I am having a small party for my son, and he wants to have it outside in the garden. Is there a particular way that you can set up speakers so that you get better sound quality outside?
gofar99 Messages: 1939 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, Other folks may have some different ideas but here is what works best for me. I place the speakers as close to a wall and at ground level as I can. The wall and ground will cut down the volume the speakers have to work into. This makes a big difference in the bass sound level. Other than that not too much seems to matter. You will also find that generally the amount of power you need to get the sound level you want to be much higher than when inside the building. The lack of confinement is the reason. Be aware that because of the greater power your amp may not be up to the job and distort or if you have speakers that can't handle the power you can damage them. If you hear any sort of distortion then you had best cut the volume down.
That's right.......no loud parties young man...be considerate of others.
He's right though, up against walls and as close to the floor, or on the floor, as you can. Personally, I like to find an open window or windows to let the speakers "sound through".
Wayne Parham Messages: 18752 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
Bruce and Csharp are right. Placing speakers near a boundary decreases the radiating angle they must energize, so that helps increase SPL. Also, if you have more than one loudspeaker, e.g. mains and subs, then group them together. Other than that, setting up outdoors is the best place because there are no wall reflections.
This thread has come in handy for me as well. I've often wondered how to make my speakers sound better outside, and it's great to know what to do next time I have a party outside.