ran a variety of sources. From acoustic guitars and vocals, where we looked for clarity, to bass and punchy mixes from truly dreadful MP3s. 799 €? They deliver performance that avoids feedback (thanks to its design with a line array arrangement of the drivers) and achieves good reach and coverage.
Alongside the multiband limiter, EQ, compressor and crossover sits the mixer. It has four channels with independent volume controls, a master and subwoofer control. We can also shape the highs through the mixer, which by now, as you'd expect, also has Bluetooth.
Conclusions
A modern unit with an attractive design that genuinely improves on its predecessors. Following the usual LD Systems approach, we find a unit with a moderate price (aggressive and competitive) for a well-finished, robust system with advanced technical features. Its price includes 800 W that deliver portability, power and a sound quality that is more than striking for the investment. If you need to move around, for conferences, talks, small gigs (or not-so-small ones, since you can chain several systems) or you simply want to rock out on a boat or campsite (with no mains power), this could be your perfect “beast.”
