Frechno PA
ravetastic:
a NEW soundsystem
After almost 3 years and many happy events it's about time to step it up. I've been working on getting my mobile soundsystem experience to the next level.
Goal was set on a much more professional, low compromise but still car fitting, solution that can effortlessly cover bigger raves or even smaller festival-stages. Planning what essentially is the fifth iteration of my PA-shenanigans I was aiming not for another sidegrade-ish step. I've been going for a somewhat whole and final upgrade. I've been able to convince myself to apply the buy once, cry once mentality and build, within some reason, a dream system.
After investing in parts for some sexy multiple-entry-horn-tops last year I now acquired a big boi subwoofer and a new used amplifier.
Right now I'm still working on building my pair of closed SynTripPs to complete the upcoming system with some amazing tops. Until these are finally ready in the final Berlin-Spring this will be the intermediate system combining the new and old gear:
Transition 2026 Soundsystem
- 2x Tops: LD Systems ICOA 15 (to be replaced)
- 1x Amp: the t.amp Quadro 500 DSP
- 1x Sub: LD Systems ICOA SUB Pro 21 A
- 2x Monitors: LD Systems ICOA 12 A W Main signal flow: Source->Sub->Amp->Tops Combined power rating: 2900W
- Speaker cable length: 10m (Neutrik NL4)
- Monitor cable length: 5m (power&TRS to XLR)
- Signal cable length: 2.5m (XLR from source to sub)
- Amp cable length: 1m (XLR and power passthrough from sub) all necessary cables, 2 stands, matching sub caster board & covers incl.
deprecated - old text
As a DJ with a big heart for sound and the desire to deliver great acoustics at my own off-grid raves I've been chasing better sound for a while: This is my current solution for small to medium events, bringing a powerful sonic experience to any place - no power, no generator, needed.
This system was assembled with the goal of getting big sound in a managable form factor. With the usage of efficient speakers, modern digital amplifiers and all my gathered experience a versatile and great sounding system emerged.
The system is complete with all cables you might need, speaker stands or poles and a big battery that easily outlasts any rave. For the DJ/Artist behind the system there's a quality monitor-speaker as well.
Modern custom signal processing and tone controls are built directly into the amplification unit. Besides seperate volume controls for the tops and the subs there are 6 controls to adjust the sound to the individual environment, use case and taste.
For outdoor usage the most notably feature is the integrated cardioid mode as you might know from festivals and concerts. By placing the second subwoofer about 1.4m behind the first and activating the mode, most of the bass will be directed towards the dancefloor and rejected towards the back. By facing the subwoofer-array away from neighbors this directional pattern can be very effective in avoiding disturbing others with bass that travels very far in all directions if not controlled properly.
The sound signature has been object of constant improvement and reflects my sound preference for electronic dance music. Very fat, but crisp and clear with a lot of presence. I'm proud of the result and gathered a lot of very positive feedback and I'm looking forward to share the system more.
I accept donations for my efforts but I'll usually suggest fair amounts individually which will go into the further development of this setup. Uncommercial and especially solidary events get extra love.
I'm generally able to transport this setup around Berlin in my car, feel free to ask me about transportation and setup. Reduced configurations are possible with only one/smaller subs or just the tops in full range mode. I also have a decent fog machine and a cart to haul everything around easily.
- Tops: 2x LD Systems ICOA 15 (Coaxial Horn/BR-Hybrid)
- Subs: 2x 18" ACR custom built BR-Subwoofers
- Monitoring: LD Systems ICOA 12 A
- Amping: 4x200W Class D (incl. FIR-DSP/Limiter)
- DSP (Tops): HPF 50/80/100Hz, Bassboost and HF-adjustment
- DSP (Subs): HPF LPF 80/100Hz, Cardioid-Mode 1.4m
- Power: 230V AC or Battery (36V/40Ah/1440Wh LiFePO4) with minimum 14h runtime at full volume.
- Pax: 100-150 people
- Frequency response Subs: F3=39Hz (for reference: most basslines peak at 50Hz)
- Frequency response Tops: 48Hz-20kHz (cov: 90°x60°)
- Tripod stands or poles for the subs (0°/5° tilt options)
- Inputs: XLR, RCA, 3.5mm/6.3mm jacks and Bluetooth
The first SynTripP in the making. Ready for first tests. Next step is painting and building the secondary horn.
21"-Active-Subwoofer: LD Systems ICOA SUB Pro 21 A
4-Channel-DSP-Amplifier to process the signal and bi-amp the upcoming SynTripPs
The amplifier-case (top left) is the heart of the system. After connecting power, the speaker-cables and an input signal the system is ready for action.
Thanks to the implemented DSP the measurement of the tops (blue) with a calibrated measurement-microphone shows very little deviation (±2dB) to the target curve (red).
.The chosen target-curve is decisive in defining the tonality of the system and is leaned on industry reference curves.
The system implements correct constructive interference due to matching phase with the tops in the whole possible effective crossover region.
This graph is illustrating how the the crossover-design at 80Hz with Linkwitz-Riley-filters with a 24dB/oct slope and 10dB hotter subs are adding up perfectly.