Top 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Outdoor Audio in Memphis TN

Incorporating an outdoor audio system into your outdoor living space is one of the best ways to enhance the overall experience of spending time outside. But ensuring an optimal experience boils down to proper outdoor audio installation in Memphis. 

Unfortunately, there are mistakes with outdoor sound systems that can negatively impact your results.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most common outdoor audio mistakes and how to avoid them. 

Common outdoor audio mistakes:
#1: Skipping the planning stage
#2: Choosing indoor-grade equipment
#3: Neglecting system tuning and calibration
#4: Overlooking professional outdoor audio installation
Choosing the best outdoor audio services in Memphis, TN

Common Outdoor Audio Mistake #1: Skipping the planning stage

One of the common outdoor audio mistakes that we see both when homeowners tackle DIY jobs and when they choose a company not well-equipped for this work is skipping the planning stage. Knowing exactly where to place speakers in order to maximize the experience and the sound quality will be critical to your success. 

But the right layout takes forethought and planning. It shouldn’t just be done haphazardly without thorough assessment.

Generally, outdoor audio is installed in “zones.” But determining which zones are best involves understanding how the space is used. If this planning step is skipped, it can negatively impact the end result.

The wiring of the system also takes planning with strategic decisions about where to run hardwiring on your property. In many ways this is quite similar to hardwiring for lighting installation, which is why a lighting expert is so well-suited to outdoor audio installation in Memphis. 

Planning ahead is also the best way to avoid unnecessary surprises and ultimately prevent mistakes during the installation process. It’s also the best way to ensure a design that is customized for your specific space. 

No two outdoor spaces are alike and your outdoor audio layout should be designed specifically for your Memphis property.

Common Outdoor Audio Mistake #2: Choosing indoor-grade equipment

Another mistake with outdoor sound systems is choosing equipment that is not designed for outdoor use.

Audio equipment that is made for the indoors is not the same as outdoor audio equipment. Indoor equipment is not well-suited to the conditions that it will be exposed to outdoors including rain, pollen, debris, changing temperatures, humidity, bugs, and more. This can lead to equipment damage or total failure.

In addition, indoor audio equipment is built for the acoustics of an enclosed space and is not going to work as well in a wide-open outdoor area. Outdoor audio systems require speakers with much greater power. 

Outdoor speakers are specifically designed to be able to work outdoors without having to turn the volume up to “blasting” levels. It’s also designed to be able to overcome outdoor noise interference like wind, neighbors, traffic, and more.

Subpar equipment is also not the optimal solution. While many homeowners turn to portable bluetooth speakers for an outdoor solution, this simply isn’t going to be able to provide the high-quality surround sound that gives a truly immersive experience. 

With a professional landscape audio installation, you can have multiple speakers and zones built into your outdoor living area for a fully immersive experience. That means you don’t need to blast the audio for everyone to hear it and it’s all controlled easily from your phone.

Common Outdoor Audio Mistake #3: Neglecting system tuning and calibration

Proper tuning and calibration are also essential to the overall outdoor audio experience. Without proper system tuning you can have diminished sound quality in your outdoor audio system. But when the system is properly tuned and calibrated you can expect these benefits:

• Evenly distributed sound
• Highest quality sound experience and clarity
• No “dead zones”
• An overall better listening experience

At the end of the day, the biggest benefit of investing in a high-quality, professional outdoor sound system is that immersive experience. You want to make sure that’s fully maximized with proper tuning and calibration. 

Common Outdoor Audio Mistake #4: Overlooking professional outdoor audio installation

Attempting DIY outdoor audio installation is another common outdoor audio mistake. This is going to lead to a low-quality experience with subpar equipment and even possible installation mistakes. 

The best outdoor audio systems are hardwired, which can be complicated and even lead to safety issues if installed improperly. 

As experts at landscape lighting installation, we are optimally suited to install professional outdoor speaker systems. There is a tremendous amount of crossover when it comes to wiring landscape lights or an outdoor audio system. The hardwiring is essentially the same but instead of installing light fixtures, in this case, we’re installing speakers. 

If you truly want the best outdoor experience, it makes sense to work with an outdoor audio professional. We have access to the highest-quality sound systems and can ensure they are installed properly.

When installing outdoor audio systems, it shouldn’t be a matter of guesswork. There should already be a plan in place so that everything comes together exactly as it was meant to. While this might sound obvious, unfortunately, even some pros don’t take the design and installation process seriously. That’s why you want to do your research on who is performing the work. Professional outdoor audio installation Memphis will help set you up for success.

If you want to get the best results, there’s no room for error.

Choosing the best outdoor audio services in Memphis, TN

At the end of the day, you want to feel that you’ve maximized your investment in outdoor audio for your Memphis home. The key is to avoid errors by working with an audio expert. 

After all, the last thing that you want is to be unhappy with your end result. At that point, going back and making changes isn’t so easy. You want everything to come together the way you imagined, the first time.

When you work with a professional who prioritizes the design and planning stage, you can avoid a lot of mistakes with outdoor audio systems. It’s important to find a pro who has done plenty of these types of projects and has extensive experience.

If you choose Mid South Outdoor Lighting & Audio for your project, we are ready to help you maximize the enjoyment and use of your outdoor areas with an audio design that is customized for you. We’re experts in the field, which is why we’re able to avoid outdoor audio mistakes.

Whether you are entertaining friends or family, or just enjoying some relaxation time of your own, listening to music or to the game can enhance your time outside. You deserve to get the most out of that experience.

Ready for immersive outdoor sound? Request a consultation today.