https://distributedsoundcollective.org DistributedSound Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:37:20 +0000 https://distributedsoundcollective.org en https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Bay-Area-Info-System-Overview Tue, 21 Jul 2020 01:29:23 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Bay-Area-Info-System-Overview We are allies of the movement seeking to lend our time and gear to amplify voices of color and ensure that their voices are heard. What? Why? Having an amplified sound system is a key component at marches, rallies, demonstrations, press conferences (and especially car caravans in the COVID-19 era). But too often events are under-resourced - with speakers which simply aren’t enough for large crowds to hear. One solution: distributed sound systems - using an FM Radio transmitter to allow for additional speaker systems (or car stereos) to amplify the sound coming from a main stage to a much wider area. For large crowds of thousands of people - this can be a functional (and often better) alternative to hiring a large audio production company that can easily cost $5-10k. We are volunteers, donating time and gear. Why do we want to ensure everyone can hear? Our system allows for multiple sound vehicles to play the same sound, so it becomes possible to convey information to much larger crowds. &nbsp; 🗣Making our politics and demands clear: Demonstrations are key moments with community leaders speaking to build political alignment, shared purpose, and motivation for our movements. &nbsp;Rallies can often lose the crowd when people can’t hear.💪Better Organizing: If we can’t communicate, we can’t organize, and we have all experienced how hard it can be to hear the demo when crowd sizes are 1000+⛑COVID Safety: People will crowd toward the sound system if they can’t hear, increasing COVID infection risk.⚠️Hype: Sound keeps people’s energy up! It keeps people informed! It keeps us together.♿️Accessibility:People with disabilities are able to stay tuned in while in their cars. People who are hard-of-hearing will have a better chance of understanding what is going on.The Sound System:We can connect with any sound system used as a main stage (or sound truck), or provide the “main stage”Using the radio station 88.3FM and a low-power radio transmission system with the main sound system, we transmit organizer’s speeches, chants, and playlist over all of Oakland.(See note 1)Every block or where original sound can’t be heard, additional speakers (or sound vehicles, or cars) can blast out the audio at maximum volume with zero delay or echo.For moving marches, vehicles at the end and in the middle of the march can blast out exactly what is being played/chanted/spoken at the front. Any car can tune in and help amplify the sound.For more stationary demonstrations, we can strategically place sound vehicles on a grid so everyone can hear. (See diagram below) The diagram below is based on live tests with the broadcast car at 14th and Broadway. <img width="1574" height="1442" width_o="1574" height_o="1442" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d3913b798fa70db1494bfecce45d27a17e48f663f5df7feeb87b550f54223904/pasted-image-0.png" data-mid="77896612" border="0" data-scale="54" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d3913b798fa70db1494bfecce45d27a17e48f663f5df7feeb87b550f54223904/pasted-image-0.png" /> Notes: We can broadcast to all of Oakland from up in the hills, but that is an option best used for car/bike-caravans instead of marches/protests/pedestrian demonstrations.Our audio range is most clear when line of sight is possible between the transmitter and receiving vehicles. It’s often ideal to park the main sound truck at an intersection. Our Crew At the main truck:Sound/FM lead person: his person will make sure everything is working and mixed properly. We can also offer hookups to get clean sound into Facebook Live, zoom, or a recording. hooks up the FM transmitter to your existing system, or, if you do not have a sound truck we can provide one.The MC: You or someone qualified to make quick decisions needs to be with us at all times to decide who can speak and make emergency announcements.&nbsp;Mic person: Sanitizes microphones between people speaking, misc other tasks, tells people speaking where to stand for best soundWhat we need from you:Contact us for more information, questions, or actions desiring sound support: .shhhhhh:after { content: attr(data-name) "@" attr(data-domain) "." attr(data-tld); } Email us at please include: Time action beginsTime action is expected to endTime we should arriveSpecific Location of startOrganization (if applicable)Expected crowd size (best of your ability)Whether you have an existing sound team or notIs it a press conference? Do you need the audio recorded?&nbsp;Your Phone number so we can set up a Signal chat groupFacebook event page if applicableDigital Flyer/Insta post if applicableFor the demo, We will need a designated person with the organizers to be the “MC”, this person needs to be near the sound system when it is running to make decisions about who can speak, when/if to play music, and make announcements and decisions if emergencies occur.&nbsp;We will eventually need a music playlist. Even if you don’t expect to use music, we like to have something just in case. If there is downtime on the FM broadcast folks tend to turn the broadcast off, so we always like to have something playing. We default to these: Black Lives Matter / BLM: Protest Music / BLM 2020 Protest . This is a working document, please let us know if anything is confusing or in need of edit Our Satellite vehicles:very loud subaru with 4x powered speakers on roof rackvery loud pickup truck with large horns2 Priuses with very loud large hornsPickup truck with loud speakers on rackCargo Bike with loud speaker in bedVery loud bike (needs extra lead time)another sound bikeVan with roof speakers... Sometimes more! Usually 2 or 3 is enough.Do you know someone with sound gear who wants to get involved? We are always growing, as more is louder! We may be able to also provide microphones, mixers, etc for the main sound truck if needed. Email us. Pictures/Video <img width="1894" height="1294" width_o="1894" height_o="1294" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1e64ae94c69e784d3eadbbc5ac657f866ecfcc15f056e1788a6b5eaf68311580/Screen-Shot-2020-08-18-at-10.21.10-PM.png" data-mid="80270686" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1e64ae94c69e784d3eadbbc5ac657f866ecfcc15f056e1788a6b5eaf68311580/Screen-Shot-2020-08-18-at-10.21.10-PM.png" /> The loud horn rig on a truck <img width="960" height="720" width_o="960" height_o="720" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4e659c78186b425a47d4482102183dd227f6a91aa78882371b51592a638b3b9b/matt-subaru.jpg" data-mid="77896640" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/4e659c78186b425a47d4482102183dd227f6a91aa78882371b51592a638b3b9b/matt-subaru.jpg" /> Roof rack mounted speakers on a Subaru(current rig has 4 speakers) <img width="1600" height="1176" width_o="1600" height_o="1176" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7bee7c6ac111e734b6b90de900c372988b74b1852d723019f5b2b030d605e40a/pasted-image-0-1.png" data-mid="77896637" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7bee7c6ac111e734b6b90de900c372988b74b1852d723019f5b2b030d605e40a/pasted-image-0-1.png" /> One of the Priuses, we have two more set up similarlyA video overview of the tactics and systems we use. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } https://distributedsoundcollective.org/pushcart Sun, 21 Sep 2025 01:11:15 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/pushcart We have four extremely loud nible push carts for actions.&nbsp; Sometimes we link all 4 wirelessly to cover larger actions without the hassle of trucks.&nbsp; They fold somewhat flat and can operate as push strollers or as trailers for bikes/e-bikes. Link to gear setup and gear use video (8min 55sec) Link to folding video (1min 13 sec) Link to unfolding video (46 sec) Link to bike trailer mode video (25 sec)⚠️Warning! Assembly with speaker pole not firmly in cups and/or with side u-bolts not tightened can cause sudden cart collapse. Ensure operators have seen videos! One cart lives fully assembled in SoMa in SF. 2 carts live in berkeley and one in Oakland. Fill out the form in the header to borrow a cart.&nbsp;Note San Francisco cart is being hosted in a residential space on a trial basis. Be very cognizant of reducing impact to the co-op so this arrangement can continue. Do you want to make a cart of your own? We have DIY instructions here! (Advanced) <img width="768" height="1024" width_o="768" height_o="1024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a7c89ec59b26a6995edff98c1548677f117ba15fab310a506adc273a41329a67/363CE0A9-C605-4260-A043-AEBC84CD34A0_1_105_c.jpeg" data-mid="244815105" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/768/i/a7c89ec59b26a6995edff98c1548677f117ba15fab310a506adc273a41329a67/363CE0A9-C605-4260-A043-AEBC84CD34A0_1_105_c.jpeg" /> <img width="768" height="1024" width_o="768" height_o="1024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f8c6112fb6a148b1943d87581ddf90f78856f766b63aba67ceee66e94681613c/82DADC13-19AE-44F8-8B55-A215590FDB7E_1_105_c.jpeg" data-mid="244815104" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/768/i/f8c6112fb6a148b1943d87581ddf90f78856f766b63aba67ceee66e94681613c/82DADC13-19AE-44F8-8B55-A215590FDB7E_1_105_c.jpeg" /> <img width="1024" height="768" width_o="1024" height_o="768" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c8ca2fe04f352668d00561b5443f0f53d90cac1d95894bb93fb4e4e6bec03ed8/77C82C34-7745-411E-B018-EF864409F950_1_105_c.jpeg" data-mid="244815117" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c8ca2fe04f352668d00561b5443f0f53d90cac1d95894bb93fb4e4e6bec03ed8/77C82C34-7745-411E-B018-EF864409F950_1_105_c.jpeg" /> <img width="1024" height="768" width_o="1024" height_o="768" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6b1478446f93efd890c138ff717c96dde185831fc4ad79bf5b68f58a90cc2d42/FBD4D844-179A-4A5A-B43B-B6846CD6A0BE_1_105_c.jpeg" data-mid="244815114" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6b1478446f93efd890c138ff717c96dde185831fc4ad79bf5b68f58a90cc2d42/FBD4D844-179A-4A5A-B43B-B6846CD6A0BE_1_105_c.jpeg" /> https://distributedsoundcollective.org/borrow Wed, 14 Apr 2021 17:35:58 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/borrow Borrow Gear!Fill out this form first! it helps us a ton.&nbsp; here are instructions for how to use the gear!White Everse8 Speaker Tutorial Each Everse 8 is 17lbs&nbsp; and 16in. x 11 in. x 11in it can be shoulder carried with the strap.&nbsp; Borrowing both speakers? Here is a 90 second video on how to hook them both up to eachother. https://distributedsoundcollective.org/UHF Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:37:20 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/UHF Alto Stealth Pro UHF sytem tutorials We use a wireless system to synchronize the main stage with more soiuns systems, often on carts. See pushcart page! Transmitter stuff first! Scroll down for reciver stuff. <img width="1107" height="929" width_o="1107" height_o="929" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b3165ad647601faa4ce7ad84e6c77faae5b7ad79010fe0860d67b2fcceb552c0/Untitled-3.jpg" data-mid="249211678" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b3165ad647601faa4ce7ad84e6c77faae5b7ad79010fe0860d67b2fcceb552c0/Untitled-3.jpg" /> Reciever Stuff! <img width="1549" height="927" width_o="1549" height_o="927" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/990cf202f8fff123f42ed263c5e5d7111295712bde293d1e278dd622f7532a61/Screenshot-2026-06-06-at-2.42.05PM.png" data-mid="249211679" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/990cf202f8fff123f42ed263c5e5d7111295712bde293d1e278dd622f7532a61/Screenshot-2026-06-06-at-2.42.05PM.png" /> https://distributedsoundcollective.org/30-Minute-Webinar Sat, 17 Apr 2021 23:55:14 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/30-Minute-Webinar Here is a 30 minute overview of what we do and how we do it! .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } There are lotts of youtube videos about Zoom Hybrid Meetings, including this one A selection of the best slides (For entire deck, see&nbsp;Google Slides) <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a15f3ea7b730f352d463a6a7a6eb5b14af98ecee6bea258555714c5248dd1850/Sound-Of-The-Streets-11.png" data-mid="105579430" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/a15f3ea7b730f352d463a6a7a6eb5b14af98ecee6bea258555714c5248dd1850/Sound-Of-The-Streets-11.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/10f08b8b9adf4eee5f3f78291030c59c0ec26b341f3428db31f27b2d9f9acda7/Sound-Of-The-Streets.png" data-mid="105579429" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/10f08b8b9adf4eee5f3f78291030c59c0ec26b341f3428db31f27b2d9f9acda7/Sound-Of-The-Streets.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/54cbf05ecd3ac0a8e8f485c3f1821416661877d8d9715c15076511dcecab70d2/Sound-Of-The-Streets-3.png" data-mid="105579441" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/54cbf05ecd3ac0a8e8f485c3f1821416661877d8d9715c15076511dcecab70d2/Sound-Of-The-Streets-3.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/98386bb9190212df95947c91e3af29fc853ae40dcf05f1621bfdf386e9ba7a78/Sound-Of-The-Streets-4.png" data-mid="105579440" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/98386bb9190212df95947c91e3af29fc853ae40dcf05f1621bfdf386e9ba7a78/Sound-Of-The-Streets-4.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/070ba738dcd71749fc756789992543c95aa0cf68dbe84af5d736dda47ee974eb/Sound-Of-The-Streets-5.png" data-mid="105579439" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/070ba738dcd71749fc756789992543c95aa0cf68dbe84af5d736dda47ee974eb/Sound-Of-The-Streets-5.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/005e0ccd19f136953b3aa4324baea6036f023be95d730261b261d70ce6783f1b/Sound-Of-The-Streets-6.png" data-mid="105579436" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/005e0ccd19f136953b3aa4324baea6036f023be95d730261b261d70ce6783f1b/Sound-Of-The-Streets-6.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/babe9e51b039dd0b6804dd8c071c46ea7e3faac610774f030cf0d54789af3abe/Sound-Of-The-Streets-1.png" data-mid="105579443" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/babe9e51b039dd0b6804dd8c071c46ea7e3faac610774f030cf0d54789af3abe/Sound-Of-The-Streets-1.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8cde4aedc3d720dcf07454e29885e9eae754188030214bf9f662de3dc6add002/Sound-Of-The-Streets-2.png" data-mid="105579442" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/8cde4aedc3d720dcf07454e29885e9eae754188030214bf9f662de3dc6add002/Sound-Of-The-Streets-2.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c9c08d57585747829e2fedb0e35a9ff812b0b38b4451b8b89a6dd57d7a9aad76/Sound-Of-The-Streets-7.png" data-mid="105579434" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/c9c08d57585747829e2fedb0e35a9ff812b0b38b4451b8b89a6dd57d7a9aad76/Sound-Of-The-Streets-7.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/454f0f3e4b3063949e7798582441cba18b3274e0a429809b56c963f54873d70e/Sound-Of-The-Streets-8.png" data-mid="105579433" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/454f0f3e4b3063949e7798582441cba18b3274e0a429809b56c963f54873d70e/Sound-Of-The-Streets-8.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3e1f57df76ab37745ab59f7b6a0cba673a83d5deed7cd27517f6c1a740c08e2f/Sound-Of-The-Streets-9.png" data-mid="105579432" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/3e1f57df76ab37745ab59f7b6a0cba673a83d5deed7cd27517f6c1a740c08e2f/Sound-Of-The-Streets-9.png" /> <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0c1812a528a995d9682fc43ef47401fbe80e26e543f30215cac80afa8593a30b/Sound-Of-The-Streets-10.png" data-mid="105579431" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/0c1812a528a995d9682fc43ef47401fbe80e26e543f30215cac80afa8593a30b/Sound-Of-The-Streets-10.png" /> https://distributedsoundcollective.org/About-Speakers Mon, 20 Jul 2020 23:22:15 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/About-Speakers SpeakersDecibels, Boomboxes, and consumer audio gear Speakers are super important and very confusing. Boomboxes, bluetooth speakers, and home stereo systems are generally not loud enough for protests outoodrs, especially where there is road noise. Systems that feel loud in a house are likely not going to be loud on the street.&nbsp; This article will help you know what to ask to borrow, rent, or buy for your demonastration.&nbsp; <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/067cfaa678bad07e7756cbc3dc55f91bc664d80e4396e12e262f307a5dc23ff7/Sound-Of-The-Streets-4.png" data-mid="105582046" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/067cfaa678bad07e7756cbc3dc55f91bc664d80e4396e12e262f307a5dc23ff7/Sound-Of-The-Streets-4.png" />What the Watt? This paragraph is pretty technical, and you can skip it if you like. There are a few ways speakers are labelled for loudness. Sadly, most of the time, power ratings(measured in Watts) are entirely made-up for marketing/sales and not based on any actual measurements. A 2000 watt system from a low-end brand (like Pyle, ION, etc) is likely less loud than an 80 watt system from an honest brand(JBL, QSC, even Behringer). The real level of loudness is usually not listed on any low-end equipment, but the number is “maximum SPL (Sound pressure level) at 1 meter” this refers to how many decibels the unit can produce at a distance of 1 meter.&nbsp; 110db is a good minimum for a protest environment. Note that every 3 dB is “twice as loud” Another factor is that a 50 watt horn speaker is loud enough to hurt through earplugs, but a 50 watt subwoofer is not very loud at all. Loudness and watts are often not usefully related due to efficiency differnces, how much less power it takes to make higher pitch sounds, and how there is no accountability for honest labelling in the industry. <img width="1200" height="674" width_o="1200" height_o="674" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/da0de105fece1257049a0bcb487019b33d4f0572f6ab390678554169c8d41711/www.chip.de_ii_1_2_6_2_3_3_2_4_7_IMG_9621.jpeg-7a7c7f167a92e2b3.jpg" data-mid="82432357" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/da0de105fece1257049a0bcb487019b33d4f0572f6ab390678554169c8d41711/www.chip.de_ii_1_2_6_2_3_3_2_4_7_IMG_9621.jpeg-7a7c7f167a92e2b3.jpg" />Portable Battery Powered PA SpeakersBattery powered speakers are often not loud enough for large actions, with some exceptions for higher-end systems. These are a dream in terms of ease and flexibility, and can be operated with minimal traning and minimal setup time.&nbsp; The loudest is the new Soundboks $1000 (122 dB SPL @ 1m) If you wanna borrow one, it may be worth posting in this facebook group for SoundBoks Owners Note that only the newer ones (SB3)have built-inmicrophone support, so for the older ones you will need a mixer and a cabel for the mixer which has an aux cable at the output end.&nbsp; Another loud one is the $550 JBL Eon Compact One(113 dB SPL @ 1m) it is a little hard to use, it has a confusing interface. Behinger also makes a few models which are very loud, asy to use, and popular Samson makes a few, but they are not quite as loud. Some low end units (Pyle, ION, etc- generally have flashing lights) are designed to look loud and often are not, but are better than megaphones and can work in a pinch.&nbsp; Call local shops, some, including Guitar Center have rental programs. <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WXatM5_sj1_DYQ_ZWPZbB9Yq2TyJMKwKyLWV3VFxFs4xkM3BWFd1nDSJwJXMLM967itR7_yAV8Yt-zU5uwAeSlxFsNRNTHoes-Dcz6nbI-XSlLHDxFwo-1CZvfP2ROF9q_RE60tg" width="624" height="552" style="width: 624px; height: 552px;" data-scale="38">Powered PA Speakers .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }Our general purpose choice, wall-powered, or active PA speakers are very commonly owned by musicians and venues. In COVID, these are left unused. If you ask around, you may be able to borrow them. They are self contained sound systems, needing only a sound source and power to operate. We recommend borrowing or renting these, as they can cost $500- $1500 each.&nbsp; The QSC 12.2 (132 dB SPL @ 1m) is an example of a model that is very loud and popular. Because they are self-contained, they are able to protect themselves against blowing out at improper volume levels. The frustrating thing is they are not battery powered so you need to plug them in to something. See power section. &nbsp; Powered speakers can accept line level sound from a phone or a mixer, or you can plug a microphone directly into most units. They can be connected together for a louder system or one with more coverage.<img src="https://www.thunderpowermegaphones.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/670541871218.PTO6_.jpg"> Megaphones - Easy but crassMost megaphones are very poor quality, sound awful, and are not as loud as speaker systems. Having said thatt, they are very portable, easy to use, and photograph well.&nbsp;Some “50 Watt” megaphones are louder, but the ratings are often dishonest.&nbsp; Pyle’s more expesnive units $30+ are decent We have heard better things about ThunderPower but nice megaphones may not exist.&nbsp; <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Pr4Arjgp3B6IjfgYa1SscYttGC2PNypUM4ukFelPcooFPXpK0HKA3pcBs59yatjTYlTV2zyc6gjiOgYrVuSPPm4Ay7IC1amqe6wBKAP5-Hr0I3dUV1XXCiMlVOeMzItTNU7tTr3L" width="624" height="475" style="width: 624px; height: 475px;">Public Address Horns - Advanced option.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } These are difficult to set up for non-technical people, but are very loud and use very little power. Our choice for speech, Commercial PA horns, typically used for tornado warnings, stadium sound, and schoolyards have been useful for us. + For speech, they sound almost good.+ They looks great in photos+ They are lightweight and easy to mount+ They use 90% less power than equally loud full-range speakers with more bass+ They are cheap- For Music, they sound like 1940s folk recordings.- They require separate amplifiers making set up a little more work Some larger horns require special 70 volt amplifiers. We have had great luck with the Pyle 16” 100w horn. We have never run it at full volume as it has been too loud, a good problem to have. It can run off 70v amplifiers or normal ones. We have been using this 70 volt unit from ebay for pretty cheap ($70). &nbsp;Atlas Sound PA1001G but it needs a mixer to hook up to Mics. Here is&nbsp;An Example amplifier that has a mixer built in. Here is a tutorial about 70 volt speakers. Passive PA speakers with Power Amplifiers - Advanced Option Passive speakers require a seperate amplifier and the loud professional models are easy to damage if used by inexperienced people. As such, they are hard to borrow. While they can be the loudest option, they should be operated by experienced people. They are more complex to set up, as the amplifier is separate and often large and heavy. We would recommend against buying them, as they add complexity. If you are operating these, be cautious with volume levels and especially bass levels to reduce the chances of damage. Car Audio Gear - Advanced Option Car audio gear is designed to run off of a car. So far so good! Car audio amplifiers are great and very efficient. They are designed to turn line-level audio into speaker signals for any speakers, generally in the 2-8 ohm range. Some crafty group members have had great results hooking car audio amplifiers up to passive PA speakers strapped to their vehicle. Speakers designed for cars generally are not that loud because the listener is very close. When they areloud, they emphasize bass. They do not come with cabinets, and speakers need enclosures to work. You can use any speaker on these amplifiers, as long as the impedience is right (usually 4 or 8 ohms) Things also get tricky because car systems never have microphone inputs, meaning you need a mixer , but you can get usb-powered mixers for about $50. https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Portable-Power-Batteries-Inverters-Generators Sun, 16 Aug 2020 20:01:26 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Portable-Power-Batteries-Inverters-Generators .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/066f1ab3589d43532fd5b91bb71dcf689499de55f50ed2ff98702f626cb3ebfb/Sound-Of-The-Streets-9.png" data-mid="105581980" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/066f1ab3589d43532fd5b91bb71dcf689499de55f50ed2ff98702f626cb3ebfb/Sound-Of-The-Streets-9.png" /><img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/78e64e3eac20102befde079840017adf30b29f5dd84029071d0d02bb21f0d0be/Sound-Of-The-Streets-6.png" data-mid="105581983" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/78e64e3eac20102befde079840017adf30b29f5dd84029071d0d02bb21f0d0be/Sound-Of-The-Streets-6.png" /> How to use power inverters to run any system off a battery •the battery shown is a 65lb 12v 100ah&nbsp; AGM lead acid battery. It provides about 1000 watt-hours for about $200 •1000 watt-hours means it can power 1000 watts for one hour, or 1 watt for 1000 hours, or 500 watts for 2 hours and so on. •the ONLY way to know how many watts your system uses is to plug it in and measure it at the volume you will have it set at and the type of sounds you will be playing. Bass uses more power than treble, so music uses more power than speech. Silence uses almost no power. The watteg ratings on equiptemnt are never even remotely close to how much power the unit actually uses, so do not worry about plugging your "2000 watt" speaker into your inverter, it will be fine. •We reccomend only getting an inverter with a wattage display so you can tell how close you are to your limit during use. •1000w is enough power for most systems, and can typically power 2-4 large speakers depending on thier age and size. <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/345388d044c8d4c609ca3b4f5146cca39198a8275aeea2a31482383b4a960469/Sound-Of-The-Streets-7.png" data-mid="105581982" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/345388d044c8d4c609ca3b4f5146cca39198a8275aeea2a31482383b4a960469/Sound-Of-The-Streets-7.png" /> How to install an inverter in a Toyota Prius or a&nbsp;normal car •Make sure the car is running, or else you could drain the battery too far and need a jump start to drive home. (to perm) <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d6b05866fe2d2c7f72edc29bb65bd6713001a5349e88f5ffee0df06deac4222b/Sound-Of-The-Streets-5.png" data-mid="105581984" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/d6b05866fe2d2c7f72edc29bb65bd6713001a5349e88f5ffee0df06deac4222b/Sound-Of-The-Streets-5.png" /> How to use a portable battery bank or "battery generator" to easily and safely run any system (more expensive) •GoalZero is a popular brand available in camping stores •Consider getting only UL listed models to increase longevity and reduce the risk of fire. •Reccomend borrwong these from camping enthusaiasts. <img width="960" height="540" width_o="960" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/51a8f22610894033f6a4231e206f87d368acd6b20cda7fde2ea0c972ce45efbb/Sound-Of-The-Streets-8.png" data-mid="105581981" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/51a8f22610894033f6a4231e206f87d368acd6b20cda7fde2ea0c972ce45efbb/Sound-Of-The-Streets-8.png" /> Gas Generators Gas Generators are smelly, loud, hot, and expensive but easy to rent from tool rental shops. They should never be run indoors or in a car, nad great care should be taken to point the super hot exaust port away from objects and people. The Honda E2200i is a very popular, very quiet, and very reliable generator. Generally, other brands are crazy loud. Finding an outlet Getting in touch with local businesses you may be able to run an extension cord from is an option. If you get a permit for your action and an amplified sound permit, the city may provide power. In our expereice, this is a huge wast of time and money, as it is often unconstitutional to enforce permit requirements, the costs are high, and the state than exerts control on your event, that is presumably protesting the state. &nbsp; https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Sanitizing-Your-Microphones Sun, 02 Aug 2020 15:53:53 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Sanitizing-Your-Microphones This video includes how to prevent feedback, clean Microphones, and connect a call-in guest to the speakers. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Why to SanitizeA microphone is a lot like a shared lollipop. Lots of folks spit on it, making it an ideal vector for COVID. How to SanitizeWe always spray each microphone with 80% Alcohol at least 4 times (3 sprays all around the screen, and a few to soak the handle.) It would be even better to have 2 (or more microphones) so one can be cleaned while the other is used. This also gives the alcohol time to work, as well as reducing the time mic handoffs take. If there is an MC, they can have their own dedicated microphone that only needs to be sanitized once. It is also helpful to sanitize the hands of the people who use the mic, before they speak. When to Sanitize This is the hardest part, as folks tend to forget in the energy of the moment. Everyone who plans to speak must accept that we have to spray between each and every person speaker. We did sound at a McDonald’s Strike action and later discovered that 7 of the 10 workers who spoke had then-undiagnosed active COVID infections. As far as we can tell, our microphone hygiene prevented further spread at the action.What to Sanitize <img width="840" height="202" width_o="840" height_o="202" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1171c69dfe2d7c23c02a5f99c4536a7a8fd8b8dcf63f06744760f0fb2292fd63/Mic-Foam.png" data-mid="78930203" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/840/i/1171c69dfe2d7c23c02a5f99c4536a7a8fd8b8dcf63f06744760f0fb2292fd63/Mic-Foam.png" /> While we have never damaged a microphone with&nbsp; 80% alcohol hand sanitizer spray, you may want to use a $3 foam windscreen to protect the microphone. Also note,some mics are expensive, but COVID is deadly. Nice mics are available for as little as $16/each if you don’t want to spray fancy ones. (Wireless mics are not reccomended in general due to FM interference, battery stress, and folks tend to wander out of range. ) <img width="1151" height="281" width_o="1151" height_o="281" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fd4614dae7bbba638921b12edfc1cc47f204552278a7d38b285f39a2a46667d4/download-1.png" data-mid="78927941" border="0" data-scale="63" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fd4614dae7bbba638921b12edfc1cc47f204552278a7d38b285f39a2a46667d4/download-1.png" />What to Sanitize With We have found that the liquidy spray hand-sanitizers work great. The alcohol content is high, so they evaporate quickly. The presence of a little bit of glycerol keeps it from drying out your skin after spraying mics all day. It has been readily available in grocery stores, already packaged in spray bottles. Get several, expect to lose several bottles at each demo. Who should Sanitize It is ideal to have a dedicated person whose job is to handle and clean microphones. They should ideally also understand the basics of what causes audio feedback so they can assist people speaking with proper microphone placement and standing position to reduce feedback. (Holding the microphone close to the mouth, having the person stand behind the loudspeakers, ensureing the person knows about the microphone switch (if present)) https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Using-a-mixer-Preventing-feedback-hooking-up-phones Mon, 20 Jul 2020 23:19:58 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/Using-a-mixer-Preventing-feedback-hooking-up-phones .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }Mixing is twiddling knobs so people can be heard. A mixer is an intimidating board with an absurd number of knobs. It is nice to know what they all do, even if you don’t need them all. You will probably have one or two microphones at your action, plus music from a phone or laptop. Having a phone ready is huge, as you can use it not only for music, but for pre-recorded speeches and to have folks call in to the demo on Zoom or Signal audio. Try to avoid using regular phone calls as the quality is really bad. We have also had people show up with guitars, full DJ decks, and laptops. A mixer lets you handle all of that, and even all at once so there can be music behind chants. We have found the ideal mixer (cost, features, size) to be the Peavy PV6BT. It has space for two mics, bluetooth for you phone, and a USB audio interface, which allows you to easily set up for internet radio broadcasting, zoom broadcasting, or facebook live with the high qualitu sound that comes right off the mixer. This video starts with mic sani procedures, but goes on to talk about feeback prevention and phone hookup. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Feedback is a loud screaming noise that occurs when a microphone is able to pick up sound from the speaker. The signal gets louder with every trip around the loop, and sounds worse and worse. Here are the two most important things you need to know to prevent feedback. #1 – Keep all of your microphones behind the main loudspeakers. This lowers the chances of a feedback loop starting from the main speakers back to the microphone. There is a “feedback zone” in front of speakers, typically a triangular zone coming&nbsp; #2 – Have people hold the microphone very close to their mouths to get a strong signal at the microphone. Placing the microphone too far away causes you to turn up the gain and makes the mic more likely to feedback. If feedback does happen, try to quickly identify the source, and then follow one of these quick tips: Mute it. If you have to stop feedback fast, mute the channel. It’s better to have no sound than to have a high pitched scream kill the vibe (and potentially damage your speakers).Turn it down. Sometimes all you need to do to keep a mic from feeding back is turn it down a small amount. It might not even affect the sound that much, but a small volume reduction can keep a feedback loop from happening. https://distributedsoundcollective.org/All-About-Antennas-Range Mon, 20 Jul 2020 23:29:23 +0000 DistributedSound https://distributedsoundcollective.org/All-About-Antennas-Range “It is better to have a 1 Watt transmitter on a 100’ft(33m) pole than a 100 Watt Transitter on a 1’ft(0.3m) pole” -Someone.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Antennas are really complicated, but we are not trying to run a commercial radio station. Our goal is to cover enough ground to run a rally and that is not so hard. Radio pretty much can only travel in straight lines, unobstructed. This is called Line of Sight. Real transmission towers are often in mountains or on tall buildings in order to cover entire cities. There is some wiggle room, where radio can be heard when obstructed, but it is best to think of it as a fuzzy zone around the areas where line-of-sight is available.&nbsp; In the interest of keeping things short, we are only going to talk about two antenna types, a stealthy short one called a quarter-wave antenna, and a really large one called a five-eights-wave antenna.&nbsp;<img width="1244" height="893" width_o="1244" height_o="893" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/63c79b9660a114b60bf33ed0f69b500019c2ce9c375336739da6ab5f79b7c05c/magmount.png" data-mid="78933211" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/63c79b9660a114b60bf33ed0f69b500019c2ce9c375336739da6ab5f79b7c05c/magmount.png" /> The quarter wave antenna is best for anytime you need things to be easy or the transmission car is driving around. It plops on your rooftop with a magnet and is about 33” long (1m). There are two downsides to this. One is that is is not very high off the ground, giving you less range. The other is that this is an omni directional antenna, which means it wastes some of your precious power sending signals into the sky, where your audience is not. Buy Links:&nbsp;Antenna and magnetic base and adapter ~$50 Antenna must be cut to match frequency, ~88.X FM is full length, shorter for higher frequencies. <img width="4911" height="4359" width_o="4911" height_o="4359" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7f19e919dc0ac66218ab57eaec8075fda8d41fb696b9898fb89007f882350557/comet-5-8.png" data-mid="78933210" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7f19e919dc0ac66218ab57eaec8075fda8d41fb696b9898fb89007f882350557/comet-5-8.png" /> The five-eights antenna is tall, like 8’ft (2.5m) and has three long radial spokes at the base.&nbsp; It must be mounted on a mast, making things complicated for cars. Mast holders for trailer hitches are available, as are mast holders that you park on. It increases your range by about 50% (or more if you get it up higher) the legal limit for car height is 14’ft, and at around 12’ft you start hitting trees. Not reccomended to use while the car is moving.&nbsp;Datasheet&nbsp; Buy Link Antenna cable connectors <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Eb9b8zEqZRgq9KvjrUFod3yKVf9W377MeLv1kUdOPOdGPCBWFx2SGSu0_DpYPXhnTNQVslDqnNs51c8S6FTHPyQcrG5-u4IHGU_n7tzFkzFUzB2BkRbzliwT4-l9x7YVtoUtBhEy" width="372" height="350" style="width: 289.486px; height: 272.366px;" data-scale="74"> UHF Plugs and Sockets The most common connectors for antennas are called UHF connectors. The socket is called SO-239, and the plug is called PL-259.&nbsp; (cable upper right, jack lower left) Strangely, very few FM transmitters have these plugs. <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/RHjhAHhoKdWmTO2BmFT5f_fBx3Fk6iV8ftH3yNK2GuPlverCAZIENMpWmeOLt7OTIAvVinoUuSilUzeDvinyKf8Cbkb2qq4mp0xXxtzWXX6ozDW4bg-6eDLrEkbmMnxvID3z6pjg" width="432" height="388" style="width: 391.197px; height: 351.353px;"> BNC Plugs and Sockets Most lower power transmitters use BNC (cable on top, jack on bottom) TNC is similar, but it is screw-on. Adapters are available for this too. <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PEk4s-rBbMFDLMCTDzQV1G__n2T045XAG_6_xu67lnNgK3XmcoMtp6XLPIlXLry0IH1Ieds4wEliH_8SRvS1m6ah7SrgPni842ysXa3BtRzuVaEizG_oRpAGc9Hfw9Qa1fKvq-rj" width="624" height="279" style="width: 391.197px; height: 174.91px;"> N-Type Plugs and Sockets Higher-power transmitters use N-type (cable on left, jack on right) An adapter can be used to connect any antenna to any jack. Antenna Wires Antenna wires should be as short as possible. They should not be run near any other wires (power, audio, microphone, etc) as this can cause hum in your broadcast. Here is a great article about FM range and antennas