QSC CB10

QSC’s compact PA offers DSP, remote control and battery operation.

Over the past few years, loudspeakers that can also run on battery power have transitioned from being novelties to becoming mainstream products. High‑capacity lithium‑ion batteries are not cheap, so it should come as no surprise that speakers with integral batteries cost more than their mains‑only counterparts, but the up side is their ability to provide sound where no mains power is available, such as at outdoor events or when busking. Other features that have become common are Bluetooth connectivity for audio and for control apps running on phones or tablets, allowing the speaker’s mixing capabilities and settings to be adjusted remotely. QSC’s new CB10 ticks all these boxes, and adds built‑in reverb to its mixing capabilities.

This compact, two‑way system packs 440 Watts of Class‑D amplification (convection‑cooled) into a black moulded‑polypropylene cabinet with a tough, powder‑coated metal speaker grille. Housed within are the PSU, power amplifiers and crossover electronics, battery dock (the battery itself is an optional extra), a 10‑inch woofer, a one‑inch HF compression driver and a three‑channel mixer featuring two XLR/jack combo inputs for channels A and B. These have separately assignable factory EQ contour presets. Channel C handles the Bluetooth audio input or an analogue audio source such as a phone or tablet headphone output, via mini‑jack.

Cabinet Meeting

Overall cabinet dimensions are 465 x 313 x 287mm (18.3 x 12.3 x 11.3 inches), while its 12.2kg weight and chunky carry handle built into the top of the cabinet make it a practical one‑handed lift. Like many small speakers, the enclosure is designed to be multi‑purpose, with a built‑in 30‑degree tilt for floor use (upright, not on its side) as a stage monitor, and a socket for a standard mounting pole.

On the underside of the cabinet you’ll find the battery dock. At 22V, 4400mAh the lithium‑ion battery pack is similar in capacity to those used in many cordless power tools, and can be swapped out quickly by the user if a spare has been purchased. There’s up to 12 hours of battery operation with a four‑hour recharge time, though the run time will be shorter at higher power levels. The battery charges when the speaker is connected to the mains via its locking IEC connector, and the speaker runs from the mains supply when connected. The integral switch‑mode PSU can operate from 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.

The battery compartment on the underside of the speaker houses an optional lithium‑ion battery for mains‑free operation.

If no signal is detected for five minutes, the CB10 goes into standby mode, as indicated by the power LED pulsing slowly. The speaker wakes automatically when a signal is detected. Note that the CB10 will not go into standby if the Bluetooth connection is active. If left in standby mode for more than half an hour, the CB10 goes into a deeper low‑power mode to preserve battery life. All the LEDs turn off and audio will not wake the speaker. To bring it back to life you have to switch the power off and on again. This low‑power mode can be disabled in the control app, but when relying on battery power it seems like a good idea to leave it active.

Specs‑wise, a peak SPL of 127dB at one metre is quoted, which is typical for a speaker of this size. The frequency response is specified as 51Hz‑18kHz at ‑6dB, or 47Hz‑20kHz at...