Planning

Plan carefully...

The success and performance of a Surroundscape speaker system requires proper planning. Whether installing an outdoor theater or a wide-coverage area, factors including placement, visual characteristics, landscaping, and infrastructure considerations (underground plumbing, wiring, outbuildings, sidewalks, patios, etc.) must be considered before purchasing or installing outdoor speakers.

Wiring

Plan wiring routes carefully, taking into consideration factors such as:

  • Tripping hazards – Avoid areas where foot traffic is possible.

  • Lawn/Landscape care – Make sure that all areas can be accessed for maintenance including lawn mowing paths, pruning, weed control, etc.

  • Pets – Avoid areas where pets can damage wiring or speakers.

  • Aesthetics – Keep wiring out of sight!

  • Utilities – Determine locations of underground utilities including electric, communications, gas, and water lines. Call 811 prior to digging.

Speaker wire type

  • Choose direct burial speaker wire or conduit.

  • Wire size – Determined by distance and amplifier power.

  • 16 – 12 AWG is typical and recommended.

For best performance:

  • Wire runs up to 100 feet: 16 AWG or larger wire is recommended.

  • Wire runs up to 200 feet: 14 AWG or larger wire is recommended.

  • Wire runs up to 300 feet: 12AWG or larger wire is recommended.

The chart below shows the wire length and the amount of signal loss that can be expected on a typical wire run.

Wire Gauge 8Ω Speaker 4Ω Speaker (or two parallel 8Ω speakers)
11% Loss 21% Loss 37% Loss 11% Loss 21% Loss 37% Loss
12 AWG 291 ft 622 ft 1352 ft 143 ft 311 ft 680 ft
14 AWG 189 ft 403 ft 876 ft 92 ft 199 ft 437 ft
16 AWG 117 ft 255 ft 553 ft 61 ft 128 ft 278 ft
18 AWG (not recommended) 87 ft 194 ft 405 ft 41 ft 92 ft 201 ft

 

Speaker placement

Speaker placement is critical to all aspects of outdoor audio design and functionality.

  • Acoustics – Proper speaker placement is absolutely critical for audio performance. Position speakers according to the type of system being installed (2.1 Theater, 5.1, Theater, Wide-Coverage, Multi-Zone, etc.).

  • Physical Impediments/obstructions – Avoid locating speakers directly behind trees, walls, rocks or other elements that block or dampen sound.

  • Exposure – Place speakers to avoid close proximity to sprinklers. Avoid areas with direct heat (grills, heaters).

  • Visual appearance – Locate speakers to blend harmoniously with plants, shrubs, trees, and hardscape elements within the landscape.

Subwoofer placement

Subwoofer placement is critical to all aspects of outdoor audio design and functionality. Each subwoofer provides coverage for between 1,000 and 2,000 sq. ft. for 8” subwoofers, 1,500 and 2,500 sq. ft. for 10” subwoofers, and 2,000 and 3,000 sq. ft. for 12” subwoofers. 8" subwoofers cover a 20-foot radius and should be placed about every 40 feet. 10" subwoofers cover a 25-foot radius and should be placed about every 50 feet. 12” subwoofers cover a 30-foot radius and should be placed about every 60 feet. In surround sound applications, subwoofers should be placed according to guidelines established for the type of system being installed.

Direct burial Subwoofer placement

When installing direct burial subwoofers, these items must be factored in:

  • Rocks

  • Roots

  • Utilities – Determine locations of underground utilities including electric, communications, gas, and water lines. Call 811 prior to digging.

Pro Tip: In areas with dense clay soil, use pea gravel in the bottom of the hole to facilitate drainage

Amplifier considerations

Pro Tip: Click here to access Snap One's Landscape System Design page to help choose the right amplifier.

Pro Tip: For best results, pair Episode Surroundscape speakers with an Episode Hybrid Amplifier using the appropriate DSP presets for your configuration.

  • Determine speaker load on amplifier.

  • Determine amplifier capabilities (8/4 Ohm? 70/100V?).

  • Determine amplifier power capabilities and match with speaker capabilities.

Number of Channels

  • Match the number of channels to the job at hand

  • Impedance values must be determined prior to installation.

Pro Tip: Factors such as impedance matching volume controls, speaker selectors, etc. make it impossible to list all potential variables in determining amplifier system design and compatibility. Consult amplifier’s documentation for more specific information.