Outdoor audio has been around for decades, and its role is now more critical than ever with the growing outdoor-centric trends in both residential and commercial markets. With outdoor audio becoming a more important part of our business it’s crucial we get it right for our customers. With application specific product choices growing each year, designing an outdoor sound system comes with a wide range of criteria to consider.
Indoor Audio vs. Outdoor Audio: What’s the Difference?
Before we get started, differences in indoor audio and outdoor audio should be taken into account. Indoor speakers are designed to blend into the area, using the room to help balance the highs with the lows. The lack of walls in an outdoor environment changes those dynamics.
Without the walls of a room to load the bass and reflect the sound, audio outdoors can sound thin like there is a lack of bass and presence. For this reason, good outdoor speakers will have a little more bass energy and highs than their indoor counterparts.
Outdoor speakers also need to be sturdy and durable enough to withstand all environmental conditions they will be exposed to. Wind, dust, bugs, reptiles, rain or snow, the heat and degrading effects of direct sunlight can all cause a speaker to deteriorate quickly.
Marine and coastal environments add an additional consideration, requiring rust-resistant components and mounting hardware to survive for any amount of time. Some speakers are rated for both indoor and outdoor applications but be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines during the installation. For instance, on some models you may need to use a port plug to make the speakers water resistant.
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Now that we’ve covered the different demands of outdoor vs. indoor audio, the first consideration in the design of your sound system is to determine where you want it and how loud it needs to play. Will it be used as foreground sound, for parties or announcements, or as background music to enhance the space’s ambiance? Decide if you need to contain sound in a specific area, like a pool or exhibit or if general background sound is needed for a large area like walking paths at a theme park or an outdoor mall. Area of coverage will vastly differ between products.
Next, determine how many audio zones are needed. Is this a central system or is it coming from an indoor audio system like you would find with an outdoor patio at a restaurant? The answer to this question will guide you closer to selecting your power source whether it be low voltage, a 70-volt input or a full Dante IP-controlled system. Keep in mind that some Dante/DSP systems can be more cost effective than 70-volt systems and give you and your client greater flexibility and control of the audio.
Selecting the Right Outdoor Speakers to Fit the Job
The speaker selection is one of the most important aspects of designing an outdoor sound system and will be based on your clients’ needs. Will the speakers be seen or does the sound source need to blend into the environment? For hidden audio, you can get speakers that look like rocks, stones, planters or even coconuts. There are speakers that look like landscape lighting. Once you determine the form factor, it’s easier to select models to meet your needs.
Once that’s been determined, outdoor speakers fall into three main categories: omni directional, direct radiators and line arrays.
Omni directional speakers offer 360° coverage and work well in situations where you need sound everywhere. They will cover as much area as two direct radiating speakers and come in a variety of mounting options. Direct radiators (or directional speakers) work well if you want to contain the sound to a specific area, and line arrays are made for long throw, sending sound out to 40 feet with little level drop compared to a direct radiator. Line arrays can also be pole or tree mounted.
Remember, though, just because it is called an outdoor speaker, does not necessarily mean it will stand up to extreme weather conditions. Some will, though. We’ve heard stories of major hurricanes blowing through areas causing extensive damage to homes and businesses, yet the outdoor audio gear was still standing. Meanwhile other outdoor speakers can operate great under an overhang and fail when exposed to rain. Always check with the manufacturer to get the correct weather rating.
Other Considerations When Designing an Outdoor Sound System
For well covered outdoor patios you can consider in-ceiling speakers. They cover more area, and many are moisture resistant and commonly used for humid environments like bathrooms or saunas.
If your area has an awning, surface mounted speakers will work great. Remember, most outdoor speakers are water-resistant to a degree, so the awning can protect them from degrading from weather and keeping the speakers out of direct sunlight – which can extend the life of the product considerably.
Make sure to use safety cables and locks to prevent injury to the product or persons if the product does fall, but also to prevent someone from taking your product in the dark of night.
Don’t forget to consider an outdoor-rated subwoofer in your project, as well. It will enhance the listening experience with full range sound. Most outdoor subs are direct burial with only the port showing above ground. A few landscape speakers also incorporate the sub into the design which saves on installation time and produce more even sound in the listening area.
In Closing
Some manufacturers will expediently design an outdoor audio system for you. This service saves you time and money as they can recommend the exact number of speakers to provide the best coverage needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out for this free tech support.
The bottom line is that using the right product for the right application is critical to a successful outdoor audio experience. Amaze your clients with outstanding acoustics without breaking the bank by doing your research and working with your loudspeaker manufacturer.
Ken Hecht is the Vice President of Engineering and International Sales at MSE Audio.
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