What’s the Difference Between Home and Commercial Audio Systems?

In short, home audio systems are designed to create immersive sound in a small space, like a living or entertainment room. You may have heard about installing surround sound in your home movie theatre room for an immersive entertainment experience, but this differs significantly in function from the intentions behind a commercial audio system.

In contrast, commercial audio systems offer more capabilities over a larger floorplan and have larger power requirements. The thinking behind commercial audio systems is to create an even throw of sound throughout your restaurant, retail establishment, or business to avoid complaints from customers and employees. With a high end audio system like those offered by our technicians, business owners can also fully customize their workplace environment by having designated zones for more optimal audio output.

What are the Components of a Commercial Audio System?

While each commercial audio system is unique in it’s own regard, they’re all comprised of the same basic components to create an even coverage of sound. Here are the fundamental components of a commercial audio system.

1.     Speakers. It may go without saying, but in order to produce sound, your system needs speakers. Generally, it’s considered wise to invest in a variety of speaker types, as different models have different capabilities—and chances are there is some variability in the needs associated with your space. Keep in mind if you’re looking for speakers capable of producing a large amount of bass, this is usually only possible with larger speakers—so they might not be as subtle as other speakers that can’t comfortably reach tones as low. Speakers vary in type from pendant or horn speakers to sound bars, so if you’re unsure as to which kinds of speakers are best for your office, touch base with one of our qualified commercial sound system technicians today!

2.     At least one amplifier. This handy transitional device between speakers and speaker system helps by eliminating unwanted sounds like static or feedback, playing a role in controlling volume, and generally improving the quality of sound produced by your speakers. The more amplifiers you have connected to your commercial sound system, the more power you will require—but at the same token, your output will be more powerful as well.

3.     Other volume controls. Oftentimes, in commercial settings, volume controls can be built into the wall, or accessed by some form of computer or audio control panel. This component should allow you to control the decibel level of sound in each room of the office, or shop, so you can keep music playing at an optimal level for cash flow and employee productivity.

4.     Acoustic panels. Especially in modern kitchens or businesses with high ceilings and hard surfaces, it becomes all the more important to install acoustic panels to help absorb some of that unwanted sound reverberation. While technically this step is optional, reducing unwanted echoes is a pivotal part of putting your guests at ease throughout their experience at your shop; installing acoustic panels is one of the simplest ways of controlling environmental factors that would otherwise lack a solution.

5.     Wires. Again, it may seem like it can go without saying, but the connective tissue of your commercial sound system comes in the form of a series of wires which allow speakers and amplifier(s) to communicate. Commonly, these are smaller wires capable of powering a 70-volt system with a lower electrical current.

Why You Should Leave Installing Your Commercial Audio System to Professionals

You may be thinking, “With only five necessary components, why shouldn’t I install my commercial audio system myself?” While it can be tempting to think you are cutting costs by installing your sound system yourself, you may find that the results just aren’t comparable to those you’ll achieve by trusting professional sound engineer. With insider knowledge of all the cutting-edge technology in the trade as well as placement tips, speaker variety insight, and other crucial pieces of information, there’s actually quite a bit of thought that goes into a well-constructed audio system. When you consider the knowledge of speaker value alone which would otherwise be left to the business owner and a system of trial and error, it’s easy to see that hiring an expert to consult on and install your commercial audio system may actually save you money in the long run.