Sound Set up for Outdoor Movies

tryagain on 25/04/2021 - 19:16

So basically considering hiring out our outdoor movie set up, we have a good screen that we picked up second hand, a decent projector, (although considering upgrading this as well) but the old Bluetooth speaker we use at home probably wouldn't cut it for a hire situation.

So looking at 2nd hand (read cheap) sound options, predominantly thinking of either simple PA type setups due to them being powered and designed for outdoor use,
Something like a Bose Acoustimass (lifestyle or similar that doesn't need a receiver), reasonably compact for easy transportation, sounds premium for when advertising hire, but not sure how it will go in the outdoors.
Or a soundbar of some description.

Obviously sound is a big consideration, but also is portability and suitability for use outdoors, anyone got suggestions of what would be a good way to go?

Entertainment

Comments

  • Hybroid on 25/04/2021 - 19:20

    Whom are you hiring this out to? Wouldn't they notice the difference between a dinky soundbar and a proper surround setup?

    • tryagain on 25/04/2021 - 19:23

      Just mainly for kids/teens parties etc, not looking at big events.

      • Hybroid on 25/04/2021 - 19:25
        +2

        Maybe two party speakers daisy-chained would suit:

        https://www.sony.com/electronics/audio-systems/t/hi-fi-syste…

        Easy to transport, no receiver required although some cable creativity to get it hooked up to whatever port you need.

        This kind of stuff like speakers is generally super cheap second hand so check those markets.

        • tryagain on 25/04/2021 - 19:33

          Thanks, yeah I did consider those type of speakers for those reasons, but when I looked there wasn't many available near me.

  • Keplaffintech on 26/04/2021 - 08:41
    +1

    What's your budget?

    Being outdoors, and for displaying movies, it needs to be designed for power and projection, i.e. you won't get away with indoor Hi-fi speakers e.g. those Sony ones.

    Go for a pair of active PA speakers and stands. Or if you want to do it right, a 2.1 system (pair of speakers plus a sub).

    • tryagain on 26/04/2021 - 13:06

      As cheap as possible, ideally under $500.

      I would envisage that most times people would be within about 5m of the screen.

      A 2.1 PA set up is probably the ideal, but starting to get a bit bulky too from most of what I have seen.

      I seriously considered this one for $250ish but it sold.https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2283208428476205/

      • Keplaffintech on 26/04/2021 - 16:18
        +1

        yeah that would have been perfect, something similar will do the trick.

  • This Guy on 26/04/2021 - 12:15
    +1

    For this application I would recommend building your own 2 channel system tower system.

    You could use something like 4x Dayton Audio ND140's and a high power, 95dB/m tweeter per side. You would need two passive 5kHz crossovers with 10dB attenuation for the tweeter and a 200W class D bluetooth amp. This can all be found on parts express for ~Au$600 plus shipping.

    You would need to spend another $100 to $200 on materials and tools at bunnings, depending on what you already have.

    You would need another $100 at jaycar on cables, wire, a crimp set (a combination flat nose pliers would be cheaper at bunnnings).

    If you want to get the most from these speakers, google search line array online calculator and spend a week working out proper spacing. Otherwise just place them in a line, equal distance apart with the tweeter either above or between two of the subs. You could maximise bass with a transmission line or the better tapered quarter wave tube

    At well under $1k you would have loud, great sounding, portable speakers that will work well outside. These would have minimal sub bass (under 40Hz) to avoid noise complaints, excessive size and excessive power requirements.

    • tryagain on 26/04/2021 - 13:08

      Thanks, probably looking for something closer to plug and play, Unlike the DIY, just already have too many projects on the go.

    • Keplaffintech on 26/04/2021 - 16:21

      surely would be much more effective to get a pair of active PA speakers. A Hifi setup won't have the sensitivity needed for an outdoor setting.

      • This Guy on 27/04/2021 - 07:07

        Yes. But an 8" high sensitivity pro driver would need a stupidly large enclosure to produce low end bass with worse sound quality.

        It is just a little over kill for a small out door theater.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join