These resources are for organisers and volunteers running sound at actions, rallies, and public gatherings. They’ve been written and refined by people with lived experience setting up and maintaining sound systems in dynamic and unpredictable conditions.
We share these to build skills, confidence, and collective capacity across movements.
Downloadable Guides
A detailed guide to using PA systems for public events — including setup, troubleshooting, acoustics, wet weather use, and adapting to the unexpected.
A quick reference sheet for using the newer PA system — ideal for event crews on the go.
About Our systems
We currently maintain two types of PA systems:
COMPact System
A powerful, road-tested setup that’s been used in hundreds of protests and marches over the years. This system can be expanded with corded microphones and horns as needed.
CS Power Column (PEM model)
– with four TOA speakers mounted on two stands. These TOA speakers have been in operation since the right-to-march campaign (1977-78). We purchased the box and amplifier in the early 1990s. It has a pleasant warm sound and comprises five speakers in a wooden box covered with brown carpet. The speaker box has a variety of inputs and outputs using leads to the microphone(s). It is entirely portable and can address crowds up to 1,500 – 2,000 people. We call this the compact system.
EXPanded System
A more involved system with improved clarity. A good option for the larger gatherings of Magan-djin. This system can be expanded with corded or wireless microphones and more horns as needed.
Chiayo Challenger 1000 Portable Wireless PA System
– This PA forms the heart of several different setups ranging from small venues or meetings to large public rallies.
By itself its perfect for a meeting with high fidelity sound for speech or music, fully portable, wireless, and with Bluetooth to boot. Though connect up to 8 TOA horn speakers (4 new and 4 from the old system) and it can deliver clear and legible speech to 15,000+ people. We call this the new system. Manual linked here.
Both systems are available for hire depending on your needs. We’re also working toward expanding our equipment to support more events and offer visual options, such as projection for rallies or community gatherings.
Depending on the system used, Solidarity Resources will also provide microphones (up to two wireless mics are available) and a wired microphone. Each PA and each pair of TOA horns have speaker stands. All pairs of TOA horns require a ‘splitter’ box to connect the pair. These are supplied. We provide all necessary leads and have a 240-volt battery pack to supplement power supply.
Solidarity Resources 