Handbook for Sound Engineers, 4th Edition

Chapter 34

Sound System Design

by Chris Foreman

34.1 Introduction

34.2 Sound Reinforcement System Models

34.2.1 The Four Questions (and a Fifth)

34.2.2 The Simplified (Outdoor) Sound Reinforcement System Model

34.2.2.1 Definitions

34.2.2.2 Attenuation with Increasing Distance

34.2.2.3 Acoustic Gain

34.2.2.4 Feedback and Potential Acoustic Gain (PAG)

34.2.2.5 Number of Open Microphones (NOM)

34.2.2.6 Feedback Stability Margin (FSM)

34.2.2.7 Noise

34.2.2.8 Head Room and Electrical Power Required (EPR)

34.2.2.9 Equivalent Acoustic Distance (EAD)

34.2.2.10 Needed Acoustic Gain (NAG)

34.2.2.11 Will the System Feed Back?

34.2.2.12 The Effect of Directional Microphones and Loudspeakers

34.2.2.13 How These Equations Answer the Four Questions

34.2.2.13.1 ...