Megaphone Question

Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:02 pm

Hey folks

I need a bit of advice.

I've done some investigating and ahve searched the forums here and it appears that a handheld megaphone would be good for use for certain effects on vocals creating nice sounds like the band 'Portishead' and 'The The' to name just two. However, I'm not sure which one to go with. I've shortlisted two. One has an 8W Max Output for (£26/$51). The other has a 25W Max Output for (£57/$112).

Basically, would you people with an knowledge of sound output recommend the more powerful 25W one over the 8W one? Am I likely to regret buying the cheaper less powerful one?

Just thought I'd ask for opinions as I've read that certain children's toys can sometimes do the job. Something like this perhaps?

Regards

LiD

Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:15 pm

I would look for one one ebay or craigslist first before spending the money on a new one. Mgaphone is supposed to be for an effect so in my mind, the worse(or megaphonish) it sounds, the better. Older means more character afaic.

Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:16 pm

Here you go:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skytronic-MEGAPHONE-10W-MAX/dp/B000L9D0H0/ref=pd_sbs_ce_8

Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:59 pm

Also, keep in mind tthat the lower the output power, the easier it is (at least theoretically) to drive the speaker to clipping...this may be a good thing in your case, as it tends to add more of the character that you want...

Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:50 pm

That's funny, I actually have that toy one you linked to. My ex-girlfriend bought it for her kids at the dollar store. After a week of them playing with it, I went over one night and she hands it to me after the kids went to bed and says " Take this...I never want to see it again!". Fun times! Andy

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 12:08 pm

Thanks hueseph and moonbaby - I'll definitely be going for a low power one as advised. The 10W one looks just about right.

I'm also going to explore using eq plugins too. I might get an unexpectedly nice result, you never know.

drumist69 - How's that for a coincidence then? I might actually try that actual toy.

Thanks again for your replies.

LiD

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 12:45 pm

I'd suggest a more powerful, expensive model.
In fact I'd say the most powerful model you can get.

Here's why.

The most recognisable thing about a megaphone is that noise you get when you turn it on. It's a combination of the surge caused by pop from hitting the trigger and switching an amplifier/speaker combo and having the mic mere inches away. The pop is fed back into the system and you get that annoying squeal. Ultra recognisable.

Also, having been a generally annoying child, whenever I could I played with megaphones. Cheap ones sound canned, expensive ones use more than just power to get your voice heard, this leaves a characteristic you can't miss.

Yes, I'm a megaphone connoisseur.

Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 1:00 pm

My friend utilizes a "Speco". It's a very small miniaturized megaphone. Low output level allows it to distort quite beautifully. We've used it on numerous musical cuts for that overblown, over the top distortion that's still highly intelligible while actually having somewhat of a musical quality tone. It was real cheap also. Toy store thing.

Now here this!
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 4:18 pm

Thank you Greener and RemyRAD.

I am actually looking for that "canned sound" so I reckon I'll try the smaller output one first. If it ain't what I'm looking for I'll aim slightly bigger.

Thanks again everyone who replied. I appreciate it.

LiD

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