Whether hosting a karaoke night at your bar, featuring live entertainment at your restaurant, or just offering ambience, having a high-quality sound system is a must. Good sound systems help venues create immersive experiences and increase revenue.
However, building a sound system from the ground up can be confusing, especially if you have limited knowledge of the subject.
Our ultimate guide will teach you all about the basic anatomy of venue sound systems, the different sound systems on the market. And then we’ll show you how to choose the best option for your venue.
The Impact of a Good Sound System at Your Venue
A good sound system is essential for any event venue, from bars to restaurants to wedding halls. High-quality audio is a critical characteristic of a thriving venue.
Sound has the power to captivate your audience, creating a narrative and emotional connection that fully engages them. Audio communication is sometimes more effective than visual communication, and it’s an innate response in all humans. Our limbic system connects music to memories and events, i.e., good music can literally make your venue unforgettable.
If utilized correctly, your live sound system can communicate with your audience and elicit emotions that match the event atmosphere.
When the audio quality is subpar, it can significantly impact the audience's perception of the event. Your guests might not be able to pinpoint the issue, but they’ll sense that something is off. This underscores the importance of investing in a good sound system.
So, if you want a venue that consistently provides immersive events that fully engage the audience's senses, sound quality should be a priority.
Anatomy of a Venue Sound System
Before you build your live sound system, it's crucial to understand sound systems and sound quality. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions that enhance your guest’s experience.
Microphones
Microphones capture and ‘translate’ sound waves into electrical signals. This electrical signal is projected to the audience through your live sound system. Every venue needs microphones, but the exact one you choose will differ depending on the needs of your live performances.
There are a few microphone options to choose from:
- For small venues, opt for a regular wired microphone. Wired or clip-on microphones are more cost-effective because the hardware is pretty basic and works perfectly in a small venue.
- Larger venues, like live music venues, have more noise. Microphones at these types of venues need to have better audio quality and sound-sorting capabilities. Your best options are a shotgun or a dynamic microphone. These microphones only pick up sound directly in front of them. They filter out most other background noises, leaving behind crisp, clear audio.
- Different musical instruments require different microphones. A guitar mic has different sound capabilities than a drum mic. You’ll also need a different microphone for singing. A standard mic, like a clip microphone, won’t pick up on the nuances of singing the way a dedicated singing microphone would.
Flexibility can also affect which type of microphone you use. If your performers are mainly stationary, a wired microphone will be fine. They also tend to be cheaper.
A wireless microphone is better for speakers or performers moving around the stage or venue. These microphones work using a bodypack transmitter attached to the microphone user.
As for accessories, having a mic stand on hand is a good idea. You don’t need the most expensive one on the market but try to avoid plastic ones. They’re not that durable. And the same rule applies to microphone clips.
Speakers
Speakers are necessary to project the electrical signals captured from microphones and other instruments.
The better the speakers, the better the sound quality. High-quality speakers are especially important for venues that host live music. Low-quality speakers tend to distort music, causing an unpleasant noise. So, when it comes to speakers, opt for a high-quality but cost-effective option.
As for the types, here’s everything you need to know:
- Front-of-house speakers are your most basic speakers. They are usually sold in pairs and have basic sound capabilities. If you have the funds, you can choose more expensive options with better capabilities.
- On the other hand, you have line-array speakers. These loudspeakers come in groups and are mostly hung high to project sound from above. They disperse the sound, which is especially great for large venues or live performances.
- Stage monitors are small speakers for the front of the stage. They face toward the speaker or the performers and play the music toward them, allowing the people on the stage to hear the sound they’re emitting more clearly.
- Point source speakers point live sound in a specific direction. They’re very flexible and great for venues with asymmetrical designs with hidden nooks. You can use them to disperse sound waves into these hard-to-hear corners or to create omnidirectional live sound.
- Column array speakers are vertical columns with many smaller speakers. They disperse sound on a horizontal plane, making them perfect for projecting speaking voices.
The type of speaker you choose also comes in two general categories: active and passive.
Passive speakers are great for creating layered sounds with specific details. However, they require additional amplifiers, which is more expensive. We’d suggest these speakers for larger venues or ones that frequently host live music events and other live performances.
On the other hand, active speakers come with amplifiers built into the design, making them a more affordable option. They’re perfect for smaller venues.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers project bass sounds because most loudspeakers cannot convey mid- and high-end frequencies alongside bass. They’re necessary to give your live sound system a full-bodied feel that doesn’t sound tinny.
Subwoofers are super effective, so small venues only need one or two speakers. More subwoofers are necessary for large venues that frequently have live music, especially bass-heavy music like rock and EDM.
Amplifiers
We mentioned amplifiers when discussing active and passive speakers. Active speakers come with built-in amplifiers, so you don’t need to buy more if you have them. However, if you have a larger venue or have passive speakers, you must buy amplifiers.
As the name suggests, amplifiers amplify live sound. They take the electrical signal the sound system produces and push more power into the sound. The power of the amplification is measured in watts, so the higher the watts, the more intense the amplification.
While amplifiers are great, having too high a wattage can ruin the event sound system by distorting the output and making it too loud. A small venue only needs a small amp, no more than 50 watts. The larger your venue, the more wattage you’ll need.
Outdoor venue spaces also need higher-wattage amps, between 85 and 100 watts, to account for the open space. The larger the venue space, the more you’ll need. It’s a good idea to do a sound check to see what your venue demands.
Mixing Console
A mixing console allows the sound designer or audio technician to change the sound output of the speakers. From one console, they can mix sounds, direct sounds, and adjust the equalizer.
The exact features your mixing console allows depend on the brand, model, and design. More versatile models tend to be more expensive.
Beyond different model options in a brand, there are two popular audio mixing console options: analog and digital mixers.
Analog mixers are simpler to use, with fewer functions than a digital mixer. The sound is also clearer because there’s less interference. Because the hardware is more basic, they’re a more cost-effective option for smaller venues.
Digital mixers, on the other hand, are more advanced. They connect to multiple devices and have a lot more capabilities. They’re much better for larger venues or venues that frequently have live performances.
Audio Switcher
Audio switchers do precisely what their name suggests. They allow you to switch between different audio channels, like switching between the audio of a microphone and the audio of a conference video.
They’re a great addition to any sound system and ensure smoother performances and speech presentations. However, unless your venue hosts complex audio experiences, you don’t need to buy a high-end option. A small, basic option with only a few switching options will be fine.
Types of Sound Systems
With the basic anatomy out of the way, let’s examine the different sound systems you can use to create the perfect sound design for your venue.
Mono Sound System
The mono sound system is short for monaural or monophonic sound system. It’s a basic sound design system with a single audio channel and output. The sound system receives electrical signals from the input points and emits them as one stream of sound.
It’s simple, effective, and a good option for venues that only need basic sound output options. For example, if your bar hosts relaxed karaoke nights, the mono sound system will work well and be easy on your wallet.
- Pros: Mono sound systems are easier to manage and produce clear sound. They’re especially great with projecting speech, making them a popular option for venues that frequently use their sound system to talk to the audience.
- Cons: Mono sound systems, because they only have one output, don’t work well when playing sounds with layered frequencies and tracks. For example, the music might sound metallic and shallow if you’re hosting a live music event at your venue.
Stereo Sound System
Stereo, short for stereophonic, is a sound system with two outputs: left and right. Playing sound through two channels allows technicians to create more dynamic sound experiences than mono systems.
This type of system is better suited for venues that use their sound system for speaking and music.
- Pros: Stereo sound systems are more effective than mono systems and more affordable than LCR systems. They create deeper sounds suited to live performances and are extremely reliable. Stereo sound systems are also the most popular option on the market, and there are many brands to choose from.
- Cons: Stereo systems don't work well in asymmetrical venues or events with irregular seating. Stereo relies on left and right channels, which fail when venues have obstructions like walls or setting arrangements that don’t capture the two-channel audio.
LCR Sound System
LCR or Left Center Right sound systems let technicians pan sounds from left to right. They combine the benefits of the mono and stereo design. Your venue can assign specific channels to specific directions.
For example, if your stage is to the left, the technician can make the left speaker the designated speech speaker. The center and right ones will then be the music speakers.
- Pros: An LCR sound system provides full-bodied sound, perfect for creating immersive sound experiences. Technicians also have more options for sound design and can change it based on the event your venue is hosting.
- Cons: LCR sound systems are a big investment. You’ll have to design the sound system to accommodate your venue's space. You’ll also need someone with technical experience to use the system. It’s too complicated for a layman to pick up quickly.
How to Choose the Right Sound System for Your Venue
Now that you understand the technical considerations, you have to choose the best sound system option for your venue. Here’s what to consider when making your final decision.
Venue Size
The venue size greatly affects the type of sound system you need. The larger the venue, the more advanced the system needs to be. Large spaces also need more power to ensure overall sound coverage. That means more speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers.
Smaller venues don’t need dozens of speakers. Simpler systems are also perfectly capable of providing good and consistent sound without overwhelming guests. Too much power in a small venue can distort the sound and is harsh on the ears.
Sound Type
The type of sound you play in your venue also determines what you need. As a venue manager, you don’t have the luxury of knowing what events you’ll be hosting in the future. But you can consider historic venue data. What types of venues do you host most often in your venue space?
Mono and stereo sound systems are better suited for venues that host mostly speaking-type events. They’re also more affordable. More dynamic systems like stereo and LCR are better options if you're frequently hosting live music events.
Budget
Lastly, keep your budget in mind. There are clear technical and price differences between a mono, stereo, and LCR system. But they are small enough that you can choose the cheaper option if you’re unsure.
You don’t need the most advanced sound system if you’re not going to use all the features. If you’re tempted to build an LCR venue space, consider a stereo system unless you absolutely need the LCR features.
The same goes for the equipment mentioned earlier. You can find high-quality sound equipment at a reasonable price. Don’t always go for the most expensive option on the market unless you really need or want it.
Conclusion
A venue’s sound system has a major effect on its overall atmosphere. A good sound system can help create immersive sound experiences that elevate your venue space and attract more events.
Use this guide to learn more about the basic equipment every venue needs. Then, while keeping your venue type, venue size, and budget in mind, install the sound system best suited to your needs.
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