Weatherproof Sound: What You Need to Know Before Installing Outdoor Audio

When it comes to enjoying your outdoor audio system to the fullest, you don’t want weather to get in the way. Using weather resistant speakers for the outdoors can help ensure that your experience isn’t negatively impacted by a sound system that can’t withstand tough weather.

After all, the last thing that you want to do is spend money on equipment that may fail prematurely. When homeowners choose cheap outdoor speakers (or speakers that were never meant for long-term outdoor use), they end up sorely disappointed.

In this outdoor sound system guide, we’ll cover outdoor speaker installation tips that will help set you up for success.

Jump to:

• Understanding How “Weatherproof” Outdoor Audio Affects the Experience

• What to Know Before Installing Outdoor Audio

• Considering Speaker Placement When Installing Speakers in a Backyard

• Weatherproof Outdoor Audio FAQs

• Choosing the Best Outdoor Audio Services in Memphis and Oxford, TN

Understanding How “Weatherproof” Outdoor Audio Affects the Experience

If you’re thinking about installing speakers in a backyard, then understanding weatherproofing is important.

At Mid South Outdoor Lighting & Audio, we use high-quality, professional-grade outdoor speakers in our outdoor audio designs. These are weather resistant speakers for the outdoors and can stand up to some pretty tough conditions (rain, UV, temperature fluctuations, etc.).

Calling speakers “weatherproof” can be a bit of a slippery slope. That terminology implies that these speakers can stand up to anything. Even with our use of purpose-built, outdoor speakers, which are intended for outdoor use, things can still happen. Extreme weather or weather accidents can cause unexpected problems.

But if this does happen, an outdoor audio expert can help. This is a huge benefit to working with a professional service as opposed to trying to install everything yourself.

What to Know Before Installing Outdoor Audio

One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing outdoor audio is treating it like indoor audio. But these are completely different endeavors. Sound simply doesn’t behave the same way indoors as it does outside.

Plus, a permanent outdoor audio system has to be able to withstand some challenging conditions including:

• Rain and overall moisture (including humidity)
• UV exposure
• Temperature fluctuations (both high and low)
• Corrosion
• Dust and debris

Keep in mind that different seasons are going to pose different challenges. It’s important that your outdoor audio design takes 365 days into account (not just the season that it’s being installed in).

It’s also important to understand that outdoor speakers aren’t just “louder,” as a lot of people think. They’re actually designed to withstand outdoor challenges while still delivering high-quality sound.

Considering Speaker Placement When Installing Speakers in a Backyard

The placement of speakers is going to have a tremendous impact on all of this. Speaker location can mitigate exposure to the elements. For instance, you can avoid direct exposure to full day sun, intense rain, water runoff (from roofs and gutters) simply with thoughtful location.

Some potential locations that could extend equipment life include:

• Beneath covered structures

• Under eaves

• Behind architectural features 

Some additional considerations to keep in mind when choosing placement include:

• Avoiding direct afternoon sun
• Out of the way of direct roof runoff
• Angling speakers slightly downward
• Keeping connections out of the path of water

Of course, knowing exactly where to place speakers is going to depend on the specific property as every Memphis home will be unique. Whether it’s under eaves, beneath a wall (that will shield the sun), or in other specific locations, choosing the right spot will make a huge difference in your results. But it must be customized for your space.

If you have a covered porch or patio, it might seem like the obvious speaker location (particularly when it comes to protecting speakers from the elements). But it’s imperative to consider how this placement will impact sound. When a speaker is installed too deep inside an enclosed structure or even by a wall, it can obstruct or reflect sound in an unwanted way.

This is why it’s so important to work with an outdoor audio professional who is truly thinking through every single detail of outdoor speaker placement. Ultimately, you want a balanced sound (without disturbing the neighbors) that you can enjoy throughout your property.

Weatherproof Outdoor Audio FAQs

Are outdoor speakers waterproof?

We feel like weather resistant is a better term, even for high-quality, built-for-the-outdoors speakers. Even in outdoor-rated speakers, things can go wrong. But the placement and installation will go a long way in keeping speakers functioning properly for the long haul.

Does direct sunlight damage outdoor speakers?

Yes, direct sunlight exposure can degrade components over time. Thoughtful speaker placement can help prevent this from happening.

Where can outdoor speakers be installed to protect them from weather?

Under eaves, covered patios, and shade walls are all examples of locations that can protect outdoor speakers. But the exact optimal location should be customized to the specific property.

Can I use indoor speakers outdoors?

Generally you should not use indoor-rated speakers outside. Even if using them in a covered location, indoor speakers are not designed for the elements like moisture in the air and temperature swings.

Choosing the best outdoor audio services in Memphis and Oxford, TN

We understand that if you’re investing in outdoor audio for your home, you want to get the most that you can out of it. That means a system that is going to be able to best withstand whatever the weather and the outdoor elements bring.

The best way to achieve this is to invest in professional outdoor audio services. With a pro handling the design and installation, you’ll feel confident about all of the decisions that are made. It’s not just about high-quality equipment but also about how it’s installed.

When all is said and done, 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.

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.