You Need This Speaker for Portable Gigging: A Game-Changer for Live Performers

There are some artists who see all the world as a stage, not just bound to the music venues, concert halls, and theatres of the world. There are some breeds of musician who just love to busk and perform their music to the public whenever and wherever they can. But does that mean you need to lower your standards for top sound quality and audio for your performance? Absolutely not, as we live in an exciting time where portable speakers are now able to rival the built-in speakers at professional venues.

Two artists who are ready to get out and perform are Megan Vice and Tattoo Money, seeing the bustling cultural powerhouse of New York City as the canvas for their busking performances. And they are powered by the ANNY8 speaker from LD Systems. They talk to Headliner through why this lightweight yet powerful, user-friendly speaker is a no-brainer for portable gigging.

Introduction to the Ultimate Portable Speaker: LD Systems ANNY8

Meet the LD Systems ANNY8 speaker, an innovative, battery-powered sound solution designed for versatility and mobility. It's the lightest, most compact model in the ANNY series, making it a dream for gigging and busking musicians needing a portable speaker for their travels. It features an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, delivering crisp, balanced sound. Its practical carrying handle and balanced weight make it ideal for artists who need to move quickly and set up effortlessly.

If you're going to find yourself performing in the subway, at a garden party, or at an outdoor event, the ANNY8 delivers the all-important professional sound quality, plus the flexibility needed to respond to different environments. 

Embracing the Streets: Megan Vice's Experience Performing with the ANNY8

Megan Vice is a New York-born, Berlin-based artist, who has always dreamed of performing live in iconic locations such as the New York subway and Times Square. These locations represent the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. But, of course, busking and performing is a scary thing to do, in some ways even more nerve-wracking than playing at a gig. She hadn't taken the plunge to perform in the New York streets and public places. But partnering with fellow artist Tattoo Money, Vice finally got the chance to bring her music to the streets, and the experience was pivotal for her.

One of Vice's initial impressions of the ANNY8 was its portability and ease of use. “I’m not a manual labour girly,” she says, highlighting how the speaker’s lightweight and compact design made it easy for her to transport and set up without hassle. The wireless microphone added to the simplicity, enabling a smooth, cable-free performance setup that allowed Vice to focus on what truly matters — her music.

For artists like Vice, who want to bring their performances out of the traditional venue and into public spaces, the ANNY8 removes many of the  classic barriers to playing music in public. Its design means you can move around freely, set up quickly, and still enjoy professional sound quality. This opens up a world of possibilities for spontaneous gigs and street performances.

The Power of Performing in New York City

New York City is undoubtedly one of the world's premier destinations for music and live music. It's the city where the hip-hop genre was born, and prior to that, one of the main US cities in which jazz music was developed. Vice describes it as a city bursting with creativity, from iconic venues to underground parties, and a melting pot of musical styles. The city’s never-sleeping energy fuels artists and inspires new sounds and ideas.

Performing live in New York, especially in places like the subway, is a rite of passage for many local artists. It’s a unique challenge that tests your ability to connect with a diverse and often tough audience. Vice's experience performing with the ANNY8 in these environments allowed her to tap into the city’s dynamic pulse, elevating her artistry and deepening her connection to her hometown.

Street-Level Authenticity: Tattoo Money’s Perspective on Busking with the ANNY8

It's been a similar story for Tattoo Money, a Brooklyn-born alternative hip-hop singer and songwriter. For him, performing on the streets of New York has always been a dream, but also a little intimidating. “New Yorkers are savages,” he says with a laugh. “When you know your gear is going to work and get you through it, all you gotta do is do what you do,” he explains. This peace of mind is invaluable for street performers who need to focus on their craft without worrying about technical issues.

Adjusting the Sound to the Environment

One of Tattoo Money’s favourite features of the ANNY8 is its built-in equaliser (EQ) control, which allows him to tweak the sound quickly and easily. Being able to adjust the lows, highs, and mids quickly means he can tailor his voice to suit the specific acoustics of any street corner or subway platform.

“Within 30 seconds, I was EQing my voice to sound exactly how it would at a venue,” he says. This not only enhanced the quality of his performance but also made the experience more exciting and professional. It’s a feature that sets the ANNY8 apart from many other portable speakers.

Why the ANNY8 is a Powerful Tool for Portable Gigging

Both Megan Vice and Tattoo Money’s experiences highlight several reasons why the LD Systems ANNY8 is such a great tool for artists on the move. 

1. Lightweight and Portable Design

The ANNY8’s compact size and balanced weight make it easy to carry and transport. Whether you’re walking through busy streets or hopping on public transit, you won’t be weighed down by bulky, heavy equipment. The practical handle adds convenience, making it simple to grab and go.

2. Wireless Microphone Integration

Performing without tangled cables is a huge advantage, especially in unpredictable environments. The wireless mic included with the ANNY8 allows for freedom of movement and a clean setup, helping performers stay focused and mobile.

3. Battery-Powered for True Mobility

With a built-in rechargeable battery, the ANNY8 frees musicians from the need for power outlets. This means you can perform anywhere — from subway platforms to parks—without worrying about finding an electrical source.

4. Professional Sound Quality

Despite its small size, the ANNY8 delivers an impressive sound performance. Its 8-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter provide balanced audio that can fill a variety of spaces, ensuring your music reaches your audience loud and clear.

5. On-the-Fly Sound Customisation

The ability to adjust the equaliser settings quickly and easily is a big one for live performers, especially in outdoor or unconventional venues. Tailoring your sound to the acoustics of your surroundings ensures your performance sounds its best.

How to Make the Most of Your Portable Gig with the ANNY8

If you’re an artist looking to take your performance on the road, here are some tips inspired by Vice and Tattoo Money’s experiences to help you succeed with the ANNY8:

1. Scout Your Location: Choose spots with good foot traffic, but also consider acoustics. Subways, parks, and busy street corners can all provide different vibes and sound challenges.
2. Master the EQ Settings: Spend some time familiarising yourself with the speaker’s equaliser controls so you can quickly adjust your sound to fit the environment.
3. Keep Your Setup Simple: The lighter and less complicated your gear, the easier it will be to move and set up quickly.
4. Engage Your Audience: Use the freedom of wireless mics and portable speakers to move around and interact with your listeners, creating a memorable experience.
5. Stay Confident and Adaptable: Performing in public spaces can be unpredictable. Trust your equipment and your talent to carry you through.

If you've been excited to take on the world of busking yourself, but haven't been sure where to start gear-wise, the ANNY8 is a fantastic starting point. If Vice and Tattoo Money can overcome their fear of public performance, so can you. Share your music and gifts with the streets.