A Sound clash is a musical competition where crew members from opposing reggae sound systems pit theirs skills against each other.

Sound clashes take place in a variety of venues, both indoors and outdoors. Traditionally, each sound system would use their own equipment. More recently, however, many venues have sound equipment 'built in'.

Primarily featuring reggae (or dancehall) music, the object is to beat or "kill" their competitors. By choosing carefully the tracks played or "selecting" and featuring exclusive, personalised tracks or dub plate specials, a sound system can stimulate a more positive reaction from their audience and so win the clash.

The Rules

Sound Clash
Usually the Sound systems in the sound clash will play for a set time - say 30 minutes before switching. This time interval gets shorter and shorter, so when playing returns to one sound again, he or she may only play a shorter time. Finally, near the end of the clash they go song on song or "Dub fi dub" (which obviously requires dual mixing consoles) resulting in an awesome gig.