Portable Sound Systems, How Portable Are Systems and How is the Sound Quality? by Scott Schwartz

[Scott]

What is a portable sound system? The definition would depend on who a
person is talking to. The general public may think of an i-Pod and a
docking station or a Boom Box. Those in the Audio System industry
would have a vastly different definition, dealing with speaker arrays,
wireless receivers and transmitters, microphone systems, etc. This
article will be dealing with the second definition, Portable voice and
music sound systems. Even under this definition, the difference
between systems can be dramatic. Systems can vary from ultra-portable
handheld speaker PA systems, like the Anchor MegaVox PRO or Anchor
MiniVox Lite to Midsized systems like the Anchor Liberty or Xtreme and
large capacity audio systems like the Anchor Beacon Sound System.

These are all self contained, portable units, which offer
amplification, quality speakers, and microphones. The size
differential allows for a system which can effectively transmit sound
to a small group in a limited space to systems which can transmit
sound clearly in large open areas to crowds up to 5000 people. The
larger systems also offer greater options, such as wired microphones,
single wireless microphone receivers and multiple wireless receivers.
Varied systems also offer options such as built in MP3 players. Of
course the ability to Daisy Chain, or tie together multiple units
allows many of the smaller systems to be used to reach larger crowds
as well.

While the smallest systems tend to be solely battery operated, the
larger systems often allow for AC and DC operation, from internal
batteries and external power sources. Depending on the degree of
portability required this can be an important consideration. If the
presenter will be moving, as one would when giving a tour, or possibly
at a rally or parade, then the small handheld, battery powered option
would be best. On the other hand, when the presentation is to be given
from a fixed location, larger options may be better suited. Larger
portable sound systems are easily moved from one location to another,
with set up and break down times which are minimal, but they are not
designed to be portable during use. Here the considerations will tend
to be venue and crowd size. A decibel level output high enough to
carry sound effectively should determined and equipment obtained to
meet or exceed that standard. Availability of power is another major
consideration. While the Beacon offers AC/DC power, the extreme
requires AC, and therefore cannot be used if electrical outlets are
not available. The Liberty offers both power source options as well.
Anchor covers the range of portable sound systems well, and produces a
solid, professional and high quality line of products, but I will not
say that they are the only brand which does so. Shop around to find
the system which best suits your needs.

How does one determine what their needs are? A few simple questions
can help with that process. First how big is the venue? Is it indoors
or outdoors? Is it a wide open area, or are there many barriers
present to block sound waves? What is the size of the crowd I am
addressing? Will I be projecting in a straight line or do I need to
have audio project in a radius to cover the crowd effectively? What
acoustic considerations are there? For example, is the venue full of
plush items which dampen noise or is it largely hard surfaces, or are
there major sources of background noise which need to be accounted
for? How portable does the system have to be? Will power be available
at the venue? How often will the system be used, is it a one time
event, and occasional use or regular use over the long-term? Lastly,
what is the available budget? Systems can range from under $200.00 for
the smallest ones to several thousand dollars for more powerful
systems, so budget is a major consideration. Don't' look at this as
strictly a cost issue; however, look at it as a return on investment
issue. Will the use which is obtained from the system justify the
cost? What is the cost of having an inadequate system? These questions
should paint a fair picture of what kind of system is required. So
long as the system purchased is adequate to the tasks required of it,
the sound quality will be good on any of the Anchor systems mentioned.
However, sound quality does degrade when a system is overtaxed. For
this reason, it is usually advisable to purchase a system which has
power to spare. This ensures that the system and sound quality will
not be harmed by trying to get more from it than it is designed to
handle.

To research specifics on Portable sound systems, visit full line audio
system dealers. They can offer advice on systems based on your
specific needs, they can also offer product specifications to clarify
what a particular system is able to do. Excellent sources of
information exist on the internet; however a buyer is often well
suited to talk to friends and associates who have experience with
various products. Personal experiences can be invaluable in finding
the right products for your needs. With the high potential costs, take
the time to research well before making a purchase. The selections are
wide and the options are varied but the portable sound system to meet
any needs is available.


About the Author

Check out http://www.anchoraudiowarehouse.com for Anchor Audio
Portable Sound Systems

Scott Schwartz - SDS Consulting Group - Greenwich, CT - 203-979-9822
http://www.ctoutsourceservices.com - Full service independent
consultant.