When I set out writing the article it was originally about 70-volt audio distribution systems.
However, it occurred to me that prior to educating readers about 70-volt systems, it was more important to examine the market conditions we’re currently face today.
Quite often, sound reinforcement companies are asked to perform audio installations.
While sound contracting and live sound may be the focus of a few businesses tackling both markets is not the norm for most sound reinforcement companies. However, one-stop audio is on the rise.
The Devil is in the Details
Someday, you may not have a choice. The client may dictate the services provided or you stand a chance on loosing them.
For live sound firms, the audio portion of a job is rarely a problem. Rather, understanding and managing the bid process is a significant challenge.
Do clients consider if all audio systems are designed a like? Not likely.
An audio paging system compared to a concert PA is about as different as a utility truck compared to a luxury car.
While dealing with both types of systems for more than sixteen years, I have found the installers and operators to be equally as different, as well as the bidding process for both industries.
During the ’70s and ’80s, sound contractors and live sound companies rarely crossed-over into system designs. Companies usually stuck to what they knew best.
Back then there was an abundance of work, not to mention a lack of competition. Ah, the good old days!
Today it seems everyone in the same city or region is competing for the same gig or install. The result is that contractors and sound companies cross over into each other’s field of expertise.
Choice? or No-Choice?
If you are in audio, you need to be educated in all allied disciplines, or your competition may snag your client. Consider this recent business challenge faced by Loud Sound Audio in Sacramento, CA.
One of Loud Sound’s concert clients had requested several installations aside from the normal concerts. These installs included a 100-speaker paging system, an all-weather audio system and a state-of-the-art home theater system. Now, all of this work is great, but are these installs within Loud Sound’s area of expertise?
Quite frankly, in these types of situations, sound companies often have no choice. They have to do the work or face the possibility of losing the client to a competitor that will offer one-stop audio. Does this sound like a situation that you may have faced? I’m sure it does or it may soon.
Don’t Misunderstand Me – Its Your Market , Don’t Screw It Up
Just because you work in live sound reinforcement doesn’t mean that you are unqualified for sound contracting. You should tackle these jobs.
However, when it comes to contracting, don’t ignore the details of the other side of the business. Knowing how to bid is delicate business. It is in your best interest to not de-value a job.