Choosing the right speakers for a space can seem like a difficult and highly specialized task. However, if and when we fully understand the use of the space and our requirements for the system, then the final selection of speakers is greatly simplified.

   So, starting from the use of the space, we will be able to have an initial view of the type of speakers, their number and required power, the desired quality of performance, as well as their design so that they harmonize with the environment without disrupting the overall design of the space.
   So, when it comes to the type of speakers, we should take into account the use they are intended to serve. We will therefore choose speakers based on the following categories of use:
  • Indoor or outdoor speakers
  • Speakers for announcement use.
  • Commercial / BGM (background music) speakers
  • Speakers for PA (Public Address), & Live use.
  • Speakers for studio & Broadcasting applications.
  • Speakers for use in theaters or cinemas. When our sole purpose is to make announcements, then we are looking for something simple in construction and quality, however, we must take care to install a sufficient number of speakers in the space so as to achieve full coverage, while the speakers in question may also be required to meet fire resistance specifications. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • More specifically, in the event that we would like to soundproof an outdoor space, we should turn to the available options of waterproof speakers, as only these will be able to ensure the durability of the system over time. In any other case of soundproofing an indoor space, our options are clearly more and are determined by the other aforementioned elements.
    •    In the Commercial / BGM category, where our goal is to sound-proof the space with low-medium intensity background music, the condition of a sufficient number of speakers is maintained in order to achieve full coverage, however, we should also pay attention to the quality of the speakers, as our desired goal is to create a pleasant environment with the aim of the attendees staying in the space for an extended period of time and consequently achieving the purpose of the space's existence, such as increasing sales. Also, respecting the general design of the space, we should also give importance to the design of these speakers, so that they harmonize with the environment without evoking negative emotions in the attendees. In many cases, the choice of recessed ceiling speakers is a one-way street, while in cases where their installation is impractical, we resort to small-sized speakers with sufficient quality and power characteristics. In some cases where quality requirements are particularly high, we also recommend the addition of one or more low-frequency speakers (subwoofers).

 

  • Moving now to the large-scale PA (Public Address) and Live category, the data changes, as we move to systems of a different philosophy, which come to cover completely different needs from the above cases. These systems are usually placed in entertainment venues, mass catering, events, but also in indoor or outdoor venues for concerts and performances. These are undoubtedly speakers with high demands in terms of their produced sound power, which should also be characterized by a satisfactory price in terms of performance quality, as they will play an active role in the operation of the space, perhaps the most important. For example, if we want to invest in sound in a bar, music will clearly be the most important means of entertainment for those present, so we should give it the corresponding weight, placing the choice of speakers to be installed at the top of our list of obligations for creating the space.
      •  In the studio & Broadcasting applications category, we find speakers that are characterized by high performance quality, as they are called upon to reproduce the sound as closely as possible, faithfully touching its original source, such as a musical instrument. Our demands in terms of volume (power) are not high, while at the same time the issue of aesthetics may not concern us at all.

 

 

  •  Finally, in the category of theater & cinema applications, we have similar requirements to those of a PA (Public Address) system, with the difference that in the case of cinema, the use of specific speaker shapes and capabilities is required, which are determined by a detailed study by specialized personnel.