Outdoor sound

[jchance]

I've searched for posts and can't find anything specifically on this subject. We occasionally dance outdoors at an art fair and have to supply our own sound equipment. What we have is not loud enough, especially when a band is playing a block away or the wind is blowing.

Can anyone make a recommendation?

Thanks,

Jami

[JGilchrist]

It all depends on the venue. For our troupe I have a Peavey Escort portable PA system ([ame=http://www.amazon.com/Peavey-Escort-Portable-Sound-System/dp/B0002JK5CM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1239675528&sr=8-3]Amazon.com: Peavey Escort Portable Sound System with Stand PA System: Musical Instruments[/ame]) that works for most places we perform. It would be nice to have a little more power, but it works well for 90% of our performances where we have to provide our own sound. There are also systems from Fender that look good but are not quite as portable (the Peavey has wheels, a godsend sometimes).

In general terms, if you want more volume you need more power (watts). The Peavey has 150 watts. How much power you need will depend on how far you need the sound to project, how loud you want it to be, and the environment. Walls will reflect sound and you will require less power near reflecting objects than in an open field with a strong wind.

Getting the speakers up in the air makes a big difference too. Get them above your head to really project. Sound from speakers on the ground will get lost in the crowd.

In any event, you need to look at PA systems, not boom boxes.