Whether designing sound systems, broadcast infrastructure, or intercom systems for stadiums, arenas, and large event spaces across Canada, for the Smith + Andersen Audiovisual (AV) team effective sound system design focuses on a key question:  Where is the audience going to be?

The virtual vision

“When it comes to designing sound systems for large-scale performing arts halls or arenas, such as the Lyric Theatre, we concentrate on extensive modelling of the seating area, the strategic placement of speakers, and a comprehensive understanding of how sound will behave in the space,” he says. 

The Systems team used modelling software to determine the optimal number of speakers that should be incorporated into the Lyric Theatre area, creating a design that balanced sound quality with more practical considerations, such as avoiding as many unnecessary infrastructure changes as possible and budgetary concerns. "The modelling software allowed us to pinpoint exactly what audience seats each speaker will reach and adjust the design accordingly, before any construction began."   

Performance quality sound

The AV design for the Lyric Theatre ensures every seat in the space receives consistent coverage across the frequency spectrum, so the sound “sounds” the way it’s supposed to throughout the space. "In our models, we focused on speaker placement that minimized the gradation between colours to create a more even sound – particularly important for the seats in the two back corners of the theatre,” Dustin says. “Flown subwoofers act as 'supports' and improve low-frequency energy." The result is a sound experience that prioritizes quality for each audience member.

As the leader of Smith + Andersen's national AV team, Dustin Su has designed functional and flexible audiovisual (AV) solutions for some of the country's most challenging, cultural, entertainment, and institutional projects. 

Click here to learn more about our AV team.