Sound System Design
System design is the stage where the entire audio system is decided: how many loudspeakers, of what type, positioned where, driven by what, and controlled how. Every later stage of the project inherits these decisions, which is why they are made deliberately and documented before anything is purchased or installed.
What This Covers
- 01Venue review — dimensions, volume, materials, sightlines, and structural constraints
- 02Definition of listening zones and how each one is used through the day and night
- 03Target coverage, output capability, and tonal balance for each zone
- 04Loudspeaker type, quantity, and placement strategy
- 05Amplification and processing architecture
- 06Signal distribution, networking, and control topology
- 07Infrastructure requirements passed to the wider project team
Why It Matters
Most disappointing systems are not the result of bad equipment. They are the result of decisions made in the wrong order — hardware chosen before coverage was understood, or speaker positions fixed after the ceiling was closed. Designing the system first means the equipment list, the budget, and the building work all support the same outcome.
When It Happens
As early as possible — ideally during schematic design or early design development, while ceiling plans, structure, and electrical routing can still absorb the system's requirements.
Working With Other Trades
The design set is written to be read by people who are not audio specialists. Architects receive speaker locations and mounting requirements, electricians receive power and conduit needs, and the general contractor receives a clear picture of what has to be in place before installation begins.
- 02
Equipment Specification
Professional selection of loudspeakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, processors, networking, control interfaces, racks, and supporting infrastructure.
- 03
Acoustic and Coverage Planning
Speaker positioning, dispersion analysis, zoning, delay strategy, level planning, and system-performance evaluation.
- 04
System Programming
DSP configuration, routing, presets, limiters, zone control, user interfaces, network configuration, and operational workflows.
Not sure which stage your project needs?
Most projects start with a short conversation about the venue and where it stands. We will tell you what is worth doing now and what can wait.