Priorities

So, you've got the budget approval for a spanking new audio system. You've always been irked by the lacklustre bass reproduction of your existing loudspeaker cluster and the existing mixing console is always short of one aux send when it is fully used. You've got some idea of what you want in the new system, but where exactly do you start? How much money should you been spending on various components?

In my experience, here's my list of priorities :

1) Loudspeaker system
In any audio system, the main priority is to settle the loudspeaker system design. Traits of a well designed loudspeaker system include adequate frequency response for its purpose, even coverage at all listener positions and good localization. The end result is for every seat from the front to rear, and left to right, to have exactly the same consistent sound quality. You can check your audio system by taking a walkabout in your hall while playing some CD music. Listen carefully as you walk from rear to front, and from side to side. Does the audio quality change radically as you move from spot to spot? If it is, then it is entirely probable that your loudspeaker system has inadequate coverage. Without proper coverage, the congregation will not be able to hear a balanced and consistent sound coming from the audio system.

A well designed loudspeaker system is usually easier said than achieved. Some halls may have low ceilings, deep balconies or extensions in the oddest spots that make the design of any audio system anything but straightforward. Adding to that list may be acoustical issues like long reverberation times, high mechanical noise levels and architectural aesthetics. From a design perspective, getting it right require a mixture of knowledge, experience and the aid of a variety of tools like simulation software programs. Hence, it's not as straghtforward as putting up boxes and pointing them where you want the sound to be.

Just for the record, the loudspeaker system, in this definition includes the loudspeakers, amplifiers and related processing like limiters, equalisers and delays. Once the system is set up, the system should be locked up and never adjusted except by the person who designed it. Nowadays, digital signal processors(DSPs) have replaced most of the individual pieces of processing equipment. Once the system is set, the DSP is password locked.

2) Microphones and DIs
Next step is to take a good look at your microphone and Direct Box(DI) inventory. Choose a variety of dynamic and condenser mics for vocals and instruments. For DIs, whether it's active or passive, go for the higher quality units as these offer better performance and reliability on the longer term. More on mics in another post...

3) Mixing console
I've been to many, many spaces with very nice mixing consoles. Alas, the loudspeaker system installed is usually less than ideal . This is quite common as the mixing console is the operator's most common interface and will usually be a major point of focus during a new install or upgrade. No amount of EQ, processing or mixing is going to help a poorly installed loudspeaker system. Again, I will touch on consoles in another post.....

4) Outboard
In my opinion, equipment like program equalisers, CD player, reverberation units are in the lowest priority. Again many folks focus too much on the main program equalisers thinking that somehow tweaking the sliders will somehow improve the sound of a poorly designed system. A well designed system will not need a program equaliser; however, due to varying 'taste' in sound quality from person to person, some operators feel a little more secure when they have an equaliser to tweak the system to suit their taste.

Percentages
My own personal breakdown goes like this :

Loudspeaker system - 35-40%
Mixing console - 25-30%%
Outboard and mics - 20-30%

Well, these are my thoughts when it comes to a new audio system. Of course there are many other variables, but my intention is to give you just a glimpse of the issues involved and hopefully point you in the right direction the next time you're on the market for a new system.