How loud should a conference sound system be?
Quick answer
A conference sound system should deliver 75–85 dB SPL at the listening position with at least 15 dB of headroom, ensuring clear speech intelligibility without fatigue.
For conferences, the primary goal is speech intelligibility, not sheer volume. Typical background noise in a conference room is 40–50 dB SPL, so the system should produce 75–85 dB SPL at the farthest listener. This level ensures speech is 15–25 dB above noise, meeting the ANSI/ASA S3.5 speech intelligibility standard. Headroom of 15–20 dB is recommended to handle dynamic peaks without distortion.
SSOUNDS engineers recommend selecting loudspeakers with even coverage and high directivity to avoid feedback and hot spots. For small to mid-size rooms (up to 200 seats), a 2-way point-source system with 90° x 60° dispersion works well. For larger spaces, a compact line array like SSOUNDS’s systems provides consistent SPL front to back. Always pair with a DSP for automatic gain control and feedback suppression.
Practical sizing: For a 50-person room, a single pair of 8-inch 2-way speakers (e.g., SSOUNDS PS-8) with 200W per channel is sufficient. For 200+ seats, consider a line array of 4–6 boxes per side with subwoofers if needed. Measure with an SPL meter at the back row to confirm 75–85 dB with peaks at 95 dB. Avoid over-specifying; excess SPL reduces clarity and increases listener fatigue.
Key things to consider
- Target 75–85 dB SPL at listening position with 15 dB headroom for speech.
- Use speakers with controlled directivity (e.g., 90° x 60°) to minimize reflections.
- For rooms under 200 seats, a point-source system is cost-effective; for larger venues, use a compact line array.
- Always include DSP with AGC and feedback suppression for consistent levels.
- Measure and tune the system with an SPL meter and real-time analyzer.
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