How to Install a Sound System in Your Business

Music and a quality sound system can enhance the experience in your business for both employees and customers alike. Music sets the scene. It can create atmosphere and promote brand recognition as well as positively influence moods and behaviors.

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It is important to understand how a commercial sound system works. It is different from your at-home components, and there are additional factors and considerations to take into account.

You need to be sure to have the legal rights to the music you are going to play in your business, and you need a quality sound system that is easy to use and unobtrusive. Music and the right sound system can help to create a positive environment that benefits your business.

Components of a Commercial Sound System

A commercial sound system differs from a home-use sound system in that it needs to cover more ground, sound professional, and be more out of the way for the public but still be accessible to employees.

A commercial sound system has the following components:

• Sound source
• Speakers
• Amplifier
• Mixer or volume control
• Cables
• Music provider with a public performance license

Sound Source

The sound source is the actual device the music is being played and controlled from. This can be a laptop or desktop computer that is designated for this purpose or a portable device such as a tablet or smartphone.

The sound source you choose to use for your business will often depend on the music provider you are using. Some have the ability to be managed through all of your devices.

Speakers

The speakers are what plays the sound, and they are one of the most important components of a commercial sound system. Speakers dictate the quality of the sound.

Speakers can have built-in amplifiers that can receive the signal from the sound source to play the music. Speakers can be wired or wireless depending on your setup.

There are four main types of speakers used in businesses and commercial sound systems:

• Surface mount speakers: These are a popular choice in businesses, and they are often found in hairdressers, retail stores, and gyms. Surface mount speakers can commonly be mounted anywhere since they come with brackets to mount the loudspeakers. They are not as decorative as some of the other options, but they are easy to install.
• Ceiling speakers: These speakers are mounted between a load-bearing ceiling and a false ceiling. They are good for businesses with sloping ceilings. They are unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing.
• Pendant speakers: Pendant speakers are great for spaces with high ceilings that don’t have a false ceiling. These speakers hang from a long cable and come in a variety of unique designs and looks.
• Horn speakers: Mostly used for verbal announcements, as they are best for mid-frequencies associated with human vocals, these speakers are water resistant. Because of this, they can work well for outdoor businesses, such as swimming pools or stadiums.

Amplifier

Speakers do not always have a built-in amplifier, which is necessary to receive the electronic signal from your audio source. You can often control the tone and volume of the signal before sending it to the speakers.

The amplifier will need to have the necessary power to push the signal to all of your speakers, and the impendance (measured in ohms) needs to match your speakers. The output impendance of your amplifier, for instance, needs to line up with the input impendance of your speakers.

Mixer or Volume Control

A mixer is not always required, as the amplifier can be used to control volume, but it can be helpful when you have several groups of connected speakers in your business. The mixer can allow you to control each group of speakers on their own after receiving the amplified signal, supplying each group of speakers independently.

Cables

Traditional commercial sound systems require cables that transmit the signal from the audio source to the speakers playing the music. Wireless systems will need fewer cables or even none at all.

In the event that you do need cables, you will choose the type of cable based on how it transmits signals — that is between analog and digital cables. Analog cables are more common as they transmit electronic signals instead of computer-type code. They are either unbalanced (can receive external noise interference) or balanced (interference is canceled out).

There are three main types of analog cables used:

• RCA: This is an unbalanced stereo cable with red and white connectors for each side. It is widely used in DJ sound systems.
• TS/TSR: TS jack connectors (tip-sleeve) have two wires inside (a conductor and a ground) and are unbalanced cables. TSR (tip-ring-sleeve) cables have three wires and can be either balanced or unbalanced.
• XLR: Commonly used for concerts and live performances, these cables are thick and balanced. They can be used to connect to a wide variety of musical devices, making them a popular choice for commercial sound systems.

Music Provider With a Public Performance License

One of the most vital components of a commercial sound system is the music itself, which is most commonly offered through a music provider. To play music in your business, you will need a public performance license, and this is most commonly provided through a performing rights organization (PRO).

Music streaming services for businesses already have agreements with the major PROs. They can cover the legalities of playing music in your business for you, making them a good choice for your commercial sound system.

Installation & Configuration

To install your commercial sound system, you can choose to go with a professional or do it yourself. When configuring and setting it up yourself, follow these steps:

1. Choose a music provider with the licensing you need to play the music you want in your business.
2. Decide on the sound source you will use to play and control the music, often a tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or smartphone.
3. From the sound output, use a cable (commonly a mini-jack TS/TSR cable) to connect to the audio input of the amplifier.
4. Connect the output of the amplifier to the input of the mixer with a cable. For the most professional sound, use an XLR, but a TS/TSR or RCA cable can also be used.
5. Connect the output of the mixer to the input of the first speaker and then the output of that to the input of the next speaker and so on.

How to Determine What You Need in Your Business

Sound can directly influence sales, customer behavior, and attitudes of both customers and employees. It is important then to have a quality sound system in your business.

When deciding on what you need, you should consider the type of sound (or music) that you are looking to play. This can influence your decision on a music provider.

The space you are looking to fill with sound is important to understand as well. You will also need to determine your budget and then what types of components you will need.

What to Consider During the Setup of Your Commercial Sound System

There are several things to consider when determining your commercial sound system needs and how to set it up.

• Acoustic properties of the space: Sound waves can be impacted by the porosity, density, and stiffness of the elements in a space, which will determine how they are absorbed and how sound is reduced. A carpeted room, for example, will muffle sound more than a hardwood or concrete floor. Take the acoustic conditioning of your business into account regarding how it will impact the music played.
• Ceiling height: High ceilings in enclosed spaces can cause a reverberation effect that can negatively impact the way music and sounds travel. To improve acoustics, it can be helpful to reduce the height of your premises with false ceilings.
• Music type: Determine the type of music that is best suited for your business. Then, choose a music provider that is licensed to provide that type of music for public consumption.
• Music volume: It is also important to the customer experience to play music at the proper volume for your business. For example, music is likely to be louder and more upbeat at a gym than it would be in a restaurant.
• Type of speakers: There are a variety of speaker types to choose from. You should choose speakers that will suit your business best, both in terms of aesthetics and sound quality. Typically, wireless speakers are not ideal for large open spaces due to the high probability of signal loss, but they can be great in small, enclosed spaces.
• Number of speakers: Think about your layout and what you are trying to accomplish with your sound when determining how many speakers you will need. There are two main schools of thought on this. First, use fewer speakers of higher power that are strategically placed. Secondly, use more speakers of lower power to cover more area. Both can be effective depending on your specific business.

Tips for the Best Results With Your Business Sound System

Here are some tips to consider when configuring your business’s commercial sound system:

1. Do a thorough evaluation of your business’s needs. Think through the size and acoustics of your space, the right kind of music to play, and the proper volume. Then, assess how many speakers and what type and size you will need to achieve the sound you are going for.
2. Choose a quality sound system that will serve you long term. High-quality, well-known, and durable brands of commercial sound system components can cost a little more up front, but they can save you money in the long run by lasting longer, having better after-sales service, and being better quality and easier to update.
3. Consider speakers and their placement similar to how you consider lighting. Placing speakers on the ceiling, spreading the sound evenly from top to bottom (much as you would a spotlight) can help to promote sound continuity and minimize dead zones.
   
   Using too few speakers can create a spotlight effect as well, where there are areas that are bright, or loud, and areas that are dull, or quiet. Generally, choosing smaller speakers is a good decision. Speakers should be a little bit higher than what you actually require as well to ensure an even and continuous sound.
4. Choose the right spacing and speaker configuration. Using different kinds and sizes of speakers effectively and strategically placed throughout your business can create a uniform and quality sound. Listeners should always be able to hear from more than one speaker at the same time.
   
   It is important to ensure that there is the right amount of overlap between speakers, but not too much either. A general rule is to take the height of the ceiling in feet, subtract 5, and multiply it by 2 to find the proper speaker distance.
5. Consider hiring a professional. A professional company or individual can properly assess your business and facility and help to determine the best fit for your business’s needs. They can also professionally install your commercial sound system, leaving you time to focus on other aspects of the business.

What Music Can I Play?

Music is copyrighted and because of this, you will need the proper licensing to play it in your business. For example, you cannot use your personal music streaming service for this purpose.

You can obtain copyright licensing for specific songs one by one, but this is cumbersome and expensive. Another option is to get public performance licensing directly from the PROs, but you will be limited to each specific PRO’s catalog. As a result, you will generally need to obtain licensing from more than one PRO.

Typically, the best option is to use a business music streaming provider that already has the licensing for the music you wish to play. These are generally subscription-based services, and you will pay an annual or monthly fee for unlimited use of their music catalog and playlists.

With these services, you can set up specific channels and customize your music selection. Since you’ll have access to so much variety via these services, you’re bound to find the right music for your business.

References

• ‍Music Licensing: The Difference Between Public Performance and Synchronization Licenses. (May ). Copyright Clearance Center.‍
• How to Drive Sales Using Sound. (August ). Business News Daily.

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We show you 5 reasons why you need the Laney Digbeth Bass Amp series in your set-up, if you’re serious about getting the best sound possible in ANY environment

The well respected Laney Digbeth series of bass amps, cabinets and preamp pedals were designed to support bass players in any environment, providing incredibly versatile tonal options to suit all genres. They have quickly become the favourite bass amp of pro musicians across the globe, designed to withstand the heavy schedules of touring internationally, rehearsals and recording scenarios, giving bass players the option of playing and recording with or without cabinets.

Just check out our artists’ section to see who’s using these awesome bass amps and preamp pedals where you’ll find the likes of Aaran McKenzie – While She Sleeps, Bob Hardy – Franz Ferdinand and many more Digbeth artists.

Features on the bass amps like the 2 blendable channels with effective tube emulation, range of tonal options and the incredibly useful tilt feature, not to mention the ground lift were all designed to make bass players’ lives easier. The custom made SEE SAW EQ control alone makes it an extremely useful bass amp for touring musicians who are sick of losing the bottom end on hollow stages or session musicians in need of that extra high-end punch to push through the mix.

Best of all, these amps were designed to cater to mid-level budgets, providing world-class playability and functionality at a totally affordable price point.

With so many features and incredible tonal options at your disposal, we thought we’d provide a closer look at the Digbeth amp selection and show you 5 reasons why you need to try the Laney Digbeth series if you’re serious about your sound.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit AISP.

We’ll start with a round-up of what’s in the Laney Digbeth series.

What’s included in the Laney Digbeth Series?

With 2 bass heads, 1 combo bass amp, 4 cabinets and a bass preamp to choose from, you’re set for all eventualities, whether you need a bass amp to tour America with, play smaller stages with a portable/silent bass amp setup, hit the festivals or practice at home with headphones on, Laney Digbeth has got you covered.

Laney Digbeth Bass Amps – What’s The Difference Between The Two Bass Amplifier Heads And Combo

The Laney Digbeth series includes two extremely powerful bass amplifier heads that will suit both touring and recording musicians. Straight out of the box you have two distinct channels to isolate or blend; the FET channel offers that solid-state headroom and cleanliness at high volumes we need, whilst the TUBE emulation provides us with all the grit and dirt as well as dynamic response we’ve come to love from tube amps – thankfully without the added physical weight or unreliable nature of glass tubes!

The Laney DB500H (above) provides additional tonal sculpting via an extended EQ control with an additional Mids section and 500 watts of power, whereas the Laney DB200H (below) keeps it simple with a smaller EQ section and 200 watts. Both of which include the extremely useful Tilt control (we’ll get to that further down below) as well as switchable/blendable FET/TUBE sounds.

The Digbeth DB200-210 combo (below) serves up all the tonal options of the 200-watt head, but adds 2 x 10″ HH Blue label woofers which have been specifically tuned for this series, providing all the sonic depth, clarity and boom you need to either cut through the mix or completely dominate it when that bass solo kicks in!

Laney Digbeth Bass cabinets – What’s the difference between the Four Laney Digbeth Cabinets ?

The Laney Digbeth series includes four bass cabinets designed to cater to all environments.

The Laney DBV810-4 is a powerhouse of sound offering up watts of power 8 X 10” HH Black Label Ceramic Drivers – you’re covered for the festivals and Glastonbury headline gigs with this one.

The Laney Digbeth DBV410-4 is Loaded with 4×10” vintage-voiced HH Black Label series ceramic drivers set in a straight line – which is extremely rare to see, but is incredibly useful for hearing yourself on stage and really feeling the air being pushed around. If you’re in a loud band, get this one!

Again, the Laney DBV212-4 has been designed for the bass players out there who are tired of turning their cabinet on the side to feel the power in rehearsal or on stage. The pair of vertically aligned 2×12” vintage-voiced HH Black Label series ceramic drivers push 500 watts of power your way whist the 1″ LaVoce DF10 Compression Driver keeps the detail intact. You’ll feel the air move with this one, too.

Finally, the 4 X 10” HH Blue Label Drivers on the Laney Digbeth DBC410-4 cabinet partnered with the 1 X LCT-1 Piezo horn preserve all the heavy bass tones you need whilst ensuring the clarity of your top-end frequencies can still be heard. This is ideal for session musicians, mid-size venues and rehearsal rooms.

Laney Digbeth Preamp Pedal – A Floor-Based Preamp And Portable Bass Amp For Your Backpack

The Laney Digbeth series also includes a custom-built preamp that allows you to take your bass amp sound with you anywhere. The Laney Digbeth DB-PRE has all the features of the amp series packed into a floor based preamp and is also one of the best pedalboard amps for bass players!

The Laney Digbeth DB-PRE is perfect for gigging without an amp and setting up in seconds – especially useful at a festival changeover. This floor-based preamp includes all the sonic capabilities of the Digbeth bass amps, but compacts them into a handy preamp pedal that you can send directly to the front of house ensuring you get the near-exact same sound in each venue or live stage! The DB-PRE preamp pedal is packed full of great features that you can read about here.

A bass preamp pedal offers huge benefits that can really take your sound to pro-level quality.

Now onto the reasons, you’ll love the Digbeth series…

5 reasons You need the Laney Digbeth Series in your setup

1. Tilt Function

One of the key issues bass players face onstage is the lack of high end at live gigs or lack of presence on a hollow stage. It’s no one’s fault, it’s just the way it is in a particular “roomy” venue or when monitor speakers aren’t up to scratch – it happens. One of the best features within the Laney Digbeth amp series and preamp pedal is the Tilt functionality. This was originally introduced in the Nexus series offering a powerful See Saw EQ function that can either instantly bring out the high frequencies or boost the low frequencies depending on your environment. It’s now available in the Digbeth series due to phenomenal demand from players.

Does your tone sound a bit muddy or lack detail onstage? Turn the control clockwise to increase the mid to high frequencies and bring out the presence and high-end detail. Got yourself a hollow stage? Bring back the heavy boom, thump and low-end power by turning the tilt feature anti-clockwise. This is probably one of the most useful controls for bass players in need of a quickfire way to engage a bass cut off or treble cut off without completely readjusting their amp sound.

2. Ground Lift Function

One of the most unpredictable things about playing in a live band is the quality of electrical power in venues. The ground lift function makes the Laney Digbeth bass series one of the best bass amps for touring America, Europe and pretty much anywhere in the world – no matter the quality of power, you can safely reduce hum and unwanted distortion by engaging the ground lift feature. This is a particularly underrated feature that pro-level bass players will appreciate, especially when power can be particularly unpredictable at festivals.

Simply engage the ground lift and eliminate unwanted hum and buzz for a cleaner sounding performance.

You may never need the ground lift, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have it on your amp when there are people there to see you play!

3. Mixable FET & TUBE preamp sections

The Laney Digbeth series was designed for layers of all styles. Whether you want the option of a clean sound one day and a heavy metal tone the other, you have it to hand. The switchable and mixable FET and TUBE preamp sections on the bass amps and Digbeth DB-PRE preamp pedal include the ability to change these channels via footswitch or push/pull knob.

Channel 1 is the solid-state FET sound which provides incredible high-volume headroom and clarity. Channel 2 is the tube emulated setting which responds incredibly well to the nuances of your playing when you dig in – it’s all the tube dynamic and harmonic quality you need without the unpredictability of an actual tube amp.

Use the onboard transistor and tube preamps controls in isolation or mix/blend them for a signature sound. A key benefit here is the ability to retain clarity when you activate that tube saturated overdrive. You have the high-end detail of a transistor amp and the weight, presence and grit of a tube amp in one sound!

4. Power you can actually work with

Tired of lacklustre power onstage or in the studio? Laney Digbeth has got you covered. With both heads, you have either 200 watts or 500 watts to choose from, backed up with cabinets capable of , 600, 500 and 400 watts of power pushing some serious air around thanks to custom made HH speakers specifically tuned for this series.

The addition of compression drivers on the cabs allows you to retain detail and clarity at the highest of volumes.

Whether you’re playing smooth jazz in a smoky bar somewhere in Colorado or hammering out death metal riffs in German rock festivals – everyone will hear you.

5. Aux and Headphone level controls

The Laney Digbeth Digbeth DB500H series introduces volume controls for the headphone output and auxiliary input for an external media connection. Practising at home or before gigs just got easier!

This means you can play along quietly in your bedroom or in your studio space and learn those parts you need to before the next show or recording session, able to retain the volume of your bass amp and gently introduce the AUX so you’re crystal clear on how your parts sound. This is ideal for those travelling musicians or studio sessions where you have to create and learn parts on the fly before laying down final tracks – because let’s be honest; as musicians, we’re not doing our homework until the last minute!

Laney Digbeth FAQ’s

We’ve answered some of the most common questions we’ve found on the internet regarding the Laney Digbeth Series.

Is the Laney Digbeth series a tube amp?

No, it is a meticulously designed tube emulation, providing the grit, dynamic and weight of a tube amp sound. This ensures you have a reliable gigging bass amp free from the cumbersome weight of a tube amp and never have to worry about tubes breaking or coming loose.

Do Laney Digbeth cabs have wheels and recessed handles?

The Digbeth DBV810-4 and Digbeth DBV410-4 cabinets have wheels and recessed handles. All cabinets have recessed handles, but the DBV212-4 and Digbeth DBC410-4 do not have wheels.

How many watts are the Laney Digbeth Bass amps?

The Laney Digbeth DB500H is 500 watts, the Laney DB200H is 200 watts and the DB200-210 combo is 200 watts making it one of, if not the best bass combo amp for gigging.

Do the Laney Digbeth amps have an FX loop?

Yes, all amps in the Digbeth series have an FX loop and the Digbeth DB-PRE preamp pedal features connectivity for FX Send and Return.

Final thoughts

And there you have it, 5 reasons you need the Laney Digbeth amplifier, cabs and preamp series. Whether you need a bass amp for touring the USA that can handle any dodgy venue electrics, a festival-ready bass amp that you can actually hear on stage or a preamp pedal for ampless gigging – you’re covered.

Check out the full Laney Digbeth Range and watch below as Fenn talks us through even more features and how the Digbeth amps respond beautifully to our Black Country Customs pedals.

For more information, please visit Custom Pa Amplifier.