34.1 Introduction

There are a multitude of different types of sound systems with purposes as diverse as special effects and voice paging, yet most share common design criteria. This chapter covers many of these design criteria using sound reinforcement systems as examples. Included are discussions of other types of systems such as foldback (stage) monitor systems and some types of playback only systems as well as some of the practical aspects of sound system design such as equipment choice and installation techniques.

Since the second edition of the Handbook for Sound Engineers, digital audio products, driven by DSP chips, have become mainstream choices for signal processing. Packaged loudspeaker systems have replaced individual components for most loudspeaker cluster designs. And, most system designers use EASE or Bose Modeler or some other system design software in place of the traditional sound system analysis equations and graphical cluster design methods.

Yet, the original system analysis equations and graphical cluster design methods are the foundation for software programs like EASE and Modeler. An understanding of the original tools offers a modern designer a better understanding of the value, and the limitations, of these software tools.

For these reasons, and for historic completeness, this chapter retains its focus on the original sound system analysis equations, with revisions where appropriate. In addition, while the cluster design discussions use packaged loudspeaker systems for most examples, component cluster designs are mentioned where they offer advantages. Finally, this chapter discusses how DSP products are changing...