The
slang term for "PA" (public address) gear, or 'sound reinforcement'.
This term first became
popular in 1960'
s Jamaica, in the reggae & dub
music scenes. King Tubby was a pioneer in the usage of custom PA systems,
so was
Lee Scratch Perry. In addition to the same formula that '
rock' systems use (two or more large "main" speakers, subwoofers, mixer,
microphones) dub "soundsystems" also utilize effects & devices for excessive
sound treatment (reverbs, delays, sound effect devices, samplers, effects units, etc)
This "dub" discipline carries on today, bands like Twilight Circus
Soundsystem & Dead
Panda Soundsystem hold the belief that an
artist is their own best engineer, too much is at risk with an 'outsider'
(hired PA/soundperson).
The customized nature of the modern "soundsystem" underscores the importance of sound quality to the dub &/or electronica artist.