Each week we aim to demystify the world of AV equipment and event services lingo and reveal exactly what those techs are talking about. In this weeks #TechieTuesday we look at Sub Speakers, or ‘Subs’ as they are more commonly known and find out what part they play in your audio visual solution. . Each week we aim to demystify the world of AV equipment and event services lingo and reveal exactly what those techs are talking about. In this weeks #TechieTuesday we look at Sub Speakers, or ‘Subs’ as they are more commonly known and find out what part they play in your audio visual solution. AV Discipline: Audio AV Category: AV Equipment
AV Jargon: Subs, Doof Doof, Bottom Whackers, Woofer, Thumper or Bass What is a Sub Speaker? A Sub is a speaker specifically designed to reproduce a narrow band of low frequencies ranging from approx 20Hz up to approx 150Hz. Low frequencies require a lot of energy to be heard, and the large round drivers in a sub speaker move huge amounts of air to create low frequency sound waves. Low frequencies are not only heard but also felt, providing that thump or rumble through the body, enhancing the auditory experience for the audience. Source: Meyer Sound | USW-1P
What events are Sub Speakers used on?
Subs are commonly used at concerts, festivals, clubs and cinemas where the full spectrum of sound is required to be reproduced at loud volumes. For corporate events such as meetings and conferences where there is a lot of verbal discussion, there is not much acoustical benefit from using sub speakers due to the human voice not producing many frequencies below 150Hz.
However for events such as gala dinners and product launches, where you want to make an impact on the audience, drawing them in through the play back of music tracks and video clips, then sub speakers should be used to provide that extra experience. Imagine the affect on your audience, who are not only hearing the soundtrack but also feeling it. You are now communicating with your audience on a completely different level! Where are Sub Speakers placed at an event?
Sub speakers have a low profile and are typically positioned on the floor near the stage area where connectivity to power and audio signals are readily available. Very little is required to add sub speakers to an existing audio visual system, technically it is just an extension to the frequency response of the existing system. Don’t just hear the sound, feel the sound!
Next time you want to make an impact with your audience and get them feeling your message as well as hearing it, make sure to request sub speakers. Up next week…
Next week we take a look at vision fold back and how it assists key note speakers and presenters with their audience communication. In the meantime if you have any AV terms or words you would like our AV experts to tackle leave a comment on the blog post below. Written by Andrew Thorne, ANZPAC Trainer & Assessor, Staging Connections.
Andrew Thorne is ANZPAC Trainer & Assessor and drives our training programs at Staging Connections, including our Certificate III in Live Production and Services Program for our new trainees. Related Blogs Techie Tuesday: Talk Back Systems
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Techie Tuesday: What is a Graphic Equaliser and why do I need one? … Read More
Techie Tuesday: What is a Graphic Equaliser
Mar 19 2018
Each week we aim to demystify the world of AV equipment and event services and reveal exactly what those techs are talking about. In this weeks #TechieTuesday we look at the Graphic Equaliser and find out why it's so important to your event. Each week we aim to demystify the world of AV equipment and event services lingo and reveal exactly what those techs are talking about. In this weeks #TechieTuesday we look at the Graphic Equaliser and find out why it's so important to your event.
AV Discipline: Audio, Sound
AV Category: AV Equipment AV Jargon: EQ, GEQ, Equaliser, or Graphic
Description: The Graphic Equaliser is a signal processing device that is primarily used to “equalise” or “tune” the acoustic response of an audio system.
If you have any number of microphones on your event, chances are there will be a graphic equaliser processing the signal to ensure it sounds clean and balanced. It is most commonly positioned at the AV Technician’s control desk for ease of access and connectivity with other audio equipment.
The Graphic Equaliser typically features 31 filters that are able to cut or boost selected frequencies. The filters are adjusted by the AV technician according to the acoustic response of the event space. Maybe you have heard “Test test 1-2” coming over the audio system, that’s the AV Technician listening to the effect of the graphic equaliser on their voice. Too much of one frequency can sound harsh and cause irritating feedback. Too little of one frequency can sound hollow and cause intelligibility issues! It requires a good ear to get it sounding right. Whilst graphic equalisers are rarely requested, all good AV technicians will ensure one is specified, due to the critical role they play in sound reinforcement. Next time you hire an audio system for your event, ask the AV Technician if a Graphic Equaliser is being used! Source: Klark Technik | DN360
In next weeks Techie Tuesday blog we discuss Talk Back systems and the integral role they play in seamless event delivery. In the meantime if you have any words, terms or lingo you would like our AV experts to demystify for you please send your suggestions through to info@stagingconnections.com Written by Andrew Thorne, ANZPAC Trainer & Assessor, Staging Connections.
Andrew Thorne is ANZPAC Trainer & Assessor and drives our training programs at Staging Connections, including our Certificate III in Live Production and Services Program for our new trainees. ... Read More