Introduction
We’ve all been there at least once – running frantically down a corridor towards what we think is our gate when that distorted and completely unintelligible voice comes over the loudspeaker to make an announcement that only leaves you wondering if you just missed an important gate change notice. Unintelligible paging is all too common with many Public Address systems. More often than not, system designers are at the mercy of room acoustics. However; varying crowd noise and particularly in the case of transit facilities, the coming and going of machinery creates some serious acoustical obstacles.

With the power and flexibility provided by a SymNet based public address system, acoustical obstacles can be tamed and intelligibility can be a part of every page. SymNet has many specialized processing modules to choose from and you can select only what is necessary for your particular obstacles. Dynamics and filtering on microphone inputs ensure the most timid and boisterous are heard alike. Similarly, dynamics and filtering optimized for Loudspeaker Management ensure that acoustic limitations can be dealt with accordingly. Control Logic and Priority Input Selectors make even the most complex paging tasks a breeze. SymNet’s proven reliability, service and support, ensure that your system will be at the ready for years to come.

Overview
Public Address systems are often used in conjunction with, or to augment, other systems such as Audio Distribution and Room Combining systems. Many theaters, restaurants, hotels, and performing arts centers may require only minor paging capability in addition to their regular audio needs; while systems used in transit facilities may be primarily Public Address systems augmented by some audio distribution. For example, large transit facilities may be made up of multiple Public Address systems, working together or independent of each other.

Public Address systems often center around paging stations or consoles where users push buttons to select which zone, or zones, receive the page. A small paging station may only contain a few zone select buttons while larger stations may provide paging throughout an entire facility.

These zone select buttons trigger the correct audio routing in SymNet that sends audio to the appropriate area. A push-to-talk button turns on the microphone when the page is ready to be delivered. Normally, background audio (such as music) will be playing through the sound system when a page is executed. A process called Ducking reduces the volume of the background music (BGM) source during the page. A Priority assignment ensures the most important page (as set by its priority) will override less important signals (those with a lower priority).

Download the Full Article to continue the tour of SymNet Public Address systems, or browse all of the resources for this application listed on the right.