I would like to be able to play through my laptop (USB keyboard controlling a midi VST, BiaB or other audio backing, no vocal other than perhaps a welcome between tunes

I want the casual passerby to hear nothing unless they see my sign saying "Tune to Bluetooth XXX to listen." It seems 25-30 foot range is plenty, not AC powered. This way noboy that noes NOT want to hear does not. How do I boost my signal from the laptop and is there a limit to the number of listeners - don't see why there should be, but...)


Anyway, votes for Best Bluetooth Transmitter/Booster?


Thanks

Go for the Bluetooth transmitters designed to connect to TV's and have AC adaptor. Some have line of sight range of 300' and about half of that indoors. The transmitters that are designed for cars and plug into the power port for 12v have about a 30' range max.

Amazon has one for around $50
Long Range Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

I don't know off-hand if there's a limit in the specification, but certainly many devices will only pair concurrently with a small number ... two or three isn't unusual.

OK, concurrently looking at the specs suggests there are unicast and broadcast modes available, so in principle I think you could get a broadcast device and multiple bluetooth devices can then receive the broadcast. The catch is that you probably need a broadcast-capable device to do it. I guess that most Bluetooth audio devices are capable of receiving such a broadcast.

Transmit power essentially affects range (distance) only, not the number of listeners. Obstructions will reduce the range, so a dense crowd may have some effect. Some Bluetooth systems can do 100 metres or more and I imagine a broadcast device would likely support that.

(Bluetooth Basic Audio Profile: "4.14 Broadcast Audio Streaming", bluetooth.com)

Thanks, guys. The Broadcast transmitter is the answer, but I need to find one battery-powered, the goal is to set up anywhere, like the middle of Yosemite and still play to a crowd without disturbing the bears...

I purchased a Bluetooth transmitter but returned it because, while it would pair with a portable speaker as expected, it would not pair with my iPhone. The iPhone expects to be the transmitter of music, not the receiver apparently.

Whatever you purchase, make sure you can receive the signal on the type of devices you wish to have people use.

Bluetooth is not suitable for this. Buggy and high latency.

The latency shouldn't matter too much for broadcast/streaming.

Buggy is potentially a significant issue.
Bluetooth is fairly new, alarmingly complex, and evolving all the time.
Implementers also don't always do things the way the specifications intended.

I'm not convinced that makes it unsuitable for this use.
I'm not sure there's an alternative that would be suitable without dedicated gear.
Something on WiFi with a App might be more robust.

This unit connects with 2 BT devices but the connection process will allow up to 100 Bluetooth devices to connect to the transmitter.

I noted the unit requires and draws a 700ma load @5v and comes with a mains power supply. A marine deep cycle battery would have enough charge to last for days only pulling a 700ma load.

The caveat; Bluetooth specifications state seven is the maximum number of Bluetooth devices that can be connected at once.

Avantree Q5049


A battery operated PA -
Hisonic HS420

This shows very well both the risks and opportunities.

The video states explicitly that it is not Bluetooth.

It runs on the same 2.4GHz band as Bluetooth ... but so does 2.4G WiFi, ZigBee, DECT, and a number of proprietary protocols.

Curiously, the product does not seem to appear on their website.

Caveat Emptor.

Thanks again, guys. What i wanted was for any passerby (7 at a time would be fine) to be able to pair with the transmitter, have a listen, hopefully put something in the hat, and be on their way. Requiring they have a specific device obviously is a non-starter. I WANT a silent concert except for those who want to hear, so no hassles with noise pollution. And without the audience needing anything more than their phone to access the audio.

Any alternate ideas appreciated...

For 5-8 listeners at a time, an inexpensive headphone amp provides a silent concert except for those who want to hear, so no hassles with noise pollution, latency bluetooth or wifi.

Behringer's Miniamp is a 4 channel, 8 output device that meets all the criteria listed and retails for $89. Add 8 $4 headphones and alcohol wipes and away you go.


Behringer $89 8 output headphone amp

Now that’s thinking outside the box, and inside the can.

Sounds too complicated and problematic to me to use BT.

As someone walking down the street, If I have to stop, pull out my phone, go to settings, connect to the BT signal, put in my ear buds.....all just to listen.... I'm probably just going to keep on walking.

Wouldn't it be better to simply use a small speaker setup and let everyone hear the music? You're going to have a higher percentage stop and listen and maybe throw a few dollars in the hat that way. Unless of course, it's illegal to play music on public streets where you are.

Everything I see on a quick search says 7 devices at a time on BT. Good luck and have fun.

^^^^^^^^ This.

BT is the wrong protocol for this.

Streaming over WiFi and cellular has been happening for years. Headphone concerts are old news.