There are so many types of speaker equipment available on the market that it can be difficult trying to figure out what you need. Should you buy a sound system or just a microphone and frameworks speaker stands? Are speakers enough or should you also get monitors? And what are the options for professional grade conference rooms?
1. Mobile Speaker System
If you’re on the move or need to run your audio cable through walls and corners, a portable speaker system is ideal. You can be very flexible with what you use because it doesn’t have to be particularly powerful. That said, a good set of speakers will deliver crystal clear sound. When it comes to features and design, power output is only necessary if a speaker system will be used for more than occasional hobby use. If you’re in a public place such as an auditorium or classroom where people will hear your music at low volumes over long periods of time, then a more powerful system is recommended.
2. Wireless Speaker
Wireless speaker systems aren’t the same as wireless microphone systems. These are used by professional entertainers to allow them to practice without cable being run from the stage. The speakers are typically small in size and used separate from their microphones, so that they can be placed around the room for maximum coverage.
3. Professional Sound System
If you’re planning to use your speakers regularly for business purposes then you will probably want one of these. They’re usually more powerful than other speaker systems and come complete with professional quality audio mixer and sound effect options such as reverb or equalization. The most powerful are made to be used in auditoriums and at large functions. Even if you don’t need this level of quality, professional grade sound systems for businesses can be very useful as they often come with other business accessories such as microphones and signal processors.
4. Portable PA System
These are a step up from the speaker systems used by entertainers. This is because their primary purpose is to deliver sound over longer distances or in high-noise areas without distortion. They’re made specifically to be used in public places so that speech can easily be heard over a distance without being drowned out by background noise like traffic or crowds.
5. PA Speakers
These are the speakers that can be connected to a PA system to broadcast announcements in public spaces. They come in a wide range of styles and power levels as each will be designed for a different purpose. Some are made for days at the beach, where you want them to survive heavy winds and rain; others are made exclusively for indoor use. PA speakers can be very large or very small, it just depends on what they’ll need to project in their environment.
6. Conference Audio System
If you’re planning on hosting events with high profile guests or important business negotiations then it’s recommended that you have conference audio systems available to improve attendee comfort and productivity. These systems are designed to be flexible and powerful so that they can be used in a variety of different locations. They’re usually more expensive than other types of audio equipment, but they’re well worth it when you need them.
7. Audio/Video Mixer
A commonly seen mixer is what’s used in professional recording studios and is responsible for combining the left and right channels into stereo sound or sound effects. These are also sometimes called two-channel or two-track mixing consoles as they’re capable of recording or producing sound electronically. These mixers can come as part of a standalone audio mixer such as the one shown above, or as part of a larger control center that also includes studio monitors, signal processors and effects units.
8. Position and Volume Switches (w/ Advanced Audio Distribution)
These are found in professional audio mixing desks and are a great option as they allow you to control the volume level of individual speakers without having to reach over and turn a knob. This is especially important if someone is using a speaker while they’re speaking or you need to monitor their microphone. Position switches allow you to mute channels, while volume switches control the overall output volume. A mixer can include dozens of these functions so it’s important that they’re found in all the different locations where they’ll be used.
9. Monitor Audio Mixing Consoles
These are particularly useful for events where multiple sources of audio need to be combined, such as a sound system, PA system, audio from a video production and so on. They’re designed to be portable and come with all the functions you would normally find in a professional mixer. Some even come with faders that allow you to control the volumes of specific channels by sliding the fader up or down.
10. Effects Units and Signal Processors
These are used in recording studios, broadcasts and other applications where you want to add effects or changes to your sound before it is heard. An example would be if you wanted to add reverb or echo to your voice while speaking into a microphone.
