Placing just two ceiling speakers in the ceiling may not always be the answer to every multi-room audio location. It’s worth discussing the use of the room with the client and what their expectations are so that you can deliver the right sound.
SPEAKER LAYOUT FOR RADIO NEWS/PODCASTS/TALKSHOW LISTENING
By using a single stereo speaker, dialogue is delivered clearly from a single position in the room. This helps to avoid delay and phase issues that mar the intelligibility of the signal when you play two identical sources or more, such as speakers that are a few meters apart. For this type of listening we don't need a wide soundstage, a stereo effect. Just clean dialogue.
SPEAKER LAYOUT FOR BACKGROUND MUSIC
By using four speakers spaced across the ceiling, the music can be heard easily in all areas of the kitchen without having to turn up the volume high. Stereo effect is retained using a L/R/L/R arrangement. This is of course the most conventional layout suitable for most customers.
SPEAKER LAYOUT FOR PARTYING!
By placing the speakers high up in the corners, we get them away from where people are standing/sitting at the party. Then the volume can be louder than if the speakers were above your head and not interfere with conversation. Using the full length of the room, we get a wider and more ‘club’ like sound because of the added bass from the corner positions and room reflections adding ambience.
