By Deborah L. O'Mara
That piercing, throbbing sound is what teenagers call music. To their parents, music might be '70s rock and roll. Regardless, most everyone loves music in one form or another. And nearly everyone openly or secretly covets a state-of-the-art sound system. That's why designing a sound system can be a very profitable niche, especially for those contractors who already have their feet in the door–like remodelers.
But don't plunge into installing surround-sound systems before you know some of the basics. There are subtle nuances and no-no's that can determine if your system is a success or a flop. You can be sure that if your client is an audiophile, he'll be quick to find any deficiencies in a poorly installed system. While you don't have to know everything about sound control, acoustics, reverberation and absorption, it is important to know is the are rules of thumb and that help is not far away.
Danny Moore, global audio product manager for Richardson Electronics & Burtek Systems Inc., Burnaby, British Columbia, says you can learn the basics about audio-system design and acoustics in 30 minutes. But, he admits, actual installation is a complex endeavor that usually requires professional support. (See the accompanying design checklist.)
The best way to enter the sound business, Danny says, is to take on two partners: a supplier who can give provide technical and system design support, and a partner who can deal with a wide range of product and technical issues.
With or without techie assistance, though, you'll get off to a good start if you follow these basics in designing an impressive audio system:
- Upfront planning is critical. Begin by asking the clients the right questions. What do they want to accomplish with the system? Where do they want sound? Do they want intercoms, etc?
- Acoustics are paramount. The location of the sound is what it's all about.
- Will reflective sound bounce off objects in the room? Direct sounds need to reach the user before reflective sound for the best acoustics. Tip: in a highly reflective environment, use more speakers at a lower volume to eradicate any problems.
- Is the environment highly absorptive, with lots of carpeting on floors, walls, and tons of soft furnishings? If so, you can use fewer speakers at a higher volume.
- Never point two speakers toward each other; they cancel each other out.
- Sound travels at 1,130 feet per second.
- Ceiling height is another consideration. In general, Danny says higher ceilings require fewer speakers. The average listening plane for speakers is five feet off ground level.
- Technical support is free, and Danny says to work with your suppliers to design a professional sound system.
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