When good weather hits, what’s better than a sweet outdoor sound system? Wouldn’t it be nice to crank some tunes while having guests over for a BBQ or watch party? With a robust outdoor sound system, you can host movie nights, pool parties, and more without having to settle for a single Bluetooth speaker.
Having an indoor sound system is necessary to get the full impact of shows and movies, but you can elevate your home’s backyard by installing an immersive outdoor audio system. In today’s guide, we’ll explain the considerations that should go into setting up an outdoor audio system.
Understanding Your Space
Before jumping into an installation, think about what your outdoor space looks like. If you’re working with a small patio, you’ll want to treat the project differently than if you had an expansive yard. Take note of trees, walls, or any other objects that could obstruct the sound distribution. Especially considering your proximity to your neighbors, no one wants to deal with noise complaints!
Be sure to take note of your electrical situation as well. Having enough outlets to power your speakers is necessary to keep your setup clean. You’ll also need a receiver to connect your music sources. If you already have a home theatre with Zone 2 or Zone B speaker outputs, they can be used to power your outdoor speakers as well! Make sure to follow installation instructions carefully on your system components.
Speaker selection
When customizing your outdoor setup, it’s important to determine the wattage and type of speakers being used. These days, there is a wide range of outdoor speakers to choose from, and it’s important to select them based on what you’ll need. Most small backyards can get away with 50W active speakers, but larger backyards can benefit from 80 watts or more per speaker.
Do you have a covered porch? Try in-ceiling speakers that can be mounted directly into a wall or ceiling. Want to be inconspicuous with your speaker placements? Rock speakers and similar products can keep your speakers from becoming an eye sore. Subwoofers can also be added, similarly to home theatres, to enhance the low end of the audio being played.
Remember that in order to power your speakers, you need to choose the right amplification system. Certain speakers, such as the Redback 30W Wall Speakers, are active and have amplifiers built in, meaning you don’t have to worry about external power. Passive speakers require outside power, and products such as the Sonos Amp might be useful in effectively sending out power.
Wired versus Wireless
Similar to home theatre discussions, it is often debated whether Wired or Wireless outdoor speaker systems are superior. Both have pros and cons, and you will ultimately have to decide early on in the process. Wired speakers are generally known to have a more stable connection compared to wireless speakers. They also are tested to have a higher sound quality due to being physically connected to the audio source. Wireless speakers, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper, significantly easier to install, and provide convenient flexibility, allowing you to rearrange your setup without having to move any wiring. They can also be limited in terms of battery life, interference, and range. Before selecting a wired versus wireless speaker system, take your budget and desired audio experience into account.
Weather Resistance
If you’re installing a wired speaker setup, make sure that all parts of your installation are built for outdoor use. This includes amps and receivers, connecting wires, and, of course, the speakers. Most outdoor speakers are built to be weatherproof, often built with a poly cone design to deflect damage caused by rain and snow, all while maintaining a hi-fi audio experience. Look for speakers that have a reputation for durability, ensuring that you won’t have to replace them year after year.
Smart Device Integration
In our new era of AI-assisted living, you can use smart devices to control your outdoor speaker setups. Instead of having to constantly stop what you’re doing to change songs or adjust the volume, you can use smart home solutions to control everything with a simple voice command. Systems like Sonos will let you control the volume of your outdoor speakers using an app on your phone. You can even establish audio zones, a digital partition that only changes the volume for a single speaker! This means that you have complete control over your audio system without having to get up from your chair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, outdoor audio systems can be a versatile and customizable way to enhance the ambiance of your backyard or patio. Not only will an outdoor setup impress your guests, but it might also help to increase your property value! Consider the different aspects of installing an outdoor setup, and you’ll be on your way to a great entertainment experience in no time.
