Dust proofing our sound system.

[DaftBrian]

What's the best way to do it? This will be the first year that our camp will be bringing out a sound system for late night thumping. I've already read up on the sound policy and understand that communication with our neighborlies is the best approach in high sound levels, or camping on an end. I've seen the plexiglass enclosures, and those work well. But it's a flawed system in someways because you're enclosed in a freaking glass case. I think we'll be able to get the speakers (two stacks of two 15" mid range and a couple tweeters) pretty well secured, but I'm more concerned about the mixing equipment, computers, amplifier, and all that stuff. I understand and have heard all that "blah blah don't bring it out if you don't want it to get destroyed", but we're beyond that now. Sound is our art, and we will be going Kinkade on the playa's ass this year around. What's worked for you? Thanks!

[AntiM]

Use the search function in the Q&A and you'll find many threads.

http://eplaya.burningman.com/viewtopic.php?t=21250

http://eplaya.burningman.com/viewtopic.php?t=16957


The search function is a little wonky until you get used to it.

[Captain Goddammit]

I use plastic garbage bags and duct tape to seal up a bunch of my sound stuff.
Big ziplocks are nice too if you can get one over your gear, because you can sometimes operate controls through it, or zip it open when you need to then close it back up. I poke holes in the back of the bags for wires and seal with the duct tape.

[klondike_bar]

pantyhose of similar may work over the speaker "intakes" (or whatever you calll it) to keep it from sucking dust inside, while allowing airflow.

[Captain Goddammit]

pantyhose of similar may work over the speaker "intakes" (or whatever you calll it) to keep it from sucking dust inside, while allowing airflow.

I like it... especially the part where you go out collecting pantyhose to use!

[klondike_bar]

shopping is only fun where they give you a strange look at the checkout

[DaftBrian]

Ahh, yes. Perfect suggestions. We've got plenty of time to experiment with different methods of dust protection. The pantyhose idea is great! I'll have to give that search function another go too. We can actually probably fit the mixer in a large freezer bag too, I didn't even think about that. High fives to all of you. thank you!

[Stickygreen]

forget dust proofing, and bring some cans of compressed air, to blow stuff out when it starts to fuck up from to much playa.

love the dust! and life is so much easier.

[gyre]

I used some of that plastic shipping wrap that comes off a spool and wraps around pallets and boxes, to protect something big from the weather recently.
That would work to some extent and could be combined with bags or sheeting to create a good PA condom.
The better stuff seems more flexible.
It comes in different widths too.

It seems to have worked great for what I packed.
It's still on the porch while I try to make room for it.

[zorro sings]

Probably starts with the equipment you buy/have.A pair of our Mackies will be making their 8th appearance at The Project this year.Only one trip to shop during that whole time.Popular unit for MVs as well so you know they can hang in with the playa environment.
When not in use always cover with garbage bags as noted above.But not just any type.Make sure and get contractors grade as regular bags can be penetrated by the sacred dust.

[klondike_bar]

the upside to pantyhose (or any other fine-mesh material), is that it will allow larger speakers to "suck/blow" (i dont know the facy lingo for it) air through the vent ports. If you seal it up with air-tight plastic, you may cause larger speakers some difficulties, as well as muffling/distorting the sound.

[mdmf007]

the upside to pantyhose (or any other fine-mesh material), is that it will allow larger speakers to "suck/blow" (i dont know the facy lingo for it) air through the vent ports. If you seal it up with air-tight plastic, you may cause larger speakers some difficulties, as well as muffling/distorting the sound.

We used some of those massive bags from uhaul for mattresses for some speakers. They also work good for motorcycles.

If the bag is loose enough it will have enough movement for the speaker to function and still be airtight.

[gyre]

the upside to pantyhose (or any other fine-mesh material), is that it will allow larger speakers to "suck/blow" (i dont know the fancy lingo for it) air through the vent ports. If you seal it up with air-tight plastic, you may cause larger speakers some difficulties, as well as muffling/distorting the sound.

It depends, but it isn't the issue you might think.
Speakers are creating pulses rather than a flow of air.
You can always use sheets of latex or silicone for maximum flexibility.
Infinite baffle speakers are an option too.
I am switching exclusively to them myself for the superior sound.

Air cooling on the other hand is something to consider when deciding how much wattage your drivers can tolerate.
As usual, maximum efficiency is your friend here.
Enhancing passive cooling is possible though, with silicone heat sink compound and aluminum.
Or just turn them down a tad.

[Captain Goddammit]

Or just turn them down a tad.

Is that really an option?

[cunfuzelled]

last year i built a box that held a deep cycle batery an amplifier a cd player and a couple other things. there was a fan that pulled in air through a hepa filter to clean the air and provided positive airflow through all the openings keeping dust out. i have modified turntables and mixers in my days with fans also to provide a positive pressure and keep any dust from settling. it works wonders. pm me if you have any questions.

and it must be a hepa filter because the size of the finest playa dust will make it through the average filter

[mrs yow]

they make some pretty big ziplocks these days

http://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Pack-Heavy ... gy_k_img_a

[bx1]

Well, a lot of high end bins have good protection as is, other then that you can put extra nylon (like the pantyhose suggestion mentioned earlier) on the outsides... Just curious, you said you read the sound policy but it sounds like you aren't going to be camping in the Large Scale Sound Art area of the city (if you are, then register now before the area is filled up)... I just want to make sure you are aware (mostly do to some recent discussion on the matter) that the sound policy specifically says anything over a 300 watt max is considered large scale sound and *MUST* be located within the LSSA area, otherwise one complaint (even if it just sounds too loud) can result in disabling of your equipment. Other than that, good luck to ya.

B

[tink2011]

Wanting to make sure my receiver and amp survive on my mutant vehicle. This will be the vehicle's first year with sound, but it's survived two years without. Great information on this thread. One question, if I wrap in plastic won't the amp overheat? I'm thinking of wrapping receiver and amp and have them inside a fairly well sealed box in the dash of the golf cart and then use a HEPA filter and fan. Does that sound reasonable with regard to heat build up? And good dust protection? Thanks for any responses from veteran sound burners.

[gyre]

It depends on the design and wattage.
If you aren't using the internal amps on the deck, you may have few issues with it anyway.
Make sure they are both well shaded.

A separate amp will be easier to cool.
A proper amp without a fan will be easy to add heat sinking to, if you're inclined.
Amps today have very different efficiency ratings too.
Many older amps are well cooled though.

You don't need a hepa filter, if you take that approach.
A 90-95% filter is adequate for most things, including allergies.
You just need something fine enough to catch dust.
An intake trap will help too, if you have room.

[junglesmacks]

I'm not going to take the time to address every one of those previous points and question them.. as I don't exactly agree with a few of them.

Modern stereo amps are more efficient than in years past, and unless you're driving the hell out of them at a low ohm load, you should be fine with regards to heat. I run 6 amplifiers on my boat and they all run cool as a cucumber and I typically have the volume up at ear bleeding levels. River folk just love dubstep. Let me tell you.

The problems that I personally have seen with car audio equipment on the playa is with the head unit itself. Usually, dust intrudes through the CD player slot. If you are only using an AUX/iPod input and never plan to play actual CDs, I would use silicone and seal up that opening. You can also wrap in plastic and store in a compartment as long as you aren't using the internal amp on the deck. I've seen it done many times with no problem. No matter what though, it seems that two burns is about the lifespan. I would recommend a marine quality head unit for extra PCB corrosion resistance and you can pick up an off brand one for under $50 these days.. and a decent MB Quart one for $65 off of Amazon.

Stereo amps generally fare well as long as they aren't in direct sunlight which usually means that they're in direct playa dust sucking up location as well. Amps are generally well sealed these days, anyway. Install them in an out of the way, sheltered area and just roll with it. They do need to breath, but they don't need to be wide open.

So yes, sealed compartment on golf cart.. great. HEPA filter + fan.. un-needed.. and possibly counter productive.

[gyre]

Older amps tended to have very conservative heat sinking.
Some are still highly sought for this reason.

Modern amps vary a lot in efficiency.
The good ones are very efficient.
But they are all pushing the limits in size.
Some are just better choices than others.

The right design can be easily upgraded with heavy aluminum sheet if needed (and compound).
As usual, an ovesized amp should run cool enough if you're not running it hard.

There is a peculiar heating effect below maximum output, a mathematical thing at a certain ratio.
i doubt digital amps are subject to this.

As with inverters, you should consider output lower at higher temperatures.

[tink2011]

Thanks for the great tips. I have a marine amplifier that is separate from the head unit. So, it sounds like I can wrap the head unit in a zip lock bag & some plastic wrap (if I'm not using the internal amp) and should also seal the CD compartment -- won't be using it. I will poke a hole through the bag for the exiting iPod attachment wire and then seal the iPod in a zip lock as well. Then seal up the holes with tape or whatever.

With regard to the marine amp, my main fear is that it will die with dust, but my boyfriend is mostly worried about heat. He's seen amps die on the playa several times if they weren't kept cool with a fan. So, as with most things on the playa, it'll be a balancing act between heat and dust! More input is always accepted. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Also, while I'm here, do any of you have experience with quick connectors for wiring and resistance to playafication? This is mostly with regard to my lighting, but thinking of heat shrink wrapping the connections and then just slicing that off when I get home to disconnect. Anyone with experience with that?

[gyre]

If you want to disconnect plugs, you might just use 3M electrical tape or plastic wrap to keep out dust.
The white is good for labeling too.

The best heat shrink is irradiated pvc, or teflon.
I wouldn't use it on a temporary connection.
it would work though.

Some connectors look identical, but are not.
There are basically two approaches here, weatherproof or easy to maintain.
I like the rectangular connectors, though they have no dust seal at all.

You may find good ones for the price at a salvage yard.
Cut and solder in place.
I do often run heatshrink over the base of the connector and the wire, sealing that junction.