Modular Future

The future is modular. However, the modules take many forms. Selecting the technology that uses the form of module suited to the future needs of a specific sound system can make the difference between being the person the owner wants to see (because you offer cost-effective upgrade solutions) and the person that can't get past the security guard (because you included expensive gotchas that the owner won't forget). Modularity is has always been key to flexible and upgradeable sound systems. For sound reinforcement systems with a future, you must choose the right combination of modules.

The life of a sound system can be turbulent. It is difficult for the people involved in building a new facility to envision all of the future requirements. Usually, by the time all of the initial system documentation is complete, the owner has already begun plans for expanding the system. This may be the result of perceived inadequacies in the system, that are often caused by initial budgets inadequate for the real requirements. The way the system is finally used often varies from how it was originally conceived by the owner. Once a new system is in use, a whole range of additional features and configurations become apparent. This process may take months or years but, eventually, the system will require expansion. Expansion can be as simple as the addition of a popular signal processor, or as complex as new signal paths, with the associated routing and processing. Only the smallest sound systems integrate the audio signal chain into a single box. Professional sound reinforcement systems vary widely in their configuration and do not lend themselves to a one-box solution. In addition to adapting to specific requirements, sound systems have been constructed of modules to allow both service and replacement to be straightforward.

Now that a digital audio path is an option, new aspects of this modularity are possible. In analogue systems, each audio function was associated with a rack-mounted box or modular strip within the mixer. Upgrading these components usually required complete replacement, but you could reuse the rack space! With the more sophisticated DSP-based processing, the change can be made in the configuration software. This requires a specialist to make the changes, and may also require additional DSP power. However, both of these are minor costs that build upon, rather than replace, existing hardware.

This leverages the power of the software-based signal path; if you have left room for it. The infrastructure of the sound system must be designed to allow for a fluid change in the system. Installed systems require the conduit and cable systems that will support these changes. A little change in the DSP software can provide whole new signal paths, but electrical connections are also required. Adding cable to a half-full conduit is rarely pleasant and can cause failures in both new and existing cables. The next stage of the digitized sound system offers modularity within the bandwidth of the cable connection system. A digital signal path through the system can be designed to leave bandwidth for future changes. Using 48 of the 64 channels in a fiber-optic snake or using 24 of the 32 channels in a CAT5 cable will make the process of adding new signals very easy. This is equivalent to the common practice of pulling a 19-pair cable into a conduit, when the initial requirement was for 16 audio signals. The digital option includes new forms of break-out-box and mixing signal types within a single cable. Both of these options build on the modular future of these systems.

There is always the problem of needing to provide new locations for signals to originate or terminate. A microphone line from the lobby, or a new loudspeaker in the upper hallway can be simple to add, except for the problem of getting the cable there. Fortunately, there is modularity in this aspect of the system, too. If data cables exist between the two areas, it may be possible to convert the signal at each end and piggy-back on an existing cable. There is also the possibility of using spread-spectrum RF links that provide a robust method of wireless connection.

Few new buildings can include conduit between any and all possible locations. Few sound system budgets can allow for equipment that isn't needed right away. Few contractors want to install more wire than they can charge for, even if it will make life easier in the future. After all, you make it easier for your competitor, if they get the upgrade job. In all cases, the future requirements are difficult to comprehensively guess. The best you can hope for is that you use: modules that are easy to build upon; infrastructure that offers flexibility; and system owners with needs that grow in step with their expansion budgets.

United Entertainment Media Inc.
460 Park Avenue South, 9th Floor
New York, NY, 10016
Ph. 212-378-0400
FAX 212-378-2160

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