We were brought in as a design/build contractor for this project and
worked with the architects and construction teams from the beginning,
helping with conduit and box layouts for the initial design and for
the future expansions along with full audio-video designs. The project
started with a simple outdoor street sound system that quickly expanded
to 6 outdoor zones (each with their own unique inputs and speaker layouts)
plus an indoor event space that included 4 more sound coverage areas and
video. The inputs / speaker zones were all interconnected via the QSC
QLAN backbone on fiber cabling to protect the system from lightning
damage, but they mostly operate as completely independent systems with
their own inputs and speakers. As a further expansion, we created custom
portable racks that can be used in any of the zones that add wireless
microphones and touch panel and iPad control to the individual outside zones.
Each outdoor area is different. We have a larger performance style
system where there is seating in a large semi-circle around the main
concrete ‘stage’, 2 smaller areas with column speakers on poles that
work for either small wedding venues, performance spaces or exercise
instruction, and a very small area tucked into the woods just off the
walking path where speakers are mounted to the trees to blend in as
much as possible. There are also speakers mounted on a number of poles
on either side of the street in the area where they setup for
community events and fairs year-round, plus speakers in a picnic
pavilion next to the ice skating rink.
The indoor event center main room has a high ceiling area in the middle
that includes speakers along the edge of the ceiling transition with a
sub on the floor, plus ceiling tile mounted speakers and subs in the
lower ceiling side areas. The middle area has a projector and large
screen and one of the side areas has a smaller projector and screen,
each with a local video input. There is also a small ‘pre-function’
space and outdoor patio area with speakers that can either act as overflow
for the events in the main room, or just play background music as separate
zones.
The whole project was a 4 year process from start to finish, but the
final results are a solid system that serves a wide variety of events
and clients and can continue to be upgraded and added to for years to come.
Depending on the needs of your space, primary sound systems can be relatively simple or complex. We offer options that can include digital mixing boards, line array speakers, digital signal processing and touchpanels for control.
We work with Bogen Quantum and Nyquist systems for buildings that require individual room paging, zone paging, and talk-back capability. Bogen Nyquist offers integration with VoIP systems for those schools that need the latest technology options.
Often utilized in warehouses and factories but also some smaller office complexes, we can create a building-wide or zoned paging system for your facility. Loud factory floors require large horns, while offices need the more standard ceiling speaker. We design systems that deliver clear, intelligible sound to fit the needs of all locations.
In some cases, a building paging system will also incorporate a background music system, providing a relaxing atmosphere between messages. In other facilities, only a background music system is required, such as the waiting room or lobby.
Privacy is a concern in a variety of office settings, including corporate upper level offices. A sound masking or speech privacy system is a simple answer to this concern, where a number of very small speakers are installed in or above the ceiling tiles. These speakers produce a low level of noise to mask other conversations, but not interfere with day to day operations in the building.
These can be a one-person presentation system with a wireless microphone and speakers, or a multi-person town hall meeting style system, with multiple gooseneck microphones for larger meetings, when many people are talking.
Most auditoriums look for a multi-channel mixing console and multiple wireless microphones for performances. A well-designed system will work for all performances and presentations. We focus on ease of use and longevity of the system.
While the basic process is the same, each system design is unique to the structure
and type of event within each space.
Sound System technology has improved by leaps and bounds, but the basics have remained
the same. There are principles of sound that cannot be ignored and that technology cannot replace, and that is where the many combined years of our sales staff and technicians’ experience begin to bring forth the magic in a system.
We make sure that each system is designed so everyone can hear and understand what is
being said - and yes, these are two different concepts. Understanding what comes through
the speakers involves more than the speakers themselves - the acoustics of the room
including the dimensions and materials must be taken into account to make sure the right
number and type of speakers are used, and placed in the best positions.
Finally, we need to make sure that we have an interface between the operator and the
electronics that is versatile enough to accommodate the many demands that the performers
will place on the system, as well as keep it simple enough for everyone to use.
Yes, as of June 2020, the 600mhz band is no longer usable for a majority of wireless microphone systems. To avoid negative performance from your wireless systems, upgrading older systems is recommended.
No, there are a number of other companies that specialize and provide car audio installations within our service area.
Depending on the variety of situations for the intended use, we have experience with a variety of situations and microphones and would love to discuss them with you.
This depends on the application and the space. We work with a number of different speakers, each of which is our first choice for a different environment. For example, we find QSC or Tannoy ceiling or in-wall speakers work best in boardrooms and conference rooms.
View a downloadable pdf of the most common Audio Services terminology and equipment types.
Also known as Personal Public Address (PPA), hearing assistance is available in four types; WiFi, Loop systems, Infrared (IR), or Radio Frequency (RF). When choosing a system to fit your needs, we take into account a multitude of factors that include: security needs, quantity of people utilizing the system, aesthetics, and budget.
Designed with today's cell phone/hearing aid pairing in mind this option allows a cell phone to connect to an in-building wifi system and receive the program audio through an app. The app then converts the audio and pushes it to a bluetooth capable hearing aid. External receivers are available for people who do not have a cell phone capable of running the app.
Utilizes an energized wire loop, which is installed to surround a room and serve as an
RF broadcast antenna. Anyone with a T-Coil enabled hearing aid or a loop receiver can
sit within the 'looped area' and wirelessly pick up the transmitted audio signal. For
the listener, this gives a very direct audio link with someone speaking on a microphone.
More information and statistics about hearing loops can be found below:
https://hearingloop.org/
https://loopwisconsin.com/
An LED panel emits modulated infrared radiation within a single room. An infrared system requires the use of external receivers and earpieces. The user must be within line-of-sight of the emitter allowing for greater security and privacy.
The most common type of system in use today, a RF transmitter broadcasts modulated radio frequencies within an entire building. The transmitter may be mounted anywhere in the building and users can receive signal at any location within a few hundred feet of the transmitter (depending on building construction), using a receiver and an earpiece.
We are able to design systems today to incorporate the latest 4K video technologies for implementing remote meeting solutions.
New boardroom technical offerings include monitors up to 98" that allow for PC control and/or annotation options. Combined with conference room cameras and USB bridges this gives a complete video conference system that is very easy to use. Soundbars with integrated cameras can be a great solution to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other video conference solutions to keep remote employees and customers engaged.
Audio Architects added video systems to our services back in 2005. We are able to design systems today to incorporate the latest 4K video technologies and COVID-19 conferencing solutions. Video system design, whether it’s for a conference room/boardroom presentation, or a larger display in an auditorium, goes through the same steps. The size and type of display are based on the dimensions of the room as well as the type of content being displayed. The brightness of a display is based on the ambient light in the room. The interface for the system is usually a touch panel, custom designed for each client to be flexible to meet the needs of the space and easy to use.
Yes, we can provide projection & camera streaming options, as well as video conference tools for for churches. Ultimately the success of these endeavors is having quality audio and video delivered to your remote participants while keeping the technology easy-to-use.
Yes, as more hardware is released sources are now equipped with 4K outputs. Some systems and computers can negotiate back to 1080p standards while others struggle and video can be inconsistent. Most display equipment is starting to become 4K compatible as standard, we can assess your system to ensure it is 4K ready.
View a downloadable pdf of the most common Video Services terminology and equipment types.
In analyzing a room, we consider the size and materials in the space and how it will be used. A lecture hall needs to be treated much more intensely than a performance space. For rooms that are still in the planning stages, we can recommend materials to help with overall acoustics. For rooms that are already built, we work with the existing space to configure a custom panel layout to best treat the needed surfaces.
Experience, training, and professional test equipment make us the company to call to recommend acoustical solutions. We work with rooms in the planning stages by analyzing blueprints. If the room is complete, we fully inspect the space. We are the only company in the area with the equipment and expertise required to provide acoustical analysis. We can work in more of a consultant role to make recommendations, or we can see the project all the way through to provide and install wall or ceiling panels in standard or custom finishes.
Based on the needs of the application, we partner with several companies to offer a range of wall or ceiling panels, including raw material options to create custom panels.
Yes, we sell and install acoustical treatment. There are many different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials to work for most situations. A site survey will allow us to determine the materials needed for your project.
We have a stock of handheld, lapel, and headworn professional wireless systems for rent. If there is a special event or performance that requires a few extra microphones, give us a call.
We offer a 100” diagonal screen and 5000 Lumen projector for rent that will work well in a conference room, church, or smaller auditorium. If your presentation needs a projector and screen, but your facility does not have one, give us a call.
We have two complete portable systems with a powered mixer, speakers, and a variety of microphones, as well as all the stands and cabling you will need. We will walk you through setup and use upon pick up. Delivery and on-site setup is available for an additional fee.
If your system isn’t working the way it should, give us a call!
Whether we installed it last year, 20 years ago, or we haven’t had
the opportunity to work together before, our experienced service techs
will go on-site and troubleshoot your system. They carry a number of
replacement parts, so hopefully we can get you back up and running right
away. Otherwise we will provide a loaner piece of equipment and bring yours
back to our shop for either an in-house repair or factory repair.
If your repair is something easily removed from the system like a wireless
microphone, you can ship it to our shop for repair. If we can’t take care
of it ourselves, we can ship it in for factory service for you.
When your system is not working properly, there are a few simple steps you can take to determine if the problem is a minor error, or if it requires a service call. Try the following troubleshooting steps:
To avoid frustration in the future, we have provided some general tips below: