Thread: Using "Audio Decor" to Add Atmosphere

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This is a quick way to add a spooky atmosphere to a scene. These props are also excellent as distraction scares.

I recently modified a radio and telephone to play any sound I want through their speakers. I plan on putting them inside my haunted hotel (front desk area) to add some believability to the scene. The phone sounds like it is off the hook, and the radio plays old songs from the 20s. This isn't a how to, but is meant to give you ideas of your own.

All I did was remove the amplifier board from an old set of speakers. This board should have an AC power cord and audio input jack going to it, and 2 wires coming from it. Cut the wires going to the original speaker. Now, all you have to do is shove the board into the prop and attach the 2 wires coming from it to the speakers already inside the prop. Leave the other electronics inside alone. Plug the Mp3 player into the audio jack, reassemble prop, and plug the board into an outlet - voilà - quick and easy prop.

You can also connect the input jack to a controller to play a sound when triggered.





P.S. If you want any of the audio files I used, drop me a PM, and I'll get them to you.

That first song you were playing before you touched your mp3 player was really creepy and echoey.... Couple questions:

1) Man you are really going first class with the radio and the antiques I saw on the website. Where is this haunt going to be located? Will the location be able to live up to the high quality props?

2) When you say amplifier board from an old set of speakers. Do you mean computer speakers?

3) What brand of inexpensive MP3 player is that?

Originally Posted by GraveyardGus

That first song you were playing before you touched your mp3 player was really creepy and echoey.... Couple questions:

1) Man you are really going first class with the radio and the antiques I saw on the website. Where is this haunt going to be located? Will the location be able to live up to the high quality props?

2) When you say amplifier board from an old set of speakers. Do you mean computer speakers?

3) What brand of inexpensive MP3 player is that?

1) It's going to be part of the annual yard haunt at my house. I always do a cemetery, and this year I'm going to do a short walkthrough. I usually get 300+ ToTs, so I like to switch it up each year.

2) Yep, I bought cheap ones from Big lots last year for $6. The board is usually in the back or at the base of one of the speakers.

3) They're COBY MP-C582 1 GB Mp3s. I think I got those from Big Lots too. It was 2 years ago, and they were probably around $8-$10. Looks like they went up in price online for some reason.

Those props are off the hook! (get it? off the... phone. Ah, never mind). Anyways. What a simple and elegant way to make normal items so sinister and spooky. LOVE IT!, LOVE IT!, LOVE IT!

Thanks! I still have to add some age to them (using some of your "grime" techniques) but they're going on the DONE pile for now.

Nice job. I did something similar to a radio that looks much like the one you used, exept I played the "War of the Worlds" broadcast audio.

Oh man! Loving everything you post.. These atmospheric props are going to add so much detail! Starting to remind me of Tower of Terror.. Love the atmosphere! Awesome job thus far.. Nice songs on the radio!! The Ghost of Smokey Joe is an awesome song.. Love the Halloween Stomp CD!!

Thanks! I'm trying to spread the message that small props are important in a haunt, too.

Small props definitely add something to the feel of a haunt. A few years ago at our haunt, the theme was 1930's. I did something very similar to what you have with your radio. Our sound guy created a loop of old 1930's songs and commercials. It really set the tone when you walked in.

Also, I love the website. Good feel to it.

What a simply brilliant idea! I may have to try that! Thanks for the ideas.