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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.

Regards

LiD

Comments

lostindundee Tue, 07/08/2008 - 11:08

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

anonymous Tue, 07/08/2008 - 11:45

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.

RemyRAD Tue, 07/08/2008 - 12:00

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