OWNER’S MANUAL
Quick Planning Guide
These pages contain information and tables to assist you in the design of effective public area distributed sound systems using
Soundsphere® omnidirectional speakers.
Information provided herein is intended as a guide. Every application is different, there are times that considerations other than those addressed here must be taken into account.
However, this guide should be very helpful for initial planning purposes. For assistance with specific applications, please call
Soundsphere direct at 913-663-5600, or log onto www.soundsphere.com.
Other Important Factors to Keep in Mind
All Soundsphere speaker models share the same omnidirectional sound radiation characteristics. The variation in direct field SPL with the use of each speaker model is the same. If the distance apart is the same, the SPL variation is the same. The differences between the speaker models relate to sensitivity,
SPL capability, and quality of music reproduction.
A well designed distributed sound system will produce intelligible voice and full-range background or foreground music at any sound pressure level. This requires:
• A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of at least 10 dB higher
than the nominal ambient (background) noise level
throughout the designated coverage area. It is
recommended that the ambient noise level can be
measured using an A-weighted sound level meter for
greatest accuracy.
• A target direct field SPL variation throughout the
designated coverage area. An SPL variation of 3 to 4 dB
(±1.5 to ±2dB) is virtually indiscernible and therefore
suggested. A variation of 5 to 6 dB (±2.5 to ±3 dB) is
noticeable but may not be objectionable. Variations of
more than 6 dB (± 3 dB) are not recommended. Be
aware, however, that some systems are proposed with
SPL variations higher than 6 (±3) dB to keep costs
down. It is difficult to determine whether this practice
creates unacceptable results because customers may
not understand the significance of SPL variation with
regard to system performance. In situations where
fewer of another type of speaker are specified by a
competing bidder, we suggest explaining the difference
to the customer and leave the decision on performance
to them. In most cases, fewer Soundsphere speakers
will be required.
Larger speakers can always be substituted for smaller speakers when higher SPL or the sound quality of larger speakers is preferred. Also, larger model Soundsphere® speakers produce a higher SPL per watt (that is, they have a higher sensitivity) than the smaller models. This may be important if you are using an existing amplifier that will not produce the required SPL in a system of smaller Soundsphere models. In highly reverberant environments, Soundsphere speakers should be mounted as low as feasible, as the greater the level of direct sound at the listener in relation to the reverberant sound level at the listener, the higher the speech intelligibility. Speakers perform best when in line-of-sight to the listeners. Speakers should not be mounted adjacent to large beams or solid structures which would cast an acoustical shadow on the listening areas. Keep this in mind when selecting final mounting locations. Soundsphere shares in your objective to satisfy your customers’ needs.
Figuring Soundsphere Speaker Requirements
There are three steps in the design procedure:
1. Determining the number of Soundsphere speakers required.
2. Determining the type of Soundsphere speakers required.
3. Determining the Soundsphere speaker power requirements.
The tables on page 5 of this guide will assist you in the system design procedure. Typical examples are presented for further clarfication.
Determining the Number of Soundsphere
Speakers Required
Determining the System Requirements
The first step is to determine the system requirements. At a minimum, you must ascertain:
1. The desired area of coverage
• The length, width, and height of the area or areas to
be covered.
2. The expected ambient noise characteristics
• The conditions present when the sound system is
operational. Best determined by using an A-weighted
sound level meter readings taken at various points
under actual conditions.
3. The maximum acceptable SPL variation
Soundsphere speakers produce full frequency sound in a
180° (vertical) by 360° (horizontal) coverage pattern. The main benefit of the broad dispersion pattern is that fewer
Soundsphere speakers are required compared to conventional speakers. Table 1 (on page 5) , provides direct field SPL variation characteristics for all Soundsphere speakers in distributed systems. An SPL variation of no more than 4 dB (±2 dB) is recommended.
Contact: MSE Audio, 855.663.5600 / 913.663.5600 / [email protected]
© 2021 MSE Audio. Rev. 02.25.2021
360º of the Best Sound Around™
OWNER’S MANUAL
Quick Planning Guide
Representative Examples
Example 1. A retail store with the following characteristics:
• Desired coverage area is 200’ (width) x 300’ (length)
• Ceiling height is 24’
• Floor to speaker mounting height is 22’
• Ambient noise is 70 dB SPL
It is recommended that an SPL variation of 4 dB (±2 dB) be used as a starting point in a typical system design. Greater or lesser variations may be considered as dictated by the particular situation.
From Table 1, we determine a spacing of 78 feet for a 4 (±2) dB variation. Then:
• 600 feet (length) ÷ 78 feet (spacing) = 7.69
• 150 feet (width) ÷ 78 feet (spacing) = 1.92
Since we cannot have .69 or .92 speakers, we should round up to the next whole number, therefore this application would require 8 rows of 2 Soundsphere speakers for a total of 16.
Refer to Table 1. Find the column for the desired SPL variation.
Find the row for the speaker mounting height. At the intersection of the two, read the spacing between speakers. The spacing from the edge of the coverage area to the first speaker is one half the spacing between speakers.
From Table 1, we determine a spacing of 70 feet for a 4 (±2) dB variation. Then:
• 300 feet (length) ÷ 70 feet (spacing) = 4.29
• 200 feet (width) ÷ 70 feet (spacing) = 2.86
Since we cannot have .29 or .86 speakers, we should round up to the next whole number, therefore this application would require 5 rows of 3 Soundsphere speakers for a total of 15. Four rows of 3 speakers would lower the cost, but the SPL variation would be about 4.5 dB, which does not meet with our conservative design objectives.
Example 2. A busy transportation terminal:
• Desired coverage area is 60’ (width) x 100’ (length)
• Ceiling height is 18’
• Floor to speaker mounting height is 14’
• Ambient noise is 80 dB SPL
From Table 1, we determine a spacing of 38 feet for a 4 (±2) dB variation. Then:
• 100 feet (length) ÷ 38 feet (spacing) = 2.63
• 60 feet (width) ÷ 38 feet (spacing) = 1.58
Since we cannot have .63 or .58 speakers, we should round up to the next whole number, therefore this application would require 3 rows of 2 Soundsphere speakers for a total of 6.
Example 3. A factory with a high ambient noise level:
• Desired coverage area is 150’ (width) x 600’ (length)
• Ceiling height is 28’
• Floor to speaker mounting height is 24’
• Ambient noise is 90 dB SPL
Determining the Proper Soundsphere Model and the
Required Amplifier Power
Recall that the minimum SPL requirement is 10 dB over nominal ambient noise. This will require a speaker and adequate power to produce the ambient noise (dB SPL) plus SPL variation (dB SPL) plus 10 dB.
Example 1.
Minimum SPL required = 70 (dB) ambient noise + 4 (dB) variation + 10 (dB) = 84 dB SPL. Floor to ceiling mounting height =
22’
Refer to Tables 2 through 5 for the Soundsphere models 110B,
Q-6, Q-8, and Q-12A respectively. In each table, find the floor to speaker height of 22 feet (left most column). Move across this row until you find a minimum of 84 dB SPL.
• For the model 110B (Table 2), an SPL of 86.2 dB will
be produced with an input power of 7.5 watts; powering
each speaker with 7.5 watts or more will more than suffice.
• For the model Q-6 (Table 3), an SPL of 85.2 dB will be
produced with an input of 15 watts.
• For the model Q-8 (Table 4), an SPL of 90.2 dB will be
produced with an input power of 12.5 watts; powering
each speaker with 12.5 watts or more will more than suffice.
In this example, the 110B would be the obvious choice, but perhaps the sound quality of the Q-6 may be desired. Less power can be used in the case of the Q-8 to meet the SPL requirements. The benefits of a high-powered Q-12A in this store would probably not be worth the additional expense.
Example 2.
Minimum SPL required = 80 (dB) ambient noise + 4 (dB) variation
+ 10 (dB) = 94 dB SPL. Floor to ceiling mounting height = 14’
• For the model 110B (Table 2), an SPL of 94.3 dB will be
produced with an input power of 15 watts.
• For the model Q-6 (Table 3) at full power (30 watts) will
only produce 93.3 dB SPL, which is theoretically
insufficient to meet our requirements. In reality, the Q-6
at full power could be used although the model Q-8
Contact: MSE Audio, 855.663.5600 / 913.663.5600 / [email protected]
© 2021 MSE Audio. Rev. 02.25.2021
360º of the Best Sound Around™
OWNER’S MANUAL
Quick Planning Guide
would be a safer choice.
• For the model Q-8 (Table 4), an SPL of 95.3 dB will be
produced with an input power of 12.5 watts.
• The model Q-12A is not recommended for ceiling
heights lower than 16’
Either the 110B or Q-8 can more than meet the design requirements. The Q-8 requires less power to produce the equivalent SPL.
Example 3.
Minimum SPL required = 90 (dB) ambient noise + 4 (dB) variation
+ 10 (dB) = 104 dB SPL. Floor to ceiling mounting height = 24’
• Only the Q-12A (Table 5) with 250 watts of power (105.3
dB) meets the requirements.
In the above examples, required speaker power is determined by the SPL requirement. We suggest using as much power per speaker (up to the rated power of the selected speaker model) as is economically feasible.
Selecting Amplifiers for Transformer Based Constant
Voltage Systems
Soundsphere® transformers have an insertion loss of 1 dB maximum. To overcome this loss and arrive at the figures in the power charts, 1.26 times the transformer power tap rating will be required from the amplifier per unit, as shown below.
Wire Size Selection
18AWG wire is the minimum recommended for distributed systems of Soundsphere ® speakers using transformers.
Significant power loss can occur in systems with long wire runs, especially in high power systems. As an example, a 70V system with a 200 Watt power requirement and a wire run of 75’ will produce good results using 18AWG wire. If the wire run in this system were 200’, there would be significant power loss and noticeable degradation of sound quality with 18AWG wire. In this case, the minimum wire size would be 14AWG. Be sure to select a wire size appropriate for the length of the wire run and the system power requirements. Always try to locate the amplifier as close to the loudspeakers as possible. If unsure, contact our team for assistance at [email protected].
Tap (Watts)
15
7.5
3.7
2
1
0.5
Amp Power Required
(Watts)
18.9
9.5
4.7
2.5
1.3
0.6
Insertion Loss Compensation for Soundsphere Transformers
Minimum SPL required = 90 (dB) ambient noise + 4 (dB) variation
+ 10 (dB) = 104 dB SPL. Floor to ceiling mounting height = 24’
100
50
25
12.5
126
63
31.5
15.8
250
125
67.5
315
157.5
85.1
Contact: MSE Audio, 855.663.5600 / 913.663.5600 / [email protected]
© 2021 MSE Audio. Rev. 02.25.2021
360º of the Best Sound Around™
OWNER’S MANUAL
Quick Planning Guide
Table 2. Model 110B
Power per Speaker in Watts
30
12’ 99.3
14’ 97.3
16’ 95.7
18’ 94.4
20’ 93.2
22’ 92.2
24’ 91.3
26’ 90.5
28’ 89.7
30’ 89.0
32’ 88.4
34’ 87.8
36’ 87.2
84.2
83.2
82.3
81.5
80.7
3.8
90.3
88.3
86.7
85.4
80.0
79.4
78.8
78.2
87.2
86.2
85.3
84.5
83.7
7.5
93.3
91.3
89.7
88.4
83.0
82.4
81.8
81.2
90.2
89.2
88.3
87.5
86.7
15
96.3
94.3
82.7
91.4
86.0
85.4
84.8
84.2
dB SPL
Power per
Speaker in
Watts
Distributed System Quick Planning Guide Tables
Table 1. Spacing (S) for Soundsphere Speakers
(Multiple Speaker / Distributed Systems)
16’
18’
20’
22’
24’
26’
28’
30’
32’
34’
36’
8’
10’
12’
14’
Direct Field SPL Variation in dB
39’
46’
52’
60’
66’
72’
78’
3 dB
(±1.5)
14’
21’
27’
33’
84’
90’
96’
100’
4 dB
(±2.0)
16’
24’
32’
38’
44’
54’
62’
70’
78’
86’
94’
100’
112’
120’
128’
54’
63’
72’
81’
90’
100’
110’
5 dB
(±2.5)
18’
27.5’
36’
45’
119’
128’
137’
146’
62’
72’
82’
92’
102’
115’
125’
6 dB
(±3.0)
21’
32’
42’
52’
136’
146’
157’
167’
½
S
S
S
S
S
½
S
Based on nominal ear height of 4 feet
Soundsphere Models SPL (dB) vs. Power and Mounting Height
Based on nominal ear height of 4 feet
250
125
62.5
16’
109.7
106.7
103.7
18’
108.4
105.4
102.4
Table 3. Model Q-6
Power per Speaker in Watts
30
12’ 95.3
14’ 93.3
16’ 91.7
18’ 90.4
20’ 89.2
22’ 88.2
24’ 87.3
26’ 86.5
28’ 85.7
30’ 85.0
32’ 84.4
34’ 83.8
36’ 83.2
86.2
85.2
84.3
83.5
82.7
15
92.3
90.3
88.7
87.4
82.0
81.4
80.8
80.2
dB SPL
83.2
82.2
81.3
80.5
79.7
7.5
89.3
87.3
85.7
84.4
79.0
78.4
77.8
77.2
Table 5. Model Q-12A
80.2
79.2
78.3
77.5
76.7
3.8
86.3
84.3
82.7
81.4
76.0
75.4
74.8
74.2
Floor-to-Speaker Height in Feet
20’
107.2
104.2
101.2
22’
106.2
103.2
100.2
24’
105.3
102.3
99.3
26’
104.5
101.5
98.5
28’
103.7
100.7
97.7
30’
103.0
100.0
97.0
Table 4. Model Q-8
Power per Speaker in Watts
30 15 7.5
3.8
12’ 106.3
103.3
100.3
97.3
14’ 104.3
101.3
98.3
95.3
16’ 102.7
99.7
18’ 101.4
98.4
96.7
95.4
93.7
92.4
20’ 100.2
97.2
22’ 99.2
96.2
24’ 98.3
95.3
26’
28’
97.5
96.7
30’ 96.0
32’ 95.4
34’ 94.8
94.5
93.7
93.0
92.4
91.8
36’ 94.2
91.2
94.2
93.2
92.3
91.5
90.7
90.0
89.4
88.8
88.2
91.2
90.2
89.3
88.5
87.7
87.0
86.4
85.8
85.3
dB SPL
32’
102.4
99.4
96.4
34’
101.8
98.8
95.8
36’
101.2
98.2
95.2
Contact: MSE Audio, 855.663.5600 / 913.663.5600 / [email protected]
© 2021 MSE Audio. Rev. 02.25.2021
360º of the Best Sound Around™
