Thread: MP3 Question

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I have asked sound questions before and have still not really solved my problem. I run two haunted trail at a Ohio State Park and sound has always been a big problem. I am thinking about using a cheap MP3 players, but I need an inexpensive speaker system. I fund these trails myself with all the money coming in going to the park, so money is an issue. Not only do I need to have an over all backround sound, I also need sounds at prop and scene locations. I'm open to any and all solutions. If they do not include MP3 olayers that would be fine. I preferr to use battery driven items, but I do run several generators,so I could make others ways work.

I'll just tell you what I do and you can take it for what it's worth.

I buy the cheap, cheap MP3 players - I find them at Buy.com and woot.com. I've got 3 that were $5 and 1 that was $10(1g). I also bought a speaker from buy.com that was $10. It's just one portable speaker that plugs in and hooks right up to the MP3's. Or I'll use various computer speakers, stereo, or any cheap portable speaker I can find.

The MP3's are Sansa, run on 1 AAA (lasts quite a while - several hours worth). They're all refurbished, small, good options, easy to use, and include a usb connector, earbuds, and a velcro strap for when I'm sweatin' to the oldies.

Easiest MP3's I've come across. Plus, if you go to Buy.com and checkout using Google Checkout (for the first time), you get an extra $10 off. It was also free shipping at the time. Basically I ended up getting 2 MP3's (at the time) for $5 with free shipping. The refurb stuff is the best.

You could always go back to burning a good 'ole CD and use a CD player........this would of course be better at certain points for specific noises at specific locations so that you don't have to blast it so much it gets all fuzzy. Yes ancient technique considering technology, but still useful.

Hey Rick, do you have any pics you can post? And which park are you using? (I'm originally from Ohio, went to undergrad at BGSU.) Would love to get more info!!

Originally Posted by MrsMyers666

You could always go back to burning a good 'ole CD and use a CD player........this would of course be better at certain points for specific noises at specific locations so that you don't have to blast it so much it gets all fuzzy. Yes ancient technique considering technology, but still useful.

Absolutely! I find that using an old boombox with a CD of spooky sounds does the same thing and is so much cheaper.

hallowensreamqueen it is Maumee Bay State Park on Lake Erie. The event is held the third weekend in October. the trail runs Friday and Saturday night. We have a weekend event in the campgrounds and thew campers can buy thier tickets in the campground at a cheaper rate and also get a hayride shuttle to and from the trail. It is also open to the public at a little higher fee. I ahve gone the "boombox" route the last several years and would continue, but I still ahve the problem of getting the sound loud enough out in the great outdoors. DeadTed If you are using cheap speakers how do they amplify? Is there a amplifier built in? Still need your help, time is short.

rick,
It's a logitech mm28 speaker. Can be run by plugging it in or by battery. I'm looking online to see if I can find any info on it. I'm clueless with electronics - even the basics, so I can't really answer your question.

Ok... here's an Amazon link. I guess you can go from there. This is the first time I've actually compared the price from when I first bought it! -- $80 and it was selling for $10!
Amazon.com: Logitech® mm28 Portable Speakers: Electronics

That's the exact model I have.

I use a couple of boomboxes and this year I will be using old samsa mp3 players too. speakers can be found at kmart, microcenter, or any store that sells computer items. they can be found as cheap as $6.

I had great luck on my local Freecycle list scoring speakers for my haunt. I actually finally had to start turning down offers! But you'll need something to drive them. Again, you might find something there, or maybe for cheap on Craigslist.

It's worth a shot.


BTW, I too am running 4 - $10 Sansa 1gb mp3 players (refurbs) ala Woot.com. They're out there. You just have to either get lucky on the timing or find the right place.

deadTed, thanks for the link. They are now selling $38.95 a used set.