Icelandic production services and AV technology specialists Exton offer consulting and design in the fields of lighting, sound systems, video equipment and acoustics, supplying all the equipment needed for meeting rooms, event spaces, shops, restaurants, sports facilities, music and event venues of all sizes and types.

We asked Exton Sound Consultant/Technician Asaf Tzur to share his Top Ten Tips for Corporate AV sound system designers and installers.

Understanding the actual needs

Honest conversation with the client is vital. In most cases, the client will find it hard to define the needs in technical terms – how loud? It is our job to ask the right questions and scratch the surface to put us in the right direction in comprehending the end goal.

Sometimes the audio system will be integrated into a larger multi-room AV system with light control and video conferencing requirements. Sometimes the café sound system will have a DJ on occasions, the office will have a corperate event, and the list goes on. We need to plan for the extremes.

On occasions I bring a self-amplified speaker with me with a sound level meter just to demonstrate the different audio levels to be considered and note the requested decibel level.

Obtaining the location drawing and measurements

If the location has not been built yet, getting all the measurements of the project at hand is crucial for the predesign. If possible, transferring the initial drawing to 3D drawing will help tremendously in the design process, both visually and for conducting pre-design acoustic simulations.

Visiting on location

A lot can be gained by a site visit. For one, we will be able to understand the physical limitations which will prohibit us from placing a speaker or other devices in the original desired location, which sometimes is not indicated in the original drawings.

Sometimes the drawings of the location are out of date and visiting will allow us to perform on location measurements for updated dimensions.

Acoustic considerations and measurement

Acoustic conditions are an unseparated aspect of the audio system. The better the acoustics, the better performance of every sound system. Even if you take a top-quality speaker system, its performance capabilities will diminish in an acoustically compromised location.

The acoustic measurement should be conducted by approved an acoustician that will share recommendations.

Sure, not all places will be perfect acoustically, and some clients would not even be interested or willing to invest on improving the acoustics, it will be a good time and place to share the realistic expectation of the end results with the client and where we might fall short.

Budget and time constraints

Once we have collected the information needed for the system design, it is time for understanding the budget limitations. Every project will have budget limitations, and as difficult it is to ask this question, we will have to. Otherwise, we risk precious design time going to waste. Asking the budget range will help us as professionals to outline the best system for the budget.

Delivery time is crucial as well, as not all items are available off the shelf in a lot of cases and, due to their size and weight, could not just shipped by air. Installation times also need to be considered as installers time availability conflicts are a reality.

Designing the sound system

It is the time to combine all the information collected and the requirements on paper, virtual of course. The concept is to provide the correct number of speakers and their proper locations to get the most even audio coverage across the designated area with the desired level and frequency response.

I tend to add extra level capabilities to the original request, by adding either more speakers or designating more powerful ones to gain additional headroom, in situations for unplanned usage for the system designation or an unexpected set from a guest DJ. It’s always easier to lower the speaker system level than attempting to go louder than originally planned.

Most serious speaker manufactures today will provide some sort of audio simulation software. Granted, some are better than others, some are 2D-based with height limitations such as the free Ease Focus, but other manufacturers have their own propriety software that allow you to work in full 3D.

It is important to understand that most of these simulation tools are not intended to consider acoustic behaviour within the space. There are a few dedicated for presenting the speaker audio distribution within the acoustic field, most known is AFMG’s Ease, which will provide even additional information to consider. All these provide invaluable tools for predicting sound distribution properties of the space in question.

Assembling the system components 

After confirming the type of speakers and their quantities, it is time to calculate the required amplifier channels, as this is determined not only by the number of speakers and their power requirements, but also by how they are distributed to zones or areas, and the level of control needed per zone for the project. Drawing a flow diagram at this stage will clarify the system component’s layout and interconnection.

Programming

The programming stage will confirm the user operating control environment. The most complex stage in the programming is to make the user interface as simple as possible. The concept should enable day by day operations to be conducted by staff members with no need for a technician. This includes either physical buttons and knobs, wall controllers or more advanced touch screen displays. The controller devices will allow operators to control a range of parameters, from level to different zones to controlling video feeds, announcements, and light controls. In a lot of situations, the programming of the screen interface will be done together with the customer to make sure all necessary control requirements are met.

Installation and tuning 

The installation phase should be provided with detailed speaker locations, equipment rack assembly directions, and wiring diagrams for each piece of equipment used in the installation, as each audio feed and each speaker cable interconnectivity is crucial to the proper system operation.

At the end of the physical installation process, the verification process will commence to validate that all components work as designed. The sound system will then be tuned for optimal phase, frequency response and level performance results.

Presenting the system and training

Once installed, verified and tuned, it’s time to go through the entire system operation with the client-designated staff. Be open minded to questions but also keep an eye for any operation difficulties that may arise, and make note if any controller re-programming is required.