View Full Version : Speakers for underground/street parties
Madcut
04-22-2012, 04:39 PM
I am looking for some speakers that would fit some specific needs in a $1,000 budget. I'm really interested in mobility in throwing events. The things I would want to do would be:
Desert parties
Attaching speakers to a shopping-cart with a mixer, all powered by a car battery (1000 amp hours, 16v) . This would allow for a degree of mobility in creating flash dance parties or political rallies. I got this idea from instrucables:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-shopping-cart-sound-system-for-stree/
I'm not sure if that would even work on a shopping cart. If I was using upwards of 1,000 watt speakers, then it might vibrate the hell out of the cart and it doesn't seem like that would be good for the speakers if they were sitting next to each other. I could just use poles to set them up, but that would take away from some of the mobility and general coolness.
Throwing events in tunnel areas or general abandoned areas (buildings, caves, etc)
Most of what I would be doing would most likely be serving less than 50 people, but all of it is outdoors. I would like a sound system that is loud enough to serve say a 30-50ft radius area. The sound doesn't need to be perfect. I would like to get two powered tops and then buy subs later.
I would probably be mixing most of the music myself on an APC40.
I'm thinking that 12" speakers may be more convenient for mobility. Some speakers I was looking at were here:
Behringer Eurolive B815NEO Powered PA Speaker
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=02D-0057-00089
JBL PRX612M - Self-Powered 12" 2-Way Multipurpose Reinforcement Speaker
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0R70743844
The JBL is outside of my budget, but it is highly recommended by people. The Behringers have gotten really good reviews online, and they are supposed to be particularly light. I'm would be concerned about lugging all this stuff around; it's quite possible that stuff could get damaged along the way.
I would kinda like to buy off newegg as I have some discounts on that site, but their PA selection is kinda slim.
I realize that most of the events I would want to be doing would scarcely be legal. But they would be in more remote locations outside of (hopefully) the earspan of the public, unless I was doing some park parties or demonstrations where there is no alcohol or drugs involved.
Any advice on the topic would be appreciated. To get an idea on the type of locale I would want to be doing an event, here's a good site with pics:
http://www.phxtaco.com/south-tucson-canals/
Jason Cerna
04-22-2012, 05:00 PM
http://blog.theboomcase.com/
*NOT SURE IF SERIOUS*
http://adaptershack.com/m/files/img401.imageshack.us_img401_7936_notsureifserious. gif
Unknown DJ
04-22-2012, 05:13 PM
*NOT SURE IF SERIOUS*
http://adaptershack.com/m/files/img401.imageshack.us_img401_7936_notsureifserious. gif
Serious. Putting P.A. systems on things like bikes seems to be getting very popular. I`m thinking it has to do with family's living in apartments and kids not having there own space.
I would take a look at 2 of these and a sub of some type.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/B205D.aspx
sss18734
04-22-2012, 05:19 PM
Go on Craigslist and find a pair or two of those old wood-grain house speakers. Power them with a Crown XLS 402 or something.
Those house speakers typically have better bass response than many entry-level PA speakers.
Since you're powering this with a battery, keep your power as low as possible. To avoid using a DC-AC converter, you could also just use a car audio amplifier that can handle a 16 volt draw.
Madcut
04-22-2012, 05:20 PM
Ha, I'm dead serious. I have my own apartment but it's small. I like the aesthetics of underground parties. I feel like there is so much potential with music and visual art.
BTW: All those links are not working.
jayhwk
04-22-2012, 05:22 PM
I'd forget the car battery and buy a small generator with a built in inverter. The Honda EU series is really popular, but may be out of your price range. Do you have a Harbor Freight near you? They import cheap crap but probably will have something like what you're looking for.
As far as loudspeakers go, I hate to recommend Behringer, but in this case I think it'd be wise. If the cops take your speakers or they are otherwise damaged, you won't be out too much money. They will be more than enough for 50 people.
Madcut
04-22-2012, 05:22 PM
nvm, working. maybe it's my connection.
Madcut
04-22-2012, 05:27 PM
Go on Craigslist and find a pair or two of those old wood-grain house speakers. Power them with a Crown XLS 402 or something.
Those house speakers typically have better bass response than many entry-level PA speakers.
Since you're powering this with a battery, keep your power as low as possible. To avoid using a DC-AC converter, you could also just use a car audio amplifier that can handle a 16 volt draw.
If I used a car battery like say: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=267-7056&utm_source=googleps
Wouldn't that be enough for what I'm trying to do? 16,000 watt hours on a 1-2k watt PA system- 8-16 hours of play time? Maybe I'm wrong. I need to learn a lot about power and general electronics in the coming weeks.
Madcut
04-22-2012, 05:33 PM
Maybe I should rephrase my question: what exactly do I need to hook up powered speakers to a 16v car battery?
sss18734
04-22-2012, 05:38 PM
If I used a car battery like say: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=267-7056&utm_source=googleps
Wouldn't that be enough for what I'm trying to do? 16,000 watt hours on a 1-2k watt PA system- 8-16 hours of play time? Maybe I'm wrong. I need to learn a lot about power and general electronics in the coming weeks.
Oh wow... Your expectations are much too high. First, that link is not a battery, it's a capacitor.
To realistically run a 1,000 watt PA for 8 hours, you are going to need some BIG batteries. I have a 100 lb, 134ah C&D Battery in my truck. Tests have shown that those batteries can handle a 2000 wRMS tone for 20 minutes before reaching zero capacity. Off music, you're looking at an hour at most if you are cranking it.
This is something that can be done, but I wouldn't go over 200-400 wRMS if you expect any kind of extended playback. You'll still need to fill your cart with like 300 lbs of batteries, though :P
sss18734
04-22-2012, 05:42 PM
Maybe I should rephrase my question: what exactly do I need to hook up powered speakers to a 16v car battery?
Battery > DC to AC converter > Speakers
Keep in mind the converter will draw current as well, further robbing you of extended playback time. Any reason you want to go with a 16v battery over a standard 12v?
Madcut
04-22-2012, 05:59 PM
Battery > DC to AC converter > Speakers
Keep in mind the converter will draw current as well, further robbing you of extended playback time. Any reason you want to go with a 16v battery over a standard 12v?
I was thinking that the higher amp hours and 16v would produce greater watt hours. But I think I've been confused about this all along. :lol:
Is a generator going to be a better idea than using car batteries? I could get smaller speakers to run longer on car batteries, but I want to make sure I get some loudness out of whatever I get and can at least play for over 5 hours.
I haven't purchased anything, so any recommendations are welcomed.
Madcut
04-22-2012, 06:04 PM
I feel like I need a PA system pushing out 2,000 watts, ideally. It seems like this could cover up to 100 people outdoors and 200 indoors? I'm using 20 watts per person outdoors. I know there is lots of variables, but it would be useful if I could figure out where I need to be watt-wise before I figure out what power to use.
sss18734
04-22-2012, 06:09 PM
I feel like I need a PA system pushing out 2,000 watts, ideally. It seems like this could cover up to 100 people outdoors and 200 indoors? I'm using 20 watts per person outdoors. I know there is lots of variables, but it would be useful if I could figure out where I need to be watt-wise before I figure out what power to use.
You're overestimating how much energy batteries can hold. A 2,000 watt battery-powered PA is not realistic.
If you want anything over a few hundred watts, you're better off either:
A) Using your car as a mobile generator. With this idea, don't bother with anything more than ~1200 watts RMS unless you plan on electrical upgrades to your alternator and batteries. Your car would have to be running the entire time.
B) Using a mobile gas-powered generator. Too bad they are so noisy!
Madcut
04-22-2012, 06:30 PM
You're overestimating how much energy batteries can hold. A 2,000 watt battery-powered PA is not realistic.
If you want anything over a few hundred watts, you're better off either:
A) Using your car as a mobile generator. With this idea, don't bother with anything more than ~1200 watts RMS unless you plan on electrical upgrades to your alternator and batteries. Your car would have to be running the entire time.
B) Using a mobile gas-powered generator. Too bad they are so noisy!
I spoke with my stepdad and he recommended a 3,500-5,000 watt gas-powered generator that would be able to power speakers and lights. But alas! Now I'm back to immobility. I guess I need to either decrease my expectations on what I can expect from a battery powered system, or go with bigger speakers and use a generator. The latter option is still possible for throwing underground events at locations like I posted above, but it would be more difficult hauling things in. My stepdad recommended 200ft of heavy gauge extension cords to reduce sound coming from the generator.
Hmmm, so many options!
Unknown DJ
04-23-2012, 12:31 AM
Look at this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1365445&highlight=bike
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/40955_1541249262124_1561737128_2882244_7513233_n.j pg
windspeed36
04-23-2012, 12:55 AM
Seriously, you're limited to about 3 options of providing decent audio quality. 2 of the options would only be good for up to maybe 30-100 people depending on volume and ambient noise?
http://dbtechnologies.com/index.php?id=22&L=0&tx_amdbt_pi1%5Bcategory%5D=20&tx_amdbt_pi1%5Bproduct%5D=347
http://www.mipro.com.tw/link/2_2_ma808.htm
Your third option is to pick up as mentioned a Honda EU Generator, either the EU30is (http://powerequipment.honda.com.au/Super_Quiet/EU30is) or the EU20i (http://powerequipment.honda.com.au/Super_Quiet/EU20i) depending on your setup. Then get a pair of decent powered 12"s such as the RCF 312A's (better than the 315's due to the cabinet design and airflow) or a pair of 15"s such as the JBL PRX615M's.
I would personally go with option 3. It would give me more flexibility and appear more professional.
rsn62
04-23-2012, 05:14 PM
I agree, get a honda eu2000i. Then get just one decent powered speaker. Like a qsc k12, art312, or prx.
In your situation considering that you want to stay mobile on the fly just get one speaker to start. Also get or make some kind of padded cover for it because
it will get pretty banged up in a shopping cart or just being on the move alot. Use a speaker stand where u can.
the k12's run at around 2.5 amps you might even be able to use one with a honda eu1000i which weighs only 29 lbs.
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