Distributed Sound System: Advantages, Intercom Types and Parametric EQ Explained

Advantages of a Distributed Sound System with D-Amplification and Distributed Control

A distributed system with d-amplification and distributed control offers several key advantages:

• Independent connection: one or more points can be connected without stopping the system, and this does not affect the installation.
• Low power losses: these systems present low power losses along the distribution lines.
• Practically no calculations required: installation calculations are practically non-existent.
• Reduced heat dissipation: heat dissipation is lower in each unit.
• Highly sensitive control at each point: volume regulation at each point is completely independent. Each point can regulate its audio signal before power amplification.
• Unlimited expansion: the installation can be extended indefinitely.
• Fault tolerance: if a fault occurs at one point, it does not stop or affect the rest of the installation.

The system is designed as a single integrated sound reinforcement system.

Three Types of Intercom Communication

There are three different types of intercom communication. In general, each involves a sound source plus an intercom type. When the first zone sends a message, all the others will receive it, and the zones can call each other from anywhere.

1. Radial Intercom

There is one central control point from which all areas can be called, either collectively or individually, as one general area. Each area or control point can communicate only with the central point, not with any other area.

2. Area-to-Area Intercom

This type of intercom requires a sound source plus an intercom unit, and each control area has its own intercom station. In this way, each zone can communicate with another without limitations, or send general messages or calls to all zones.

3. Matrix Intercom

Used in more complex installations where any zone may need to reach any other zone directly, with flexible routing between all points.

Is a Parametric Graphic Equalizer Possible?

A graphic equalizer gives the user the ability to visualize how the correction is applied across the frequency spectrum. Simply by placing a slider in position, the user can observe the effect of each action on the different frequency bands shown on the control panel.

A parametric EQ panel does not require many filters like graphic equalizers do. Instead, each band has three adjustable variables: gain, center frequency, and Q (bandwidth). These allow the user to select the exact center frequency they want to correct, and to act on the bandwidth around it, increasing or decreasing the gain of that specific band.