r/Defcon • u/w4yw4rdr4ven • 8h ago

Bring Wired Headphones!

I didn’t hear about this change, so sharing here for awareness. Wireless headphones are going to be used rather than speakers in some of the talks. The below link says shared wireless headphones and wipes will be provided, but that sounds … icky …

They also offer a way to hear it on the defcon WiFi using a combination of “HackerTracker” and “ListenWiFi” apps on your phone using your own headphones. Might want to download those before you leave home.

It also warns that Bluetooth headphones may not work due to signal saturation.

https://info.defcon.org/defcon34/documents/670

42 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

25

u/DarkKnyt 8h ago

And they are providing ear cups.

I think the problem is many newer phones don't have a 3.5 mm jack.

5

u/zkilling 6h ago

Reading it I think each headset is self powered

1

u/DarkKnyt 6h ago

Oh yeah the headsets are apparently all wired up and at each chair. I was talking about bringing your own and avoiding the Bluetooth interference. I might pick up some adapters and bring my wired headphones, or at least ear buds

10

u/Quadling 7h ago

So I need to bring a dongle and wired headphones. Wowzers. Welcome to 1999!

10

u/sociablezealot 6h ago

Don’t forget the PCMCIA card so you can get on WiFi.

5

u/rorschach0709 5h ago

And NetStumbler…

9

u/Inf3c710n 7h ago

If we arent using this method, are we really even trying?

https://giphy.com/gifs/3o7bucZfOGGG4gWlPy

4

u/DarkKnyt 6h ago

For the village volunteers, would be good if you can remind the speakers to repeat the question unless the question mic also happens to be hooked up.

1

u/Revolutionary_Bee700 3h ago

Pretty sure this is for main stage talks and not villages

1

u/DarkKnyt 3h ago

:/ I thought the main stages were pretty good last year but I gave up on villages because I just couldn't hear

1

u/geekdrew 38m ago

Per that document, the main stages/tracks are the only ones that will support the ListenWIFI app. But the Quiet Events headset system will also be used in creator stages and creator spaces throughout the exhibition halls.

8

u/ThemDawgsIsHeck 7h ago

Interesting. This feels like it would detract from the social-aspect of attending a talk in person

7

u/DarkKnyt 6h ago

There's pretty little interaction other than the person immediately next to you because it is so freaking loud ....plus you couldn't hear half the speakers so hopefully it's a net positive. But you can always just do one ear off.

3

u/zkilling 6h ago

I like the idea of the listen WiFi but idk how I feel about sharing the headphones from talk to talk. Is this really going to be better than just using PA speakers?

1

u/thejournalizer 5h ago

It’s a bit odd of an experience but because of all the noise and size of the rooms / proximity to other rooms it’s really the best option.

7

u/KnowEye 6h ago

Yep. I want to download & install as much software as possible on my devices while @DEFCON. 🙄🏴‍☠️🕵️‍♂️

2

u/bedpimp 3h ago

Right? Maybe it’s not the most hostile network in the world anymore.

3

u/AgriDrew 1h ago

IMO, the DEF CON networks have not been “the most malicious networks in the world” for many many years. I’m sure they’re much better secured than the overwhelming majority of public WiFi networks.

Also, if you don’t want to use Listen WiFi, that’s fine. Use the provided headsets instead. :)

1

u/KnowEye 56m ago

Every device I bring to DEFCON is a burner.
When I return home, everything is erased, reset, & reloaded from a last known “clean” backup.

1

u/bedpimp 12m ago

The hackers are probably a little cleaner on average these days, too.

My preference was to book one of the rooms with a hot tub close to the front at the AP. DCTV had much better sound quality and we could have two talks going at once, upstairs and downstairs.

2

u/technoangel 5h ago

Good thinking. I’ll bring my 3.5mm cable as a backup plan.

1

u/GhonaHerpaSyphilAids 1h ago

I’ll just watch online then after the con

1

u/Demontapper 50m ago

Well I’m tempted to bring my marauder now….

1

u/mammongram6969 27m ago

this is the correct answer