Horn loudspeaker truck 1929

A prototype horn loudspeaker driven by compressed air and an "artificial larynx" used as a portable public address system in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1929. The inventors tried to imitate human vocal cords. It could reportedly project voice or recorded music 4 miles. A vacuum tube audio amplifier powered 4 "artificial larynxes" which modulated compressed air going into the horn provided by a 50 HP gasoline engine and compressor. The owners rented out the powerful system for $300 per hour.
Caption: The external appearance of the truck carrying the speaker. A portion of the powerful system - generators and compressors - may be seen alongside the horn.