dynamic

TRENDS
Distributed Audio: Sound for All
Quality audio makes the difference between background noise and an intentional facility sound-scape
MIKE MCCARTHER BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT – INTEGRATED
COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONS
Distributed Audio Systems – Sound for All:
Hotels, community centres, schools,
malls and stores have always used audio
as a key communication method. Now
that audio has gone digital, the users are
all connected with various smart phones
and tablets, and the ProAudio market has
had to adapt to become more accessible.
This month I sat down with QSC and SF
Marketing to explore the advancements
in digital, distributed audio systems and
the considerations that go into a design.
Picking the Sweet Spot
Depending on the size and purpose of
your facility, the type and quality of audio
required will range. For instance, in a
school, mall or recreation facility the primary
function of audio is to make public
announcements for targeted messaging
or emergency alerts. In a hotel, convention
centre, sports stadium or restaurant,
the primary function of audio is to set the
mood and deliver quality sound to create
a desired atmosphere. While both scenarios
involve spreading an audio message,
your criteria for choosing a system could
vary greatly.
Based on your facility and the role audio
is designed to play, it is important to
break down the solution design into four
areas:
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1. Speakers & Amplification
2. Wiring & Network Infrastructure
3. Media Streaming & Accessibility
4. System Control
A well thought out plan is just as important
in this part of your planning process
as at any other time. Pick your goals and
design a system that meets both the goals
and your budget.
Quality Sound – Speakers & Amplifiers
Speakers and amplifiers all operate on
the same basic principles. However, just
like everything else, different brands and
budget levels are going to deliver vastly
different results.
If the primary function of the audio
system is to delivery audible alerts of
voice messaging, a paging speaker may
do the trick. If the system is designed to
deliver background music, live music or
quality sound for atmosphere influence,
a higher quality speaker will be required.
In both cases selecting the right tool for
the job and pairing it to the right amplification
and processing system is critical to
achieve the planned outcome.
Media Streaming & Accessibility
When designing a distributed audio solution
you must consider the audience and
the users who will be interacting with it.
What audio source needs to be played
through the system? How do the users
connect and control the sources, playlists,
volume and overall functionality of
the system? Will users be using personal
devices or facility provided devices? With
advancements in home audio and mobile
technology, many users are looking for a
more personal experience and, depending
on your goals, integrating this kind of
interactivity from the onset will result in a
more flexible and accessible system and a
better long term return on investment.
JULY & AUGUST 2016
System & Zone Control
One of the most recent advancements in
distributed audio solutions is the ability
to leverage existing IT infrastructure to
deploy sound throughout an organization
or facility. Imagine connecting any
audio source within the network to any
group of speakers. When designing your
system, decide early how many zones are
required, what type of audio will be played
in each zone, and how users will interface
with the control of the zone.
Wiring & Network Infrastructure
One of the major costs and considerations in
deploying a distributed audio system is the
physical installation, wiring and network
infrastructure required to make it all work.
Make sure when undergoing a new build or
extensive renovation to consider your sound
system. There will never be a better time to
make investments then at this point.
For more information on distributed
audio and a live demonstration on QSC’s
QSYS platform, please join us for a lunch
& learn at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
While the final date is still being
determined, you can always find the latest
information and register to attend at
www.vistacaretech.com/techtrends
VistaCare Communications is a full service
commercial communications and security
solutions integrator based in Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia. www.vistacaretech.com