Best Speakers & Microphones for Bubble Entertainers
Good sound is one of the most important parts of a successful bubble show.
If you are just starting out, don’t feel like you need to buy the most expensive equipment straight away. A cheaper setup is absolutely fine while you are learning—I started that way too, and it did the job.
However, as my show developed, sound became one of the areas I invested in the most.
If you do have the budget, remember the saying: “Buy cheap, buy twice.” In my case, it was probably more like “buy cheap, buy ten times!” I went through a lot of equipment before finally finding a setup that was reliable and worked consistently for my shows.
In fact, sound has probably been the most frustrating—and expensive—part of my setup journey!
I have bought and tested so many different speakers and microphones while searching for the ideal setup. I have had cracking microphones, terrible feedback issues, connection problems… the lot!
The good news is that all of those experiences taught me what I actually needed. The equipment that didn’t make the final cut now lives in my backup bag (because you never know when you might need it!).
After a lot of trial and error, I have finally found a setup that works really well for my shows, and I wanted to share what I use.
My Indoor vs Outdoor Sound Setup
My indoor and outdoor sound setups are quite different because the environments are completely different.
Indoors
For indoor shows, I use my higher-quality sound equipment.
Indoor performances rely much more on clear speech, music levels and creating a controlled atmosphere, so having reliable sound makes a huge difference.
- Speaker
Bose S1 Pro+ All-in-one Powered, Wireless PA System
It can be charged up or plugged in, making it incredibly versatile for different venues and performance situations.
This type of speaker is considered a must-have by many children’s entertainers, including magicians, circus performers and other family entertainers. Reliable, portable sound equipment gives you the freedom to perform confidently in a wide range of spaces without worrying about whether the venue or outdoor space has suitable power available. https://amzn.to/4pmmxaJ
- Transmitter & Receiver
Sennheiser AVX Digital Wireless Microphone System
These are ideal for entertainers because they are rechargeable, portable and don’t require you to be plugged into a power source.
They offer excellent sound quality and automatically change channels, which helps avoid many of the issues found with cheaper or older models, such as interference and unreliable connections.
One important tip: make sure you adjust the output settings to the correct level. This is an easy mistake to make—I initially thought mine wasn’t working because I hadn’t set the output correctly!
Although they are marketed for use with cameras, they work perfectly with the Bose speaker system and microphone setup mentioned below, making them a great addition to a professional entertainer’s kit. https://amzn.to/453XAY3
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Microphone
Sennheiser ME 3-II Cardioid Headset Mic
This works seamlessly with the microphone system above, and the sound quality is extremely clear.
The key thing for me is that this is a cardioid microphone. This pickup pattern focuses on the sound coming from in front of the microphone while reducing sound from the sides and behind, which helps reduce background noise and feedback—especially important when performing in busy children’s party environments.
I also found that the other omni-directional microphone option did not work as well with the system above. While omni-directional microphones pick up sound from all around, this wasn’t ideal for my performances as it captured more unwanted noise and made feedback issues harder to manage.
For my setup, this cardioid microphone combined with the system above gives much clearer, more reliable results. https://amzn.to/4yqphro
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Speaker Stand
Gravity SP 5211 B – Speaker Stand 35 mm
Using a speaker stand and positioning the speaker correctly can make a huge difference to your sound quality.
I recommend placing the speaker above head height and making sure it is positioned in front of you while you perform. This helps reduce the chance of feedback, as the microphone is less likely to pick up the sound coming directly from the speaker.
However, since upgrading to the microphone and sound system mentioned above, I no longer experience feedback issues during my shows.
A good setup, combined with the right equipment, means you can focus on your performance rather than worrying about technical problems.
Outdoors
For outdoor parties and smaller events, I use a smaller waterproof speaker and project my voice naturally for much of the performance.
- Outdoor Speaker for Most Occassions
W-KING Bluetooth Speaker, 120W Max, https://amzn.to/4ypz5C4
Outdoor environments are unpredictable. You have weather, wind, mud and lots more movement happening around you, so I prefer to keep my premium indoor equipment protected where possible.
For larger outdoor events, I will bring my Bose system, especially when:
- I have a bigger audience.
- I am positioned where I need extra sound coverage.
- There is less risk of children accidentally running into my equipment or tripod.
I do have waterproof covers for my Bose equipment, but I still try not to use it outdoors unless I really need to. I use a dry bag that is large enough to fit over the top of the speaker, like these. You can get made to order cover but the dry bags work well for me.
Living in the UK means we have to plan for rain, mud and unpredictable conditions! Outdoor events can get much messier and wilder than indoor shows, so I prefer to keep my best equipment safe.
Can you tell I’m protective of my kit? 😂
After all the years of testing, replacing and troubleshooting, I know how much difference reliable equipment makes. When your sound works effortlessly, you can stop worrying about technology and focus on what really matters—the audience and the magic you are creating.