This is really a “two for one” article addressing two questions.

First, how can I add a speaker so viewers on foot can enjoy the display? Maybe sticking an FM radio outside just isn’t cutting it. Adding speakers to your display can create a truly immersive experience for you and your neighbors.

The second question is, what’s a good way to hear what’s going on while setting up and working on a display? You probably don’t want to leave your car running for hours to listen through the radio while troubleshooting!

In this guide, we'll break down the steps to incorporate speakers into your setup for both of these scenarios. (You can also check out the video on Youtube!)

Solution for Setting Up and Working on Displays

To answer the second question, for setup and testing, a simple solution is to use a portable FM radio that can be carried around with you (see example below). They come in battery powered or rechargeable versions. Tune in to your station and off you go.

Solution for Others to Listen

Answering the first question is a bit more complicated. Maybe you want an option for people walking by, or if FM transmitting isn’t an option, for whatever reason. But if you search Amazon for “outdoor speakers”, you’ll see a lot of Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, these are generally a poor idea.

Why not Bluetooth?

While Bluetooth speakers might seem convenient, they introduce audio delay, which can disrupt the synchronization between your lights and sound. This is especially noticeable in complex light shows. After working so hard in xLights to create the perfect synchronized light show, we need a solution that gets the audio to a speaker with precise timing.

The Key: Wired Connections

To ensure precise timing, we'll rely on wired connections. This involves using a headphone splitter to divide the audio signal from your controller or Raspberry Pi. One output will go to your FM transmitter, and the other will connect to your speaker setup.

Most displays use either a Raspberry Pi micro computer or a controller, and it's got an audio output. That audio output is going to plug into your FM transmitter and transmit the signal to everything out in your display.  So, simply put, if you want to then also have a speaker, all you really need is a headphone splitter. Go back to Amazon and grab one of these simple little devices.

Choosing the Right Speakers

Now the big question is what kind of speakers do you need? The answer is, it depends on what you’re looking for in terms of longevity and quality. 

Temporary Setup

A quick and simple solution is to use a small amplifier like the one pictured below, and a couple of “bookshelf” speakers. When you're working with things like this you want to keep the headphone extension you use fairly short, ideally under 15 feet, but then the speaker wire can go pretty far in the typical yard and be okay.

If your music has stereo to it you'll definitely want a left and a right speaker to connect to the appropriate outputs. As long as the display is something people will be fairly close to, a small amp and speakers might be fine. But if you’re looking to step it up, consider a stereo receiver.

All of these can be easily set up and taken down. However, remember that these kind of speakers aren't weatherproof, so they'll need to be protected from the elements.

Permanent Setup

If you want a more permanent solution, consider investing in outdoor speakers, like the example in the screenshot below. These are designed to withstand the weather and can be mounted on your house or other structures. You'll also need a more powerful amplifier to drive these speakers, typically about half of the max wattage of the speakers. Since amps aren’t typically waterproof, you’ll need to use a controller box, plastic container, or just keep the amp inside and run the lines out to the speakers.

The important thing to remember is to avoid Bluetooth or USB – keep it “analog”!

If you’re covering a large area, like a commercial display, we can help you with that at Above AVL – just reach out for a quote. 

Additional Tips:

• Ground Loops: To avoid unwanted noise, ensure that your amplifier and controller are plugged into the same electrical outlet.

• Neighbor Friendliness: Be mindful of your neighbors and avoid excessive volume. Consider using multiple smaller speakers instead of a few large ones.

• Push-to-Talk Buttons: For interactive displays, you can implement push-to-talk buttons to control the audio output. This allows you to play music or sound effects only when desired.

By following these guidelines, you can elevate your Christmas light show with synchronized sound and create a truly magical experience for everyone.