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SOUND SYSTEM DESIGN GUIDE
When a building owner or community center director hears the phrase "sound reinforcement project," they often think, "Why pay for paper? Let's just install some more powerful speakers.".
We hear the results of this approach all the time: the hum in shopping malls, the unintelligible speech of the announcer at the train station, or the mush instead of music in an expensive restaurant.
In this article, we, the engineers at "Puskonaladka", will tell you how proper sound design (based on the "Guide to Sound Systems Design") saves the customer's budget and guarantees results.
Sound is more than just "loud"«
According to the regulations, Sound Support System (SSS) — is a complex engineering system. It's more than just a microphone and a speaker. It integrates sound amplification, fire alarm systems, broadcasting, and intercom systems into a single system.
We divide all objects into three classes, and each has its own strict electroacoustic requirements:
| System type | Where it is applied | The main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Speech SZO | Conference halls, courts, lecture halls, train stations | Speech Intelligibility (RASTI). Every word should be clear, even if there is noise around. |
| 2. Broadcasting SZO | Shopping centers, restaurants, fitness clubs, hotels | Comfort. Music shouldn't interfere with conversation, but should create an atmosphere. Even coverage without "dead zones.". |
| 3. Concert SZO | Theaters, clubs, concert halls | Pressure and frequency response. Wide frequency range (from deep bass to highs) and high sound pressure without distortion. |
Step 1: Count first, buy later
The main mistake amateurs make is selecting equipment "by eye." We work according to the regulations: first, electroacoustic analysis (EASE modeling).
Before purchasing the first cable, we must know:
- RT60 (Reverb Time): How loudly does the room echo? If the RT60 is longer than 2 seconds, no expensive microphone will save you—you need acoustic treatment for the walls.
- Field unevenness: The standard allows for a volume difference of only ±3 dB. This means that the sound in the front row and in the gallery should be practically identical. This cannot be achieved without calculation.
- RASTI Index: A mathematical indicator of speech intelligibility. For train stations and conference rooms, it should be no lower than 0.6 (rated "Good").
Case study: The client wanted to install powerful concert-grade speakers in the conference hall, thinking they'd be better off. Our calculations showed that the hall's geometry would result in a boomy sound. We replaced the solution with a distributed system (many small speakers), saving 30% on the budget and achieving perfect intelligibility.
Specifics of the objects: what is important for the client to know
1. Theaters and concert halls
Here the system operates in "Universal" mode. Yesterday there was a rock concert, today there's a play, tomorrow there's a shareholders' meeting.
Our solution: We use digital mixing consoles and processors that remember settings (scenes). Switching from "Movie" mode to "Live" mode takes one second. Standards require systems to have at least 30% of headroom to prevent equipment from operating at its limits—constant clip work is the main reason. failure of amplifiers.
2. Sports arenas and stadiums
The main enemies here are echo and distance. Sound travels slowly. If the speakers are positioned incorrectly, the viewer will hear a mishmash of direct sound and reflections.
Solution: The use of delay lines and acoustic clusters with a narrow directivity pattern that «hit» directly into the stands, and not into the roof.
3. Offices and shopping centers (Public Address)
Seamless sound is key here. A person walking down the hallway doesn't notice where the range of one speaker ends and another begins. We use 100-volt lines, which allows us to extend cables hundreds of meters without losing quality.
Integration and management
The Soviet approach of "one switch, one function" is outdated. Modern regulations require implementation. Integrated Management Systems (IMS).
What does this give to business?
- Zoning: Loud deep house plays in the restaurant bar, quiet jazz plays in the VIP lounge, and birdsong mingles in the restrooms. Everything is controlled from a single administrator tablet.
- Safety: When the fire alarm is triggered, the music automatically stops and the evacuation procedure is initiated. Safety is the absolute priority.
Why is it more profitable to work with a project?
Designing a security system is not an unnecessary expense, but rather an insurance policy for your investments.
- Exact estimate: You won't buy extra amplifiers "in reserve".
- Expected result: We will show you a sound "heat map" already at the drawing stage.
- No alterations: Cable routing is already installed in trays and boxes during the construction phase. You won't need to cut grooves in the walls after finishing.
Engineering group "Commissioning"« performs full cycle of works According to RD and SNiP: from acoustic calculations and feasibility studies to installation and fine-tuning (System Tuning). And if the system has already been installed by another contractor and isn't working as promised, we'll carry it out. audit of a third-party project with measurements and specific recommendations.
Do you need professional sound on site?
Book a free engineer visit and express acoustic audit of your premises — We'll evaluate the hall's geometry and the current system, and advise you on what your facility really needs and where savings can be made. General questions: +7 (499) 380-81-21, mail: info@puskonaladka.tech.