By Craig AndertonThey’re loud, big, and battery-powered—and a lot easier to find than their namesake.
One of the staples of science-fiction movies is machines that can shrink or enlarge objects or people. After reviewing the Megavox 2, I had the feeling that someone at Anchor Audio found one of those machines, put the selector switch on “enlarge,” aimed it at the Megavox 2—and ended up with the Bigfoot 2 family. These systems are intended for situations where you need a loud, portable sound system, and may not have access to AC
Definition:
(Alternating Current): Current whose electrical flow alternates between positive and negative quadrants, and whose magnitude varies periodically. Alternating current is used in most commercial power transmission, and is also the basis of audio or video signals. power. Powered by Li-On batteries or AC (120/240 VAC, 50/60 HzDefinition:
Abbreviation for Hertz. Unit of measurement for frequency, formerly called CPS (Cycles Per Second), that measures periodic waves, audio and radio frequencies, and mechanical repetitive motion. Example: 1000 Hz means a periodic waveform has 1000 cycles/vibrations per second.), it will run for around 6 to 8 hours on a full charge. What’s more, several models accommodate wireless mics, so not only is the sound system portable, anyone using these mics (with options of hand-held, headband, or lapel) isn’t tied down by a cable.
The main Bigfoot applications include sporting events, fairs, conferences, weddings, beach parties, marching bands, graduation and other ceremonies, houses of worship, auctions, the military, conferences, gymnasiums, and the like. For the outdoor (and even many indoor) applications, batteryDefinition:
An assembly of series-wired cells that provides higher voltages than individual cells. power is a big feature. And speaking of big, Bigfoot is heavy—around 63 pounds. You’ll want to enlist someone’s help getting it out of the van or pickup truck you used to get it to the gig. Once you’ve done that, though, it’s pretty easy to move around. Although Bigfoot is 68" tall in use, it folds into a relatively compact enclosure (42.5" x 14" x 23"), and has roller wheels to you can roll it around like luggage (Fig. 1)—just don’t try rolling it through a muddy field.
The Bigfoot 2 is not a single “one-size fit’s all” product, but a family of customizable solutions—at various price points—designed for an array of applications. However, there’s much the family members have in common. All are battery-powered and have BluetoothDefinition:
A short distance (less than 33 feet) wireless data transfer standard., with a 100 foot line-of-sight range. The basic model is the BIG2, which has the following connections in common with all other Bigfoot 2 units.
The back panel (Fig. 2) is easy to figure out, because it’s not that different from a typical powered monitorDefinition:
See: Powered Loudspeaker, Active Loudspeaker. system. It includes two XLR dynamic mic inputs (no phantom powerDefinition:
A source of power for a microphone (usually condenser) that travels to the microphone over the microphone's cable. There are different voltage standards and requirements for different microphones, but the most common standard is 48 Volts. It derives its name because there is no visible power cable.) with volume controls, and two line inputs stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. (1/8"Definition:
3.5mm mini phone connector, which is sometimes referred to by the close non-metric 1/8 inch dimension. line inputDefinition:
In audio, an input that accepts nominal -10 to +4 dBm levels, with an input impedance of 600-20K ohms., and monoDefinition:
Short for Monophonic. An audio program, recording, or hardware device/software routine that produces or processes a signal with only one channel. ¼") with a common level control.
Additional controls include Volume for whatever you’re streamingDefinition:
A method of sending a continuous flow of digital content over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, and often, tailors itself to the user's receiving capability. in via Bluetooth, and tone controls for Bass and Treble. An LEDDefinition:
LED (Light-Emitting Diode): A semiconductor light generator used in displays, television, pointers and for general illumination. It is a low-power replacement for incandescent lamps. gauge shows the battery level, and charging status. Those are the basics; let’s look at the options.
Variations on a Theme
The cutout above the back panel can accommodate either a wireless transmitterDefinition:
Any device that sends an electrical signal, typically radio waves or by wire., wireless receiver, or CD/MP3 player. Each of the two cutouts to the right of the XLR mic inputs can be populated with a dual wireless mic receiver, which has a “master volume” control that affects both mics. However, the mics themselves have adjustable volume and muteDefinition:
1. To silence or squelch an audio signal. 2. A switch that silences a signal., so it’s easy to set up a balanceDefinition:
The ratio of a stereo signal's left channel to its right channel, often controlled with a knob on a mixer. of the two mics. (Note that the wireless mics are proprietary to Anchor Audio; other wireless systems are not compatibleDefinition:
Capable of operating with a particular selection of hardware or software..) Also note that the wireless mics use Anchor Audio’s wireless technology, so thanks to the 1.9 GHzDefinition:
Abbreviation for Gigahertz, which equals 1,000,000,000 cycles per second. operation, they’re not subject to the same distance limitations as Bluetooth—the line-of-sight range is typically 300 feet.
Adding a suffix to the BIG2 indicates other capabilities. U means that the unit can handle wireless mics, a numeral indicates how many wireless mics it can accommodate, X represents that it can transmit to other Bigfeet, and R indicates it can receive transmissions from a Bigfoot. For example, the BIG2-U2 builds on the BIG2 by including one of the dual mic receivers, and can accept signals from two wireless mics. The BIG2-X includes an Air transmitter, which can transmit signals from the inputs or Bluetooth to a unit like the BIG2-R, which substitutes the BIG-X’s transmitter for an Air receiver. The BIG2-XU2 also includes a transmitter, but incorporates a dual mic receiver to accept signals from two wireless mics. Similarly, the BIG2-RU2 expands on the BIG2-R by adding a dual wireless mic receiver to the Air receiver.
Anchor Audio’s portable PADefinition:
(Public Address) A sound system intended to provide audio coverage to large groups of people. systems are available with a variety of options and configurations, call a Full Compass Sales Professional at 800-356-5844 to configureDefinition:
1. To alter the way in which software interacts with a computer system in order to make the software compatible with a specific set of peripherals. 2. To alter parameters in a system's hardware elements so that they can work together in a system context. a system that fits your needs.
It Does Get Loud
Yes, Bigfoot 2 can get loud. Really loud. Anchor Audio specs the max SPLDefinition:
See Sound Pressure Level. at 130 dBDefinition:
1. A deciBel is a logarithmic ratio between two quantities, and is a nonlinear measurement that mimics human perception. 2. A unit expressing sound levels relative to a nominal level just audible by the average human ear, and equal to 1/10th of a Bel. 3. (slang) Database. @ 1 meter, with a rated power output of 300W AC/DC RMSDefinition:
(Root Mean Square) An accurate measurement of average power that can be produced by an amplifier, or consumed by a speaker, or generated by an audio signal... The enclosure has five 8” neodymiumDefinition:
A magnetic material with stronger flux than Alnico. The stronger flux allows creating more efficient (and lighter) speakers and dynamic microphones. woofers, and one neodynium compression driverDefinition:
A loudspeaker that compress is motion into a small space to feed the throat of a horn. for high frequencies. The frequency responseDefinition:
The range of frequencies that an audio, video or data device can pass. extends from 55 Hz to 16 kHzDefinition:
Abbreviation for Kilohertz: 1,000 Hertz, or one thousand cycles per second., ±3 dB, so unlike the Megavox 2 with its smaller speaker, the Bigfoot 2 line is music-friendly as well as speech-friendly.
Anchor Audio claims Bigfoot 2 can cover an audience of 5,000 people, but as you might expect, I couldn’t round up 5,000 people to confirm this. What I can confirm is that it’s LOUD. As in, “you-can-break-your-lease-in-under-a-minute” loud, or “let’s meet the friendly neighborhood police who just got inundated with noise complaints” loud. Also take into account the portability factor. Because a Bigfoot 2 is not a fixed installation, you can wheel it around to where you get the best coverageDefinition:
In film making, additional footage shot from additional cameras that's useful for editing and backup., raise it on top of a stage to project the sound out further, etc. If it’s still not loud enough for you, you can pump up the volume, or extend the coverage, using the units mentioned above that include Anchor Audio’s Air wireless transmitter and receiver.
Look Ma, No Wires!
Bigfoot 2 is all about no wires—battery-powered so you don’t need AC, Bluetooth streaming so you can accept audio wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet, and wireless mics. Anchor’s WH-LINK wireless handheld mics (Fig. 3) are compatible with the receiver. Pairing them with the main unit is a relatively simple process; do it once, and the mics will stayed paired with Bigfoot 2.
Anchor also offers the WB-LINK belt packDefinition:
A portable, body-worn device, often an intercom, wireless mic, or listening device. It gets its name because they is often a clip for making a secure attachment to a belt., which is compatible with a variety of other microphone types: the HBM-LINK headband mic, CM-LINK collar mic, EM-LINK ultra-light, miniature mic, and LM-LINK lapel mic. This makes Bigfoot 2 suitable for situations like panel discussions, and demos where the demonstrator needs both hands free while showing how a product works. Anchor Audio also sells the MIC-90, a wired handheld dynamic mic with a 20-foot cable and a cardioidDefinition:
A microphone's heart-shaped directional pickup pattern. response.
About the Batteries
Bigfoot 2 uses three 12V rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries, rated at 7.5 amp-hours. The batteries last around 6-8 hours on a full charge. Like the Megavox 2, you can’t switch out batteries if you run them down to zero; you’ll need to recharge them (typically overnight), or move over to AC power. The batteries have a four-year warranty, but an extended warranty (available for $50) extends that by two more years, which then matches the six-year warranty of the unit itself. Anchor Audio will replace an out-of-warranty battery for $175 + round-trip shipping, or $50 + shipping to Anchor if it’s under the extended warranty. Although it’s possible to replace the batteries (assuming you can find new ones somewhere; Anchor Audio doesn’t sell individual replacements), it’s definitely not recommended unless you really know what you’re doing. Leave it to the experts.
Rocket Science? No, Racket Science
It’s easy to get up and running with Bigfoot 2, and start creating a racket. If you have a unit that accepts wireless mics, you’ll need to follow the instructions to pair them; it involves a few more steps than Bluetooth pairing. (The complete manual is online, although the mic pairing procedure is thoughtfully written on the back panel—you can’t lose those instructions.)
As to construction, bear in mind that the Bigfoot 2 line is designed to work outdoors or indoors, in any reasonable ambientDefinition:
1. Something in a close vicinity. 2. The natural sound of a space, or simulation of being in that space. temperature, and intended to be moved around. When you couple those requirements with heavy-duty construction and three Li-On 12V batteries, the price tag isn’t inexpensive. Then again, the Bigfeet 2 family is solid, made in the USA, have a high-impact casing, and are backed by a serious warranty.
Although there are plenty of portable/personal PA systems, the Bigfoot 2 line is a unique combination of wireless operation, battery power, portability, expandability, and high volume levels. There’s also no question this Bigfoot really does exist. Next time you’re at an outdoor event, look around—you just might see Bigfoot in the wild.
