The Three Rules of AV Design

It has been said that the three rules of real estate are location, location, and location. I propose to you that the three rules of AV and Lighting design are application, application, and application. I remember attending Syn-Aud-Con training and hearing Pat Brown state repeatedly that most answers regarding sound system design begin with “It depends”. Several recent conversations have reminded me of these two axioms (which are really saying the same thing).

There was one conversation about digital audio consoles that went something like; “Well brand XYZ will allow me to plug in any digital processing and effects.” To which I simply wanted to know, “Really? And which exact plug-ins do you find you cannot live without – perhaps something you used producing your worship leader’s most recent platinum selling album?” OK, I did not really say that, but it is what I thought. I also wondered if even the most well informed listener would ever notice a difference on the 12 year mono PA.

Seems to me that in most fixed venue situations there are a LOT of AFFORDABLE digital console options these days that meet all the user’s criteria exceptionally well – including high quality processing.

Application, application, application.

Another example I hear often is along the lines of “I don’t like that speaker, it sounds ______.” (Insert favorite adjective: harsh, muddy, pink, Czechoslovakian…) The real question should always be if the speaker selected is the correct product to do the job for the application. Included in this discussion are, of course, speaker placement, processing, and amplification choices.

Application, application, application.

Don’t get me started on line array speakers. Use ‘em, love ‘em…sometimes.

Application, application, application.

I am not talking about simple personal opinion. Sure, we can all have our favorites as to what “sounds good”. That will always be subjective and personal. Really though, will 99.5% of your weekly listeners “hear” the difference in the kick drum based on your choice of Beta52/D6/D112/Beta91..? When I select equipment for a client I am considering two things primarily. What will (#1) work best to meet the need presented, and (#2) at a price point that most closely matches the budget. Budgets are a reality. I have never had any “serious” client tell me they want the best without regard for the cost. Ever. Yes, budget is a big part of “application”.

The same rules apply to lighting, video, projection, and every other facet of our industry. Do you NEED wireless intercom? What is your APPLICATION?

Next time, I think I will play Devil’s advocate and flip this issue. Let’s talk about why you should always buy THE BEST gear (that you can afford).

Until then, when considering your next tech upgrade, first look seriously at application, application and application.