Audio Equipment

Speakers

We are often asked to suggest playback speakers that can be coupled to a portable recorder or a compact disc player for census/monitoring fieldwork or as a stimulus in research.

For relatively close work (under 100') the Radio Shack #277-1008 ($12) amplified speaker is a good inexpensive choice. It's very small, lightweight, and if not played too loudly, offers reasonably good quality sound for frequencies in the 1.0 kHz-7.0 kHz range. The effective radiation pattern is directional.

For slightly longer working distances, but with the added requirement of good lower frequency response, the larger, heavier Mineroff Electronics SME-AFS amplified speaker ($185) offers very good sound quality over a usable frequency range from roughly 100.0 Hz-12.0 kHz. This device weighs 3 lb. and runs off of six standard AA style batteries. The radiation pattern is directional.

An option for long-throw medium frequency (400 Hz-10 kHz) applications is the Anchor Audio model Megavox PB-35 ($600). This device weighs in at only 15 lb., yet can deliver 126dB SPL @ 1/meter. On-board 12-volt rechargeable battery provides 6-10 hours of operation. The unit offers line-level input via a standard 1/4" phone jack that can easily be fed from a cassette or CD player (RCA to 1/4" adapter available at any Radio Shack store).

For omnidirectional playback, the Soundsphere models Q6, Q8, and Q15 are the recommended choices. The exact model is determined by one's specific bandwidth and power requirements.

These are not powered speakers and therefore require separate power amplifiers (see amplifier section next).