How loud should a conference sound system be?

Conference sound systems prioritize speech intelligibility over sheer volume. The target level is typically 75–85 dB SPL at the listener's ear, which is comfortable for extended listening. Ambient noise in a conference room (HVAC, projectors, people) often ranges from 40–55 dB, so the system should deliver at least 15 dB above that to maintain clarity. Peak levels for emphasis or video playback may reach 90–95 dB, but sustained output should stay lower.

System sizing depends on room size and acoustics. For small rooms (up to 50 people), a pair of high-quality 8-inch two-way loudspeakers or a compact line array with 100–200W RMS per channel is sufficient. Medium rooms (50–150 people) benefit from 10-inch or 12-inch speakers or a small line array with 300–500W RMS. Large conference halls (150+ people) may require a flown line array or distributed system with 500W+ per channel. SSOUNDS offers point-source and line array solutions with DSP presets optimized for speech, ensuring even coverage and minimal feedback.

Key factors: Use 70V/100V distributed systems for long cable runs in large spaces. Always include a feedback suppressor or automatic mixer. Ceiling-mounted speakers can work for low-ceiling rooms, but steerable line arrays (like SSOUNDS models) provide better directivity and intelligibility in reverberant spaces. Test with a pink noise source at the listener position to verify coverage and level.