Column PA or arrays are the perfect partners for mobile DJs. They offer a compact solution that is easy to set up, intuitive to operate, and they have the bonus of not needing loads of space, in storage, transportation or at a gig. Add to this a powerful punch of bass with crisp high-end, warm satisfying mid-range and a great look, you have the LD MAUI 28 G3 system.

The original G2 Maui systems (which I have used extensively) manufactured by the German-based Adam Hall Group, have been around for some ten years and have performed well, resulting in LD earning a place alongside other established professional brands. And now the G3 series has arrived with an updated and improved look. The most obvious change (running through the G3 Series), is a realigned column position that has been moved forward and so now sits flush with the front of the sub. This has resulted in a much cleaner, seamless look. The cabinets are built well… very well. The sub-cabinet is constructed in birch plywood and finished in a glossy light-weight textured polyurea surface. I especially like the sub’s bevelled top and there are well-placed handles on each side.

Moving the two-piece column to the front allows for a top grip point to be added, helpful and well-balanced. The sections feel solid with recessed handles on the top and bottom for easy handling. Unlike the sub cab these are painted aluminium casings with a different finish, however, when fitted together, don’t look mismatched. Steel grilles wrap around the front of the columns complimenting the grill on the sub, giving the completed PA system visual continuity. The columns are also designed as cardioid speakers. This allows for controlled low-mids at the front and up to 18 dB of attenuation at the rear which dramatically improves the stage sound. Attaching the columns to the sub is a case of simply lining up the four metal prongs with the holes in the top of the sub, the 14-pin socket couples automatically when the column is dropped in place.

With the columns in place, the system is 205cm high positioning the tweeters at above average audience head height. With a dispersion of 120 (H) and 30 (V), the passive-array columns are equipped with 12 x 3.5'' midrange drivers and 2 x 1'' tweeters, delivering an even sound. The sub has been upgraded with a change from two eight-inch drivers in the G2 Series, the Maui 28 G3 uses a single 12-inch sub and four bass reflex ports.
Weighing 23½ Kg, it is still practical for mobile DJs. The power amps, crossovers, and processing are all built into the sub finished with a high-tech glossy panel insert.

Any DJ worth their salt likes to hear plenty of low-end. You’ll be glad to know that the bass is clear, punchy, and tight in delivery, and sounds superb. Overall sound is huge, powerful, and precise featuring 1,030 W RMS (2060 W Peak) power and 127 dB maximum SPL. This makes this PA suitable for many applications including 100+ guest parties as well as public address, and small bands.

Connectivity on the rear of the sub is provided by two combo XLR/TRS inputs, two XLR thru outputs, and a sub out for connecting an additional sub. A single knob controls the main column level and there is control for the sub output level, convenient for when you don’t need a bass-heavy sound like in speeches. Other controls include one-button link to Bluetooth (very handy) and a button for cardioid mode. It is a simple, neat, and no-nonsense layout; really intuitive and easy to use by both DJs and bands.

I was initially concerned that the complete system could feature front-heavy columns resulting from the new positioning which might effect stability. All portable column array PAs are tall and narrow, and many might not pass the intoxicated punter stumble-dancing test, or be the best way to steady oneself whilst putting heels back on after an enthusiastic dance-off (from previous experience). Yet, the G3 systems are remarkably stable, in fact, the most stable system I have used thanks to the counterweight distribution logic combined with the well-made four post connecting system LD have adopted for the G3 range.

It is easy to love the LD Maui G3 series especially when you consider that most of us mobile DJs often work on small to medium-sized gigs and only one side is needed. The wide omni-directional sub coupled with the excellent dispersion of the line array, means that two units might not be necessary for a lot of the parties we do. With just one side, the stereo input gets summed to mono and in my testing, there was no drop off in quality.

I have been a fan of LD Systems for many years and to see a manufacturer roll out their next generation of PA systems is very exciting, especially when the build and sound quality boxes are totally ticked.
The system performed well in two settings. A small intimate celebration of about 50-60 guests where thanks to the Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC coding, and a small controller, the Maui 28 G3 was every bit as adaptable as when it performed in a more challenging environment which needed a lot more bass, in a busy bar.

With 127 dB SPL at my disposal, this would be a PA system that would come out on the road in most event situations. With the added ability to extend the power output of the system by linking more systems or by simply adding additional sub support, this PA has the potential to disrupt the column array market as a quality PA product at a great price point. A pair of LD Systems Maui 28 G3s are most definitely on my Christmas list.