About Fl0ck
Experience Sound Like Never Before
You're standing in a festival crowd as the music begins. But it’s not coming from the stage, it’s surrounding you. It’s not just an unseen PA system; the sound is everywhere. Different parts of the same tune feel distinct - vocals over there, the percussion beside you, the horns from another part of the crowd. Yet, everything is perfectly in sync. The music moves with you, blending seamlessly into the procession as it flows down the street. Welcome to Fl0ck a revolutionary new way to amplify sound in the arts.
What is Fl0ck?
Fl0ck speakers are designed to meet the needs of outdoor performances but work in any environment. The system is:
• Completely wireless
• Battery-powered
• Weatherproof
• Equipped with a balanced input
But there’s more...
Fl0ck is a multi-source audio system with unlimited channels, and the speakers are worn like backpacks, featuring integrated straps and an ergonomic design.
Sound That Moves With You
A multitude of sounds. A multitude of speakers. Moving seamlessly with the crowd.
That’s why we call it Fl0ck.
Important Notes
At this time, we cannot broadcast live to this system. Fl0ck offers two functionalities:
• Playback of pre-recorded multi-source audio
• Amplification of instruments at line level
Booking Fl0ck
Want to book Fl0ck for your event? Here’s how it works:
1. We agree on the date, location, and costs.
2. We discuss the music that will be played.
3. If you’re organising a parade, you provide us with the music in high-quality format.
4. We ensure each speaker has the correct track and is ready to go.
Before sending your music, please check:
✔ No glitches
✔ No distortion
✔ No unwanted noise (hiss, hum, etc.)
Send your tracks well in advance to guarantee a seamless experience.
How can Fl0ck speakers enhance your work?
Outdoor installation
Benefits:
• Limitless multi-source audio
• Completely wireless
• Clip straps make it easy and safe to rig.
• Completely safe for audience interaction and tactile use.
• Good frequency response.
Audio in Nature
Benefits:
• No rigging
• No diesel generator
• Weatherproof
• Multiple speakers can cover a large area at lower volumes. The birds will love you.
Carnival
Benefits:
• This is a participatory sound system.
• Lightweight so even kids can wear Fl0ck speakers.
• Can be worn as a backpack, on the front, or slung on the side.
• Each section in your carnival can have their own dedicated sound system.
• You don’t need a truck!! Hoorah!
• Ease of use. Turn them on, press play.
• Weatherproof (it is Britain, after all).
Theatre work
Benefits:
• Limitless multi-source audio
• Completely wireless
• Clip straps make it easy and safe to rig.
• Completely safe for audience interaction and tactile use.
• Good frequency response.
Urban Walkabout
Benefits:
• Lightweight and comfortable to wear.
• Easy to rig on puppets, and other lightweight structures.
• Weather-proof (pesky rain!!)
• Simpleto prepare and use.
• Can be worn in a variety of ways to suit performers and participants.
• Come in a wide range of colours (including black).
• Night people... they have LIGHTS INSIDE THEM!
Musicians
We have included a balanced input, just for you.
Are you a violin player? In a brass band? We’ve got you covered.
Always wanted to bring your drum machine to the carnival? Plug in baby!
Singers! Guitarists! Kalimba ninjas! The world wants you to be heard!
*Why is Fl0ck 'environmental'?
Flock speakers are 3D printed using recycled industrial waste. They use rechargeable batteries, and there is no single use plastic involved in their transport or use. By their nature, Fl0ck speakers remove the need for diesel generators and trucks in the arts.
We Are Stems hopes to, in some small way, improve our social connections. We are always open to a conversation about your project and our quotes.
Technical Stuff - Click to Read
Functions
The system has dual functionality -
Playback of multi-source audio prepared before the event.
Amplification of instruments at mic or line level.
Please note that we cannot currently broadcast to this system of speakers, although we are currently in the research stage of this functionality.
Radio Frequency
The Fl0ck system uses RF to communicate. The frequency is not in the same range as communication systems, and it is licence free.
Batteries
Each speaker houses five Li-ion batteries in a removable cassette. We ensure that all batteries maintain a healthy charge to avoid damage to the cells. The removable cassettes have an integrated BMS (battery management system) to monitor and control the charge of each cell. Please follow closely the instructions we include, and avoid leaving Li-ion batteries unattended whilst charging.
Control
The hired system comes with a battery powered controller. With just a few clicks, you can change tracks and manage volume across the entire flock of speakers. The range of the controller is dependant upon the environment, with a maximum range of approximately one mile.
Straps.
The straps are simple clips with cotton webbing intended to be worn with an ‘x’ across the chest, but they are easily clipped and released at the back, slung over the shoulder, or set safely on the ground. Versatility has been a guiding principle in development.
Creator
Brian is a musician, composer, and sound artist from Ireland who now lives in Calderdale. He blends electronic music with traditional forms including string instruments, voice and sampling. Brian has toured extensively internationally in theatre, as a session musician and with his tongue-in-cheek vintage jazz band Black Sheikhs. More recently, Brian formed a company called We Are Stems Ltd., which is dedicated to reflecting social structures through musical forms, specifically in development of a novel, multi-source audio system called Fl0ck, which makes its theatre debut in Phobia.
