Introduction
In a restaurant, in addition to delicious foods, music is also an essential element. A good musical atmosphere allows customers to enjoy their meals in a comfortable environment, while also enhancing their satisfaction with the restaurant. However, installing a set of restaurant P.A. system is not as simple as Anyone-Can-DIY. In order to produce the best sound quality for the restaurant within the premise owner’s budget and requirement, one needs to consider many factors, among which coordination between sound equipments is also a very important part. So, what are the sound equipments a restaurant need to consider while considering and designing the systems in their head? This article will introduce them as easy as they can.
1. Power Supply
The restaurant P.A. system requires a stable power supply, and so the layout of the power supply (or power distribution) needs to be considered during installation. In most cases, the audio equipments need to be connected to power outlets, and the wiring works should take safety and aesthetic into account. Additionally, during designing the power circuit, factors such as voltage, current and loads need to be considered to ensure the power supply is safe and stable.
2. Switch Socket
As part of the power supply and distribution, the placement and installation of switch sockets is also an important part that requires consideration beforehanded. Sound equipments definitely need power to work, that’s why the number and position of the switch sockets need to be think through and thoroughly to avoid incovenience in future. If there are not enough swutch sockets, sound devices may not be able to operate simultaneously. If the switch sockets are not well positioned, it can leads to issues like excessively long cables and untidy arrangements. Therefore, we, Harpman Malaysia strongly advises all restaurant owners and installers to take into account all the above-mentioned factors when designing the renovation and P.A. system.
3. Source of Music
There are many types of music sources for restaurant P.A. system, such as TV, Smartphone, iPod, TV Box, Laptop and CD. All these music sources need to be connected to the P.A. system through various interfaces. For example, in order to playback music from TV or CD, an RCA interface might be required; To playback music wirelessly from smartphones or laptops, Bluetooth function will be required; As for TV Boxes, laptops or iPod, an AUX interface will be much handy. Harpman Malaysia suggests all restaurant owners and installers to consider the compatibility between interfaces and the sound equipment.
4. Audio Mixer / Mixing Console
The Audio Mixer (or Mixing Console) is an important component of the restaurant’s P.A. system, capable of adjusting the sound quality and volume. During the installation, the position of the Mixer needs to be considered alongwith the installation location of the P.A. system. The position of the Mixer should be convenient for management personnel / DJ to operate. Usually, the Mixer will be installed near the main control panel or cash register or the main counter for the ease of operation.
5. Amplifier
Amplifier is an equipment that increases the volume of the audio signal so that the signal is then sufficient to drive speakers, where the sound re-produced and play out loud. Owners / installers got to know which amplifier to be used in their P.A. system according to the total power required by the speakers, also not to forget the attenuation caused by the cables length and quality.
6. Speakers
Speakers are the audio output end part of the restaurant P.A. system, and so the quantity and arrangement of the speakers also need to be coordinated. If there are too few speakers, insufficient output volume will cause dull musical experience and consequently lack of dining experience; If the speakers arrangement is unreasonable, it will also causes inbalance volume and makes the audience to have a weird hearing experience. This is why Harpman Malaysia suggests you to take into account not only the layout of the premise but also customer flow to determine the number and location of the speakers.
Conclusion
Above are some friendly guidelines brought to you by Harpman Malaysia. Last but not least, we would like to highlight again: Power supply, switch sockets, music source interfaces, mixer, amplifier and speakers are all factors owners and installers need to consider and coordinate during the design and installation of the P.A. system. Bear in mind the coordination of these equipments will directly affect the performance of the P.A. system and quality of the music, so thorough planning and design are crucial.
Harpman Malaysia has a massive range of audio products that will cater to your restaurant or cafe music need, and we are always ready to answer to your enquiry. Welcome to the world of music!
