The Technical Side Of Musical Events
Is music an important part of your next event? Do you want more than some basic background music, and does the sound of washed-out audio make you cringe? Especially in weddings, parties with music enthusiasts, and corporate events where the scene needs to be at least passively pleasant, you can't just hire a random DJ and expect everything to go swimmingly. Here are a few technical aspects to keep in mind as you not only look for a performer but choose a venue or prepare an existing meeting area for proper sound.
Sound Performance And Room Type
If you're planning on hosting an event in an existing business property, how are the acoustics? You don't necessarily need to bill yourself as a concert hall engineer or even as an art exhibit curator, but there are a few things to understand about the makeshift venue if you want everything to sound at least pleasant.
Room acoustics is an art-based science that is relatively easy to get right for the average listener but enjoys a lot of noticeable, sometimes euphoric success when handled by a professional. Just the same, any random acoustics plan can sound like garbage.
The room you choose is as much a part of the sound system as the speakers. Sound travels, bounces, and changes depending on not only the speaker material but the types of walls and the materials inside the room. Some walls may be too padded and will muffle or dampen the sound, while other walls may be made of a metal that buzzes and adds a stinging quality.
Even more than wall type is the angle and shape of the walls. A square room is the easiest way to get a basic performance boost without buying a building with precision acoustic curves for walls, but some odd architectural designs can cause loud, shrieking noisy echos and audio clashing.
Acute triangles are the biggest risk here, so having a corner that allows too much rapid bouncing is a problem. Avoid such rooms if you can, but if you can't, either put some padding up in the corners and point the speakers away from the corners.
Obstacle Management And Sound Testing
Clear out as many obstacles as you can before testing the audio. Although there's nothing wrong with a well-decorated room, every object--including people--will absorb some sound. Your goal is to minimize those risks by not directly blocking the sound system.
When testing your audio for the first time, clear the room. Potted plants, tall furniture, or any object that is in direct line of sight of the speakers can be an issue. Although the sound is not simply a line of sight, a direct blockage is one of the worst issues when trying to figure out the sound.
After the first playtest and during later tests, move objects back in place. Consider ceiling and upper wall-mounted sound systems, but keep in mind that the floor and ceiling become bouncing points to calculate as well.
It can be a difficult process, but you don't have to do it alone. Contact a corporate event band like Van Wagenen Band to discuss the kind of sound you need, and to either get a basic sound check before the event or to get a referral for an audio technician.