Learn how to quickly create a small, inexpensive boom box for use in costumes, decorations, or anything you can put your imagination to.
Donald Bell
Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series.
Here's a tip for adding music or sound effects to just about anything. The concept here is so simple, that it's really more of a public service announcement than a How To.
The first ingredient is an MP3 player. As of this year, MP3 players have become so cheap that you can really have fun with them in a way you couldn't before. A 2GB MP3 player these days can be found for as little as $20.
Click here to see a video version of this tutorial.
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How to add sound to anything - portable speaker
The second ingredient is a small portable speaker. It's possible to spend a lot on these, but if you hunt for bargains online, you can find something suitable for around $20.
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How to add sound to anything - Velcro
Now, let's attach them with some Velcro. For a more permanent solution, you could glue them together, but Velcro makes it easier to pull them apart for charging.
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How to add sound to anything - Assembled
Presto! You now have a self-contained little sound system for less than $50 that can be concealed in just about anything.
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How to add sound to anything - Trick or treat
With your new miniature sound system, you could add the "Thriller" soundtrack to your kid's Halloween candy basket or a costume. Use it for playing calming music during yoga or meditation. Heck, at this price, you could just strap it to your bike and ride and take music with you everywhere without worrying too much about it getting ripped off. Be creative. Have fun.
