At Sound Mag, we’re passionate about demystifying sound system culture and sharing its rich history with the community. That’s why we were thrilled to collaborate with Unity Leeds CIC—the organization formerly and fondly known as Unity Day—to produce an engaging and educational workshop titled “Anatomy of Sound Systems.”
Held in Leeds, this hands-on session brought together music enthusiasts, aspiring sound engineers, and curious community members to explore the technical and cultural significance of sound systems. With a focus on accessibility and creativity, the workshop became a vibrant hub for learning and sharing, drawing attendees from all corners of the city.
Unity Day has long been a vital part of Leeds’ cultural fabric, celebrating music, art, and collaboration. As Unity Leeds CIC evolves this legacy, they sought to spotlight the enduring influence of sound systems—a tradition deeply rooted in reggae and dub culture.
When they approached Sound Mag to co-host a workshop, we saw an opportunity to dive deep into the technical anatomy of sound systems while honouring their cultural importance.
Together, we designed a session that would:
• Break down the components of a sound system for beginners.
• Explore reggae’s unique approach to sound engineering.
• Encourage hands-on learning, making complex ideas accessible and fun.
To make the workshop as engaging as possible, we structured it around the fundamental components of a sound system, explaining how each part works together to produce the powerful sound audiences love. Here’s what we explored:
We began by breaking down the essential components:
• Power sources: The starting point for every system, supplying electricity to power amplifiers, pre-amps, and other equipment.
• Music players: Turntables and CDJs, the tools DJs use to bring music into the system.
• DJ mixers: Where the music is controlled, blended, and prepared for amplification.
• Pre-amplifiers (pre-amps): Devices that boost the music signal before it reaches the main amplifier. In reggae culture, the pre-amp also acts as a mixer, with controls for bass, mids, treble, and effects.
• Power amplifiers: The workhorses that turn the boosted signal into raw power for the speakers.
• Crossovers: Devices that split the sound into different frequency ranges—bass, mids, and highs—so each type of speaker handles the sounds it’s best at.
• Speakers: The final step, turning electronic signals into sound.
Using real equipment, we demonstrated how these parts connect and function, allowing participants to see the entire process in action.
A highlight of the workshop was our deep dive into a 5-way sound system, a setup often used in reggae and dub to deliver exceptional clarity and balance.
We explained how sound is split into five frequency ranges:
• Sub-bass (20-50 Hz): The deep, rumbling tones you feel more than hear, powered by massive subwoofers.
• Bass (50-150 Hz): Punchy, rhythmic basslines that drive the groove.
• Low-mids (150-500 Hz): Warm tones that give weight to drums and instruments.
• High-mids (500 Hz - 5 kHz): The range for vocals and detailed instruments.
• Highs (5 kHz - 20 kHz): Crisp, sparkling sounds like cymbals and hi-hats.
Attendees had the chance to experiment with a crossover, learning how to route these frequency ranges to the right speakers for a full, rich sound.
One of the most fascinating parts of the session was exploring the custom pre-amps used in reggae sound systems. Unlike standard pre-amps, these devices double as DJ mixers, giving selectors (reggae DJs) live control over bass, mids, and treble.
We showed how built-in effects like reverb and echo allow selectors to creatively manipulate the sound, shaping the vibe of the music in real time. This hands-on demonstration sparked lively discussions about the role of sound systems in reggae’s evolution and the artistry involved in operating one.
The workshop was a resounding success, attracting a diverse crowd of attendees eager to learn and share. Questions poured in throughout the session. This enthusiasm turned the event into a two-way conversation, with participants exchanging ideas and insights. Many attendees remarked on how accessible the information was, even for those with no prior technical knowledge.
“Anatomy of Sound Systems” wasn’t just about teaching technical skills—it was about celebrating a cultural legacy that unites people through music. Sound systems have always been more than just equipment; they’re a symbol of creativity, community, and connection.
By breaking down the technical barriers, we aimed to inspire a new generation of sound system enthusiasts to explore and carry on this rich tradition.
The overwhelming response to the workshop has inspired us to plan more events in collaboration with Unity Leeds CIC. As we continue this journey, we’re grateful to the Leeds community for their support and passion. If you’d like to get involved or suggest topics for our next session, we’d love to hear from you.
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