Amplified Speakers

We have a big, honking sound system for the overall atmosphere. But we have "spot sound" associated with several props, such as the scream box that is triggered when the popup skeleton activates.

Each of these spot sounds uses a sound source, like a portable CD player, and a set of self-powered speakers.

Why?
Usage Notes
Gallery Of Some Speakers
- Inland
- RadioShack

Why?

We have a big, honking sound system for the overall atmosphere. But we have "spot sound" associated with several props, such as the scream box that is triggered when the popup skeleton activates.

Each of these spot sounds has its own sound source, like a portable CD player, and a set of self-powered speakers.

This allows us to crank the sound level of each prop up and down, and aim the speakers in the direction of the TOTs.

Some time ago, I thought it reasonable to build small dedicated amplifiers for each prop that required spot sound. I have come completely around on this subject: small sound systems are an exercise in purchasing, not manufacture. This is because small sound systems, usually intended for use with computers, are so inexpensive nowadays, it's scary!

For just a few bucks, you get amplifier, volume control, speaker(s), and some sort of power (either a plug for the wall, or a compartment for batteries).

Usage Notes

Do not run line-level audio signals for long distances, and then finally plug them into amplified speakers to play. The long input cable acts as an antenna, picking up other electrical signals that will mix with your sound, and come out the speakers!

Use self-amplified speakers only with a nearby sound source!

If you have to send signals a long way, pre-amplify them on the sending side. If you put out a stronger signal, you will have a higher signal-to-noise ratio, and the "antenna" noise will cause fewer problems.

Gallery Of Some Speakers

Inland

This is a two-speaker stereo unit made by Inland. It is powered from the AC line.

I got this one at Fry's, but not for the $9.99 price tag. They show up on sale for $2.99 or $4.99 every few weeks.

According to the package, these units are available in either black or beige cases. I have looked a lot, but never seen these particular amplified speakers in black cases. Spray paint fixes that.

Sound is input via 1/8 Inch (3.5mm) stereo plug.

Radio Shack

This is a little monophonic amplified speaker from Radio Shack. It is normally battery-powered, but has a jack to accept an external power source.

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