The New Normal of Audio Integration

Audio can transform a user's experience — both positively and negatively — in any setting. High-quality, clear audio in a museum or conference room, for example, can create an enhanced user experience — while poor audio quality in, say, an airport or classroom can ruin the user experience. Audio is the foundation for user experience in nearly every commercial venue and application — including retail, museums, hospitality, transportation, education and corporate. With a powerful audio design, you enhance your space and create more efficient systems. 

As we incorporate social distancing into our daily lives, clear audio solutions have become increasingly important. We find ourselves spread out in spaces, such as auditoriums, gymnasiums and outdoor amphitheaters with mediocre audio solutions. Audio solutions, such as speakers, amplifiers, microphones and acoustical treatments, are growing in popularity in public spaces, and will continue to do so for the prolonged future.

We’re outlining the most common commercial spaces and highlighting a few of the solutions necessary to create a positive audio experience in them. 

• Retail - The focus of retail has shifted to provide consumers with an experience. From live music and DJs to influencers and celebrities, the retail sector is investing in high-quality audio to create a space that’s inviting and engaging to drive customers' emotions. A networked audio solution with aesthetically pleasing ceiling speakers aids in an easy-to-control audio experience.
• Museums - The technology dedicated to museums has transformed the sector. Placing audio in a specific location, known as immersive audio, can deliver the sounds of a battlefield, plane engine, music or recorded voice while standing in front of or underneath a particular speaker, to create a one-on-one experience while promoting social distancing at each exhibit.
• Hospitality - For hotels and restaurants, the guest experience is key. Various spaces, such as ballrooms, guest rooms, outdoor spaces and lobbies, often require a customized audio design. While we prioritize social distancing and clean air, outdoor cabanas and recreational spaces are ideal for gathering. A distributed audio system delivers content to multiple devices, such as in-wall speakers or outdoor patio speakers, while playing different audio content in each space based on the user’s needs.
• Transportation - Getting travelers to their destination can be challenging. An easy-to-manage public address system can cut through large audience noise to communicate important details and safety alerts to travelers; meanwhile, live music and entertainment are growing in popularity as more airports and train stations prioritize the travelers' experience. Microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers are the foundation for distributing sound across a large transportation facility. 
• Education - Audio is essential to effective learning and student achievement. In larger spaces or online learning environments, a microphone will amplify the speaker's voice. Incorporating speakers throughout the classroom will enhance in-person learning and socially distanced learning environments, such as outdoor spaces, gymnasiums and auditoriums. 
• Corporate - Conference rooms, huddle spaces, executive suites and break rooms require their own distinct audio design to create an effective user experience. Incorporating a microphone into video conferencing spaces is ideal for transmitting clear, intelligible voices; meanwhile, ceiling speakers create an immersive experience for small huddle spaces. 

Whatever the audio needs are, AV Planners can design a unique solution that creates an immersive, transformative experience for users. Contact AV Planners via email at info@avplanners.com, or call us at 213-493-6473 to learn more about our services. Keep up with the latest news from AV Planners on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.