How to Build a Multi Room Audio System
Did you know that the streaming website Netflix has over 70 million monthly users? If you’re big into TV shows and movies yourself, odds are you have a Netflix account that you use almost daily, too.
While watching your favorite shows and movies at home is a great way to spend time, it’s even better with a multi room audio system. Most people focus a lot on video, and not on audio, which leads to their experience not being as theater-like as they desired.
The good news? We can help you take your audio system to the next level. You’ll feel like you’re at the movies in your own living room!
In this article, we’ll tell you how to plan for and install an audio setup. We’ll walk you through the entire process step by step, and even cover some common mistakes to avoid.
Decide What Type of Speakers You Want
Before you start drilling holes into your ceiling, you first need to layout your entire audio system plan in advance. And the place you need to start when drawing up that plan? With your speakers, and more specifically, what types of speakers you want to use.
It’s important to remember that each space is different. That means that what you need to get the results you’re looking for will be specific to you and your unique space.
With that in mind, we recommend that you spend a great deal of time deciding what you want to use, and how you want to use it, before making any purchases. Doing research on the different types of speakers, and what they do, is worth the time.
Choose Between a Wired and Wireless Setup
There are pros and cons to both a wired and wireless setup. Knowing those pros and cons will help you decide which choice is right for you and your space.
With a wireless audio system, it’s easier to install everything and requires less work to hide cords and cables. However, battery life for certain speakers can be short and connection issues can occur often, leading to your setup not functioning well.
Unlike a wireless audio system, a wired setup will be consistent and won’t give you any issues in terms of connectivity or battery life. You will need to figure out how to hide a lot of cable and wires, however, which can make this setup not ideal for anyone who is renting or doesn’t have access to the area above their ceiling.
Figure Out How to Hide Your Wires
Even the most modern wireless setup is still going to have a few cables that you need to figure out how to hide. Cable management is the key to an aesthetically-pleasing audio system, which is why we recommend that you focus heavily on it during the planning process.
If you don’t have access to the area above your ceiling, or if don’t want to put holes in your ceiling, pick up a few plastic or vinyl cable covers. They’re affordable, easy to install, and will help you keep your space looking clean and cable-free.
Map Out Your Setup on Paper Beforehand
We’ve talked a lot about the planning process throughout this article. And while having a good idea of what you’re doing in your head is smart, it’s always smart to map everything out on paper, too
Doing this will help make sure you’re laying things out in a way that is both doable and efficient. That way you can make sure your audio sounds good in each room that you install speakers in.
Invest in Quality Gear
We get it. You want to provide audio to a ton of space, and multiple rooms, without having a massive budget. And one way you can cut down on that budget is to purchase less-than-quality gear for your audio system.
While this may seem like a good idea at first, in the long run, you’re going to be left with a setup that doesn’t sound the way that you want it to. So, invest in quality gear, and take your time budgeting, that way you can get the setup that you truly want.
Hire a Contractor if Needed
Another way you can shave a ton of money off of your audio system budget is to try to handle the project by yourself. While a DIY sound system is very much doable, some projects are just too much for you to tackle yourself.
For example, when installing an audio system for churches, you need to cover large areas of space and install speakers using a ladder. This can be hard to do, and dangerous, which is why outsourcing the project is often the smartest path to take.
At worst, having someone to help you with the installation process is recommended. That way you can keep yourself safe, as well as have someone to bounce ideas off during the planning process.
Still Need Help Creating a Multi Room Audio System?
As you can see, a lot goes into creating and installing a multi room audio system. You need to have a solid plan in place, the right type of equipment, and the skills required to get the job done right.
Because of this, it’s often best to let a professional handle this task for you. With that being said, if you’re handy, you can go the DIY route with this project, as long as you keep yourself safe.
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