Expectations are a part of our daily lives. Basically, expectation is anticipation. Everyone has expectations from flipping a light switch to watching or participating in a school event.
Of course, anyone involved with a sound system project has expectations, too. This article provides examples of realistic and unrealistic expectations for a sound system project. Further, it gives advice on how to avoid disappointment because of unrealistic expectations.
Realistic Expectations
Most schools 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 school 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.
Unrealistic Expectations
Despite the fact that people have realistic expectations, it is easy to get caught in these unrealistic expectations.
Myth 1: A system can be flexible, simple and inexpensive. Fact: A sound system can be flexible and simple to operate; however, it is more expensive. To reduce cost, you might decrease the system's flexibility or its ease of operation.
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 reverberant a room, the greater the need for the sound system to focus the sound to the listener. This requires an accurate design, installation and adjustment. To determine how reverberant a room is, the contractor has to accurately measure the RT60, which is the time it takes sound to stop bouncing around a room.
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-to-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 Myth #4).
Myth 4: All contractors and consultants are the same. Fact: The only way to determine the best design firm (consultant or contractor) to hire: Ask them questions. The article, "How to Identify A Sound Contractor You Can Trust" is helpful.
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.
Myth 5: Price determines which proposal to choose. Fact: This might be true if all the proposals were exactly the same. As previously stated, the contractor's proposals are probably not an apples-to-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 school-to-designer relationship. To meet your expectations for the project, take time to think through and list your school'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. If you have checked references and feel a particular contractor would best service 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 installation 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.
by Travis Ludwig © 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
