Everything You Need to Know about Sound System Installations

A professional sound system installation can transform your commercial space. From creating an aesthetic environment for customers and clients to functional uses that could boost your business, professional audio systems carry many uses and benefits.

The right sound system installation can enhance not only the ambience but also the functionality and overall customer experience. Imagine walking into a chic café where soothing background music creates a relaxed atmosphere, or attending a corporate event where every presentation is crystal clear and engaging. These are just a few examples of how a well-designed audio system can make a significant impact on your business.

To have such a professional audio system requires specific installation and setup. Businesses can try to do this themselves, but it is often better to use the services of the experts. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of these sound systems and the installation process they require.

What are commercial sound installations?

Commercial sound installations are suitable for various spaces, from small rooms like meeting rooms to larger spaces like lecture theatres or outdoor spaces. They require various equipment like ceiling speakers and amplifiers to create a good sound quality and atmosphere for clients and customers.

Many businesses use their audio systems to play music on their commercial premises. However, these systems can also be important for presentations and events where speakers need to be heard clearly by every attendee. Choosing the right speaker system for the needs of your business is vital for those who need a multi-purpose array that nevertheless is easy to control.

Types of sound system installations

Before deciding on technical details like brands and types of speakers for your array, you need to consider the types of systems, and which one might be best for you.

Background sound system installations

Background music systems are used to create ambience in a room. Rather than having a room that is pin-drop quiet and leaves plenty of chance for awkward silences, a background sound system creates a pleasant atmosphere that can help bring a space to life.

The volume in such a place should be kept quite low at all times, and there should be little disruption from audio and bass. It should be easy to hold a conversation and hear one another because the music is just an accompaniment and not a focus. Surprisingly, it may take more speakers than you might imagine to create a seamless and smooth sound.

Background music installations are good choices for:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Shop floors and showrooms
• Waiting rooms and lobbies

Foreground sound system installations

Foreground systems are used when the music or audio needs to be the room’s focus. Unlike with background sound systems, the music should be both audible and enjoyable. If it has lyrics or another type of voiced element, the words should be clear and distinct, not muddled in with any melody or other noises.

A foreground sound system installation is the right choice for:

• Bars and nightclubs
• Live music venues and comedy clubs
• Event spaces

What is needed for a sound system installation?

Choosing the right equipment for a sound system is vital. Though your first instinct might be just to select options from the leading brands, careful thought should be put into creating the perfect solution to meet your needs. Speakers can be mounted on walls, hung from the ceiling, or set flush into the ceiling, and you will need to pick the right designs for each one.

After all, different speakers make sense across various scenarios. Discreet ceilings such as those that are installed in ceilings and walls are designed to not be noticed, and therefore might be a better option in a sophisticated restaurant or other area where attention should not be directed to them. Likewise, a live music venue will need powerful speakers to project sound out to the audience so they can get the full effect of a performance, even in a small venue.

Finally, outdoor areas (for music and live performances, al fresco dining, or any other purpose you might consider) will need special weather-resistant equipment that is well-grounded and completely safe for both customers and staff to be around at all times.

You will also need to ensure that you have the right amplifiers and other AV equipment to help you control the sound input. Knowing how to wire the sound system installation is incredibly important to ensure optimum positioning for sound quality, and that the correct impedance (a measure of the opposition to electrical flow) is maintained throughout the system.

Which sound system design is right for my installation?

The two most common sound systems are known as low impedance and 100v line (sometimes also called high impedance). You will most likely require one of these for your commercial venue, but knowing the differences between them is important in helping you choose the right system.

Low impedance

Any system that needs to be used for foreground and high-power music, such as hi-fi systems, needs to use a low impedance system. Usually, only a few speakers are used, and they are placed at a minimum distance of 20 metres from the amplifier. A low impedance system is a constant impedance system, so the load must be in series equal to or greater than the minimum value indicated on the amplifiers.

The advantages of this system include:

• High-quality audio — delivers excellent sound reproduction, making it a great option for venues such as nightclubs, theatres, and anywhere that plays live music
• Power handling — capable of handling higher levels of power
• Precise control — allows for more detailed and precise audio adjustments

100v line

100v line audio is the most common distributed sound system used in commercial audio. It has a limited frequency range, which makes it perfect for use with voice and low-level music, but this also means 100v is not suitable for foreground or high-power music. However, it can be used with a variety of sizes of sound systems. It can also be used for long-distance speaker runs, as each loudspeaker is equipped with its own line transformer, and this adapts the low impedance of that specific speaker to that of the overall line.

The advantages of the system include:

• Long-distance coverage — making the system ideal for extensive installations such as those required by large sites and multi-building facilities
• Flexibility — can easily accommodate specific speaker types or multiple configurations
• Ease of installation — simplifies wiring and reduces the risk of impedance mismatches

How can expert installers help you?

A professional sound system installation needs to be handled by experts. Not only will expert installers ensure that you have the correct speaker system to match your needs and the size of your venue, but they can also ensure that the installation is handled correctly so your staff can immediately begin to use it safely.

As you might be able to infer from our brief discussion of sound system design above, designing and installing such an audio system can be incredibly complicated. It is easier than you might imagine to pick the wrong speaker or the incorrect cables to bring the system together, never mind position everything adequately and ensure the cabling is neat and out of sight.

Trust the professionals at Mediascape to create the perfect commercial audio system for your business. Contact us today for a free consultation from one of our experts to help you perfect your next project.