One Digit Led Display,Two Digits Led Display,Three Digits Led Display,Four Digits Led Display Wuxi Ark Technology Electronic Co.,Ltd. , https://www.arkledcn.com
Today, I came across an old article by Wu Zongrong titled “Hey! Sound People, Let’s Talk About Gain.†As the article points out, in today's audio world, the number of speakers is often determined by price rather than technical specifications. The gain of the amplifier or the number of speakers required at a site has never been seriously discussed in the industry before. This article aims to provide a more systematic understanding of how to manage sound systems effectively.
In the early days of public address (PA) systems, achieving sufficient sound levels was a challenge. When amplifiers could deliver 100W or even 150W, connecting speakers often led to a chaotic situation—people would argue over how many watts were needed instead of focusing on the actual sound pressure level (SPL). Today, 100W amplifiers are no longer the norm. High-performance speaker technology has become more accessible, and amplifiers with 1000W or more are now common. In modern audio engineering, achieving the desired gain is usually possible with enough budget. However, outdated concepts and terminology still cause confusion, especially when it comes to user misunderstandings or miscommunication.
How many people actually use logarithmic calculations to determine the number of speakers or the gain of their system? Most decisions are based on price, not on real-world performance. This article will guide you through a more scientific way to plan your audio system, ensuring that you meet the required SPL standards without unnecessary guesswork.
Understanding the basics of sound transmission is crucial. For example, if two people are 30 meters apart, a simple conversation becomes difficult without assistance. That’s where electro-acoustic systems come into play—using electronic devices to extend the listening range. Calculations involving speaker placement, distance, and gain are essential for designing a functional system.
Let’s consider a practical scenario: in an indoor medium-sized venue, we want a sound pressure level (SPL) of 95dB at the listener’s position during normal music playback, with a peak of 101dB. Adding a 10dB headroom for dynamic range, the total required SPL becomes 139dB. But sound pressure decreases as distance increases. At 80 feet (about 24 meters), the loss is approximately 28dB. So, the speaker must produce 139dB at the source.
The AES standard defines sensitivity at 1W@1m. For example, a high-frequency driver might have a sensitivity of 112dB, mid-range 109dB, and low-frequency 103dB. Using these values, we can calculate the power needed to reach the desired SPL. For the high-frequency section, the calculation would be 111dB (target) – 112dB (sensitivity) + 28dB (distance loss) = 27dBW, which translates to about 500W. Similarly, the mid and low frequencies require higher power due to lower efficiency.
Modern systems often use multi-way speakers (three-way or four-way), each handling different frequency ranges. The power requirements for each component vary, and careful planning is necessary to ensure balanced output. Additionally, impedance plays a role in power distribution. A 4-ohm setup, for instance, requires more current from the amplifier, which may lead to thermal issues if not managed properly.
Finally, the pre-amplifier and mixer settings are just as important as the power amplifiers and speakers. Ensuring that the signal levels are correctly adjusted helps prevent distortion and maximizes the system’s performance. Understanding the relationship between voltage, decibels, and amplifier load is key to achieving a clean, powerful sound.
This article provides a foundation for thinking critically about audio system design, moving beyond price-driven decisions to a more technical and informed approach. Whether you're setting up a small event or a large venue, understanding gain, SPL, and system balance is essential for delivering a great listening experience.