The sound system is the whole chain of devices that amplify, route and process the sound signal. From the tiny microphones and speakers used for podcasting to the multi-kilowatt systems that play music at stadium concerts, there are many different components. However, the core elements remain the same. Sound sources (like human voices), transducers (such as microphones) to convert acoustical waves into electrical signals, amplifiers to increase the power of the signal, and loudspeakers to turn the amplifier’s signal back into acoustic waves. Signal processors – like tonal adjusters for bass and treble – can also be found in some sound systems.
Whether you are looking for a system to play music in your living room, office or a larger space, the right audio system will provide the best listening experience possible. If you are primarily interested in TV and movie soundtracks, consider a home theater system with surround speakers. If you’re more into music, look for a pair of stereo speakers that are optimized for playing CDs or streaming music.
A sound system can include many different devices to create and manipulate audio, including microphones, mixers, equalizers, effects and amplifiers. It can be used for recording and playback, or both, and it may use a variety of formats such as stereophonic, quadraphonic, and immersive surround-sound.
A good sound system should have a flat frequency response, meaning that the same amount of energy is emitted at low frequencies as at high ones. This is important for the reproduction of music that has been well mastered and balanced, as it means the sound will be the same on any speaker. Unfortunately, most speakers have a non-flat frequency response, with some having peaks and dips that can cause distortion at certain frequencies.
In addition to the basic sound equipment, a system may be enhanced with features like reverb and delay to create additional effects and depth. These can make an event feel more live and help it stand out from a regular music listening experience.
During the mass migration of Jamaicans to the UK in the 1950s and 1960s, Sound System culture emerged. The mainstream British pubs and clubs did not play the popular music of Jamaica, so the migrants created their own spaces to enjoy themselves. The first sound systems were built in wardrobe-sized cabinets by specialists such as Hedley Jones. The popularity of these systems grew, and the concept of a Sound Clash was born: competing Sound Systems would compete to see which one could get the crowd going by alternating between their chosen musical mix. This informal rivalry has remained an important part of reggae culture to this day.