Las Placitas Community Library
Helping a client see past the problem they think they’re having
“Well, what microphone SHOULD we buy?”
Key stats:
Project Size: 6200 SF
Services: Acoustics, AV, Planning
As part of a 2,700 SF addition to an existing 3,500 SF library, the Library had expanded its services to its remote rural community with the only 1000SF technology enabled meeting room / commons space available in the area.
The space quickly became popular, supporting a range of patron and library events including special lectures and presentations.
Users and library staff complained about the microphones but Viewfinder stepped in and found another culprit.
Users Started Complaining
BEFORE: Acoustical “Heat Map” showing the concentration of energy from the speakers focused on where the speaker & microphone are standing, and not adequately supporting speech in the audioence area.
Presenters couldn’t be heard. Elders in the community had difficulty presenting and communicating with their audience. Clearly there was something wrong with the microphones that had been installed as part of the AV system in the room.
An AV contractor sold the Library higher performance microphones, but the problem persisted.
Clearly, buying and installing microphones was harder than expected.
Finding the Hidden Problem
Acoustical analysis of what’s really going on
Viewfinder stepped in to examine the system. Acoustical modeling and analytics verified field observations: The challenge was not the microphones, it was the room.
The speakers were not optimized for speech reinforcement. The acoustical properties of the room, coupled with how sound radiated from the speakers installed, was limiting the system’s ability to amplify audio from a microphone. No microphone, at any price point, would likely improve speech amplification unless the root problems were addressed.
Further analysis examined the best cost/benefit fix: new speakers, distributed across the easily accessible exposed ceiling “clouds” hanging from the vaulted roof, would direct sound over the audience area with more isolation from room acoustics and presenter’s microphones.
AFTER: Acoustical “Heat Map” with speaker audio Sound Pressure Level (SPL) optimized for the audience - where it SHOULD be - without interfering with a presenter’s microphone.
Turning Analysis into Action
Viewfinder presented acoustical analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and recommendations to the Placitas Community Library leadership & stakeholder board – including strategies for making improvements “in-house” without undue influence from local vendors.
A desired solution was approved and set as a budget item for an in-house facility improvement.