How do you use delay speakers in live sound?
Quick answer
Delay speakers are used in live sound to synchronize audio arrival times from secondary speaker positions with the main PA, ensuring consistent coverage and intelligibility for distant or obstructed audience areas.
Delay speakers are positioned further from the stage than the main PA, typically in the middle or rear of the audience area. Their output is electronically delayed so that sound from the delay speakers arrives at the listener's ears at the same time as sound from the main PA, preventing echoes and comb filtering. The delay time is calculated based on the physical distance difference between the main PA and the delay speaker relative to the listener.
Proper alignment requires measuring the distance from the main PA to the delay speaker position, then setting the delay time to approximately 1 ms per foot (or 3 ms per meter) of additional distance. SSOUNDS engineers use advanced DSP and measurement tools like SMAART to fine-tune delay times and EQ for seamless integration. Delay speakers are essential for large venues, outdoor festivals, or any space where the main PA cannot cover the entire audience evenly.
When deploying delay speakers, it's critical to consider their coverage pattern and level relative to the main system. They should be aimed to cover only the area where the main PA is insufficient, and their volume should be set to match the main system's level at the transition zone. SSOUNDS line arrays and point-source systems offer precise pattern control and built-in DSP presets that simplify delay alignment, making them ideal for complex distributed sound systems.
Key things to consider
- Calculate delay time based on distance: ~1 ms per foot (3 ms per meter) from main PA to delay speaker.
- Use measurement software (e.g., SMAART) to verify time alignment and frequency response at overlap zones.
- Position delay speakers to cover only areas where main PA coverage drops, avoiding unnecessary overlap.
- Set delay speaker level to match main PA at the transition point for seamless blend.
- SSOUNDS systems feature DSP presets that simplify delay configuration and ensure consistent performance.
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