Good speakers are the primary key for getting the best possible audio experience from a sound system. You may use the best record player available on the market, you may pair it up with the highest rated AV receiver, but if you are not using the right speakers, you will not get the expected sound quality or experience. Selecting the right speaker can provide you top-notch crystal clear concert hall sound rather than muddy, cramped audio.
A Speaker provides the interface between an audio system's electronics and the physical world in which sound is actually played. Not all speakers are optimum in every situation. Though we have abundant choices of speakers, they can be basically categorised into three. They are 1) Point Source 2) Vertical Line Arrays and 3) Column Loudspeakers. Each style has its own unique features. The usage of each speaker depends on the music and speech requirements, the type of room where it is to be used and its architectural styles.
This speaker buying guide breaks down the basics to help you to make an informed decision while buying a Column Speaker.
Column speakers work with multiple drivers arranged vertically but inside a single long cabinet. They provide a high degree of pattern control. They are extremely advantageous with high quality and clear sound at places like cathedrals having cavernous designs and many reverberant surfaces. A column speaker can be an ideal choice of use for industrial and commercial applications in the outdoor area of a train station, shopping mall, parking area, factories etc.
Column speakers are mainly used for public addresses. You get several varieties of waterproof column speakers to use outdoors. They are very effective in announcements and delivering or broadcasting messages. These speakers are also used in indoor BGM broadcasting and sound paging. Column speakers can create a natural atmosphere and image with its quality sound delivery. Some column speakers are portable and used in small stage shows.
Column speakers are broadly classified into two: Passive and empowered. Each type has its own merits and demerits.
The column speakers from different brands may have slight differences in their building components. Basically, a column speaker consists of the following basic elements.
Irrespective of the make and brand a good speaker is the one that can reproduce and amplify the sound exactly as it was recorded or produced initially. But, sound quality is subjective. A speaker that sounds perfect to one set of ears might not feel the same for another set of ears. Even then, while buying a column speaker you may consider the following points to make your choice and decision a smart one.
While selecting your column speaker you should know whether it is portable or not.The portability of a Column speaker becomes a concern if it is to be transported from venue to venue. Small and lightweight Column speakers are easy to pack up and set up. They are also easy to carry around on the move.
Magical Tip: The NVS-10810030BS from Norden Communication is a waterproof Column speaker with a 70v / 100v built-in transformer. It is perfect for your outdoor gatherings where background music and paging is needed.
When you select your column speaker, know the size of the device beforehand. Column speakers in general have a sleek design. It makes them look less intrusive. Make sure whether your speaker can blend well with the surroundings. A good column speaker design can be a perfect choice for wedding functions where the organizer doesn’t want a speaker to spoil the ambience the wedding venue decoration designers have set.
Magical Tip: Column speakers of medium sizes can be hidden well behind a curtain or a banner. NVS-10040020BS is an outdoor column speaker from Norden Communication which can reduce line losses on longer distances and allows easy parallel connection of multiple loudspeakers. This model could meet different applications varying from room size and ambient noise surroundings. It also provides a mounting hook with which you can easily mount and secure the speaker on a wall.
The column speakers are designed to function effectively in larger areas without a drop in the sound quality. Even then while choosing your speaker try to understand the maximum area coverage it can give you with even sound.
The speakers you select should not be too loud up the front but still loud and clear up the back to hear comfortably. Check whether the vertical coverage is narrow compared to the horizontal coverage. If the speaker can provide you maximum horizontal coverage,that single speaker can do your work rather than relying upon multiple speakers.
Magical Tip: Column speakers with maximum horizontal coverage are perfect for soloists, duos or bands. They can simply throw these column speakers behind and they no longer need monitor speakers on stage! The performers will be able to hear more accurately than the audience. This also reduces their gear load in setting up!
The Column speakers come with their own set of advantages. They deliver you a bit more clearer sound with good quality. So these are perfect for vocal or public address systems where clear vocals are essential.
Having said this, don't misunderstand that the column array is optimum for every application. They are not that not loud compared to typical point source speakers or full scale line arrays. But, if you are in a lookout for a portable Public Address system that gives you a clear sound, great coverage with easy setup procedures, a Column speaker is the best buy for you, no doubt!!
Consider checking out the column speakers from Norden Communication who is the manufacturer and supplier of the ELV and Optical solutions of all kinds that can cater to a wide spectrum of domains such as telecommunications, buildings, utilities, industries, surveillance systems and public address systems. The Norden products have been designed and developed with the aim of delivering the best, efficient, secure, robust and scalable solutions to all environments that are driven by technology.
If you are interested in any of our wide range of products, please don’t hesitate to call us at +44 (0) 1255 474063 or drop a mail to [email protected]. We are more than happy to help you with the best estimate possible.
