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Megaphone Use Tips: How To Speak Effectively

Megaphone use tips concept: a man in a business suite holds a megaphone close to their mouth.

Having the best megaphones on the market won’t be as effective for you if you aren’t using them appropriately. It’s as much about how you project your voice as it is the megaphone’s ability to amplify it. You’ll also want to be mindful of which direction you’re projecting it, and how it affects those around you. To that end, we’ve compiled our top four megaphone use tips we think you should know about operating yours.

Megaphone Use Tip #1: How To Hold Your Megaphone

This is one you may remember us discussing before. A megaphone should be held right in front of your face when you’re ready to use it. You want your mouth to be close enough to the microphone so that it projects as much of your voice as possible. This will allow you to gauge the appropriate volume for your megaphone, and will improve sound clarity.

You may feel tempted to hold a megaphone at arm’s length or farther away from your face to limit how loud you are, but that’s not recommended. When you do that, your megaphone is less likely to pick up enough of your voice to even be heard at all. You may also find that holding the megaphone this way can become uncomfortable or cause it to shake, which can also negatively affect voice quality.

Megaphone Use Tip #2: Speak Clearly

Enunciation is important with a megaphone. Shouting or speaking too quickly can cause your voice to become distorted, which completely defeats the purpose! It’s often better to slow the cadence of your speech, speak clearly, and keep an even tone to your voice.

Megaphone Use Tip #3: Watch Where You’re Pointing

While it’s important to hold the megaphone close to the front of your face, you don’t want it pointing directly at the people in your audience. This can project too much sound on them, which can be uncomfortable or even damaging to their hearing. Instead, consider pointing your megaphone slightly above them or off to the side to limit direction exposure.

Megaphone Use Tip #4: Test Your Acoustics

This tip basically means that it’s a good idea to: understand how loud is loud enough, depending on your venue (indoor or outdoor); how well sound may or may not travel, depending on where you’re standing at that venue; the decibel range of your megaphone; and the number of people to whom you’ll be speaking. Don’t be discouraged if you find this requires more trial and error to get right. 

You can also speak to one of our knowledgeable megaphone specialists about their recommendations for how to use the models you currently own — or the ones we think you should purchase!

Selecting Your Next Megaphone

Now that you know how to use your voice properly, the next question is: do you need a new megaphone?
ThunderPower has a full lineup of exceptional bullhorn options that you can check out here — or give us a call to discuss any questions you may have about choosing the right one to fit your needs!

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Coaches, Use These Sports Megaphones To Prevent Vocal Strain

A coach stands on the sidelines beside a blown-up image of a THUN-120 megaphone. Text reads, "Coaches, Save Your Voice. Use a Megaphone."

School’s back in session, and sports teams are gearing up for a new season! That means plenty of coaches across the country should be mindful of one thing: not losing their voice. If you’re a coach, we recognize how hard you must work to teach and mentor your players during practice and live events. But that shouldn’t come at the cost of your vocal chords and general health. While we strongly believe that sports megaphones are key to avoiding undue strain on your speech, we acknowledge that this isn’t the only solution you may need.

Why?

Megaphones fall under the category of noisemaker, which is usually banned from use during live game play. This means that while we can obviously share the benefits of using them during outdoor events and team practices, you’ll still need a plan for what to do when they aren’t an option.

We address some of those through the questions below.

Why Are Coaches’ Voices at Risk?

Hopefully you’re fortunate enough not to have experienced throat pain from yelling too much. Or, if you have, maybe you were wise enough to give your vocal chords time to heal before risking more damage. Either way, the reality is that vocal strain can affect coaches to different degrees depending on the sport, where it’s held, and how many people you’re trying to talk over. 

Basketball coaches arguably have it the worst. They’re indoors, in rooms that can get exceptionally loud, and unable to use sports megaphones during live games. But because they need to communicate with their team, and because “the pressure to perform often leads coaches to yell,” The New York Times notes how there’s “rarely a moment during a game when a coach can use a normal conversational voice.” 

Just how bad can vocal damage get?

Turns out, a lot. One coach even had to go in for two surgeries to remove polyps that formed in his throat.

Are There Home Remedies?

That same NYT article notes how many coaches who have accepted throat pain as part of their profession also rely on home remedies for treatment. These range from “daily cups of tea,” to “salt water in the morning and before games,” to Life Savers and cough drops. 

Some say they simply get used to straining their voices, although that’s not recommended.

What Other Options Do Coaches Have?

Besides home remedies, coaches can try to prevent throat pain from happening in the first place through the use of vocal training. Similar to how singers practice ways to protect their vocal chords, coaches can adapt by learning safer voice projection techniques.

Another means of curbing undue vocal strain is to measure how much coaches are using their voices. Researchers are looking at how to identify vocal fatigue through the use of a “soft, flexible, postage-stamp-sized device [that] comfortably adheres to the upper chest to sense the subtle vibrations associated with talking and singing.” That data is then shared with a smart device to “monitor their vocal activities in real time throughout the day and measure cumulative total vocal usage.”

Can Technology Help?

When it comes to live games, it looks like coaches need to be mindful of how they yell, how often they yell, and what vocal training or home remedies they prefer to soothe any discomfort. As for practice, that’s where technology can give them the upper hand.

While some coaches have been known to use microphones connected with wireless PA systems, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that our main recommendation is to use powerful sports megaphones.

What Sports Megaphones Does ThunderPower Offer?

ThunderPower maintains several megaphone models that coaches can use to train their teams. They include:

THUN-150

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 600 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 98 decibels (dB), with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.

The THUN-150 may be the smallest of ThunderPower’s sports megaphones, but it still packs a punch! It offers clear voice projection, options for a siren and whistle, a lapel microphone, adjustable volume control, and a convenient wrist strap.

THUN-120

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 800 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 100 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.

Shaped more like traditional sports megaphones, the THUN-120 offers a compact, lightweight design that’s reinforced by an industrial-strength chassis. Similar to the 120, it comes with a nylon carrying strap. 

THUN-250

Power: 25 watts.
Range: up to 1200 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 102 dB, with siren up to 118 dB.
Number of batteries: six (6) Cs.

This is one of the best medium-sized, long-range megaphones on the market, offering the same features as the previous models but with greater range and power.

THUN-450

Power: 35 watts.
Range: up to 1400 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 108 dB, with siren up to 120 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.

The THUN-450 is incredibly loud, and offers a detachable palm mic for added convenience.

Please note: batteries not included with these models, but we do sell them.

Do You Need Sports Megaphones?

If you’re in need of the best sports megaphones on the market when it comes to coordinating practice with your team, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at 877-782-7073 to talk about the units discussed above, and get answers to any questions you may have.

If you’d like an example of how we’ve helped teams in the past, check out our partnership with Pacific Rowing Club.

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The Ultimate Protest Machine: ThunderPower Megaphones and Tips for Your Next Rally

ThunderPower ultimate protest machine concept: A woman uses a THUN-250 megaphone to chant while raising her fist and marching in a crowd.

The best way to spark change is to get your voice heard, and that often includes the act of protesting. If you’re preparing for your next rally, we have several recommendations on what to take with you — not the least of which includes our powerful megaphones and bullhorns. Learn why ThunderPower is considered the ultimate protest machine, as well as the other essentials you should pack.

Why ThunderPower Is the Ultimate Protest Machine

Megaphones are the most convenient means of enhancing your voice and projecting it to your intended audience. But in order to do that, they need to offer excellent sound quality, range, and durability. That’s where ThunderPower megaphones shine.

Whether you’re considering our most compact model or our largest, all ThunderPower megaphones offer:

  • Clear sound quality, thanks to their design.
  • Range, thanks to battery power. 
  • Durability, thanks to industrial-grade, heavy-duty plastic.

What you need to ask yourself is: how many people do you want to hear you? That answer will help you decide which of our models are best suited for your next protest.

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Crowd size, which will help you determine what range you’ll need from your megaphone.

Location of the protest, and whether you expect to relocate or march, which will help you decide on a smaller megaphone you can carry in one hand, or a larger one that requires a carrying strap.

Length of the protest, which will indicate whether you’ll want to take backup batteries for your megaphone, and whether you’d prefer a model that offers a vehicle charging adaptor.

Megaphone Examples

While ThunderPower offers several megaphone models to choose from, here are three suggestions for your consideration: 

The THUN-150: compact but powerful, this lightweight model is easy to carry while ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear. It offers 15 watts of power, a 600-yard range, 98 decibels (dB) for voice, and 112 dB for siren.

The THUN-250: this is one of the best medium-sized megaphones on the market, offering 25 watts of power, a 1200-yard range, 102 dB for voice, and 118 dB for siren.

The THUN-1200: weighing in at roughly seven (7) pounds, this megaphone is designed to be carried with a shoulder strap and used with a palm mic. Known as “The Earthquake Maker,” it should come as no surprise that the THUN-1200 packs a punch at 45 watts. That means you’ll have a 2000-yard range, 112 dB for voice, and 122 dB for siren.

You can see a full lineup of our available megaphones here. Once you’ve decided which one is right for your needs, let’s review the other protest essentials you’ll want to take with you.

Your Ultimate Protest Machine Checklist

Depending on how long your protest will last, you may consider bringing the following items.

Water. Adequate hydration is important when you aren’t moving, so imagine how much more it will be when you’re standing and marching over the course of several hours. The time of year and weather conditions (heat, humidity) will also determine how much water you’ll want to make sure you bring for yourself and those who may be joining you. It’s worth noting that should any protesters become injured at a rally, water may also be helpful for cleaning dirty wounds and reducing eye irritation.

Food. Based on where you’ll be protesting, you may not have convenient access to food beyond what you bring yourself. Consider stocking up on options like snack bars, fruit, and nuts, as they can all be easy to transport and effective at keeping you healthy and alert.

Appropriate attire. Again, be mindful of the weather and how long you anticipate being out in it. If you’re planning to move a lot, good walking shoes are essential. Hot temperatures can require loose-fitting clothing, hats or visors, and sunglasses — and yes, plenty of sunscreen and deodorant. Inclement weather can mean wearing raincoats and galoshes, as well as carrying umbrellas. You may also decide that it’s best to have a spare change of clothes just in case it becomes necessary.

A backpack. It may seem obvious to mention at this point, but carrying around all of the items we’ve already listed means having a durable backpack or travel bag.

First aid kit. While water can be used to clean wounds, you’ll do well to have basic medical supplies in case someone does get scratched or injured more severely. Gauze, bandaids, and alcohol wipes are some of the first aid options that can come in handy in a pinch. Bringing along hand sanitizer is also recommended as a simple sanitary precaution.

Extra batteries. Your megaphone will thank you.

Flashlights. More than likely, your protest will happen during the day. But for those times of the year when there’s less daylight, or when protests extend into the evening hours, having flashlights can be useful for keeping track of your fellow protesters and staying aware of your surroundings. The tip about extra batteries applies to these, too.

Cash. It’s always good to carry a little in case you need additional supplies.

A pen/pencil/marker and paper. These days, most people probably rely on technology like their smartphones to take notes and send information. However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have reliable cell reception when you’re attending a massive rally. Plus, your phone battery might not be sufficient to last for the entire event. A simple writing tool is helpful if and when you need it.

Your protest sign. This probably goes without saying, depending on whether or not you intended to bring one already, but it’s worth keeping in mind how you plan to carry your sign in conjunction with the other items on this list (and how big of a backpack that will require).

Honorable Mention: Protest Songs

What’s a protest without music? Plenty of songs have been written about protesting throughout the ages, with no shortage of popular ones you could use during your next rally. Those include:

Bob Dylan, “Masters of War.”
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, “Ohio.”
Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Fortunate Son.”
Rage Against the Machine, “Killing in the Name.”

What’s the best way to hear that music loud and clear? You guessed it — ThunderPower megaphones. 

Models like the THUN-150 and THUN-1200 come with separate audio inputs that you can use to play music from an attached device.

Are You Ready To Be Your Own Ultimate Protest Machine?

We support your right to protest, and we want to help you make sure your voice is heard! Contact us today at 877-782-7073 to discuss the megaphones and bullhorns we have in stock, and get the ones you need. You can also review our full lineup and available discounts here.

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ThunderPower Spotlight: The THUN-150 Megaphone

A THUN-150 megaphone and lapel mic are displayed next to a school administrator using this megaphone in the hallway around students. A tagline reads, "15 Watts of Power. 600-Yard Range."

Even if a megaphone is small, that doesn’t mean it can’t pack a punch. Case in point: the THUN-150. As the most compact member of the ThunderPower lineup, it’s often used by educational staff, parade operators, day care workers, tour group leaders, coaches, and event planners. Learn more about why we call the THUN-150 megaphone “real power in a tiny package,” as well as helpful tips and specials that are currently available for this model.

Sound and Range

All ThunderPower megaphones offer exceptional sound quality and clarity, and that includes the THUN-150. Your voice will easily be heard up to 600 yards away, and you can utilize a siren or whistle when you really need to get people’s immediate attention. An audio input is also available for connecting a lapel mic or other audio devices.

Handling

Its compact size (weighing slightly over 2 pounds) and ergonomic pistol grip both make the THUN-150 a cinch to carry and operate. Volume control and audio selection for voice, siren, and whistle are all conveniently placed above the grip so that you can quickly adjust them with your thumb. 

Durability

Made with industrial-grade plastic, this megaphone is designed to take more than its fair share of bumps and scratches that are expected from repeat use. Plus, all 150s come with reinforced-nylon, web-wrist lanyards to prevent drops and loss.

Power

The THUN-150 boasts 15 watts of power and only requires 8 AA batteries for long-lasting service. When it’s finally time to swap those batteries out for replacements, this megaphone’s design makes it fast and convenient to do so — no complicated searches or tricks to open the battery compartment required. (Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries to save on replacement costs.)

Design

Its five-inch-diameter bell and eight-inch chassis offer 90-degree sound projection that lends itself well for indoor and outdoor situations.

Warranty

All 150s come with a “full 1 year, expedited in-house express warranty” for your complete peace of mind.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of the THUN-150 megaphone, let’s discuss some tips you can apply when using it.

Tip #1: Flip Your Batteries

We already highlighted rechargeable batteries as a way to save money while keeping your megaphone powered. You might also consider flipping your batteries in their slots when you put your megaphone into storage. This prevents the possibility of it being activated while you’re away, which would needlessly drain its batteries.

Tip #2: Add the THUN-150 to Your Disaster Kit

People often think about including flashlights and radios in their disaster kits, but they may not realize just how beneficial megaphones can be. This is especially true for the THUN-150. Thanks to its smaller size and portability, it can be easily stored for emergency use and provide long-lasting power until help arrives.

Tip #3: Speak Loudly and Directly Into the Microphone

If you think your megaphone is too loud, don’t worry about adjusting your voice by speaking softer or by holding the megaphone farther away from you. Always speak directly into the microphone and always speak loudly — adjusting the volume on the model itself will handle the rest.

Current THUN-150 Megaphone Specials

As of this blog post, we’re offering a couple special offers for our THUN-150 megaphones.

  1. Units are currently on sale at 10 percent off normal retail price.
  2. You can get a free THUN-150 when you purchase six (6) or more industrial radios from our friends over at Discount Two-Way Radio!

Questions and Orders

What megaphone questions do you have? Whether it’s about the THUN-150 or other models we currently carry, what discounts you can apply to your next purchase, what the real difference is between a megaphone and a bullhorn, or other megaphone tips for your industry, we want to hear from you! Our megaphones are tested in the USA to verify that their quality is incredible, and we think you’ll be extremely impressed by how they hold up.

Give us a call today at 877-782-7073 to learn more, or to place an order.

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ThunderPower Offers Superior Megaphones for Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders, football players, and a coach all huddle together with a trophy to celebrate a winning game. A cheerleader holds a ThunderPower megaphone.

Cheerleading season may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean squads won’t be practicing over the spring and summer, and they’ll need megaphones! ThunderPower is here to help teams ensure their routines go smoothly and their voices are heard so that they’re ready to crush it at their next major competition or sporting event. Learn how, and which megaphones for cheerleaders we recommend.

The History of Megaphones for Cheerleaders

Megaphones have been a part of cheerleading since they were wooden and acoustic. In fact, their first recorded use with a cheer team dates back to 1898 at the University of Michigan.

These days, ThunderPower’s electronic models — also known as bullhorns — are made with industrial-grade, molded plastic, making them preferable because of their added strength, enhanced clarity, and extended range. We carry several bullhorn models to meet the specific needs of your training.

Megaphone Pro Tip

If you really want some force behind your cheers, make sure to take a look at “The Earthquake Maker,” our most powerful megaphone. Running on 45 watts and offering a range of 2000 yards, the THUN-1200 is guaranteed to make you the loudest person at any event. Plus, it’s big enough to require a carrying strap and speaker mic for ease of use.

ESSER II and ARP ESSER Funds

Not sure if you have the money to budget for new megaphones? Check if your school has funds remaining from ESSER II and ARP ESSER. If you’re not aware, these packages were part of COVID relief authorized by the federal government for schools to make improvements to air quality, cleaning and sanitation, and communications equipment. It’s worth confirming with your district if megaphones apply, and that you make sure to obligate available funds by their respective deadlines (September 30th of this year for ESSER II, and September 30th of next year for ARP ESSER).

Cheerleader Safety

Safety’s a big part of any sport, and cheerleading is no exception. Summer practice can be more difficult due to the heat, which is why TheCheerBuzz offers some tips on how to protect your squad members.

Megaphones also contribute to that safety. If one of your team members feels threatened, they can use a megaphone to call for help, or activate its siren to alert others. (This is why we highly recommend that everyone has a megaphone in their disaster kit.)

ThunderPower Megaphone Suggestions

While we stand by the quality and craftsmanship of all of our models, here are the megaphones for cheerleaders we recommend when you’re looking for new ones for your squad.

THUN-150: 15 watts, 600-yard range, 98 decibels (dB) for voice, and 112 dB for siren.

THUN-120: 15 watts, 800-yard range, 100 dB for voice, and 112 dB for siren.

THUN-250: 25 watts, 1200-yard range, 102 dB for voice, and 118 dB for siren.

Questions?

Do you have questions about the megaphones we currently offer? We want to hear about them! Call us today at 877-782-7073 to speak with one of our customer service specialists.

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6 Essential Battery-Powered Megaphone Tips To Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard

A battery-powered megaphone, the THUN-450, has its major components labelled.

Whether you’re participating in a rally, coordinating an outdoor event, instructing students in an auditorium, or guiding players through drills on the practice field, megaphones and bullhorns are the best tools for getting your voice heard. To use yours effectively, make sure to review the following battery-powered megaphone tips — then let us know if you have any questions about the models we currently have available.

1. Speak Directly Into the Megaphone

Depending on the type of megaphone that you purchase, its microphone will either be built into the back of the unit or connected to it as an attachment. Operate both the same way by talking directly into their microphones — i.e., hold them as close to you as possible. 

Megaphones may be excellent at projecting sound, but those sound waves have to reach them first. More of them will when you limit the space between your mouth and the microphone. 

We’ve seen users who thought they could get away with holding their bullhorns at arms’ length, then learned very quickly how no one could hear what they were saying.

For an easy comparison, treat your megaphones like musical instruments.

2. Speak Loudly

Don’t lower your voice when you use a megaphone. Whispers or mumbling won’t be any better when they’re magnified, which means you need to talk with power and confidence to get the farthest, cleanest results. 

Let’s take it right back to that music analogy: the more sound you put in, the greater it projects.

Worried you’ll be too loud? Adjust the megaphone’s settings, not your voice.

3. Flip Your Batteries When Storing Your Megaphones

One trick that you might find handy for conserving the lifespans of your megaphone batteries is to flip them backwards in a unit prior to storage. This avoids the possibility of the unit being unknowingly activated if anything were to be placed on top or beside it that might press its talk trigger and drain the rest of its power. Just remember to leave yourself a note when it’s time to pull your bullhorn back out so that you or your coworkers don’t mistakenly think its batteries are already dead.

This tip helps avoid accidental alarm activation, too. And speaking of alarms…

4. Be Careful Which Buttons You Push

Not all megaphones are made the same, which is why ThunderPower designs theirs to be intuitive and user friendly. That said, it’s still a good idea to review all of the available functions and where they’re located, just so you don’t choose one that causes unnecessary commotion — like the megaphone’s siren.

Depending on the model, the siren may be activated with a switch beside the microphone, a toggle at the base of the pistol grip, or a button on the top handle. Always verify that yours is in the correct position before use.

5. Purchase Rechargeable Batteries

ThunderPower megaphones offer exceptional range and sound quality, which can require several AA or C batteries based on the model. Depending on how often you use these megaphones, you may find it more cost effective to purchase rechargeable batteries.

6. Consider Megaphones With Shoulder Straps

If you need bullhorns with a lot of power, but also plan to be on the move, you’d do well to look for units that come with shoulder straps. They make transporting these megaphones easier, and reduce the chances of having them misplaced or damaged. Plus, ThunderPower’s larger units also include palm mics, which allow you to continue using them while they’re still being carried.

Which Megaphones Do You Need?

If you’re looking to purchase new megaphones, here’s a breakdown of the units we currently offer, with links to each.

THUN-150: 15 watts of power and a 600-yard range, with voice amplification up to 98 decibels (dB) and siren at 112 dB. 

Recommended for: teachers, parade operators, event organizers, and tour groups.

THUN-120: 15 watts of power and an 800-yard range, with voice amplification up to 100 dB and siren at 112 dB. 

Recommended for: coaching, theater productions, school pickup and drop-off lots, as well as campus crowd control.

THUN-250: 25 watts of power and a 1200-yard range, with voice amplification up to 102 dB and siren at 118 dB. 

Recommended for: law enforcement, first responders, teachers, and coaches.

THUN-450: 35 watts of power and a 1400-yard range, with voice amplification up to 108 dB and siren at 120 dB. 

Recommended for: political rallies, outdoor festivals, and religious congregations.

THUN-1200: 45 watts of power and a 2000-yard range, with voice amplification up to 112 dB and siren at 122 dB. 

Recommended for: military training, firefighters, security, and massive gatherings.

Want More Battery-Powered Megaphone Tips?

Whether you’re looking for more tips about megaphones and bullhorns and how to maintain them, or you’ve got questions about any of our models, we’re here to help! Call us today at 877-782-7073.

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The Best Bullhorn Used To Manage Crowds

A THUN-1200 bullhorn used to manage crowds at an outdoor fair is currently resting on a field beside vendor tents.

Are you getting ready for your next big outdoor event? While there are plenty of factors to prioritize — from sanitation and pest control, to permits, power, and cleanup — the one area you can’t afford to go without is communication. Make sure that you have all of the equipment necessary for keeping your event organized, efficient — and, most importantly, safe. If you’re anticipating a lot of people, here are our suggestions on the communication areas you’ll need to focus on, as well as the best bullhorn used to manage crowds.

Lighting

If your event runs after sunset, do you have the proper lighting planned? This isn’t just for your vendors and performers — we’re also referring to lights that will help your customers know where to park, find their way around your venue, and know where to go in the event of an emergency. And, if the weather ever becomes too troublesome, that lighting could also come in handy with the next item on our list.

Directing Traffic to a Backup Location

Having a secondary location in mind for your event is ideal if you’re anticipating any last-minute changes. Weather is certainly a big one, but it’s possible that other unforeseen circumstances would warrant a new venue. Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to make sure that the majority of your equipment is easy to transport and reassemble at your backup site. The lighting we mentioned above could be part of those efforts if the secondary location is within walking distance, or to identify it for others when arriving by car. 

Coordinating these efforts also means advanced prep work, as well as the best bullhorns to relay instructions if and when the time comes.

Bullhorns (or Megaphones)

Whether you call them bullhorns or megaphones, these are the best tools for interacting with — and directing — large groups of people. Vendors can use them to get more people to come to their tents or displays, parking attendants can use them to direct traffic, and stage performers can use them to get your crowd energized. They’re also ideal for communicating group instructions to event team members while they’re breaking down and transporting equipment, responding to emergencies, or getting attendees to listen to important announcements. 

In our experience, the best bullhorn to manage crowds is the THUN-1200. Referred to as “The Earthquake Maker,” it offers 45 watts of power and a range of up to 2000 yards! 

How loud is that, exactly? We’re talking the same level as a rock concert or a thunder clap. In other words, you will be the loudest voice at your event. 

To stay portable in spite of its size, the THUN-1200 comes with a carrying strap and a palm mic. It’s also designed with heavy-duty, industrial-grade plastic to protect it from normal wear and tear, including potential drops that may happen along the way.

Does the THUN-1200 sound like too much megaphone for your event? We offer other models with reduced ranges to fit any venue, crowd size, or personal preference. Check out our full lineup, all of which are on sale as of this post!

Honorable Mention: Industrial Two-Way Radios

Looking for a less conspicuous way to coordinate a crowd? Don’t forget about industrial two-way radios. These are designed to make every aspect of your event appear effortless, thanks to uninterrupted, dependable, crystal-clear communication. You can also pair them with earpieces and speaker mics to give your users a more hands-free experience while they work.

Head over to our friends at Discount Two-Way Radio for more information about the best models that will fit your needs and budget.

Ready To Choose Your Next Bullhorn?

While we think the best bullhorn used to manage crowds is the THUN-1200, don’t be discouraged from comparing all of ThunderPower’s phenomenal models. It really comes down to crowd size, venue location, and what you’ve got planned that will determine the best bullhorn for your needs.

While you can certainly compare the specs for these models on our website, why not make that process easier and talk directly with one of our megaphone specialists? Give us a call at 877-782-7073 when you’re ready to learn more.

Looking for more bullhorn tips when it comes to larger crowds? Check out our three strategies for attracting one!

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What Are Megaphones Used for in Winter?

A THUN-450 megaphone is displayed beside a winter rescue team member riding a snowmobile.

When you think of megaphones, you probably imagine sporting events, protests, and outdoor concerts — basically any situation where you need a tool that increases the volume of the human voice against surrounding noise or over a great distance. But when the temps start to drop, what are megaphones used for in winter? Here are a few options that you may not have thought about, and the recommended models that ThunderPower offers.

1. Winter Sports

Megaphones are great at any sporting event, and those held in winter are no exception. The biggest example that comes to mind is certainly the Winter Olympics. We’ve even had the honor of being the megaphone vendor of choice for the Games up in Canada. Having an assortment of high-quality megaphones makes coordinating large groups of people at these venues much easier, whether they’re the teams setting up and maintaining each event, or the crowds who are there to watch in person.

Recommended model: THUN-250. It’s made with heavy-duty industrial plastic, includes an extra loud siren, and offers a range of up to 1200 yards.

2. Ski Resorts

You don’t have to host a worldwide championship to need megaphones in the snow. Ski resorts depend on these units to maintain operations and make sure that skiers, snowboarders, and tubers remain safe. Emergency response can use them to communicate with customers quickly, as well as signal from the slopes. The fact that cold air affects how sound waves travel, allowing voices to be heard farther away, also helps.

Recommended model: THUN-450. This model offers convenient handling with a shoulder strap and palm mic, and comes with a range of up to 1400 yards.

3. Winter Training

Even if sporting events aren’t being held, that doesn’t mean athletes aren’t practicing — and that includes rowers! Coaches need the best means to direct their rowing teams during winter training to make sure no one gets injured.

Recommended model: THUN-1200. Known as “The Earthquake Maker,” this is the loudest megaphone ThunderPower currently carries, giving you a range of up to 2000 yards.

4. Emergency Kits

We’ve talked before about what items are essential in an emergency kit, and megaphones are definitely one of them. More reliable than cell phones, and easier to keep charged, these units can make all the difference for allowing rescue services to find you. Winter can be one of those times when inclement weather may threaten power, heat, and road travel, which means you want the best communications equipment available to make sure your voice is heard.

Recommended model: Any. This may depend more on your living situation and available storage with your emergency kit, but we think any ThunderPower megaphone will be good enough to help you in a crisis. That said, you can’t go wrong by having the loudest, which means the THUN-1200 may be the one you want to select.

Ready To Purchase Your Next Megaphone?

What are megaphones used for in winter? Turns out, a lot! If there are other examples you can think of that we missed, let us know! And if it’s time to place your order for the best megaphones available on the market, we’ve got plenty of ThunderPower options in stock that are ready to ship as soon as the day they’re purchased!

Call us today at 877-782-7073 to talk about the units you need.

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Bullhorns and Megaphones: What’s the Difference?

Megaphones and bullhorns concept. A vintage, wooden megaphone is compared to a current-day bullhorn, with the tagline,

Maybe you’ve already been using bullhorns and megaphones for a while, or perhaps this is the first time you’re looking to purchase. Either way, you may have wondered: is there a difference between the two? And does that mean you’ve been looking at the wrong products? Learn more about what each term really means, its history, and the models that we recommend.

Is There Really a Difference?

Technically, yes. 

Megaphones came first. These are defined as horn- or cone-shaped tubes that make sound audible over greater-than-normal distances. Bullhorns are actually a type of megaphone, but are defined as those that project sound electronically. 

It’s that simple.

That being said, most people use these terms interchangeably today, to the point that distinguishing them isn’t so important when you decide to go shopping. You can use either term and still find the products you’re looking for, without having to worry about ending up with a simple plastic tube you could have easily fashioned yourself. Not that there’s anything wrong with traditional megaphones — they share a long history with the Olympics and cheerleading, after all.

How Long Have Bullhorns and Megaphones Been Around?

You might think the 1908 Olympics were a long time ago, but megaphones have arguably been in use for far longer. According to Acoustical Engineer, Native Americans and the ancient Greeks both used versions of “speaking horns” to communicate with large crowds and during theater performances, respectively.

By comparison, bullhorns are still babies, having only been around since the 1950s after the development of microelectronics.

How Do Bullhorns and Megaphones Work?

Bullhorns and megaphones depend on the concepts of directivity and acoustic impedance. Again, Acoustical Engineer offers the best summary of each: directivity measures “how much sound energy goes in what direction,” while acoustic impedance measures the amount of resistance that sound encounters as it crosses different forms of matter. For example, when you speak, the sound from your vocal cords encounters acoustic impedance from the air as it leaves your mouth — so much so that some of that sound is even reflected backwards.

Megaphones ease this transition so that more sound is able to pass from you into the air, allowing it to be audible farther away.

Bullhorns operate on the same principles, but offer expanded range thanks to electronic components like microphones and amplified speakers. Most bullhorns are handheld units, although some get large enough that they require these components to be separated. The THUN-1200, for example, is designed to be carried with a shoulder strap, while allowing users to communicate through a corded microphone similar to those you see on mobile two-way radios.

What Are the Best Options?

Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of each of the bullhorns that ThunderPower currently offers, including their ranges and the industries or activities that benefit from them the most. As of this blog post, all of our units are also on sale!

THUN-150. Operating at 15 watts, this bullhorn can project sound up to 600 yards. It requires eight (8) AA batteries, and is ideal for teachers, parade operators, event organizers, tour groups, sporting events, and cheerleading.

THUN-120. Similar to the THUN-150, this unit also operates at 15 watts and takes eight (8) AAs, but increases its maximum range to 800 yards. This comes in handy for coaching and cheerleading, as well as theater productions, school and university crowd control, parades, fairs, and farmers’ markets.

THUN-250. This bullhorn offers 25 watts of power, reaches up to 1200 yards, and requires six (6) C batteries. It’s designed to work best for teachers, coaches, demonstrators, law enforcement, and preachers.

THUN-450. Eight (8) C batteries gives this model 35 watts of power and a range of up to 1400 yards, which is perfect for political rallies, outdoor festivals, religious congregations, and sporting events.

THUN-1200. Commonly referred to as “The Earthquake Maker,” this is the loudest and biggest bullhorn we carry. It packs a punch at 45 watts, giving you a range of up to 2000 yards, and only requires eight (8) C batteries. This model is ideal for military training, law enforcement, firefighters, security professionals, and mass gatherings.

Are You Ready To Buy Your Next Bullhorns or Megaphones?

It doesn’t matter what you call them, it only matters that you’re heard. If you have any questions about the information above or the megaphones and bullhorns that we offer, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 877-782-7073. Our experts are ready to help you find the best models to fit your needs.

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4 Activities You Forgot Actually Depend on Rechargeable Megaphones

A target board from the Winter Olympics rests in the snow beside a ski flag and a ThunderPower megaphone.

You may have seen our earlier discussion about why fall is a great time of year to purchase new megaphones, and some of the venues where they’re particularly helpful. We’ve talked about protests and sporting events, music venues and festivals. We’ve even shown how important these models can be as part of a disaster kit. But the reality is that rechargeable megaphones are important to have at any point in the year — either for activities you perform, or the ones you watch for entertainment.

What exactly do we mean by that? 

Check out our list of the four activities you may have forgotten actually depend on these megaphones.

Boating

Whether you already live by a body of water, or you’re traveling to one around the holidays, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy time out on it (even if it’s too cold to swim). Boating has been a popular pastime as far back as the 1600s, notes Rightboat.com. Fast forward to today, and it’s only become more widespread, thanks to better technology and affordability. Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted more people to look for outdoor activities, making this a logical solution.

That said, all activities carry some degree of risk. What better way to alert your fellow boaters and those along the shore that you’re experiencing an emergency than the crystal-clear audio from a ThunderPower megaphone?

The Olympics

We’ve talked before about how beneficial megaphones are for sporting events, and the Olympics — showcasing the prowess of the best of the best — is clearly no exception. When in doubt, check out these black-and-white images shared by NPR from the Games held in London back in 1908. If you scroll through, you’ll catch a shot of the master of ceremonies with an acoustic model, followed shortly by another man holding one as he assists an ailing runner at the end of a race.

The only difference between then and now is the use of rechargeable megaphones. We know because ThunderPower has had the honor of filling that need — specifically, at the Winter Games in Vancouver.

Rowing

After covering recreational boating and sports, it only makes sense that rechargeable megaphones would also work well when these activities are combined. Right before the pandemic, we had the opportunity to supply a youth rowing club with ThunderPower megaphones and RCA two-way radios. Their trainers loved how our equipment made it effortless for them to communicate key instructions with their teams on how to maintain precise formation, coordination, and power. Choosing long-life, lithium-battery-operated units like ours allowed these trainers to stay in contact with each other and their students at all times.

Note: Rowing teams aren’t the only groups to benefit from combining megaphones and two-way radios. Schools across the US have done the same. In our experience, RCA industrial radios are the best options for improving communication networks and student safety.

Film Production

The idea of megaphones being used for film and television probably conjures up images of directors sitting in tall, wooden chairs, shouting stage instructions right before clapperboards snap and cameras roll.

As for today? While a lot of films may go the CGI route, either to fill in large crowds or add in multiple layers to a single frame, there are still plenty of directors who choose authentic, on-location shoots. These can sometimes be in large areas and require coordinating an army of extras, all of which depends on durable, high-powered megaphones.

Conversely, we’ve also seen how smaller sets can use them to their advantage. We’ve highlighted before how our megaphones ended up on Kirstie Alley’s reality TV series, as well as Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”

How To Choose the Right Rechargeable Megaphone

The bottom line: megaphones are still used for many of the same reasons they once were, and they’ve only gotten better with age. Now they’re able to reach greater distances, offer better sound clarity, and withstand more on-the-job wear and tear. But it’s worth noting that this kind of consistent, reliable performance all depends on ample battery power. Below you’ll find a full list of our megaphone models, how many batteries each one requires, as well as their ranges and decibel (dB) levels. Clicking the link to each will give you further information about that unit, including key features like adjustable volume and pistol grip, along with the sound of its siren alarm.

Note: If you consider our most powerful model, the THUN-1200 — otherwise known as “The Earthquake Maker” — you’ll see that it offers a car charger accessory in addition to battery power.

THUN-150

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 600 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 98 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.
Recommended for: teachers; parade operators; event organizers; tour groups; daycare operators; sporting events; cheerleading.

THUN-120

Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 800 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 100 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.
Recommended for: coaching; cheerleading; theater productions; school pickup and drop-off lots; campus crowd control; parades; fairs; farmers’ markets.

THUN-250

Power: 25 watts.
Range: up to 1200 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 102 dB, with siren up to 118 dB.
Number of batteries: six (6) Cs.
Recommended for: teachers; coaching; demonstrators; law enforcement; preachers.

THUN-450

Power: 35 watts.
Range: up to 1400 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 108 dB, with siren up to 120 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.
Recommended for: political rallies; outdoor festivals; religious congregations; sporting events.

THUN-1200

Power: 45 watts.
Range: up to 2000 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 112 dB, with siren up to 122 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.
Recommended for: military training; law enforcement; firefighters; security professionals; massive gatherings (demonstrations, presentations, etc.).

Pro Tip: Want to cut down on battery replacement? Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries instead.

Our Rechargeable Megaphones Are Currently on Sale!

Are you ready to purchase your next megaphone? Call us today to talk about which models are ideal for your specific needs. Plus, take advantage of the current sales discounts we’re offering on all ThunderPower units, which you can review on our website or discuss with one of our megaphone specialists.

Did our mention of two-way radios also get your attention? Head over to our friends at Discount Two-Way Radio to learn more about the best industrial units on the market!

A note on the supply chain: while many suppliers have had delays due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re happy to report that we have plenty of megaphones in stock that are available to ship — often the same day they’re ordered. That means that if you still have money left to spend from your communications budget, now is the perfect time to put it toward purchasing the most effective megaphones on the market.

When you’re ready, give us a call at 877-782-7073.