Placement - Mackie SRM-Flex Owner's Manual

Placement

SRM-Flex is designed to sit on the floor or stage
as the main PA.
NEVER attempt to suspend an SRM-Flex
by its handle.
Check to make sure that the support surface
(e.g. floor, etc.) has the necessary mechanical
characteristics to support the weight of the SRM-Flex.
As with any powered component, protect it from
moisture. Avoid installing the SRM-Flex in places
exposed to harsh weather conditions. If you are
setting it up outdoors, make sure it is under cover
if you expect rain.
Room Acoustics
SRM-Flex is designed to sound fantastic in nearly
every application.
But, room acoustics play a crucial role in the overall
performance of a sound system. However, the wide
high-frequency dispersion of SRM-Flex helps
to minimize the problems that typically arise.
Here are some additional placement tips to help
overcome some typical room problems that might arise:
• Placing SRM-Flex in the corner of a room increases
the low frequency output and can cause the sound
to be muddy and indistinct.
• Placing SRM-Flex against a wall increases the low
frequency output, though not as much as corner
placement. However, this is a good way to reinforce
the low frequencies, if so desired.
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SRM-Flex Portable Column PA System
• Avoid placing SRM-Flex directly on a hollow
stage floor. A hollow stage can resonate at certain
frequencies, causing peaks and dips in the frequency
response of the room. It is better to place them
on a sturdy stand designed to handle the weight.
• Position the SRM-Flex so the high-frequency
drivers are two to four feet above ear level for
the audience (making allowances for an audience
that may be standing/dancing in the aisles).
High frequencies are highly directional and tend
to be absorbed much easier than lower frequencies.
By providing direct line-of-sight from SRM-Flex
to the audience, you increase the overall brightness
and intelligibility of the sound system.
• Highly reverberant rooms, like many gymnasiums
and auditoriums, are a nightmare for sound system
intelligibility. Multiple reflections off the hard walls,
ceiling, and floor play havoc with the sound. Depending
on the situation, you may be able to take some steps
to minimize the reflections, such as putting carpeting
on the floors, closing draperies to cover large glass
windows, or hanging tapestries or other materials
on the walls to absorb some of the sound.
However, in most cases, these remedies are not
possible or practical. So what do you do? Making
the sound system louder generally doesn't work
because the reflections become louder, too.
The best approach is to provide as much direct sound
coverage to the audience as possible. The farther away
you are from the speaker, the more prominent will be
the reflected sound.
Keep in mind that the speaker mode is another great
way to compensate for some of these issues. See page
13 for more information.