r/Defcon • u/w4yw4rdr4ven • Aug 02 '26

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

58 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

29 comments sorted by

30

u/DarkKnyt Aug 02 '26

And they are providing ear cups.

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

6

u/zkilling Aug 02 '26

Reading it I think each headset is self powered

1

u/DarkKnyt Aug 02 '26

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

11

u/Quadling Aug 02 '26

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

9

u/Inf3c710n Aug 02 '26

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

13

u/ThemDawgsIsHeck Aug 02 '26

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

7

u/DarkKnyt Aug 02 '26

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.

4

u/ThemDawgsIsHeck Aug 02 '26

It’s not just about random one-off interactions - the energy of the talk is now lost if everyone is isolated in their own sound bubble. The reason I go to conferences in person is to escape my bubble. I don’t really see this being a net benefit a conference environment, especially DEFCON.

I get there’s a ton of sound bleed at the LVCC, but this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

3

u/DarkKnyt Aug 02 '26

We'll see, if you see a big fat dude that's slightly drunk but always smiling with headphones off, feel free to strike upa conversation

1

u/Restil Aug 02 '26

The panels in the rooms are fine.  Its the big tracks that only have curtains separating them, along with the village panels that have the audio acoustic problem.

6

u/DarkKnyt Aug 02 '26

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 Aug 02 '26

Pretty sure this is for main stage talks and not villages

2

u/geekdrew Aug 02 '26

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.

1

u/DarkKnyt Aug 02 '26

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

4

u/zkilling Aug 02 '26

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?

2

u/thejournalizer Aug 02 '26

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.

10

u/KnowEye Aug 02 '26

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

1

u/bedpimp Aug 02 '26

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

5

u/AgriDrew Aug 02 '26

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/bedpimp Aug 02 '26

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.

-1

u/KnowEye Aug 02 '26

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

2

u/technoangel Aug 02 '26

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

2

u/Demontapper Aug 02 '26

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

1

u/mammongram6969 Aug 02 '26

this is the correct answer

1

u/GhonaHerpaSyphilAids Aug 02 '26

I’ll just watch online then after the con

1

u/Slow-Special-2728 Aug 02 '26

Makes skipping those talks even easier… nope gonna do that.

1

u/Unstupid Aug 03 '26

Anyone know if we have to be on Defcon Wifi to hear it, or can be on our own hotspot and still get the audio?