Invisible AV - How to Plan a Stealthy Loudpseaker Set-up (by Buck Moore)

A traditional loudspeaker set-up for a business meeting might include a left and right speaker on either side of the stage or the use of the ceiling-mounted distributed speaker system already installed in the venue. Often, the former are medium-sized cabinets that can obscure viewing angles and the latter can sometimes sound 'tinny', if not simply cut out sound from time to time (the audio controls are usually pre-set and can collect dust, which can cause the sound to be intermittent even at the finest of venues).

Aside form being very 'present' in a room, medium-sized speaker cabinets can have annoying little lights on the front of them and their larger speaker stands can create extra trip hazards. Using smaller speakers with high audio output can allow the AV technician to create zones of audio and adjust each zone independently and on-the-fly as needed. Also, smaller speakers won't obstruct viewing angles and can sit on smaller stands or even small tables, which are unlikely to be tripped over.

Large speakers at the front are usually only useful for live music and DJ's, where a full sound is desired, but for speaking voices and multi-media, they are very often unnecessary. Ideally, speaker zones should be planned with a combination of powered and non-powered speakers, especially along air-walls, where running power drops to them can be a pain.

Below are two examples of zones created with powered and non-powered speakers from initial planning to implementation:

The bottom example was planned for front projection, but we actually decided to go with rear projection because we had the room behind the screens - it was an aesthetic choice by the meeting planner and would allow for more tables near the front (not to mention the venue politics involved in getting the event up and running).

Using smaller cabinets, distributed throughout the room and aimed properly (to even out levels and avoid audio delay effects) can cover large audiences and minimize the appearance of loudspeakers everywhere. Proper planning of an audio system cannot be left to chance and following these simple guidelines can make your next meeting an AV success!

- Buck Moore can be reached at www.b4ushowit.com.