I would like some examples of a typical, professional setup if that wouldn't be too hard. Maybe just name what equipment you have.
Why? A rough analogy is that I can tell you what car I drive or what appliances I have in my
house but that does not mean that information will be at all relevant to you as your needs, budget, goals and so forth may be drastically different. Even what is available to you may be different. The same goes for audio systems and other than possibly tech
rider acceptance, focusing on products without considering the application almost inevitably leads to less effective results.
When I start a project the first step is a Needs Analysis or Program. The Needs Analysis describes the functional goals and requirements defined for the project, the information that then later serves as the basis for any design and product selection. This is completed and agreed upon by everyone involved before any design or product selection starts. If the Owner defines specific equipment as a need or desire, which often happens, then that is included as part of the Needs Analysis but is subject to verification and I have had projects where I went back to the Owner to inform them that the equipment they
identified was simply inappropriate for the application. Wen that happens I give them a choice, I can select more appropriate equipment or I can design around their request but be released from responsibility for the results. I actually had one project that virtually the only input offered was some brand and model names the TD provided without any input on or consideration of the desired functionality or the application (at that
point there was not even yet a design for the space). I informed the Owner that I could not want be responsible for or have my name associated with a
system designed on such a basis and offered to either design what I believed was appropriate for the actual
venue needs and use or to step down from the project. Turned out the Owner cared more about the
system working.
I'll use the
TOA speaker you noted as an example, here's the actual manufacturer's information,
TOA HX-5 Compact Array Speakers - Variable Dispersion!. That particular
speaker can be a good solution
in the right application, however it can be a less than effective option if improperly applied. For example, the horizontal
pattern is over 100 degrees for much of the speech frequency range, so it might not be the best solution in a narrow room or an acoustically live space. The low
frequency response is such that it is best used for speech only applications or with some supplemental low frequency
system if music is involved. I could go on but the
point is that in everything from the mics through to the speakers, one cannot really separate the equipment used from it supporting the specifics of the application, what is a great solution
in one application could be a disaster in another.
I appreciate the advice and offers for help, and I can do my own research when I get to that
point.
I'm not sure what you mean here, hopefully you aren't thinking that a little
bit of research can replace specialized education and training and years of experience.
