Sound System

Chapter 17
Sound System
Chapter 17 [SOUND DISTRIBUTION]
17.1. Objective
We aim to distribute speakers around a Five Star Hotel. Install Audio
conference system, Meeting rooms Audio systems. Also, we aim to install
complete sound system for the whole Hotel.
17.2. Speakers distribution

The simplest sound system consists of an input as MIC, an amplifier and an
output as Speaker. From this information, we can install the whole sound
system in the Hotel.
17.2.1. Ground floor

Type of No. of Watt per each Total Watt
speaker speakers speaker
Reception Ceiling 8 20 160

area + Rest 5.25"
area
Restaurant + Ceiling 8 20 160
Toilets 5.25"
Coffee bar Small on stands 2 50 100
17.2.2. Service floor

Type of No. of speakers Watt per each Total Watt
speaker speaker
Male prayer Small speaker 2 20 40

room Mounted on
wall
female prayer Small speaker 2 20 40
room Mounted on
wall
Passage Ceiling 4 20 80
(emergency) 5.25"
5 Stars Hotel Page 340

17.2.3. Mezzanine floor

Type of No. of Watt per each Total Watt
speaker speakers speaker
Whole floor Ceiling 7 20 140

5.25"
17.2.4. Recreational floor 1

Type of speaker No. of speakers Speaker(Watt) Total
Watt
GYM. Ceiling 7 20 140
Conference Audio 4 50 200
room (1) Interpretation
Conference Audio 4 50 200
room (2) Interpretation
ADM + Ceiling 6 20 120
Passage 5.25"
Rest area + Ceiling 8 20 160
Toilets 5.25"
Swimming Small 2 50 100
Pool (on stand)
17.2.5. Recreational floor 2

Type of No. of Speaker(Watt) Total Watt
speaker speakers
Meeting Ceiling 4 20 80*(5)
rooms(5) 5.25"
Coffee Break Ceiling 3 40 120
5.25"
Passages Ceiling 6 20 120
5.25"

17.2.6. Suites and bedrooms floors

Type of No. of Speaker(Watt) Total Watt
speaker speakers
Passage Ceiling 8 20 160
5.25"
Rooms Ceiling 24 20 480
5.25"
17.3. Inputs
The inputs of any sound system can be specified as follow:
· MICs.
· CDs.
· AM/FM.
· Computer Signal.
· Public Address Signal (PA).
17.3.1. MICs
A microphone, sometimes colloquially called a MIC or mike is an
acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an
electrical signal. Microphones are used in many applications such as
telephones, tape recorders, hearing aids, motion picture production,
live and recorded audio engineering, in radio and television
broadcasting and in computers for recording voice, VoIP, and for non-
acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic checking.
The most common design today uses a thin membrane which vibrates
in response to sound pressure. This movement is subsequently
translated into an electrical signal. Most microphones in use today for
audio use electromagnetic induction (dynamic microphone),
capacitance change (condenser microphone, pictured right),
piezoelectric generation, or light modulation to produce the signal
from mechanical vibration.

17.3.1.1. Types of MICs
MICs are specified according to application and type as

follow:
1) Specification due to type:
Ø Condenser, capacitor or electrostatic microphone,

Ø Moving Coil Microphone,
Ø Dynamic Microphone,
Ø Ribbon microphones,
Ø Carbon microphones,
Ø Piezoelectric microphone,
Ø Liquid microphone,
Ø Laser microphone,
Ø Fiber Optical microphone
Ø MEMS (Micro Electrical-Mechanical System.
2) Specification due to Application:
Ø A lavalier microphone is made for hands-free operation. These small

microphones are worn on the body and held in place either with a
lanyard worn around the neck or a clip fastened to clothing. The cord
may be hidden by clothes and either run to an RF transmitter in a
pocket or clipped to a belt (for mobile use), or run directly to the
mixer (for stationary applications).
Ø A wireless microphone is one in which the artist is not limited by a
cable. It usually sends its signal using a small FM radio transmitter to
a nearby receiver connected to the sound system, but it can also use
infrared light if the transmitter and receiver are within sight of each
other.
Ø A contact microphone is designed to pick up vibrations directly from
a solid surface or object, as opposed to sound vibrations carried
through air. One use for this is to detect sounds of a very low level,
such as those from small objects or insects. A Throat microphone is a
variant of the contact microphone, used to pick up speech directly
from the throat, around which it is strapped. This allows the device to
be used in areas with ambient sounds that would otherwise make
the speaker inaudible.

Ø A Parabolic microphone uses a parabolic reflector to collect and

focus sound waves onto a microphone receiver, in much the same
way that a parabolic antenna (e.g. satellite dish) does with radio
waves. Typical uses of this microphone, which has unusually focused
front sensitivity and can pick up sounds from many meters away,
include nature recording, outdoor sporting events
Ø A Stereo microphone integrates two microphones in one unit to
produce a stereophonic signal. A stereo microphone is often used for
broadcast applications or field recording
Ø A Noise-Canceling microphone is a highly directional design intended
for noisy environments. One such use is in aircraft cockpits where
they are normally installed as boom microphones on headsets.
Another use is on loud concert stages for vocalists.
17.3.1.1.1. Dynamic microphone:
Dynamic microphones work via electromagnetic induction. They are

robust, relatively inexpensive and resistant to moisture. This, coupled with
their high gain before feedback makes them ideal for on-stage use.
17.3.1.1.2. Moving-coil microphones:
Use the same dynamic principle as in a loudspeaker, only reversed. A

small movable induction coil, positioned in the magnetic field of a
permanent magnet, is attached to the diaphragm. When sound enters
through the windscreen of the microphone, the sound wave moves the
diaphragm. When the diaphragm vibrates, the coil moves in the magnetic
field, producing a varying current in the coil through electromagnetic
induction.
17.3.1.1.3. Carbon microphone:
A carbon microphone, formerly used in telephone handsets, is a capsule

containing carbon granules pressed between two metal plates.
17.3.1.1.4. Piezoelectric microphone
A crystal microphone uses the phenomenon of piezoelectricity — the

ability of some materials to produce a voltage when subjected to
pressure; to convert vibrations into an electrical signal.

Piezoelectric transducers are often used as contact microphones to

amplify sound from acoustic musical instruments, to sense drum hits, for
triggering electronic samples, and to record sound in challenging
environments, such as underwater under high pressure. Saddle-mounted
pickups on acoustic guitars are generally piezoelectric devices that contact
the strings passing over the saddle. This type of microphone is different
from magnetic coil pickups commonly visible on typical electric guitars,
which use magnetic induction, rather than mechanical coupling, to pick up
vibration.
17.3.1.1.5. Fiber optical microphone:
The fiber optical microphone is an entirely new microphone concept.

Conversion of acoustical waves into electrical signals is achieved not by
sensing changes in capacitance or magnetic fields (as with conventional
microphones), but instead by sensing changes in light intensity. During
operation, light from a laser source travels through an optical fiber to
illuminate the surface of a tiny, sound-sensitive reflective diaphragm.
Sound causes the diaphragm to vibrate, thereby minutely changing the
intensity of the light it reflects. The modulated light is then transmitted
over a second optical fiber to a photo detector, which transforms the
intensity-modulated light into electrical signals for audio transmission or
recording.
Typical fiber optical microphone
The fiber optical microphone has very specific advantages over conventional
microphones. First, no electronic or metal components are used in the
microphone head or the connecting fibers, so the microphone does not react
to or influence any electrical, magnetic, electrostatic or radioactive fields
(this is called EMI/RFI immunity).
The fiber optical microphone is therefore ideal for use in areas where
conventional microphones are ineffective or dangerous, such as inside
industrial turbines or in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment
environments. Another advantage is the physical nature of optical fiber light

propagation. They are robust, resistant to environmental changes in heat

and moisture, and are excellent for noise-canceling applications.
17.3.2. Public Address Signal:
17.3.2.1 A public address or "PA" system is an electronic amplification

system with a mixer, amplifier and loudspeakers, used to reinforce a given
sound, e.g., a person making a speech, prerecorded music, or message, and
distributing the sound throughout a venue.
Simple PA systems are often used in small venues such as school

auditoriums, churches, and small bars. PA systems with a larger number of
speakers are widely used in institutional and commercial buildings, to read
announcements or declare states of emergency. Intercom systems, which are
often used in schools, also have microphones in each room so that the
occupants can reply to the central office.
17.3.2.2 A sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones,

signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers that makes live or pre
recorded sounds louder and may also distribute those sounds to a larger or
more distant audience. In some situations, a sound reinforcement system is
also used to enhance the sound of the sources on the stage, as opposed to
simply amplifying the sources unaltered. A sound reinforcement system may
be very complex, including hundreds of microphones, complex mixing and
signal processing systems, tens of thousands of watts of amplification, and
multiple loudspeaker arrays, all overseen by a team of audio engineers and
technicians. On the other hand, a sound reinforcement system can be as
simple as a small PA system in a coffeehouse, consisting of a single
microphone connected to a self-powered 100-watt loudspeaker system. In
both cases, these systems reinforce sound to make it louder or distribute it to
a wider audience.
There is disagreement over when to call these audio systems Sound

Reinforcement (SR) systems or PA systems. Some audio engineers distinguish
between the two by technology and capabilities, while others distinguish by
intended use, e.g., SR systems are for live music, whereas PA systems are
usually for reproduction of speech and recorded music in buildings and
institutions). This distinction is important in some regions or markets, while
in other regions or markets the terms are interchangeable.

17.3.2.3. Small systems
The simplest PA systems consist of a microphone, a modestly-powered

mixer-amplifier (which incorporates a mixer and an amplifier in a single
cabinet) and one or more loudspeakers. Simple PA systems of this type, often
providing 50 to 200 wa s of power, are o en used in small venues such as
school auditoriums, churches, and small bars.
Public address systems typically consist of input sources, preamplifiers

and/or signal routers, amplifiers, control and monitoring equipment, and
loudspeakers. Input sources refer to the microphones and CD Players that
provide a sound input for the system. These input sources are fed into the
preamplifiers and signal routers that determine the zones to which the audio
signal is fed. The preamplified signals are then passed into the amplifiers.
Depending on a country's regulations these amplifiers will amplify the audio
signals to 50V, 70V or 100V speaker line level. Control equipment monitors
the amplifiers and speaker lines for faults before it reaches the loudspeakers.
17.3.2.4. Large venue systems
For popular music concerts, a more powerful and more complicated PA

system is used to provide live sound reproduction. In a concert setting, there
are typically two complete PA systems: the "main" system and the "monitor"
system. Each system consists of microphones, a mixing board, sound
processing equipment, amplifiers, and speakers.
Ø The "main" system (also known as "Front of House", commonly

abbreviated FOH), which provides the amplified sound for the audience,
will typically use a number of powerful amplifiers driving a range of
large, heavy-duty loudspeakers including low-frequency speaker cabinets
called subwoofers, full-range speaker cabinets, and high-range horns. A
large club may use amplifiers to provide 1000 to 2000 wa s of power to
the "main" speakers; an outdoor concert may use 10,000 or more wa s.
Ø The "monitor" system reproduces the sounds of the performance and
directs them towards the onstage performers (typically using wedge-
shaped monitor speaker cabinets), to help them to hear the instruments
and vocals. In British English, the monitor system is referred to as the
"fold back". The monitor system in a large club may use amplifiers to
provide 500 to 1000 wa s of power to the "monitor" speakers; at an
outdoor concert, there may be several thousand watts of power going to
the monitor system.

At a concert in which live sound reproduction is being used, sound engineers

and technicians control the mixing boards for the "main" and "monitor"
systems, adjusting the tone, levels, and overall volume of the performance.
17.3.2.5. Acoustic feedback
All PA systems have a potential for feedback, which occurs when sound from
the speakers returns to the microphone and is then re-amplified and sent
through the speakers again. This generally manifests itself as a sharp,
sudden high-volume piercing sound which can damage the loudspeakers'
high-frequency horns or tweeters - and audience members' hearing.
Sound engineers take several steps to prevent feedback, including ensuring

that microphones are not pointed towards speakers, keeping the onstage
volume levels down, and lowering frequency levels where the feedback is
occurring, using a graphic equalizer, parametric equalizer a combination of
both devices, or a notch filter
17.4. Outputs
The outputs of any sound system can be specified according to type
and application:
17.4.1. According to type:
· Subwoofer.
· Woofer.
· Mid-range speaker.
· Tweeter.
For any loud speaker, it is required to utilize an amplifier before any speaker
as it is of zero power.
An audio amplifier is an electronic amplifier that amplifies low-power audio

signals (signals composed primarily of frequencies between 20 hertz to
20,000 hertz, the human range of hearing) to a level suitable for driving
loudspeakers and is the final stage in a typical audio playback chain.
A loudspeaker is an electro-acoustical transducer that converts an electrical

signal to sound. The speaker pushes a medium in accord with the pulsations
of an electrical signal, thus causing sound waves to propagate to where they
can then be received by the ear. Loudspeakers (and other electro-acoustic
transducers) are the most variable elements in a modern audio system and
are usually responsible for most audible differences when comparing
systems.

17.4.2. According to application:

Ø Cell mounted,
Ø Mounted on wall,
Ø Mounted on Stand,
Ø Headphones (In Audio Interpretation).
17.5. Special Sound Distribution
17.5.1. Interpretation:
Language interpreting or interpretation is the intellectual activity of
facilitating oral and sign-language communication, either simultaneously or
consecutively, between two or more users of different languages.
Interpretation denotes the actual product of this work, that is, the message
as thus rendered into speech, sign language, writing, non-manual signals, or
other language form. This important distinction is observed to avoid
confusion.
17.5.2. An Interpreter is a person who converts a thought or

expression of a source language into an identical expression in a target
language in "real time". The interpreter's function is to convey every
semantic element (tone and register) and every intention and feeling of the
message that the source-language speaker is directing to the target-
language listeners.
17.5.3. Modes of interpreting

17.5.3.1. Simultaneous interpreting:
In simultaneous interpretation (SI), the interpreter renders the message in

the target-language as quickly as he or she can formulate it from the source
language, while the source-language speaker continuously speaks; sitting in
a sound-proof booth, the SI interpreter speaks into a microphone, while
clearly seeing and hearing the source-language speaker via earphones. The
simultaneous interpretation is rendered to the target-language listeners via
their earphones. Moreover, SI is the common mode used by sign language
interpreters. NOTE: Laymen often incorrectly describe SI and the SI
interpreter as 'simultaneous translation' and as the 'simultaneous
translator', ignoring the definite distinction between interpretation and
translation.

17.5.3.2. Consecutive interpreting
In consecutive interpreting (CI), the interpreter speaks after the source-

language speaker has finished speaking. The speech is divided into
segments, and the interpreter sits or stands beside the source-language
speaker, listening and taking notes as the speaker progresses through the
message. When the speaker pauses or finishes speaking, the interpreter then
renders the entire message in the target language.
Consecutive interpretation is rendered as "short CI" or "long CI". In short CI,

the interpreter relies on memory; each message segment being brief enough
to memorize. In long CI, the interpreter takes notes of the message to aid
rendering long passages. These informal divisions are established with the
client before the interpretation is effected, depending upon the subject, its
complexity, and the purpose of the interpretation.
17.5.3.3. Whispered interpreting
In whispered interpreting (chuchotage, in French), the interpreter sits or

stands next to the small target-language audience whilst whispering a
simultaneous interpretation of the matter to hand; this method requires no
equipment. Chuchotage is used in circumstances where the majority of a
group speaks the source language, and a minority (ideally no more than
three persons) do not speak it.
17.5.3.4. Relay interpreting
Relay interpreting occurs when several languages are the target-language. A

source-language interpreter renders the message to a language common to
every interpreter, who then renders the message to his or her specific target-
language. For example, a Japanese source message first is rendered to
English to a group of interpreters, then it is rendered to Arabic, French, and
Russian, the other target-languages.
17.5.3.5. Liaison interpreting
Liaison interpreting involves relaying what is spoken to one, between two, or

among many people. This can be done after a short speech, or consecutively,
sentence-by-sentence, or as chuchotage (whispering); aside from note taken
then, no equipment is used.

17.5.4. Types of interpreting
17.5.4.1. Conference interpreting
Conference interpreting is the interpretation of a conference, either

simultaneously or consecutively, although the advent of multi-lingual
meetings has consequently reduced the consecutive interpretation in the last
20 years.
17.5.4.2. Legal and court interpreting
Legal, court, or judicial interpreting, occurs in courts of justice,

administrative tribunals, and wherever a legal proceeding is held (i.e. a
conference room for a deposition or the locale for taking a sworn
statement). Legal interpreting can be the consecutive interpretation of
witnesses' testimony for example, or the simultaneous interpretation of
entire proceedings, by electronic means, for one person, or all of the people
attending.
The right to a competent interpreter for anyone who does not understand
the language of the court (especially for the accused in a criminal trial) is
usually considered a fundamental rule of justice. Therefore, this right is often
guaranteed in national constitutions, declarations of rights, fundamental
laws establishing the justice system or by precedents set by the highest
courts.
17.5.4.3. Focus group (marketing) interpreting
In focus group interpreting, an interpreter sits in a sound proof booth or in

an observer's room with the clients. There is usually a one-way mirror
between the interpreter and the focus group participants, wherein the
interpreter can observe the participants, but they only see their own
reflection. The interpreter hears the conversation in the original language
through headphones and simultaneously interprets into the target language
for the clients. Since there are usually anywhere between 2 to 12 (or more)
participants in any given focus group, experienced interpreters will not only
interpret the phrases and meanings but will also mimic intonation, speech
patterns, tone, laughs, and emotions.

17.5.4.4. Public sector interpreting
Also known as community interpreting, is the type of interpreting occurring

in fields such as legal, health, and local government, social, housing,
environmental health, education, and welfare services. In community
interpreting, factors exist which determine and affect language and
communication production, such as speech's emotional content, hostile or
polarized social surroundings, its created stress, the power relationships
among participants, and the interpreter's degree of responsibility — in many
cases more than extreme; in some cases, even the life of the other person
depends upon the interpreter's work.
17.5.4.5. Medical interpreting
Medical interpreting is a subset of public service interpreting, consisting of

communication, among medical personnel and the patient and his or her
family, facilitated by an interpreter, usually formally certified and qualified
to provide such interpretation services. In some situations medical
employees who are multilingual may participate part-time as members of
internal language banks. The medical interpreter must have a strong
knowledge of medicine, common medical procedures, the patient interview,
the medical examination processes, and the daily workings of the hospital or
clinic where he or she works, in order to effectively serve both the patient
and the medical personnel. Moreover, and very important, medical
interpreters often are cultural liaisons for people (regardless of language)
who are unfamiliar with or uncomfortable in hospital, clinical, or medical
settings.
17.5.4.6. Video interpreting
With video interpreting, interpreters work remotely with a video camera and
audio feed, so that the interpreter can hear and see the other parties, and
vice versa.
17.5.4.7. Escort interpreting
In escort interpreting, an interpreter accompanies a person or a delegation

on a tour, on a visit, or to a meeting or interview. An interpreter in this role
is called an escort interpreter or an escorting interpreter. This is liaison
interpreting.

17.5.5. Tango 20
Tango 20 is the first professional mul channel receiver exclusively
developed for simultaneous interpretation purposes in the international

market and multichannel assistive listening applications in the USA.
Its multiple features were designed to save time in this highly demanding
business.
In any conference or event with hundreds of receivers, there is no time to

deal with interferences that may require several hours to reprogram each of
the devices.
There is nothing like the simplicity of Tango 20!
By pressing a single button you can switch frequencies that are strategically
allocated. This increases your ability to overcome most of the difficulties that
you may encounter in any event, in almost no time.
17.5.6. The SDC 8200 CU
The SDC 8200 CU central unit is the heart of Sennheiser's SDC 8000 digital
conference and interpretation system.
The SDC 8000 CU powers up to 90 conference terminals in six cable lines.
SDC 8000 CU can handle up to 28 channels. Licenses for the floor language
and two translations are included in the delivery, further licenses for an
expansion to 4, 8 or 28 channels are available separately.
The central unit features two analog audio inputs, e.g. for wireless
microphones, and an analog audio output for recording units or an
additional public address system.
Up to 12 central units can be daisy-chained to create systems with up to
1,024 conference terminals.

Audio interpretation system
17.6. Construction of the Sound System of the Hotel

17.6.1. The choice of speakers:
Ø Ceiling Mounted in case of:
· Passages.
· Male and female Toilets.
· GYM room.
· Administration room.
· Meeting rooms.
· Conference rooms.
· Business center.
· Bedrooms.
· Suites.
Ø Wall Mounted in case of:
· Male and Female prayer rooms.
Ø On stand or on Wooden ground in case of:
· Coffee bar,
· Bathroom.

17.6.2. Special Techniques

Using Conference and Simultaneous Interpretation in case of:
· Conference rooms.
· Business center.
17.6.3. Wiring
The sound cables in each floor are collected in Riser different from
that of electricity riser in order to avoid the side effects that happen
when both electric and acoustic cable pass side by side. (e.g. Noise).

17.7. Wiring diagram and the speakers' distribution:

Ground floor

Mezzanine floor

Service floor

Recreational 1 floor

Recreational 2 floor

Apartment floors

17.8. Sound cable riser

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Chapter 17

17.2. Speakers distribution

17.2.1. Ground floor

Reception Ceiling 8 20 160

17.2.2. Service floor

Male prayer Small speaker 2 20 40

5 Stars Hotel Page 340

17.2.3. Mezzanine floor

Whole floor Ceiling 7 20 140

17.2.4. Recreational floor 1

17.2.5. Recreational floor 2

5 Stars Hotel Page 341

17.2.6. Suites and bedrooms floors

5 Stars Hotel Page 342

17.3.1.1. Types of MICs

MICs are specified according to application and type as

1) Specification due to type:

Ø Condenser, capacitor or electrostatic microphone,

2) Specification due to Application:

Ø A lavalier microphone is made for hands-free operation. These small

5 Stars Hotel Page 343

Ø A Parabolic microphone uses a parabolic reflector to collect and

17.3.1.1.1. Dynamic microphone:

Dynamic microphones work via electromagnetic induction. They are

17.3.1.1.2. Moving-coil microphones:

Use the same dynamic principle as in a loudspeaker, only reversed. A

17.3.1.1.3. Carbon microphone:

A carbon microphone, formerly used in telephone handsets, is a capsule

17.3.1.1.4. Piezoelectric microphone

A crystal microphone uses the phenomenon of piezoelectricity — the

5 Stars Hotel Page 344

Piezoelectric transducers are often used as contact microphones to

17.3.1.1.5. Fiber optical microphone:

The fiber optical microphone is an entirely new microphone concept.

Typical fiber optical microphone

5 Stars Hotel Page 345

propagation. They are robust, resistant to environmental changes in heat

17.3.2. Public Address Signal:

17.3.2.1 A public address or "PA" system is an electronic amplification

Simple PA systems are often used in small venues such as school

17.3.2.2 A sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones,

There is disagreement over when to call these audio systems Sound

5 Stars Hotel Page 346

17.3.2.3. Small systems

The simplest PA systems consist of a microphone, a modestly-powered

Public address systems typically consist of input sources, preamplifiers

17.3.2.4. Large venue systems

For popular music concerts, a more powerful and more complicated PA

Ø The "main" system (also known as "Front of House", commonly

5 Stars Hotel Page 347

At a concert in which live sound reproduction is being used, sound engineers

17.3.2.5. Acoustic feedback

Sound engineers take several steps to prevent feedback, including ensuring

An audio amplifier is an electronic amplifier that amplifies low-power audio

A loudspeaker is an electro-acoustical transducer that converts an electrical

5 Stars Hotel Page 348

17.4.2. According to application:

17.5. Special Sound Distribution

17.5.2. An Interpreter is a person who converts a thought or

17.5.3. Modes of interpreting

In simultaneous interpretation (SI), the interpreter renders the message in

5 Stars Hotel Page 349

17.5.3.2. Consecutive interpreting