Across the world, sound systems are more than stacks of speakers. They’re expressions of identity, craftsmanship and cultural resistance. From the mountains of Sheffield to the streets of San José, the barrios of Barranquilla to the basements of Geneva, systems carry deep roots and local flavour. Each one reflects its environment, the values of its builders, and the music it champions.
In this article, we explore some sound systems adding their own twist to music culture. Stay tuned as we dive into how each is influenced by its geographic location, the technical mastery that goes into building them, the people who make them and where they travel.
Sinai
Sinai Sound System was born from a desire to fuse the precision of professional audio with the soul of DIY sound system culture. It is a custom-built sound system based in Sheffield, UK, originally created to serve the Dub and Reggae scene. But Sinai’s scope quickly expanded, driven by a deep passion for sound.
“From the start, the aim for Sinai has been to deliver the highest level of fidelity—even at extreme volumes,” says Sinai founder, Huw Williams. “Bass you can feel, midrange that engages the mind and highs that never cause discomfort. We believe deeply in respect and dignity for everyone on the dancefloor—that’s at the heart of everything we do. I take a holistic approach to the build. Every technical and structural element is interconnected and part of a greater whole. From sturdy, hand-built cabinets and top-quality drivers to precision cabling, advanced amplification and modern digital desks enhanced with analogue warmth. Whatever the genre, I approach each event with an open mind and a commitment to excellence.”
The Aces
The Aces is the first traditional sound system in Central America with strictly 7″ vinyl selection. The project was born in 2009 from a group of friends passionate about Jamaican music and culture. “We wanted to stay as true as possible to the roots of Jamaican sound system culture,” say founders Esteban, Txino, Docta, Walso and Fred. “We aim to share the history behind the artists and social movements that grew around this music. All while creating spaces for those who enjoy Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae and the many genres born in Jamaica.”
The Aces’ sound system design was inspired by the UK sound systems of the 1960s and 1970s. It features hand-painted decorations and original-style finishes that preserve the natural look of the wood. “When we launched the sound system, our crowd mostly consisted of subcultures like the rudeboy and skinhead scenes,” they say. “In recent years, our audience has grown to include a broader crowd. People who may not belong to any specific subculture but are drawn to the music and the experience.”
Despite this, The Aces is also a nod to the founders’ Central American heritage, merging two worlds tastefully and respectfully. “Costa Rica has a long-standing tradition of ‘Discomóviles,’ the local adaptation of the sound system culture found throughout Latin America,” they explain. “With The Aces, we aim to highlight the original concept behind Jamaican sound systems. From dubplates and vinyl to the analog format that becomes harder to preserve with each passing year.”
La Saramuya
La Saramuya is a handcrafted Colombian Picó sound system founded by DJ Stefanos Donikian, blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms and vibrant visuals. Built in Barranquilla and now based in Athens, it celebrates Cultura Picotera across Europe with powerful street parties, rare vinyl selections and deep roots in African and Latin musical traditions.
“I was amazed when I first saw the Picós in Barranquilla in 2018, and wondered why so little is known about this culture beyond the Colombian Caribbean coast,” says founder Stefanos Donikian (A.K.A Stivako) on the inspiration for the sound system. “Having grown up in Ethiopia, I was especially struck by the fact that these Picós were blasting predominantly 1970s-1980s African music, such as Soukous, Congolese Rumba, Highlife and Juju. I wanted to build a Picó in its home country as authentically as possible. Then, bring it to Greece in order to share this culture with Europe and globally, where it deserves to be.”
La Saramuya was built with deep cultural and technical guidance from local experts. It stays true to design and culture while also making the Picó unique in its own right. The outer box design is traditional, while the inside speaker box enclosures were tailor-made to make La Saramuya a 4-way sound system (Picós have traditionally been 3-way systems). La Saramuya connects scenes and worlds. From neighborhood street parties in Barranquilla to Carnival, from underground parties in Athens to major festivals in Europe like Roskilde and Le Guess Who?.
O.B.F
From Geneva’s underground to global dub stages, O.B.F has been prominent in the Reggae and Dub world since 2002. Led by Rico, G and Stef, their heavyweight sound system, explosive live shows and Dubquake Records releases have made them a pillar of modern Dub culture.
“We were a bunch of DIY youth from the underground squat scene. DJs and music lovers who wanted to throw our own parties,’ the O.B.F crew explains. “We knew we needed a big sound system but we didn’t have the funds. So we built our own and started throwing Dub nights in our own basement. It was pure DIY. With Dubquake Records, we wanted to create sounds that truly reflected the kind of experience we wanted to bring to people and for our Dub sessions. Our identity was shaped by roots and culture, raw and future Dub, and maintaining a strong connection with our crowd!
With design by the likes of Sushi Audio, Kutty QSS and Shortman, O.B.F have provided for Rototom Sunsplash, SUBDUB, The Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry Estate, Carhartt and Outlook Festival. All in the name of spreading Dub vibrations. “Step by step, we found our place in the Dub scene,” the crew says. “We kept blending our roots influences with a constant drive to experiment to create something honest, more personal and a little different.”
Obrigado Sound System
Obrigado is a custom-built rig designed by Kleiton Bassi. Not just for high-quality, bass-driven sound, but to build community and open space for emerging artists. Rooted in Brazilian culture and London’s DIY spirit, it aims to unite people by mixing diverse cultural influences through electronic music.
“Obrigado was born to create spaces where music can bring people together beyond just partying,” Bassi shares. “I felt the current club scene was becoming transactional, leaving people disconnected. As a Brazilian living in London, I wanted to build something that could highlight Brazilian roots and support electronic music coming from diasporic communities. Offer an alternative to the mostly white European lens that dominates many line-ups. We’re open to mixing styles and influences with respect and genuine representation.”
Obrigado features custom Cubo 15” subwoofers with Fane drivers for tight. It has deep bass at around 40–100Hz, and Paraflex 12” tops with horn drivers for clear mids and highs. “Its bright orange subs and purple tops give it a unique visual identity that reflects the vibrant energy of the music we play,” Bassi continues. “You don’t need much when using the right components with the right power!” Having provided sound for the likes of Loose Lips, Lei Di Dai, Riz La Teef, Peroli and Jammz, Obrigado stands as a conduit placing Brazilian and other diaspora sounds in the foreground.
Ojas
Ojas sound system is the brainchild of Devon Turnbull. He is an audio engineer, artist and co-founder of cult fashion label Nom de Guerre Unofficial. What began as personal sonic exploration has evolved into a movement, combining DIY with high-fidelity listening. Ojas aims to bring realistic, natural sound to the listener. It is the result of two decades of experimentation, engineering and explorations in the audio underground.
Turnbull’s Listening Room sessions at London’s 180 Studios, in collaboration with The Vinyl Factory, are quickly becoming the stuff of legend, with sessions hosted by the likes of Charlie Dark, Haseeb Iqbal, The Blessed Madonna and Coco María.
Sunflower Sound System
After spending decades playing at some of the best soundsystems worldwide, Sam Shepherd – best known as Floating Points – decided to create his own, applying the knowledge, passion and do’s and don’t’s he picked up along his journey.
The Sunflower Sound System was created with designer Carlos Figueroa in London to bring his vision to life. It’s inspired by the Aztec speakers which he first experienced at Cosmic Slop, a Leeds-based record label. As well as the output of SBS Slammer – a New York sound system run by Craig Bernabeu. The Sunflower is a celebration and reflection of the roots of sound system culture from the UK and globally. Floating Points even played from the Sunflower Sound System tent at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, which is no mean feat!