How to Choose the Best Ambient Sound System

What is an ambient sound system and how to choose the best for your project?

An ambient sound system is a set of devices that allow distributing an audio signal over large areas, which can be subdivided into zones. The audio signal can come from different sources, such as: computer, CD player, radio, tablet, TV, cell phone and any device that plays sound.

An ambient sound system has multiple applications and benefits, both for the owner of the place and for customers or visitors. Some examples of places where an ambient sound system can be applied are:

• Hotels: to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in the rooms, hallways and common areas, as well as to transmit informative or advertising messages.
• Restaurants: to set the mood with music suitable for the type of food and target audience, as well as to communicate special offers or events.
• Shopping malls: to generate a dynamic and attractive environment that encourages shopping, as well as to disseminate announcements or safety alerts.
• Offices: to improve productivity and employee well-being with soft or motivating music, as well as to facilitate internal or external communication.
• And many more: gyms, beauty salons, museums, cinemas, etc.

The benefits of having a professional ambient sound system are:

• Ambience: you can create an environment suitable for the type of place and time of day, with music that reflects the personality and style of the business.
• Communication: you can transmit relevant or interesting information for customers or visitors, such as promotions, events, tips, etc.
• Security: you can alert about emergency or risk situations, such as fires, evacuations, robberies, etc.
• Customer experience: you can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by offering them a pleasant and personalized auditory experience.

If you are thinking of installing an ambient sound system in your business or project, you should know that not all systems are the same or adapt to any place. That is why it is important to have the advice of a company specialized in the design and installation of ambient sound systems in Latin America.

A leading company in this sector is Schallertech, which has more than 20 years of experience and a professional and trained team that will offer you a tailored solution for your project. Schallertech will help you choose the best components, the most suitable type of audio source and the criteria to optimize system performance and quality.

In this article we will explain the most important aspects to consider when choosing an ambient sound system.

Ambient sound system and emergency calls at Puerta de Oro Event Center.

Ambient sound system components

An ambient sound system consists of the following elements:

• Selector: it is the device that allows selecting the audio source to be played in the system. It can be manual or automatic.
• Amplifier: it is the device that amplifies the audio signal coming from the selector and sends it to the speakers. It can be mono, stereo or multichannel.
• Multi-zone amplifier: it is a type of amplifier that allows dividing the system into different zones and independently controlling the volume and audio source of each one.
• Speakers: they are the devices that convert the electrical signal into sound. They can be ceiling, wall, surface or built-in. They must be resistant and suitable for the type of place and desired sound level.
• Controllers: they are the devices that allow controlling the ambient sound system from a remote location. They can be remote controls, panels, mobile applications or home automation systems.

The components are connected to each other by cables or wirelessly. The connection must be secure and stable to avoid interference or cuts in the sound.

Types of ambient sound systems

Edgar Renteria Baseball Stadium Sound System Project

Ambient sound systems can be classified according to the type of audio source they use:

• Analog: it uses analog signals, such as those from a CD player, radio or turntable. The advantage is that it offers natural and true to original sound quality. The disadvantage is that it requires more space and maintenance, and can suffer deterioration or noise over time.
• Digital: it uses digital signals, such as those from a computer, tablet, cell phone or USB device. The advantage is that it offers optimal and constant sound quality, and allows storing and playing a large variety and quantity of files. The disadvantage is that it can lose some nuances or details of the original sound when compressing it.
• Hybrid: it combines analog and digital signals, taking advantage of the best of each one. The advantage is that it offers balanced and versatile sound quality, and allows adapting to customer preferences and needs. The disadvantage is that it can be more complex and expensive to install and configure.

Criteria for choosing an ambient sound system

When choosing an ambient sound system, you must take into account the following criteria:

• Size of the place: influences the quantity and power of the speakers you need, as well as the length and thickness of the cables. A large place requires more and more powerful speakers, as well as longer and thicker cables. A small place requires fewer and less powerful speakers, as well as shorter and thinner cables.
• Number and distribution of zones: influences the type and quantity of amplifiers you need, as well as how to connect them. A place with many zones requires a multi-zone amplifier or several individual amplifiers, as well as a series or parallel connection. A place with few zones requires a simple amplifier or a multi-zone one with few outputs, as well as a direct or star connection.
• Sound level and quality: influences the type and quality of speakers you need, as well as the type of audio source you choose. A place with a high sound level requires speakers with higher sensitivity and power rating, as well as an audio source with greater fidelity and dynamic range. A place with a low sound level requires speakers with lower sensitivity and power rating, as well as an audio source with lower fidelity and dynamic range.
• Budget: influences the brand and model of the components you choose, as well as the degree of customization of the system. A high budget allows you to choose high-end components and customize the system to your liking. A low budget allows you to choose mid-range or low-end components and customize the system to the bare minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ambient sound system and a sound reinforcement system?

An ambient sound system is a system used to create a pleasant and uniform sound environment in a place, with a moderate sound level and acceptable sound quality. A sound reinforcement system is a system used to amplify the sound of a specific source, such as a microphone, instrument or recording, with a high sound level and optimal sound quality.

What type of speakers are recommended for an ambient sound system?

The type of speakers recommended for an ambient sound system depends on the type of place and desired sound level. In general, ceiling or wall speakers are recommended for small indoor places, surface or built-in speakers for large open places, and water or dust resistant speakers for outdoor or humid places.

What kind of control can you have over the ambient sound system?

The type of control you can have over the ambient sound system depends on the type and quantity of controllers installed. In general, you can have control over the selection of the audio source, the volume and equalization of the sound, the activation or deactivation of zones, and the timed or automatic programming of the system.

What standards or regulations must be met when installing an ambient sound system?

The standards or regulations that must be met when installing an ambient sound system vary by country or region where the place is located. In general, technical and legal standards on electrical safety, fire protection, acoustic insulation, maximum permitted noise level and respect for copyright must be met.

What maintenance does an ambient sound system require?

The maintenance required for an ambient sound system depends on the type and quality of the components used. In general, it is recommended to periodically review the condition and operation of the components, regularly clean the contacts and connections, timely replace defective or worn parts, and constantly update the software or firmware of the system.

Conclusion

As you have seen, having a professional and customized ambient sound system can provide many benefits to your business or project. However, choosing the best system is not an easy or trivial task. Many technical, aesthetic and economic aspects must be considered to achieve the best possible result.

At Schallertech we offer you free advice and a quote without commitment for your project. It will help you choose the best components, the most suitable type of audio source and the criteria to optimize system performance and quality.

Do not hesitate any longer and contact us today.