Auditorium Sound System

Filling a large space with sound is challenging and requires an experienced team for the set-up, whether it is for a high school musical, orchestra or live music venue. The goal is not merely whether performers can be heard, but ensuring that what the audience hears is what the performers intend. An effective sound reinforcement configuration will allow as many of the audience members to hear the same sound quality as possible. To achieve this, you need to have a basic understanding of sound design for large venues.

The interior components of the auditorium together with its size decides the equipment required. Upholstered seats absorb acoustical energy, as do drapes, curtains and other kinds of materials. A highly absorptive smaller auditorium may require more amplification than a large reflective one. Some of the surfaces that reflect sound are metal surfaces, cement and wood.

Choose amplification and speakers appropriate to room size.

Based on the size of the auditorium, the amplification system is required to produce several hundred or thousands of watts of power to drive speakers so that the entire area is filled with sound using equalization components. While small theaters require smaller integrated speaker systems that include low, mid and high frequency drivers, very large auditoriums may require component speakers where the bass (woofers), midrange and high-end speakers are each in their own enclosures.

Speaker systems require companion amplifiers that use crossovers to divide the audio spectrum evenly.

An equalizer can compensate for the acoustical properties by adding or diminishing specific frequencies in the audio spectrum. Equalizers can be used as stand-alone device or can be integrated into the sound mixing console. These equalizers can also reduce the feedback from microphones.

Choose a mixing console that affords maximum flexibility for the number of audio sources required. In case of a live performance, the performers need to hear themselves, the speakers or headphones available on stage are monitors. The mixer used in the sound console should support sufficient monitor outputs to each performer. Monitors also require their own amplifiers. Depending on the size of the stage and the acoustical properties of the auditorium the choice of monitor is decided. In some venues the sound is better when each performer wears their own headphones as an open speaker could reflect off the back of the stage towards the audience. However, all headphones are not always practical for certain applications

Select microphones do not pick up ambient sounds from the room as they are highly directional. Microphones should be placed as close to the sound source as possible as many auditoriums may have unpredictable reflective surfaces that cause feedback.

Providing a quality mix to performers on stage can be the difference between a memorable performance and a forgettable one. A good sound engineer ensures proper and perfect monitor setup on stage which allows musicians to perform with confidence.

Connect the mixing board directly through cables for vocal, amplifier and instrument microphones being used on stage.

The number of monitors required on stage should be determined first. Every speaker or musician on stage should be provided with a monitor but that is not always practical based on the size of the venue and the available equipment. Musicians playing instruments should be able to hear the stage mix and vocals, while vocalists should always have a monitor.

In recent times, Digital mixers have made progress in quality of the sound and cost when compared to a moderately priced analog mixer.

The auditorium sound system can be integrated with high-performance professional audio, multi-channel audio mixer, digital stage box and rope microphones on stage which helps to conduct un-hindered events such as drama or music.