Sound Amplification or Reinforcement?
Yes any sound system is basically a set of speakers and sources mixed somehow but depending on what you are aiming to do it needs a different approach and sometimes even different kit.
Sound Amplification
Ok this isn't really an official term, in fact it's quite generic, but here we'll use it to describe the concept of using a system for a performance like a band or disco. The main aims of sound in this arena are:
- filling the room with the experience of sound as part or all the purpose
- clear base lines to help everyone get involved
- being loud rather than subtle
This tends to mean big bass speakers (sometimes referred to as 'bass cans') and often a highly visible set of speakers with lots of amplification to power them. There is also often a lot of equipment on display (mic and instrument stands, amps, etc).
Although sound quality/ fidelity is important this is partly obscured by the sheer volume, eg. hisses and hums are less of a problem. The main aim is to have no mistakes and go full-on from start to finish so robust equipment is best.
Sound Reinforcement
This is the term for where you hardly notice the system. You might imagine a conference room with a discrete microphone on the podium or a lapel/tie-clip mic and the person's voice is subtlety amplified but only just enough so its easy for forget about. The main aims of this type of sound are:
- provide amplification with minimal fuss
- deal quickly with any noise
- keep the focus on the front, sound is not a key part of the experience
This tends to mean keeping the equipment at the front to a minimum (if it's not built into the walls), eg. two speakers either side, avoiding lots of boom mic stands
Reality
In many environments you actually have a mix of the two. For example in a church you might have band-like worship followed by a sermon but the worship is aimed at collective involvement so you don't want to reach 'performance'.
The challenge comes in finding the compromise that allows you to achieve both without having to lug huge amounts of equipment or spend too much (eg. buying everyone in-ear wireless foldbacks).
The point is that if you can think through your environment you'll know what kit to use and what you might need to obtain in future and then you'll provide appropriate sound in all environments.
Also each environment will require managing people differently, including yourself. With a band you could probably direct them through a full sound check, whereas a visiting speaker just expects to walk in and have it work without talking to you.
