TOA bs-1030 Mode D'Emploi
TOA Electronics Speaker Guide
Layout and Spacing for Distributed Speaker Systems
26
Layout Patterns
Square and hexagonal patterns are the layouts most commonly used in ceiling speaker systems.
The choice of pattern depends on the best fit between speakers and room dimensions. The
square pattern may also be rotated 45° or as needed to fit the shape of the room.
The choice of pattern depends on the best fit between speakers and room dimensions. The
square pattern may also be rotated 45° or as needed to fit the shape of the room.
Speaker Spacing
Three standard speaker spacing methods are commonly employed in distributed systems. The
spacing distance is based on the radius of the coverage area, and how much adjacent speakers
should overlap. The amount of overlap determines the consistency of sound coverage: more
overlap means more consistent loudness and sound quality. Standard spacing distances for all
of TOA’s ceiling speaker models are listed in Chapter 8: Speaker Application Tables.
spacing distance is based on the radius of the coverage area, and how much adjacent speakers
should overlap. The amount of overlap determines the consistency of sound coverage: more
overlap means more consistent loudness and sound quality. Standard spacing distances for all
of TOA’s ceiling speaker models are listed in Chapter 8: Speaker Application Tables.
No Overlap (spacing distance = 2r, where r is the radius of the speaker’s coverage area): The
coverage area of each speaker meets but does not overlap the coverage of adjacent speakers
(Figure 6-2). This spacing will leave some gaps in coverage. It is used for low-cost background
music and paging systems.
coverage area of each speaker meets but does not overlap the coverage of adjacent speakers
(Figure 6-2). This spacing will leave some gaps in coverage. It is used for low-cost background
music and paging systems.
Figure 6-2 Speaker coverage with no overlap: hexagonal (left), square (right)
Minimum Overlap (spacing distance =
for square pattern,
for hex pattern): The
coverage of each speaker overlaps adjacent speakers just enough to avoid any gaps in coverage,
but no more (Figure 6-3). Minimum overlap performs much better than no overlap. The spacing
depends on whether the speakers are in a square or hexagonal pattern.
but no more (Figure 6-3). Minimum overlap performs much better than no overlap. The spacing
depends on whether the speakers are in a square or hexagonal pattern.
Figure 6-3 Speaker coverage with minimum overlap: hexagonal (left), square (right)
r 2
r 3