Backyards are a place for family, friends, and guests to come together. It’s now common to have a full kitchen, barbecue, television displays, and a top-notch audio system to assist in the ambiance thus transforming the backyard into a resort like oasis.
The above photo is a recent AHT project that was integrated several months ago. When dealing with such a vast area, proper planning and execution are key. These are a few considerations we take into account during the design process when integrating a large scale landscape project as that pictured above.
1. Sound Placement
Obviously, the proper placement of speakers should be placed around the perimeter where most of your guests will be stationed. However, there are some key considerations. First, the size of the property is going to determine if a grouping of speakers in a particular area will be needed. By grouping, the sound can extend in both the left and right direction creating a more rich dynamic experience.
Are the speakers going to be placed by shrubs, tree’s, or concrete? It’s important to be mindful of any surfaces that can reflect or absorb sound. This minor change can tilt the quality off and lead to a not so pleasing audio experience.
2. Bass Coverage
When exposed to a vast area, bass diminishes at a rapid rate. Having poor bass is going to equal poor flat sound quality. So, we recommended outdoor sub’s that can pack a punch. The placement of the sub is usually up front and in between a pair of speakers.
3. Wiring
Large landscape properties equal long wire runs back to the main rack. Luckily, there are speaker manufacturers, like James Loudspeaker, that have manufactured landscape speakers to handle runs of up to ¼ of a mile without any loss. This gives the design process added flexibility when placing speakers across a vast area.
4. Control
The outdoor system will also be tied into the rest of a whole home control system. Crestron offers a couple waterproof remotes that can be used while in the pool, hot tub, or around wet areas. Here is a photo of Crestron’s newest addition of waterproof control devices. It’s called the UFO. Pictured below.
5. Design
There are a number of colors, designs, and hidden speakers on the market, so having a vast pure sounding audio experience doesn’t have to come with aesthetic compromises.
Click on the image below to view samples from James Loudspeaker, one of our most used speaker’s for outdoor systems.
Underground Hidden Sub
Directional Speakers Cabinet Speakers Planter Hidden Speakers
Key Takeaway: To add that ambiance and atmosphere while entertaining guest or sitting pool side, having a quality landscape audio system is key.