Sound System Purchases: Finding a Sound System

There comes a time in every school when a sound system needs attention. Some schools increase their sound system capabilities. Others have to replace an older system which has worn out. The expanding school is forced to upgrade or improve their system in order to meet new needs. Perhaps a new larger auditorium/theatre is being built.

Whatever the reason or need, schools have to make a decision on where the new equipment will be purchased. Many different sources of equipment and advice are available. Let’s explore each source and look at the strengths and weaknesses of each one.

Four Choices for Sound Equipment

There are four basic sources or vendors for sound equipment. They are the music store, the mail-order catalog or internet, the traditional radio-TV electronics store, and the sound contractor. Some stores may be a combination of the above sources. For example, a standard music store selling pianos and band equipment may also have a highly qualified sound contractor division or a sound contractor could also have a mail order catalog. What you must look for is the ability of each potential vendor to provide the correct solutions for your sound system needs.

Music Stores

The typical music store sells everything from pianos and organs to sheet music to rock and roll band equipment. They can be very knowledgeable about pianos. The electronic keyboard salespeople can know everything about MIDI and how to create wonderful sounds. The band department can provide great advice on which instrument is the one to buy. But when it comes to providing a permanently installed sound system for your school, then be careful. Many music stores simply do not have the evaluation and design capability, the installation ability, nor the right equipment to provide your school with the best system for your money.

Radio-TV Electronics

That about the radio-TV electronics store? Likewise, these vendors have similar strengths. They can sell you a great new 52-inch television or a super stereo system for your home. But the sound knowledge that is needed for a well-designed school sound system is far different from the knowledge that is required to put a stereo in your car. Knowing how to install a car stereo does not guarantee an ability to install a sound system in your school. In addition, these vendors do not usually have access to the proper equipment that will provide you with good quality sound.

Mail-Order Catalogs

Mail-order catalogs or internet sites are unique sound system vendors. They can often provide high quality equipment and at a price that is very competitive. They may give you good advice on which microphone to buy for your choir or podium. The selection of equipment is usually very large. There may be ten different mixers to choose from. So how do you choose? Can the salespeople spend enough telephone time to really get to know your needs so they can make a right recommendation? What about loudspeaker selection? Will they be able to design a system that provides even coverage so everyone hears the same sound? What about installation and service? These are some questions that will have to be dealt with if you decide to buy from a catalog. Be careful that you don’t lose quality in your hunt for lower prices.

Professional Sound Contractors

The professional sound contractor provides your school with the knowledge and experience that guarantees a great system for your needs. They will visit your school and take physical and acoustic measurements. Time will be spent in asking your staff about what your sound system needs and problems are. Then, a professionally engineered sound system design will be done.

With today's design methods, the competent contractor can virtually guarantee that the new sound system will meet your needs and will sound great. And after the system is installed, the contractor provides any needed service over the lifetime of the system.

Yes, the professional contractor may cost more than the mail-order system. He may even cost more than the music store or the electronics store. But what he installs will be the best for your needs. Don’t just look at the price. Too many other factors determine how the system will perform for your school.

A word of caution: Just because a company says it is a sound contractor does not mean it is a qualified school contractor. When you are checking out contractors, talk to their school references. Were those schools happy with the results? Did the system perform as promised? What was the quality of the installation? Was the installation crew easy to work with? Does this contractor like to do school sound systems? Ask the contractors how they design their loudspeaker systems. What is their guarantee? How about service? Do they provide training on the new system? What are their qualifications? These are important questions you need to ask of any company you are considering.

Many companies would like to provide your school with new sound equipment. Please consider the previous questions. The answers are invaluable in helping you choose the right people to solve your sound system needs.

by Ron Huisinga © 1996 Internet Sound Institute (www.soundinstitute.com). This article is for personal use only. Any commercial reproduction is not permitted without permission. To obtain permission, contact ISI at hopi@soundinstitute.com

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