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Printed From: Aurora
Category: Aurora Sequencer Software
Forum Name: Tips 'n' Tricks
Forum Discription: This is the place to discuss sequences in general
URL: http://www.aurorashow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=976
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 6:43pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Show Sound
Posted By: tdionne
Subject: Show Sound
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 5:58am
Does anyone have any recommendations on speakers to use in cold weather? I live in the North East and I have already been through two sets of speakers. I play the music loud but not so loud that it's obnoxious. I'm assuming that they are blowing from getting hot and then very cold and it's probably forming moisture but I need a speaker that will handle these conditions that won't cost an arm and a leg. Any ideas would be appreciated.



Replies:
Posted By: MrChristmas2000
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 6:35am
Have you looked at any weather proof/resistant speakers from Radio Shack?
I also think HH Gregg also carries several as well.

As far as price I bought mine years ago and haven't shopped lately.


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Holding breath for DMX.


Posted By: Pony_God
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 8:08am

Try a cone that's plastic instead of paper.



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Fine. You're so smart you rig up the lights.
http://www.frappr.com/dlight - D-Light users Unite!


Posted By: Buckeyelights
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 8:10am
I took an old pair of computer speakers, wrapped them in two plastic bags, set them about 4" - 5" above the ground.  So far they're working just fine.  The bags are not sealed super tight, just twisted the top and put the twisted top under the speakers.  If we get 8" of snow I might have a problem. 


Posted By: LightsOnLogan
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 8:29am
If all you want is the quality of the local car lot paging system, then there are plenty.  I presume you want more than one octave of music range though...

To do it right and still have full range music will cost about 2x to 3x more than what an equivalent non-weather rated speaker will cost (this applies all the way on up into the pro world).

That isn't to say you have to do it right...

Moisture is most likely more of a problem than temp extremes.  Direct sunlight would be a close second.  As mentioned, for cheap ones anyway, avoid paper cones.  Also, make sure the crossover board (inside the cabinet) isn't going to get wet. 

On the cheap DIY side, maybe you could try car speakers?  I've seen several with poly woofers and mylar tweeters (no paper).  Car speakers are designed for higher humidity, sunlight, and temp extremes.  You would still have to keep them out of direct contact with water of course.  A pair of 6x9s and boxes shouldn't cost too much if you aren't looking for perfection in sound quality... just don't expect much bass below the 100Hz area.



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Posted By: Pony_God
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 8:36am
Car-speakers, that's not a bad idea. Not bad at all. I might just have to look into that myself for next year. Be a LOT cheaper than those stupid rock speakers. I did bring a nice Velodyne sub out a few times to fill in that lower end that the little speakers couldn't get near.
 
Standard audio is 8ohm, car is what 4? 6ohm? I can't remember now.
If it's 4ohm, make sure to put two in series so that your amp isn't burnt up.
Or, if your amp has the resistance setting in back, set it correctly.


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Fine. You're so smart you rig up the lights.
http://www.frappr.com/dlight - D-Light users Unite!


Posted By: LightsOnLogan
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 9:14am
Car speakers are typically 4 ohm, but be certain before buying.  Some out there are making 2.63 (or some other odd number) ohm speakers which they claim are "4 ohm safe".  Don't even think about putting one on a home amplifier.

A lot of home stereo amps will handle 4 ohms now, but do check the specs to make sure.  As noted, two 4 ohm speakers in series will work. 

It has been years since I've seen an amp with the setting in the back.  Do they still make those?  Next thing you are going to ask about 70V transformer systems.



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Posted By: Pony_God
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 9:39am
2.63ohm!? Those for those odd new 24V cars?

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Fine. You're so smart you rig up the lights.
http://www.frappr.com/dlight - D-Light users Unite!


Posted By: deweycooter
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 10:09am
Polk Audio makes some nice marine rated 3-way 6x9s.  Cut a hole in the side of a cooler, mount them.  Toss in a battery and an amp - you'll be able to use it for more than just Christmas lights.  The cooler really helps with the bass response.  Look on http://www.teambadmonkey.com - teambadmonkey.com under Misc - you'll see a quick and dirty howto.


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http://www.deweycooter.com/wiki/index.php/Aurora - Aurora Lights Wiki
http://www.aurorashow.com/">


Posted By: Pony_God
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 10:17am
That's what I was about to say...
That beyond a car speaker, would be marine. I'd imagine thouse are purpose built to live wet.

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Fine. You're so smart you rig up the lights.
http://www.frappr.com/dlight - D-Light users Unite!


Posted By: deweycooter
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2009 at 10:19am
Go to eBay to get that kind of stuff though - pretty big markup in stores.

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http://www.deweycooter.com/wiki/index.php/Aurora - Aurora Lights Wiki
http://www.aurorashow.com/">


Posted By: Jonathan
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2009 at 3:44pm
I want to eventually get those speakers that look like rocks and use those. But for now, I'm using some very old speakers (the warranty expired in 1972) that came with the house my brother bought 10 years ago.  I just put a black trash bag over them and raised them off the ground 2" and have not had any issues.


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~Jonathan


Posted By: tdionne
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2009 at 4:01pm
Thank you everyone for your input. I called a few manufacturers and what I am going to do is disconnect the speakers every night and keep them inside. Everyone seems to think the problem is going from very cold to full volume. I blew a set of 150W rock speakers that I had for over 10 years in just a few weeks last season. This season it took me 2 weeks to blow 2 new TIC GS3 speakers which apparently are used in theme parks all over the world. So I just ordered a pair of PYLE 250/500 WATT waterproof speakers and I intend to run a warm up at low volume for 15 minutes before the show and probably take them inside each night.



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