Setting up audio in high-noise environments: Best practices to follow

In venues such as industrial sites and sports stadiums, audio communication via PA or intercom systems may be compromised due to overwhelming noise. Setting up the system properly to ensure audio quality and clarity is therefore critical. This article looks at some of the best practices to set up audio systems in high-noise venues to achieve maximal results.
 

Maintain a constant signal-to-noise ratio

 
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compares the desired signal level to the level of background noise. According to Sri Sutharsan, VP of Marketing Onshore at Zenitel, to be able to achieve high intelligibility, the audio system should produce at least 10dB (preferably around 15dB) above the noise level. “Therefore, design the PA system, including speakers, that has the capacity to maintain this SNR level through the whole venue. Directional horns or beam-steering speakers, for example, help focus sound where it’s needed and minimize reflection or loss,” he said.
 

Enable automatic volume control

 
Automatic volume control (AVC) is a feature that automatically adjusts the audio volume of a device to maintain a consistent and comfortable listening level, regardless of changes in background noise or signal strength. This ensures consistent audibility without manual intervention and is especially useful in dynamic environments like stadiums or factories with fluctuating noise, Sutharsan said.
 

Incorporate digital signal processing

 
According to Sutharsan, the user should make sure that their PA system has digital signal processing capabilities that can be used for equalization; echo cancellation for both acoustic and mechanical; dynamic range compression to normalize speech loudness; and automatic gain control for microphones. “These features enhance clarity, especially when speakers are close to or far from the mic,” he said.
 

Install directional and noise-cancelling microphones

 
Directional and noise-cancelling microphones are two types of mics used to capture cleaner, more focused sound especially in noisy environments – the former picks up sound from a specific direction and rejects sounds from others, while the latter eliminates or reduces unwanted background noise. Unidirectional and beam-forming mics are both directional microphones. “Use unidirectional or beam-forming microphones that isolate the speaker’s voice. In intercoms, position mics to minimize pickup of surrounding noise,” Sutharsan said.
 

Choose the right transmission method

 
Users are advised to use IP PA technology, which leverages the Ethernet for transmission. IP systems transmit digital audio, which avoids analog signal degradation. The sound arrives at each speaker crisper, clearer and more intelligible even in noisy environments. Meanwhile, the aforementioned features such as AVC and echo cancellation are common in IP PA systems.
 

Use zoned broadcasting

 
Zoned broadcasting is a feature in modern PA systems allowing audio messages to be sent only to specific zones instead of the entire facility. This avoids audio overlap and unnecessary background noise from distant areas. As an example, a factory floor gets a safety alert, but the quiet office area doesn’t. Zoned broadcasting helps ensure clear message delivery in noisy environments by intelligently controlling where, how, and at what volume messages are delivered.
 

Meet legal compliance

 
According to Sutharsan, in many parts of the world there are strict regulations on the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) that PA systems can generate to limit noise pollution. “As a result, these systems must balance the need for intelligibility with legal compliance – adjusting output only as much as necessary, without exceeding regulatory limits,” he said.
 

Choose the right partner

 
Finally, it’s critical to choose a partner that has the right solutions, knowledge and skills to successfully set up audio systems in high-noise environments. “Our PAVA portfolio, Vipedia Range, is designed to deliver exceptional audio performance for all types of announcements and background music. Vipedia features professional quality DSP, full-range frequency processing, and uncompressed native audio giving you high-quality audio consistently, every time, everywhere,” Sutharsan said. “With user-friendly configuration tools and advanced signal processing capabilities, Vipedia range offers audio customization features such as automatic volume control, dynamic range compression, time alignment, and EQ adjustments. These features ensure optimal sound quality tailored for specific environments.”