Wall acoustics: types, choice, fastening

The wall mounting method of acoustic components justifies itself in many operational parameters. This is confirmed in the application of this configuration while providing sound equipment for the assembly halls and cinemas. In addition to saving space in the room, wall acoustics makes it possible to perform the main task of reproducing sound waves with the best audibility.

Varieties of systems

Traditional wall-mounted acoustics are unipolar structures of hinged type. These are the speakers that create sound within the boundaries of a narrow corridor. The range of angular wave propagation depends on the size of the sector characterized by the directivity pattern of the speakers. Bipolar wall acoustics provides the widest directionality of the columns - the working angle is about 180 degrees. These are often used in cinemas to ensure maximum immersion of spectators in the sound picture.

For television sets, it is advisable to use flat acoustics systems. Developers often produce such devices in the form of panels, organically supplementing the television segments. Obviously, their sound advantageously replaces the regular speakers that form the basis of TV equipment. Also popular is the spherical wall acoustics for the house in the form of suspended loudspeakers. The original form of such devices, on the one hand, contributes to the effective propagation of sound waves, and on the other hand it can be a full-fledged object of decorative interior design.

Operating parameters of wall acoustics

When choosing a wall-mounted sound system, the same performance parameters should be followed as with other types of acoustics.

Differences for the most part relate to structural designs, but they, as a rule, only strengthen the basic characteristics. So, first of all wall acoustics should meet the power requirements, which in typical systems varies from 10 to 100 W. Next, the range of reproducible frequencies is taken into account. The corridor from 68 to 20 000 Hz is considered optimal. You can also pay attention to the impedance and sensitivity, but here the indicators are mostly of the same type and are 6 ohms and 85 dB, respectively.

Optimum material for the case

Usually the choice is between wooden and plastic cases, each of which has its advantages. More affordable plastic has advantages in the form of a small mass, simplifying installation work. It is advantageous to purchase such models in terms of design. The decoration with aesthetic plastic cases harmonizes with almost any situation, if the colors are chosen correctly. With regard to installation, it is usual to use a speaker mount for the wall in the form of standard brackets. Lightweight construction of plastic is not so demanding on a power carrier base, like wooden analogs, which, however, have many other advantages. In general, the advantages of cases made of natural material consist in the ability to reproduce accurately and without distortion the sound picture. The optimal rigidity of the system minimizes the effect of the sounds, while preserving the naturalness of reproduction.

Amplification of acoustics

First of all, it should be noted that acoustics can do without additional amplification at all. On the other hand, the inclusion in the complex of additional equipment with the effect of amplification will significantly improve the sound characteristics.

Active systems provide for the presence of such additions on each of the bands, with the final separation by the filters at the output. In general, active filters are more effective than passive filters, since they allow you to get a high-quality sound control. In passive systems, wall speakers can also have improved settings for acoustic parameters, but this requires the connection of an external amplifier. In active systems, a separate power supply is provided for each speaker.

Choosing a Home Theater System

The wall principle of fixing the speaker system is optimal for home theater organization.

If there is a possibility, then initially it is necessary to focus on the embedded equipment, which will be integrated into the wall. The only drawback of such systems is the use of metal profiles, which can complicate the installation. But if there is such a possibility of installation physically, then the installation efforts will be completely covered by the achievement of a volume and deep sound. Most wall-mounted acoustics for home theater are represented by massive panels, in which the rear side is fully adapted to the use of switching equipment. Such configurations can also cause a lot of problems, especially if you plan to use individual and non-standard connection schemes. As a simplified version it is possible to offer small hinged columns that are easier to install, but the sound palette in such systems is less pronounced.

Installation of wall acoustics

Typically, kits with acoustics include devices for mounting equipment. In standard versions, these are kits with brackets of suitable dimensions. Manufacturers try to maintain the functionality of the fastening devices as much as possible, allowing them to perform rotations, inclines and other manipulations with the equipment during operation. The same bracket for acoustics is installed through the holes in the wall with the help of screws. To the formation of mounting holes should be handled responsibly, since the reliability of the integrated hardware depends on the strength of the structure as a whole. And here it is possible to recall the differences between wooden and plastic systems, the mass of which determines the requirements for the bearing qualities of fixing devices.

Best models of wall acoustics

Among the universal systems, you can choose the acoustics of Cambridge Audio WS30, the sound capabilities of which correspond to traditional ceiling systems. Users note the confident dynamics of the equipment, and a good deployment of a wide range of frequencies. Remarkable and the system PMC Wafer 2, which used the technology Twin Tweeter. In addition to the decent playback characteristics, the speakers of this complex are easy to install. Using a standard acoustics bracket, the user can hang speakers both horizontally and vertically. From the point of view of accuracy of playing and detail of processing of sounds of one of the best wall systems is set DALI Ikon 5 Mk2. It is suitable for both use as a universal system, and as an addition to the home theater.

Conclusion

When organizing the space for the scoring of the room, it is necessary to take into account not only the characteristics of the sound system. Even before its purchase, it is necessary to calculate the area of the room, which in the future will allow more precise determination of which wall acoustics will best cope with specific tasks. In some situations it is more appropriate to use combined broadband systems, including sets of columns of different types. In other conditions, massive front speakers, supplemented by wall satellites, are more likely.