Sound Reproduction 101 Speakerboy Style
PRO DJ SPEAKERS / T5A 15" 3-WAY / T4A 15" 3-WAY / T3A 12" 3-WAY / SOUND 101 / DJ INDUSTRY LINKS / FIND A DJ / INVESTORS
Sound Reproduction 101 Speakerboy Style
All Rights Reserved 2004 Speakerboy ProDJSpeakers.com website powered by DJWebsiteDesigner.com
SOUND REPRODUCTION 101:
The "ideal" audio system does this: Reproduces frequencies across the human sound spectrum (the stuff we can hear), from approximately 20 Hz to 20Khz, within a negligible variation or range and at the desired volume or SPL (sound pressure level) for a given application. The Holy Grail is +/- 0 db, but most great home speakers will only achieve +/- lower than 10 db variation... Many Professional (and expensive), PA speakers are even worse! The "volume" at which the speakers are played, is determined by several factors. The rated efficiency, or "SPL" is typically provided at 1 watt per 1 meter. The higher the efficiency, the louder the speaker will sound at a particular wattage. The RMS, (continuous wattage), capability of the speaker, in combination with the correctly sized amp, will determine your overall sound pressure level "SPL". Speaker positioning and the listening area also effects the overall efficiency and volume capability of a speaker system.
Top Ten Sound System Tips. The most critical pieces of the audio playback system, are the ONLY ones you need for great sound (at a price)... And they go in this order of importance:
1) Speakers (must have - this is what "makes sound" (creating variations in air pressure which result in ear drum vibration and send signals to brain which we perceive as "sound"), and accounts for almost 80% of what you hear. Speaker choice is determined by application i.e.; desired SPL, environment, listening area, and then falls into sound characteristics and looks.
2) Amplifier (determined by speaker choice and must be capable of driving the speakers, but aside from shear volume (SPL), accounts for minimal sound quality.
3) Speaker Placement (the listening area and the speaker system's imaging aim, relative height and distance from reflective surfaces like walls, ceilings, floors, etc). Placing speakers near walls, floors, or in corners will increase the efficiency and make the speakers sound louder and bassier. Positioning the speaker's height so that the high frequencies are at the listeners ear level, as well as aiming speakers at the "sweet spot" will produce more detailed and precise sound, with better stereo imaging. These factors have a dominant effect on the efficiency and character of a sound system.
4) Speaker Cables (determined by how much current you need across a certain distance)... Dependent on the desired SPL which is dependent on the speakers and amp. Minor difference in sound if properly sized, big effect on sound at higher volumes if too small.
5) Pre-Amp, or Mixer (subjective device, but needed to control voltages from inputs if not present in the amplifier. Controls (playback devices) to output (amplifier) and accounts for minimal sound character or quality.
6) Playback Media (what you want to hear and the format it is recorded on), consists of albums, tapes, cds, mp3, etc... If properly recorded the biggest influence of media format is the character of sound. If recorded poorly, or neglected can have a big effect on sound.
7) Playback Devices (subjective choice determined by recorded media you wish to listen to), but it's primary role is sending analog millivolts signal to amplifier. It also has very little influence on sound quality.
8) Patch Cables (to interconnect playback, to preamp/mixer to amp), negligible sound changes.
9) Power Supply (your AC voltage going to devices)... If inadequate in voltage, cycles, current can have influence on sound quality at higher volumes. If adequate supply is available, little sound change occurs.
10) All other effect devices: Determined by application and primarily used to change sound character. All effects devices (EQ's, Expanders, etc), change the signal before the speakers and effect the way the speaker transducers move, which creates a myriad of effects from frequency attenuation to things like reverb and delay. These devices are for subjective listening and "color" the sound.
Anything YOU Would like to see added to this list? Ask it, tell it, let us know that's what we're here for! We're Speakerboy!
Todd Donald
Ready to Rock? Email us... We'll provide you with a quote and lead time.
