How to Build a Portable Sound System

If you're in an entertainment-related business (as a disc jockey or perhaps a musician in a traveling band, for example) and also you must usually move sound gear, creating your personal portable "road kit" with this equipment helps you to save time and reduce deterioration on the gear. Even though you have only minimal building skills, you are able to produce a professional-level portable audio system which will be quick to pack and simple to move from venue to venue.

In the event that you have not bought sound equipment yet, choose gear that's compact and lightweight. Larger, weightier equipment such as for example mixing boards and large speakers usually includes hard-sided bags or stow-away panels. Gather all of the sound equipment you will need for an average event in to one workspace. Include every thing you need to be fully self-sufficient on the highway, including cables, power strip or electrical cords; CD players; amplification and get a grip on units such as for example amps and mixer boards; microphone systems (mics, cables, and stands); and sound-producing units such as for example speakers, floor monitors, and speaker stands. Measure and record all of the physical dimensions of the aspects of the portable audio system in individual units. Weigh each piece aswell. Divide the gear in to "families" of components. Intend to pack these things together in a couple of boxes if at all possible. Haphazard packing implies that unpacking your gear will undoubtedly be time-consuming, and in addition it usually results in leaving items behind accidentally. Build custom "road boxes" to encase the gear using ¾ -inch-thick plywood. Gauge the plywood to construct a custom box (or boxes) for every "family. " Slice the plywood to proper size and assemble them in to boxes with wood screws. Just take how big your truck or van's "cabin height" into account when sizing the boxes. Reinforce any joints by installing dimensional lumber frames within the box for extra strength. Lids for the custom boxes should open with hinges, be removable by hinge pins, and lockable with a clasp lock. Install metal corner "caps" on the edges of the boxes. Line the within the boxes with squares of convoluted foam or carpeting. Install 18-inch lengths of dual-sided Velcro within the lid or sides of the boxes for securing cables. Paint the boxes black and label them together with your company stencil and name of the gear "family, " such as for example "Microphones. " Install four casters across the bottom of the boxes to help you push them across the floor lengthwise. Install four casters along one end of the boxes to help you push them "on end" if necessary. Place grip handles on all sides of every box. Pack each one of the split up equipment "families" together in a number of boxes if necessary. Do not create a box so heavy that it can't be lifted by a couple. If you're a solo act, intend to pack boxes so that they are light enough to be carried by you alone. The comfort limit for most of us is all about 60 lbs. Items within the box shouldn't be in a position to shift position dramatically--pack things tightly. Make sure to pack "expendables" such as for example spare batteries, black gaffer's tape and replacement lamps for just about any running lights. Pack any tools you may want to install your audio system, in addition to "spare parts" like amplifier fuses. Another tool box is better for these things.