LD Systems SAT 442 G2 W

Everyone knows it, manufacturers are not always trustworthy and nearly never comparable, besides, the employment conditions have a strong influence. Therefore, I have these two quite similar PA boxes directly compared.

Practical:
The T-Box is (also) intended for the mobile sound system, which can be seen on the stand flange, the solid handle, and the Speakon (speaker twist) sockets. The LD does not have all that, but it has different flight points (M6 threads), and a proper wall mount is included. It has only spring clips, which however are quite solid and can accommodate approx. 4mm². Thus, the LD is well prepared for the fixed installation. Both models are otherwise solid and stable, the T-box perhaps a bit more, because their side walls run up in front of the front grille and protect this during transportation.

Sound (frotal):
Here the first surprise, this difference I had not expected. In the direct AB comparison, both boxes are about equally loud, as far as the comparison can be. Because the LD is more mid-range, has neat treble, but practically no bass. Voices come very clearly and directly over, music sounds also properly, but not really concert- or Discotauglich, even if the EQ there still a little rausholen can. For the bass needs a sub, of course, but in this case it must go quite far, I am afraid. The sound thus also speaks for language-intensive installation use of the LD.

The T-Box, on the other hand, has probably been trimmed more to music, there is a certain bass, where we speak at most of the fundamental range. A sub is also necessary here, but it can presumably lower than in the LD - and although the latter according to the data sheet should play deeper than the T-Box ... The tuning range is significantly muted at the T-Box and less clear than At the LD, in favor of a "loudness" -like frequency response. This will be good for the mobile DJ or the small band. In my case, however, I needed a supplementary PA to make the singing in hally modern church more assertive (also serves as a monitor, stands 3m behind the singers). So I decided to go for the LD.
The Watt data are, of course, also unimportant, between the 150 and the 200W are just 1.2dB. The amplifier should move in these regions, but also here 50W usually do not make much difference, but a reserve is always advisable.

Sound (side):
It should be clear that the degree data of the manufacturers can only be a rough guide for the complex directional characteristics. Horizontal, I can confirm with both models that the sound horizontally relatively broadly balanced, but there is a height and presence decline to the side. In the vertical, which you often want to dampen in order to reduce reflections, you can not expect miracles in such simple and rather small columns, even if both models promise "30 °". The LD has only a slight broadband level and height drop in the vertical direction, slightly more than horizontal. The T-Box, on the other hand, catches quite early in the morning with discolouration and high-pitched damping, so here is a slightly better directivity, but if someone is listening from an elevated angle (eg balcony, gallery etc.), it does not sound so nice.

Conclusion: Altogether one gets with both models appropriately good sound for limited money. In addition to the practical features, you should pay attention to the differences in sound, depending on the application and location.