[microsound] [advice] Portable, battery powered speakers for outdoor microsound

[Justin Glenn Smith]

erik schoster wrote:
> Hello microsounders,
> 
> I'm planning a series of concerts in spaces that will not be able to provide
> amplification, some of which will take place outside and (hopefully!)
> nowhere near a power outlet.
> 
> Can anyone recommend decent and hopefully cheap(ish) battery powered
> speakers for outdoor use? Frequency range/response is obviously a concern -
> I realize that cheap speakers aren't going to have amazing sound
> reproduction. [ I've been incredibly happy with my $100 (for the pair!)
> Alesis M1Active 320USB monitors as a cheapo solution when no PA is available
> for example though... ]
> 
> Of particular interest: small, modular (I'm thinking of broadcasting some of
> my netbook output over low power FM and placing a few radios with small
> speakers around the space...) cheap, present.
> 
> Your advice is appreciated - thanks!

I recently picked up a $240 Roland Cube Street for public synthesis experiments, to amplify my netbook. It is stereo in a single box, and quite directional (it is expected to be used by buskers with microphones). It runs on 6 AA batteries. The stereo line in can use none of the eq or amp modelling or digital effects built in, or even a volume knob (only the mono mic / instrument inputs use those), but the sound is very clear and mostly flat and I get long battery life. The Cube Street won't blow anyone away with booming bass or overpowering walls of noise, but is a decent way to amplify the sound I am digitally synthesizing with reasonable accuracy.