A surround system for a school cafe. Please help!

[petch]

Hello,
I have been charged to find a surround sound for a large school cafeteria. The principle mentioned he would like 10 speakers that are mountable with a receiver that has an IPOD/MP3 player input capabilities. I have been a lurker on here for awhile and enjoy reading but have no idea where to go with this sort of request. I understand the next question is usually what is the budget and since I was not given one I would like to propose a couple of different systems.
My impression is of a rectangle with five speakers along the walls. Obviously, sound quality is not to much of a concern. Something to play over the kids while they are eating.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.
Please help if only with links or ideas where I could look.
Thank you.

 

[petch]

anyone anyone?
I mean it is for the children. Don't you want to help the children?

 

[gmichael]

Sorry. I just don't know how to help other than to bump your thread to the top again.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

well, lets start by giving us measurements of "large school cafeteria"

 

[petch]

Thank you for responding.
Although I have called to get the measurements my contact is not answering.

The high school (where this needs to go) is around 500 high school students.
It doesn't have to be loud and my problem really surrounds its self in finding a receiver that would support that many speakers.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm not an expert on this but this maybe something you are looking for:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/159622-REG/Kramer_VM_1610.html#specifications
or this:
http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=DA-26

 

[just-some-guy]

pro audio speakers and amps. and a receiver with preouts. and a LOT of wire.
if you don't need to blast them out, it shouldn't cost all that much.

 

[markw]

You're gonna need a bigger boat.

You're not gonna be able to do it with a receiver. In fact, I'm pretty sure you're gonna need pro gear for a project of this magnitude. You might even be better off going with a basic (mono) sound reinforcement system and checking with some local sound pros.

What's your budget?

 

[Rickster71]

Unless this is a temporary or portable set-up, I'd suggest consulting a professional.
Aside from the technical issues, there are many Code requirements both Fire and Electrical, since a school cafeteria is considered to be a place of assembly.

 

[TLS Guy]

Unless this is a temporary or portable set-up, I'd suggest consulting a professional.
Aside from the technical issues, there are many Code requirements both Fire and Electrical, since a school cafeteria is considered to be a place of assembly.

Rick is right on with this.

A system like you describe requires a professional 70 volt speaker system. Ceiling speakers will be easiest, as if this is a fairly new building there will be a drop ceiling, with a lot of mechanical space above the ceiling.

Mono is best for this type of application. 70 volt systems allow for easy and proper balancing of the sound to each speaker.

The legal issues are such that his demands professional installation, to all prevailing state and local electrical codes.

None of us should be encouraging you to take on this project as it is clear you do not have the knowledge and expertize required to do this correctly and safely.

 

[lsiberian]

I echo the need for a pro to handle this.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

On top of the size of the room issue, is this system only for background music while the kids are eating? I’ve been in school cafeterias during lunch time, and the din from everyone talking and carrying on is tremendous. I can’t imagine trying to play any kind of music on top of all that.

On top of the previously mentioned fire and electrical codes, there is the safety issue of running all the required wiring. It can’t just be strung across the floor where kids can be tripping on it or playing with it (you didn’t mention the age group involved). On top of that, if the speakers are of the size that’s probably needed for a large room, and are going to be hung on the wall, you have to know how that is done properly to insure they aren’t to fall down.

Bottom line – unless you know how to do all this stuff yourself, you’d best hire a professional sound company.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[pzaur]

5 adults with megaphones and whistles.

-pat