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In strictly technical terms, achieving EA is a matter of offering easily-accessible choices for the audio in your space, and providing that audio in a high quality manner. Controls must be simple, intuitive, and flexible. Sound must be visually unobtrusive and uniform, without drawing attention to 'itself' i.e. through hollow, boomy, tinny or distorted qualities that distract from the sound itself.
The art of creating EA is in recognizing the physical space the user wishes to occupy, whether it be a computer workstation, quiet reading room or busy kitchen/dining room, and fitting the audio components to the space in a manner that empowers the user to easily create the audio space. The process is one of ergonomic selection and placement, and electro-acoustic design.
When the word 'environment' is considered in its less than technical, and more popular sense, the idea of our outdoor world arises, with its limitless possibilities, shapes and colours. EA can be part of the various outdoor environments homeowners choose to create, including hot tub areas, gardens, paths, or ponds. Though it may be impossible to improve upon the sound of a babbling brook, EA can add a new dimension to a garden blossoming to Vivaldi, or underscoring the natural environment with birdsong, water sounds, or the crash of surf.
What are the benefits of this type of installation?
Primarily, a better life. The benefits of music to the well-being of the individual are well understood.
More to the point, homeowners are already providing the largest, most expensive part of the sound system: the rooms they live in. Each room can be an audio as well as visual environment, or an oasis of calm and quiet. Allowing music into a favourite room, or many of them, can enhance the way you live in your house, and improve the time you spend there.
Granting the benefits of music and other sounds in the modern home, the challenge of providing it throughout the house arises. Conventional hi-fi systems, which arose in design from the familiar living room radio (remember?) are designed to provide sound for a single room. Extension speakers can be installed, but remote controls are limited in their effectiveness.
For environmental audio to be effective, it must be easy to use, flexible, and powerful. In short, true to its objective: clear sound in any location.
What is the process?
The initial process of information gathering with the client begins with identifying the audio zones in the home. That is, the zones are selected to the client's usage patterns in the home, rather than identifying a place for 'the system' that the client will go to use it. The mode of use of the system, i.e. strictly background, 'boisterous' listening, critical listening, party music etc. determine the required acoustic power in each zone. Location of system controls for each zone are selected. The system is then designed and components selected. A working sketch of the layout is made for installation purposes only.
In the case of the Knoll multi-zone system we install, the speaker and control cabling are run to the selected locations, and the in-wall, in-ceiling or surface-mount speakers are installed, as is the zone control keypad. Connecting the Knoll unit to the music sources, i.e. CD player, FM receiver, satellite audio etc. is the final installation step.
How long does it take?
From initial consultation to finished installation should be no more than 2 work weeks. Installation time is variable, but for a six-zone, 12 speaker installation is upwards of 20 hours.
How flexible can a system be?
The possibilities range from simple extension speakers with remote volume controls, to complete background music systems, to multi-zone, multi-source audio.
Flexibility is determined by needs: a basic background, medium fidelity sound system may consist of a dedicated amplifier connected to the FM radio and powering speakers throughout the house. Simple control is provided by individual volume controls near the speakers, such as those on the patio or dining room. No remote control of sound source may be desired, just the FM radio, for example. This example system provides radio program sound throughout the house, and is probably on continuously, on the same FM station. The homeowner uses the system as a sound foundation, rather than a sound feature.
Different individuals occupying different parts of the same house may not agree on sound sources or volume levels. Multi-source, multizone systems provide direct control over zone volume and audio source. Additionally, they will 'repeat' or transmit infrared remote control signals to source equipment, allowing different users to change CD, FM station, satellite channel etc. from the listening zone.
How much does it cost?
A basic monophonic background music system with six speakers, three volume controls and a dedicated amplifier can be installed for under $1000. A six-zone, four-source system with high-quality loudspeakers, some being weatherproof, will cost in excess of $8,000. These systems are modular, so can be combined into 12, 18, 24 zone systems with proportional pricing.
Why shouldn't I just buy a surround system from the
local electronics store?
For the same reason that I won't install one when you want good sound in multiple locations: you will not achieve the result you desire. The components may be of good quality, but they are optimized for use in one room. Adding speakers in other rooms and connecting them to a single amplifier results in a system that cannot satisfy everyone, or possibly anyone, and operates the amplifier outside of its 'design envelope', risking overloading, distortion and damage.
'Home Theatre in a Box' systems are ideal introductions to surround sound as provided by DVD-based sound/video systems. The experience of moving sound effects and realistic bass levels are new to many people familiar with conventional stereo systems. All of these packaged systems require surface mounting the speakers, often inconveniently, and as many as seven wires that must be hidden or at least run where they won't trip people. While the do-it-yourselfer can achieve acceptable results at reasonably low costs, homeowners recognize the value of building these components into or ceilings, or at least running wiring invisibly. These approaches to home sound usually provide sonically superior results, and always are much more aesthetically pleasing.
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