Est. 2026 · Hand-built sound

Little Lichen Sound

Boutique sound system based in Brunswick, ME for shows, gatherings, and community events.

Upcoming events
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Ethos

Symbiosis through Sound

A lichen is a symbiotic community made up of multiple organisms. By coming together and supporting each other, they are each able to thrive in a way that they couldn't alone.

The goal of this system is to create a space where DJs, dancers, artists and musicians can work together to create unforgettable experiences.

Against the backdrop of private equity buying music festivals, AI generating songs, and Instagram follower counts determining bookings, the goal is to create an ecosystem where art and community can thrive not just survive.

Now let's get specific

The System

The system is designed, both visually and acoustically, to blend in harmoniously with nature around it.

Visually, it belongs in a forest clearing, a barn, or an old mill. The cabinets are finished in natural birch with moss green accents.

Acoustically, it was designed for bass music with visceral sub frequencies and accurate high-end which excels on anything crispy, froggy, or wet. As it turns out, the system also sounds good playing everything from techno to bluegrass.

Design goals

  • HiFi sound that is pleasant, not just loud
  • Cutting edge acoustics combined with traditional craft construction
  • Open-Source designs and knowledge sharing
  • Modular system for large and small events
  1. Source
  2. DSP
  3. Amplification
  4. Speakers

Low end · 29Hz-115Hz

SKRAM Subwoofer

Drivers
1x 21"
Enclosure
6th order bandpass, birch ply
Frequency range
29 Hz – 115 Hz
Power handling
2000W RMS | 4000W Peak
Weight
170 lbs

Design goals

  • 29Hz sub-bass for Dub genres
  • Powerful high-extension - no need for kick bins
  • Even frequency response

The SKRAM design by Josh Ricci (data-bass.com) provides heavyweight sub-bass and even mid-bass extension in a single box. At 450 liters and 170lbs it's not small by mobile DJ standards, but it punches above its weight. Tuned to 29Hz, the SKRAM hits the lowest notes of Dubstep tracks with authority. With the dual-chamber design, it is also able to provide punchy kicks, eliminating the need for separate kick bins.

Mids + highs · 115Hz-20kHz

2x SAWMOD Tops

Drivers
2x10" low + 2x5" mid + 1" compression driver
Enclosure
3-way Multiple-Entry Horn
Frequency range
115 Hz – 20 kHz
Power Handling
1300W RMS | 2600W Peak
Weight
46 lbs
Coverage
110°H × 70°V

Design goals

  • Single acoustic center - true point-source experience
  • Constant directivity for even coverage
  • Tight kicks with low group-delay
  • Small enough to pole-mount

The SAWMOD design by John White (jwsound.live) uses a 3d-printed multiple-entry horn design which has been optimized to provide even coverage for everyone on the dance floor. The result is that these sound like HiFi speakers but hit concert volumes.

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Amplification

Class
D
Channels
8
Power
2x5000W, 4x1500W, 2x140W

Design goals

  • Modern Class D Amplification
  • Efficient for battery/generator usage
  • Lightweight for portability

The system includes >16KW of modern Class D amplification. These amps are more efficient than older topologies, providing clean, accurate sound with power to spare.

Crossover, EQ, limiting

Processing

Crossovers
active
Limiting
per-driver peak + thermal
EQ
per-driver and system
Delay
per-driver
Inputs
Digital (AES) or analog (XLR)

Design goals

  • Flexible system configuration
  • Coherent phase alignment of all drivers

The system uses a DSP to implement active crossovers, accurate time alignment, room correction, and more.

Tech rider

What comes with the system.

Typical coverage: 300 people indoors, 200 outdoors (102 dBA LEQ1).

Provided by Little Lichen Sound

  • 1× SKRAM 21″ bandpass subwoofer (4 available for summer 2027)
  • 2× SAWMOD 3-way horn-loaded tops
  • 8ft tripod stands for SAWMODs
  • 16 kW Class D amplification
  • DSP for system tuning and integration
  • Generator for off-grid deployments
  • SoundCraft Signature 12 Mixer
  • Placeholder: DJ booth monitor

Provided by the organizer / venue

  • DJ mixer with XLR (analog) or AES (digital) output
  • CDJs / turntables
  • Microphones, if needed
  • Sturdy table for the booth
  • Power within 50 ft of the stage (unless using the generator)
  • Cover from rain for outdoor events

Upcoming Events

Come dance with us. Dates are updated regularly.

No dates announced right now. We're probably in the workshop.

Past events

Past Events

A look back at where the system has played.

  • Freedom Field, Harmony, ME

    As Above So Below

    It was my first time at As Above So Below, and also the first deployment with the system so I didn't quite know what to expect. There were quite a few renegade soundsystems at the event, so I opted to join forces with Chips N Dip soundsystem.

    The SAWMODs were deployed as booth monitors and the SKRAM was deployed front-and-center on the Chips N Dip stacks.

    I was very happy with how it went! DJs noted how crisp and clean the SAWMODs sounded, and the SKRAM sub-bass really complimented the powerful kicks of the Chips N Dip rig.

    Full album
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About the Operator

Hi, I'm Zach.

builder, operator, and selector

As a 16 year old I went to my first Dubstep show and was immediately hooked on the feeling of chest-shaking bass. In one way or another I've been chasing that feeling ever since.

I started my sound journey as a mobile DJ playing parties and weddings. It was supposed to be a way to make money but I ended up spending just about all of my earnings on new gear - no regrets there.

I went to college for computer engineering and took classes in music recording, acoustics, and signal processing finally learning the theory behind the hands-on work I had been doing for years. From there I got a job writing audio software for speech processing.

I decided to build Little Lichen Sound as a way to combine theory and engineering with the satisfying hands-on work of woodworking. It's also been a great way to engage deeper with the local electronic music community.

Instagram

Book the system

Let's make something together.

Planning a show, a community gathering, or something in between? Tell us a little about it and we'll get back to you within a few days.

hello@lichensound.org Brunswick, ME

What's included: tech rider