Going to look at a gym. Just wondering what you guys use for larger areas. I have no idea on the size of it yet but the owner says the current system is "flat" sounding. It sounds like they teach aerobics, step, ? to pretty loud music.
I guess I'll know more info when I look at it, but wanted to see if anyone uses different type of equipment than residential stuff (AVR's, speakers,etc.).

DON'T use resi stuff.

You not only have a large square footage area, you have a massive cubic footage area to fill with sound. You will need sturdy PA style speakers and lots and lots of power.

I use a friend who is more expert than I in assessing SPL requirements in industrial settings to advise me. You may want to network with someone on this first one. Just my thoughts.

Call Capitol sales or Full Compass to help you with a quote if this is beyond you.
They can help.

Every time you put consumer junk in a Gym/Fitness facility, God kills a kitten.

+1 Capitol Sales or Full Compass, there are others that are good resources for these systems too

Agreed with posts 2,3,4 especially the god killing a kitten...you don't want that on your conscious. Residential/consumer grade products are designated as such for a reason. Hell, many don't even perform well in their intended environment let alone in commercial application where they will get beat on, over-used and exposed to who knows what environmental factors. Unless this is one of those small single pad strip mall type gyms...nah I wouldn't even do it then. Partner with a pro...Ernie is in your hood.

We just did a system with Crown amps, JBL JRX12 speakers, and mixer. Its a good inexpensive commercial solution for someone needing LOUD and reliable. Hope that helps. Dont use AVR and home speakers.

They might also want a mic. If your client doesn't ask for one, propose it to him.

The class teacher might want to be able to use one.

[Link: ansraudio.com]

+1

Ditto. It's not commercial so manufacturers can sell more;* it's commerical because it needs to have the living crap kicked out of it by stupid users... and continue to perform.
There's no need for stereo.
It should be 70 volt so you can run to odd quantities of speakers and permanently adjust the relative volume of speakers by the taps you choose
Most 70 volt speakers are either the cheap crap which my clients are finally replacing with the good stuff, or totally bulletproof stuff that can rock a 2000 square foot area at 90 dB (in a day or two we're showing the owner of a restaurant building just what can be done).


And a microphone means someone will drop it, making the power amp output a square wave to the speakers. Homeys don't play that -- they blow, in every sense of the word.


*the glue brand-named "Goop" used to be called shoe goo; its first use was to rebuild running shoe soles. After someone noticed it was a pretty good glue, too, they renamed it Goop. Then, when they got orders from different departments of the same stores, they decided to further rename it "Automotive Goop," "Plumber's Goop," etc. It's all the same product, but they sell more since applying the specialized names!

if there are classes, the instructor may appreciate one of those wearable mics

I certainly appreciate that.

Was there a mic in the picture?

+1 what were we talking about again? My GF just looked over my shoulder and wondered what site I was on! LOL

| I have no idea on the size of it yet but the owner says the current system is "flat" sounding. It sounds like they teach aerobics, step, ? to pretty loud music.

I thought the whole point of a sound system is to get "flat" response. lol

I'm guessing from the response from the owner, they're looking for a lot more bass. But adding a lot more bass to the system could add more problems (depending):
If they have other areas in use in the gym, the strong bass pulsing thru the facility might cause other instructors to get pissed off (have had this happen before at a system I did for the YMCA aerobics room).
Also, if there are other businesses attached to the same building. Same problem of the bass transferring to them.
Bass is not easy to sound isolate. It usually costs a lot of money and contruction is involved to do good bass isolation. That's why it's rarely done.

Also, on the wireless headset. With aerobics, not just any old headset will do. You need one that can stand up to the abuse of the movement. There are headsets that are designed for this (usually have overly designed strain reliefs on the cords).
If they have wireless headsets already and using cheap ones (not designed for the purpose), you'll know it when you're there. You will see tape on all the cords ends. lol

Thanks for keeping us abreast of the situation.

That's a common sight at the gym in my building...too bad I don't have the time...errr motivation, to go down there more than 2 times per week.