The process of listening to music has long gone beyond studios, halls, clubs and home environments. But if before the issues of providing musical accompaniment outside the premises were mainly de alt with by professionals, today this direction is completely accessible to ordinary enthusiasts. And we are not talking about compact mobile speakers for individual listening, but about full-fledged speakers. However, full-length street acoustics do not exclude the ideas of minimalism, facilitating the processes of physical handling of the structure.
Features of outdoor acoustics
Features of all-weather audio systems are determined by the conditions of their use. They are used outdoors - these can be playgrounds, garden plots, parks, adjacent territories, recreation areas, etc. Accordingly, a music speaker for the street must have both appropriate protection against possible damage and universal means of fastening that will allow you to securely fix structure without secure supports.
The developers pay the most attention to the protective qualities, focusing on the IP security index. Its value reflects the class of protection of the device from certain influences. For example, IP54 indicates thatthat the column can withstand moisture, dirt, dust and even small physical impacts. At the same time, acoustics for outdoor events are mainly produced in compact cases. To maintain an optimum level of strength, engineers use composite materials with integral pivoting arms. Such a decision, however, is connected not only with the desire to increase the safety of the speakers, but also with ergonomic considerations. The composite is a lightweight material, which makes it easy to transport the kit, for example, from home to a park area.
Key Features
The emphasis in such models is on a wide coverage of sound waves, so the developers are trying to make the "stuffing" more powerful. However, this does not negate the relevance of low-power speakers - the total range of power potential can be represented within 10-400 watts. Rarely outdoor all-weather acoustics do without an amplifier. Typically, low-resistance devices of 8-16 ohms are used. As for the frequency range, the lower level is in the range of 60-70 Hz, and the upper one can reach 30,000 Hz. In terms of size, the speaker format is considered to be 3.5 or 6.5 inches. Of course, there are deviations from this standard size, which demonstrate both 0.75-inch tweeters and large-format 10-12-inch units.
Varieties of systems
Basically, all-weather acoustics differ in form factor. There are many variations of such equipment on the market. Conventionally, all representatives of the segment can be divided into threegroups - portable models, full-fledged classic speakers and horn outdoor systems. Portable speakers require almost no special conditions in terms of installation - a small device can simply be placed on the lawn and enjoy the sound in a close circle. Full-format street acoustics is a set of speakers and a subwoofer, which is able to provide the atmosphere of a concert venue. This option is suitable for outdoor parties and festive events with a large number of participants. Horn systems and loudspeakers are similar in their performance and technical capabilities to the previous acoustics, but have design features. Firstly, the optimized design allows more efficient dispersion of sound waves in open spaces, and secondly, such systems have more opportunities for reliable installation outdoors.
Landscape speakers
In a sense, such systems can also be related to outdoor all-weather speakers, but they have several fundamental features. Firstly, such devices are called landscape because their design and external stylistic performance are organically included in the garden composition. That is, in fact, it is an object of garden design, only with acoustic filling. Secondly, it so happened that a landscape-type outdoor music speaker provides a higher sound quality. Although the bulk of the kits are made according to the same principles as standard Hi-Fi speakers, manufacturers are trying to give themhigh quality accessories. Otherwise, such systems are fully consistent with all-weather models, this applies to both protective qualities and ergonomic devices.
All-Terrain Model
One of the options for a very successful portable outdoor acoustics, which seamlessly combines lightness, compactness and security. This option is not suitable if you plan to arrange a quiet evening event in the gazebo. The All-Terrain developers focused the system on operation in harsh conditions away from home, where there is a risk of getting caught in heavy rain, getting dirty in the mud and hitting the case at the same time. Especially for such cases, a waterproof coating and reliable attachment mechanisms are provided - to a backpack and a bicycle. There is also a Bluetooth module that allows you to stream music from a remote source wirelessly. But unfortunately, this outdoor active acoustics is designed for only one listener. For a hike in the company will have to take something more serious. The small size of the device caused serious power limitations, so All-Terrain should be considered as a personal device.
Bose Free Space Model 51
This solution can be called, if not the most, then one of the most practical in terms of street use. It should be noted right away that the system has a rather extravagant appearance. The designers tried to bring the style of the equipment closer to the garden setting, but they overdid it, which is why the kit scares many away with itsappearance. The speakers look utilitarian, boring and even depressing.
But this set is not designed for garden decoration function. Its components can be hidden directly in the ground, which is facilitated by the design. The main advantages of the system are manifested in performance. In practice, Bose's outdoor speaker system exhibits a balanced sound distribution over a 360-degree circumference. The speaker handles both bass and soft mids optimally.
JBL Models
JBL is famous for its portable speakers, but it is difficult to attribute them to a full-fledged all-weather solution. Those who want to provide the local area with a high-quality sound source should take a closer look at the family of loudspeakers. In particular, the CSS-H15 and H30 modifications are positioned precisely as all-weather horns. They are distinguished by a wide coverage area and a high class of external protection. In addition, the all-weather acoustics JBL CSS is made of high-strength plastic, and stainless steel brackets are provided for mounting.
The power of the device is modest (25-30 W), but it will be enough to serve a small personal plot. The kit also includes a transformer, thanks to which you can protect the loudspeaker from mains fluctuations.
Polk Atrium Model
When considering this system, it is worth immediately dividing two evaluation parameters - for the appearance and sound quality. Concerningof the first quality, then it can be expressed as a characteristic of ste alth, and this is very important for street acoustics. Two compact speakers of 3.5 inches and an inch horn are responsible for the sound. This configuration allows, depending on the placement, to provide sound for both small and large areas. But that's not all. The speakers are complemented by a 10-inch subwoofer, which, in turn, is disguised as a flower pot. That is, it is clearly street acoustics with a hint of landscape design performance. And if two speakers quite soundly provide high and medium frequencies, then a subwoofer with 200 watts of bass is able to cover large spaces with low and deep sound. The peculiarities of this complex include the fact that the system uses the earth's surface as a conductor, broadcasting acoustic sound through mini-oscillations.
Location of acoustics
According to experts, the most favorable stereo effect will be achieved if the speakers are located near the house. The optimal mutual arrangement of the speakers requires maintaining a distance of 3-4 m. Usually in open areas there is a feeling of unlimited sound coverage, which is why users tend to move the speakers away from each other. But in this case, street acoustics will not add either power or sound clarity, since at a large distance only one of the channels will be perceived.
A good sound quality and very practical solution would be to install loudspeakers under the eaves. In this case, it will be possiblereliably protect the structure from direct exposure to precipitation. In addition, in this position, outdoor all-weather acoustics can remain as stationary without regular and troublesome uninstallation.
Connection nuances
It is recommended to use 2- or 4-wire installation wires that contain lines for left and right channels. For a distance of up to 25 m, it is worth using a 16-gauge cable, and it is advisable to serve a 60-meter span with a 14-gauge circuit. Next up is the gasket issue. Many people use underground lines for this, but this option has serious disadvantages - from damage by rodents to an accidental cut of the cable with a shovel. Therefore, it is better to use an external open gasket with high-quality wire protection. It will also become useful if outdoor active acoustics is supplemented with an amplifier. For example, a 70-volt model will be able to support multiple speakers at once.
Conclusion
Even organizing an indoor music program is often a hassle, let alone preparing for similar events outside the home. A competent choice of a suitable system in accordance with specific needs will initially remove a lot of problems. For example, JBL all-weather acoustics is quite suitable as a variant of a stationary horn sound source in one permanent place near the house. It is expedient to use the Atrium modification both as an element of landscape design and as a good musical equipment on the site. And if you need a universalhiking option, then the All-Terrain model will justify itself.
