Sound System Purchases: Expectations

Of course, anyone involved with a sound system project has certain expectations. In order to be satisfied about the outcome of such a project, expectations should be based on complete information. This article provides examples of realistic and mythical expectations for a sound system project. Further, it gives advice on how to avoid disappointment from having mythical expectations.

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Most churches looking for a new sound system have five basic realistic expectations:

1. Quality Sound so everyone can hear clearly.

2. Flexibility to assist creativity.

3. Simplicity for easy operation.

4. Quality Performance - without distracting pops or squeals.

5. Reasonable Cost - within the budget requirements.

There are four basic realistic expectations regarding the sound contractor:

1. Reputable, Experienced and Knowledgeable about church sound systems.

2. Provides Quality Equipment and Service.

3. Provides Training, Documentation and Operational Instructions.

4. Integrity; to do exactly what they said they would do.

MYTHICAL EXPECTATIONS

Despite the fact that people have realistic expectations, it is easy to get caught in eight mythical expectations.

Myth 1. A system can be flexible, simple and inexpensive. Fact. A sound system can be flexible and simple to operate; however, a system that is both simple and flexible is expensive. To reduce cost, you might decrease flexibility to have simplicity, or vice versa.

Myth 2. Acoustics Don't Affect The Sound System. Fact. Acoustics have a large impact on how a system sounds. In simple terms, the more echoic a room is, the more focus it has to have to sound clear. This requires an accurate design, installation and adjustment. To determine how reverberant (echoic) a room is, the contractor has to accurately measure the RT60. RT60 is the time it takes sound to stop bouncing around a room. A knowledgeable contractor will know when acoustical treatment is necessary. Often, acoustical treatment will help reduce the complexity and cost of a sound system. Be careful though. A contractor that is not experienced with acoustical treatment may cause more harm than good.

Myth 3. Proposals From Three Contractors are Comparable. Fact. Three proposals for the same job from three contractors will include different materials, services, warranties, etc. The only way to ensure an apples vs. apples vs. apples comparison is to hire a firm to provide a complete system design and layout. The design is then sent to several contractors for bidding. This firm may be an independent consultant or a sound contracting company. When hiring an outside firm, it's not vitally important if the designer is a consultant or a sound contractor. What is critical is the knowledge of the individuals who do the design (see Mythical Expectation #4).

Myth 4. All Contractors And Consultants Are The Same. Fact. There is only one way to determine the best design firm (consultant or contractor) to hire: Do your homework! Ask for a list of references. A designer should also provide references that represent similar characteristics to your church (size, acoustics, worship style, events, etc.). Make certain you talk to several of the references.

Ask the Better Business Bureau if any complaints have been filed against a particular contractor or consultant. Remember that anyone can open a business and purchase advertising in the Yellow Pages.

Look at other factors, too. For example, does the prospective contractor provide you with proper training?

Myth 5. Price Determines Which Proposal To Choose. Fact. This might be true if all the proposals were exactly the same. However, one contractor may provide an extremely comprehensive proposal (which means the price would be higher than others), another may have a different concept in mind for the system, and yet another may not anticipate all your needs.

As previously stated, the contractor's proposals are probably not an apples vs. apples comparison. So, don't sell yourself short by selecting a bid on cost alone.

Myth 6. This Project Won't Require Input Or Time From Me. Fact. Communication is the key to any relationship. That includes the church-designer relationship. You don't have to use technical sound-terms; but, a designer isn't a mind reader. To meet your expectations for the system, take time to think and list your church's needs, wants and desires. Further, take the time to communicate that list with the system designer.

Myth 7. If The Proposal Is Higher Than Budget, Look Elsewhere. Fact. Very few of us have unlimited budgets (except maybe Congress). If you have done the homework and feel a particular contractor would best serve you, review the proposal with the contractor to see if there is a reasonable way to reduce the cost of the project. You may not meet all your desires or wants, but you should be able to fulfill your basic needs within a reasonable budget.

If your needs are greater than the budget, a knowledgeable and experienced contractor won't install substandard materials. But rather, they will work with you to develop a series of phases that would ultimately meet your sound and budget requirements.

Myth 8. Timely Service Means Same-Day Or Next-Day Response. Fact. Once you have selected the best contractor for the job, you should expect the project to take a reasonable amount of time to complete. It is virtually impossible to maintain an inventory of equipment that would meet each customer's individualized needs. It may take 45 to 60 days just to receive some customized materials. Plus, a knowledgeable, experienced and reputable contractor will no doubt be busy; they may be in the middle of another job.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Don't set yourself up for disappointment. Call us to get started on the right track.

by Travis Ludwig © 1996 Internet Sound Institute (www.soundinstitute.com). This articles 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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