QSC is a well-known manufacturer of PA and monitor speakers for mid and small-sized venues, with experience dating back to the 1960s. QSC WideLine line arrays are commonly used in smaller arenas, amphitheaters, and regional concert series. QSC is a leader in portable, active loudspeakers often used by support acts, in clubs, or as fill speakers. Taking that experience to an individualized PA solution, the CB10 Compact Battery-Powered Loudspeaker is a portable system that integrates loudspeaker, amplification, and power management into a single enclosure. The CB10 is designed for use by AV Rental/Event Productions and as a Portable PA System for DJs, mobile entertainers, musicians, bands, and any application where a small footprint powerful sound reinforcement system is needed.
The CB10 features a 10-inch LF driver, and a 1-inch compression driver housed in a 29.6 lb. enclosure that measures 18.3 x 12.3 x 11.3 inches and can be carried by one person. Power is handled by a Class D amplifier that pushes a clean 440 Watts peak for 127 dB at 1 m (peak SPL). An integrated 3-channel mixer on the rear panel allows for easy connections of microphones and instruments, as well as the option to stream Bluetooth music. Channels A and B have combo connectors with an XLR-F and 1/4” input capability. Channel A is tailored for vocals and channel B differs in that it has a preset voiced for acoustic guitar. But either channel is versatile enough that they can be used for either purpose. Channel C has a 1/8 stereo mini plug input for direct music playback, as well as a Bluetooth button that enables both streaming and remote control via the QSC Loudspeaker Control app. The QSC app runs on iOS and Android platforms.
Channel A has a 6-position preset dial with Custom (App), Default, Dance, Speech, Speech (Ducker) and Vocal presets voiced for those functions. The handy Speech (Ducker) preset will automatically turn down music playing via channel 3 C when a voice activates channel A, a very handy function for addressing audiences at functions. Channel B also has a 6-position preset dial with Custom (App), Default, Dance, Acoustic Guitar, Speech and Vocal voicings. Setting any channel to control via the app unlocks EQ and Reverb features not found on the back panel. On plugging an acoustic guitar in to channel B and setting it to Default and on the Acoustic Guitar presets, the sound was clean but had too much bottom and was dry. This tone was quickly enhanced by accessing the app’s 3 band EQ, trimming the LF band and raising the treble. Reverb also gave life to the tone and is available in three size settings and a blend control. Control via the app is essential to get the full capability of the CB10.
The CB10 can be powered by AC or an internally mounted user swappable supplied battery. The battery slides easily into the bottom of the CB10 and is secured by two captive thumbscrews. Weighing under 3 lbs., the 22.2V 98Wh Li-Ion battery is available separately if extra batteries are needed for $119.99. The CB10 can be mounted on a loudspeaker stand or deployed on the floor via its tilt-back 30-degree angle.
The CB10 is a versatile, reliable, and powerful portable PA for small and medium size venues for both fixed installations and temporary events or busking. Multiple CB10 units can be controlled via Bluetooth for stereo installations, and programmable room delay makes the CB10 useful as a system extension for distributed PA deployments. CB10 is backed by a six-year warranty with product registration within 30 days of purchase (one-year warranty on battery). $799
