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Sound Systems: Music Instruction Facilities
Sound recording and playback have come a long way since early wire and vinyl record systems. The development of reel-to-reel and cassette tape, compact disc (CD) and, most recently, digital audio tape (DAT) cassettes have dramatically changed instrumental, vocal learning and performance rehearsal techniques. Recording/playback equipment has become cost-effective and flexible to use. Educators and students alike are showing an ever-increasing interest in applying these tools. They can improve the quality of the little time available for teacher/student interaction, as well as personal rehearsal time. Help Is Available When technology advances as rapidly as audio products have in recent years, any interested person(s) has two obstacles to overcome. First, it requires substantial time investment, technical knowledge and experience to keep abreast of current products and their features and benefits. Second, without knowing all the possible applications of products available, it is very difficult to consider all the possibilities. This is where a professional contractor can be valuable in your search for a system that is simple to use and yet flexible enough to inspire creativity. The following figures and text present one example of how successful a combined effort can be. Figure 1
 Instrumental Instruction Area Figure 2
 The first figure is the instrumental instructional area (the band room). An identical system can also be installed in the choral area, so the applications discussed for the instrumental area are essentially the same for choral instruction. The heart of the sound recording/playback system is centrally located within reach of the instructor's director pedestal/podium. The cabinet was constructed using specific instructions regarding shelf dimensions, equipment depth and proper cable routing and heat ventilation. In the background, you can see an instrumental microphone and boom stand. It is plugged into one of the two external microphone inputs. These inputs are for individual solo reinforcement or recording. They could also be used for isolating a specific section of the band or orchestra for critique. Figure 2 shows a close-up of the classroom panel where the microphone and instrument inputs are located. The two instrument inputs are for electronic keyboards or other similar source equipment. An accessory direct box is used for connecting an electric guitar or acoustic instrument pickup to one of the external microphone inputs. Microphone Placement One essential requirement for this type of system is to provide a pair of stereo recording microphones. The recordings should reflect a picture of what the ensemble really sounds like. This requires that the microphones are permanently installed and positioned correctly so the recording has a good balance of the instruments. These mics are placed for accurate recording of the entire space, producing a very "listenable" stereo image. Another aspect of the choice and positioning of these microphones should be noted: they present a very low profile and are extremely tamper/theft proof. The microphones are permanently mounted in the ceiling. The connecting cables are routed above the suspended ceiling over to the recording mixer in the equipment cabinet. Figure 3 shows a close-up of one of these microphones. Models are available in both white and black. If need be, the microphone surface could also be painted a custom color. Figure 3
 Installation Options The equipment cabinet houses several pieces of playback and recording equipment. The top right shelf could hold a cassette deck for recording and playback. Perhaps a compact disc player would sit on the next lower shelf. A conveniently located switch panel allows the instructor to choose between the overhead ceiling microphones or any microphone that may be plugged into the external microphone jacks on the classroom panel. This avoids confusion for most normal uses. If both the ceiling microphones and external microphones are needed, the external microphones could be plugged into an auxiliary mixer. The auxiliary mixer is then plugged into the instrument jacks on the classroom panel. The switch on the right allows the instructor to set up the cassette deck for either playback or recording. This eliminates the possibility of a feedback loop from the recorder back to the mixer. The main mixer controls allow the instructor to adjust volume, tone and overall blend or mix. That allows any combination of live instruments, CD and other external sources to be mixed together. Separate controls send this mix to either the cassette deck for recording or to a pair of overhead playback monitor speakers. The amplifier for the speakers sits on a shelf under the mixer pullout shelf. There are also additional controls for adding external signal processors, such as digital reverbs, to the mix. With accessory headphones, the instructor can monitor the recording mix while conducting. | 
| The beauty of this integrated system approach allows for a myriad of possibilities. | 
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This system allows the instructor to play back examples of performance pieces and other examples of theory, composition and performance. It also provides the opportunity to create studio-quality recordings. In addition, a live performance format can be set up to give students a more realistic environment to practice solo improvisation and performance with accompaniment tracks. As a side note, these systems were designed in conjunction with the installation of a new theater/auditorium system. The same model playback speakers used in these classrooms are also used in the auditorium control room. Events recorded in the auditorium can be played back in the classroom for critique and analysis. Those recordings will sound similar whether listening in the auditorium control room or in the classroom. The beauty of this integrated system approach allows for a myriad of possibilities. For example, a video recording of a classroom rehearsal can be made using the audio feed from the overhead mics. Then, the video can be played back in the classroom using the overhead playback speakers! This specific example system may or may not fit your exact needs. The best way to achieve a system that is supportive of your instructional efforts is to solicit the experience and knowledge of a professional sound contractor. We would appreciate the opportunity to help you reach your creative educational goals. 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
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