Many conference halls and function rooms have sound equipment
built into cramped and inaccessible cupboards or benches.
Stick around and I'll show my 5 essential steps when
planning to build a permanent sound desk
[Simple Audio Tips]
So here are my 5 essentials if you want to improve your installation.
There is a really good reason why sound engineers position themselves in the
middle of the audience at a concert. The operator must be able hear clearly what the
audience is hearing so they can make any needed adjustments.
In most cases you won't be able to build a permanent desk in the middle of the room
so the best option for aesthetics is to have the desk down the back but still in the auditorium.
A clear view of the stage is essential and if your program usually involves audience
participation with cordless or roving mics then you must have a
good field of view of that seating area.
Building you sound desk on an elevated platform like a stage is a good option
but if your unable to do this
you can raise the height of the desk and compliment it with a drafting chair
that positions you at a good height to comfortably work the controls.
Now what about the workbench size
A standard kitchen table height is a good start but setup the console on your table
just make sure you can comfortably work all controls without having to lift your arms.
Consider what needs to be on the bench. If you have a computer or music player
it should easily accessed on the
same plain as your mixer and not down in a rack or shelf under the bench top.
This will give you a good idea of how room you will need on the top.
Once setup in a permanent sound desk processors and amplifiers don't need
to be adjusted so installing them in a cabinet is a good option and this protects
the controls from accidental knob fiddling.
The cheapest option is to build a cupboard under the desk with shelving,
and some of these work out really well with good planning, but something often gets neglected.
It's how the equipment will be installed and accessed for maintenance and tuning.
Sitting equipment on shelves in a cupboard can save a lot of money but if there is
no access to the back of the equipment
without having to lift it out it can be an installation nightmare.
Investing in a rack would be the best option if there is no rear access.
At least you will be able to slide out the rack out of the cupboard
and work on the back of the gear outside.
Cables used to connect the equipment can become untidy so considering some sort of ducting
gives the desk a mark of professionalism. If you use a duct or channel to run the cables
choose one that has a removable cap.
Then you can add and remove cables when needed.
This is one example of a cabinet I worked on in Brisbane and it has been made with a
very thin compartment on the back that has access doors.
This allows you to get to the back of the processors and amplifiers and run cables throughout
the desk hidden away from sight.
Amplifiers can give off a lot of heat so it is essential that good ventilation is provided
depending on the amount of heat generated
you may even need to install a fan to move enough air.
To avoid having to install a fan this cabinet has been constructed with a gap behind the
door that allows cool air to enter in from the front at the bottom
and move through the cabinet and out the top.
If your going to cut in vents make sure you think of
where the air will travel and that there won't be any dead spots where heat will build up
but if you have good ventilation this will not be a problem.
Power outlets need to be installed in a position that is accessible so that if you have to
isolate the electricity to work on the gear you can easily turn it off.
Check the comments below because there are often some great ideas and discussion from
subscribers like yourself.
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If you would like to learn more about sound gear in a simple and easy to understand format
then check out some of our other videos.
You don't have to be a sound engineer to learn the basics of improving your audio.
"Sound's Easy" with Simple Audio Tips