| What is a portable sound system? The definition | | | | or outdoors? Is it a wide open area, or are there |
| would depend on who a person is talking to. The | | | | many barriers present to block sound waves? |
| general public may think of an i-Pod and a docking | | | | What is the size of the crowd I am addressing? |
| station or a Boom Box. Those in the Audio | | | | Will I be projecting in a straight line or do I need |
| System industry would have a vastly different | | | | to have audio project in a radius to cover the |
| definition, dealing with speaker arrays, wireless | | | | crowd effectively? What acoustic considerations |
| receivers and transmitters, microphone systems, | | | | are there? For example, is the venue full of plush |
| etc. This article will be dealing with the second | | | | items which dampen noise or is it largely hard |
| definition, Portable voice and music sound | | | | surfaces, or are there major sources of |
| systems. Even under this definition, the difference | | | | background noise which need to be accounted |
| between systems can be dramatic. Systems can | | | | for? How portable does the system have to be? |
| vary from ultra-portable handheld speaker PA | | | | Will power be available at the venue? How often |
| systems, like the Anchor MegaVox PRO or | | | | will the system be used, is it a one time event, |
| Anchor MiniVox Lite to Midsized systems like the | | | | and occasional use or regular use over the |
| Anchor Liberty or Xtreme and large capacity | | | | long-term? Lastly, what is the available budget? |
| audio systems like the Anchor Beacon Sound | | | | Systems can range from under $200.00 for the |
| System. | | | | smallest ones to several thousand dollars for |
| These are all self contained, portable units, which | | | | more powerful systems, so budget is a major |
| offer amplification, quality speakers, and | | | | consideration. Don’t' look at this as strictly a |
| microphones. The size differential allows for a | | | | cost issue; however, look at it as a return on |
| system which can effectively transmit sound to a | | | | investment issue. Will the use which is obtained |
| small group in a limited space to systems which | | | | from the system justify the cost? What is the |
| can transmit sound clearly in large open areas to | | | | cost of having an inadequate system? These |
| crowds up to 5000 people. The larger systems | | | | questions should paint a fair picture of what kind |
| also offer greater options, such as wired | | | | of system is required. So long as the system |
| microphones, single wireless microphone receivers | | | | purchased is adequate to the tasks required of it, |
| and multiple wireless receivers. Varied systems | | | | the sound quality will be good on any of the |
| also offer options such as built in MP3 players. Of | | | | Anchor systems mentioned. However, sound |
| course the ability to Daisy Chain, or tie together | | | | quality does degrade when a system is |
| multiple units allows many of the smaller systems | | | | overtaxed. For this reason, it is usually advisable |
| to be used to reach larger crowds as well. | | | | to purchase a system which has power to spare. |
| While the smallest systems tend to be solely | | | | This ensures that the system and sound quality |
| battery operated, the larger systems often allow | | | | will not be harmed by trying to get more from it |
| for AC and DC operation, from internal batteries | | | | than it is designed to handle. |
| and external power sources. Depending on the | | | | To research specifics on Portable sound systems, |
| degree of portability required this can be an | | | | visit full line audio system dealers. They can offer |
| important consideration. If the presenter will be | | | | advice on systems based on your specific needs, |
| moving, as one would when giving a tour, or | | | | they can also offer product specifications to |
| possibly at a rally or parade, then the small | | | | clarify what a particular system is able to do. |
| handheld, battery powered option would be best. | | | | Excellent sources of information exist on the |
| On the other hand, when the presentation is to | | | | internet; however a buyer is often well suited to |
| be given from a fixed location, larger options may | | | | talk to friends and associates who have |
| be better suited. Larger portable sound systems | | | | experience with various products. Personal |
| are easily moved from one location to another, | | | | experiences can be invaluable in finding the right |
| with set up and break down times which are | | | | products for your needs. With the high potential |
| minimal, but they are not designed to be portable | | | | costs, take the time to research well before |
| during use. Here the considerations will tend to be | | | | making a purchase. The selections are wide and |
| venue and crowd size. A decibel level output high | | | | the options are varied but the portable sound |
| enough to carry sound effectively should | | | | system to meet any needs is available. |
| determined and equipment obtained to meet or | | | | To explore the Full Line of Anchor Audio Products |
| exceed that standard. Availability of power is | | | | visit Anchor Audio Warehouse at Portable Sound |
| another major consideration. While the Beacon | | | | System Dealeror call 1-800- 772-1605 to inquire |
| offers AC/DC power, the extreme requires AC, | | | | about specific items or what products would |
| and therefore cannot be used if electrical outlets | | | | match your presentation needs. |
| are not available. The Liberty offers both power | | | | Scott Schwartz - SDS Consulting Group - |
| source options as well. Anchor covers the range | | | | Greenwich, CT - 203-979-9822 - CT Outsource |
| of portable sound systems well, and produces a | | | | Services Provider |
| solid, professional and high quality line of products, | | | | Full service independent consultant. Services |
| but I will not say that they are the only brand | | | | offered include Curricula Design, training program |
| which does so. Shop around to find the system | | | | facilitation, presentation design, marketing |
| which best suits your needs. | | | | campaigns, database design, document design, |
| How does one determine what their needs are? | | | | system designs and strategic planning at costs |
| A few simple questions can help with that | | | | that small businesses can afford. Local source for |
| process. First how big is the venue? Is it indoors | | | | small business outsourcing. |