Performing Arts

The multipurpose nature of most auditoriums or theatres means they need to be equipped with a sound system to cater for a variety of events, including theatrical productions, dance and musical performances, as well as speech. The main acoustical concern in an auditorium or any other performance space is to provide a clear and even coverage of voice and music, projected via a high quality speaker system throughout the entire seating area. We have reached the point where more of everything is needed, more level, more dynamics and higher fidelity. With improper sound system designs the product is often less than satisfactory. Not only the sound quality is often less than optimal, but the room aesthetics are also negatively impacted.

System design has become much more complex and thankfully, with the aid of computer modelling, more effective. As the speaker arrays get larger and more powerful the impact of the auditorium increases with size and shape. Poor design results in great variations in the sound quality from seat to seat, and many times the acoustics are blamed for the unprofessional sound system design. Today sound is more and more important as almost every performance involves aspects of amplified sound; from subtle enhancements of opera or theatre to the substantial amplification of a rock band for modern dance.