When planning a major commercial sound system installation, it’s tempting to get carried away with the appeal of a specific brand of speakers, the size of the subwoofers, or how many microphones you’ll need. Most audio specialists will try to upsell you on these things, but don’t be fooled.
Performance audio systems, especially in large venues like churches, auditoriums, and convention centres, require a different approach to ensure you get the right results.
To get sound right the first time and avoid costly reworks, true experts focus on these three crucial factors:
1. Infrastructure and Future-Proofing
This means carefully considering the cabling, power distribution, and signal routing that form the backbone of your system. A rushed or poorly planned installation can lead to constant technical headaches, from annoying buzzes and hums to complete system failures.
An expert will ensure your infrastructure is scalable for future technology. This means using proper cabling, planning for future expansion of microphones or video sources, and installing the necessary network connections for digital audio. Thinking ahead will save you from costly, disruptive renovations down the line.
2. Clarity Before Volume
Loud does not necessarily mean better. Clarity is more important. A performance system should deliver even, intelligible sound evenly across the entire venue. If the back row can’t hear a speaker clearly while the front rows are being blasted by harsh highs, your system isn’t doing its job properly.
It’s essential to match the type of system to the primary use of the space. Spoken word systems might differ from live music systems. Therefore, you need to choose equipment with the right frequency response and dispersion capabilities. In this respect, quality amplification and tuning are just as important as the hardware.
3. Integration and Ease of Use
You don’t want to be saddled with a top-tier sound system that’s difficult to operate. It will quickly become a daily frustration. The controls should be intuitive, and the system should integrate smoothly with your lighting and video systems. Any automated features need to already be in place once the installation is done so you can just use it without needing a degree in sound engineering.
This is especially true in commercial or institutional settings where your day-to-day staff may not have formal AV training. Fearing’s takes this into account when designing systems for our clients, ensuring high performance doesn’t come at the cost of usability.
To ensure you choose the right design for your space and sound goals, contact Fearing’s for expert sound system installation.
