How We Design Audio Systems That Work for Any Performance 

Whether you manage a small arthouse theater, concert hall, or multi-use arena, your sound system is everything. If you want to book popular acts and productions (and continue to book them again in the future), your system needs to be tech rider-friendly with the ability to adjust for whatever the mixing engineer needs. 

That’s just pleasing the visiting artist. In the audience, everyone—from the front row to the back—should experience clear, evenly distributed sound. Achieving this requires more than just installing speakers like in a commercial space; it demands thoughtful system design with uniform coverage, flexibility, and ease of use.

Here’s how McCann Systems designs performance venue live sound systems that keep artists and audiences coming back.

SEE ALSO: Engaging Audiences with Digital Art Installations 

Get the Coverage You Need for the Space You Have 

Creating a consistent listening experience across a venue starts with understanding coverage. Audience members in every section—whether the mezzanine, balcony, or floor—should experience the same sound quality. We achieve this through strategic speaker placement and integration, including:

  • Line Array Speakers: Essential for large venues, these suspended, curved speaker systems evenly distribute sound to distant sections like balconies and VIP areas.
  • Smaller Speaker Subsystems: Complementing line arrays, these fill in sound gaps throughout the venue.
  • Cardioid Subwoofers: Steer bass frequencies toward the audience while minimizing reflections off walls and ceilings.
  • Point Source Speakers: Ideal for smaller venues, these trapezoidal speakers can be ceiling-mounted to deliver sound to curved or wide balconies. 

We’ll have an idea of the speakers you’ll need—but how will they actually sound once they’re all turned on? The next step requires carefully calibrating and engineering the system to bring clarity throughout the venue. 

Create a ‘Blank Canvas’ for Any Act 

Thursday night may bring a folk artist, while Friday features a heavy metal band. Their audio needs differ dramatically, but your sound system should serve as a flexible foundation for both.

A ‘flat’ frequency response—where bass, mids, and highs are evenly balanced—acts as a blank canvas for visiting mixing engineers. This neutrality allows artists to sculpt their sound to their preference, rather than struggling with an ill-suited system.

For dedicated-use spaces, like orchestras or theater productions, we fine-tune systems accordingly. If deep bass isn’t necessary, we won’t over-design with subwoofers you don’t need. 

Build a System That’s ‘Rider-Friendly’ 

Touring acts rely on tech riders—detailed specifications outlining their stage and sound requirements. A rider-friendly venue reassures artists and their teams that they can set up and perform without technical roadblocks.

While tech riders vary, most request industry-standard line arrays, predictable deployment strategies, and well-maintained in-house systems. Many also expect a knowledgeable house engineer to assist with integration.

Jim Trudell, McCann Systems’ Senior System Design Engineer, explains: “For new venues, we got riders from all of the acts they had booked in the last couple years intended to book in the next couple years. We went through all of them to figure out what were the most commonly accepted things.”

By considering these factors, we help venues build systems that booking agents and artists trust.

Invest in Acoustics 

Even the highest-end speakers won’t fix a venue plagued by excessive reverb or poor acoustics. Before finalizing speaker selection, we’ll walk through your space to analyze your space’s acoustical characteristics. 

“Sometimes the best money is spent on making sure the venue is acoustically right before you even look at a sound system,” says Trudell. Whether working with a new build or an existing space, we implement acoustic treatments that optimize sound quality and minimize unwanted reflections.

Seamlessly Adapt to Multi-Purpose Needs 

For venues hosting diverse events—from concerts to sporting events—automation is key. Smart control systems allow venue managers to adjust speaker zones and tune them at the push of a button.

For example, selecting “Basketball Mode” might activate court-focused sound while deactivating concert-specific subwoofers. In contrast, “Concert Mode” delivers full-range, immersive sound distribution. Additional zoning can prioritize audio in concession areas or restrooms as needed.

With the right planning and control systems, we create adaptable venues that transition effortlessly between events.

Bring Performance-Ready Sound to Your Space 

Ready to optimize your performance venue? McCann Systems designs and installs sound systems in St. Louis and across the U.S. 

Contact McCann Systems to discuss how we can design a sound system that elevates your space and attracts top talent.