Guide to Algo IP Speakers

Algo IP speakers provide a comprehensive audio solution for voice paging, emergency alerting, and loud ringing. This guide provides details on function and audio performance for the following Algo speakers:

Horn Speakers

• 8186 IP Horn Speaker

• 8196 IP PoE+ Horn Speaker

Ceiling Speakers

• 8188 IP Ceiling Speaker

• 8189 IP Surface Mount Speaker

• 8198 IP PoE+ Ceiling Speaker

Wall Speakers

• 8180 IP Audio Alerter

• 8190 IP Speaker-Clock

• 8190S IP Speaker-Clock-Visual Alerter

Display Speakers

• 8410 IP Display Speaker

• 8420 IP Dual-Sided Display Speaker

Disclaimer: The information contained is intended to be a guideline. Measurements on speaker performance are based on standard theory and are not always representative of final performance when other unique variables that could impact audio quality are present.

Actual coverage may vary depending on the acoustic characteristics of the physical environment. For more accurate coverage and placement of speakers, please consult a professional acoustician or contact sales@algosolutions.com.

How to Use this Guide

Algo IP speakers provide high-quality audio solutions for paging and notification in various environments. While the speakers individually are high performing , the method of deployment can impact overall audio quality throughout an environment.

This guide should be used as a reference to understand the performance of Algo IP speakers in a controlled setting. All values and measurements of speaker coverage are based on theoretical calculations.

To finalize any speaker deployment, it is highly recommended to perform site acoustics modeling with a tool such as EASE and to have the site visited by a qualified audio technician.

Units of Measurement

dB: A general measure of sound intensity, not frequency-adjusted.

dBA: A-weighted decibels, adjusted for human hearing sensitivity.

dBA SPL: A-weighted sound pressure level, measuring the sound intensity in dBA, adjusted for human hearing, often used in environmental noise measurements.

Considerations for Speaker Coverage

Application

Different applications have different priorities such as volume, distribution, and intelligibility. Speaker placement and coverage may vary based on these needs. For example, voice paging requires high speech intelligibility while alerting requires high audibility.

Indoor vs Outdoor

Indoor and outdoor placement of speakers require different considerations due to variations in mounting surfaces, environmental differences, and extent of coverage. If an area is not highly reverberant, hard floors can help reflect sound back to the listener. Speakers should be placed strategically only where needed.

Room Dimensions

Ceiling, wall, or a combination of ceiling and wall speakers can be used to reach audio requirements. While ceiling speakers are ideal for even coverage, wall speakers can be more cost-efficient. Room dimensions and speaker placement may also impact the effectiveness of ambient noise detection in dynamic settings.

Coverage Overlap

Speaker placement and spacing will impact the consistency and quality of audio coverage. Choosing the best audio coverage pattern (square, hexagonal, edge-to-edge, center-to-center, etc.) can help meet coverage requirements. However, while overlapping coverage can remove dead zones, it can also add reverberation and distortion which can impact audio quality. This is most challenging with high-volume audio from horn speakers, especially when horn speakers are pointed at each other. This placement should be avoided.

Ceiling Speaker Coverage Overlap

Horn Speaker Coverage Overlap

Satellite Speaker Technology

If many speakers are required, Algo IP speakers equipped with Algo-patented satellite speaker technology can be used. Satellite speaker deployments have one IP speaker that can supervise and manage up to three non-IP speakers with the same form-factor and audio capabilities. These deployments reduce network ports, cable drops, and the need for additional licenses which can reduce deployment costs by up to 75%.

Satellite speaker deployments can have 50 ft between each speaker (base and satellites) for a total maximum distance of 150 ft between the first and fourth speaker in a daisy chain.

Ambient Noise

High ambient noise levels, like in factories or crowded spaces, can mask important announcements, making it difficult for people to understand voice paging or emergency alerts. Proper speaker placement and volume level ensure messages are clear and intelligible over background sounds.

Sound Pressure Level Reference Chart

Summary of Algo IP Speakers

Algo Ceiling Speakers

Ceiling speakers discreetly integrate paging and emergency alerting in large areas such as schools, hospitals, and offices. Ceiling speakers help ensure consistent audio coverage for clear, intelligible announcements and alerts. The rule of thumb for ceiling speaker spacing is that speakers should be twice as far apart as the ceiling height. Final speaker spacing will be dependent on audio needs and the variables of an environment.

When selecting ceiling speakers, it is important to consider power, sound attenuation, and ambient noise levels.

Note:

• 8188 and 8189 ceiling speaker measurements are based on flush-mounted speakers. Additional calculations are required to estimate coverage in areas where 8188 and 8189 speakers are installed as pendant speakers from high ceilings.

For more details on ceiling speaker spacing and coverage, please contact support@algosolutions.com.

8188 & 8189 Ceiling Speaker Spacing (ft) Based on Environment

The measurements below are with the assumption that:

• The listening plane is 5 ft above the ground.

• The speaker is in the same room as the listener (there are no walls, racks, or doors to add additional attenuation).

Algo Horn Speakers

Horn speakers are designed to focus and direct sound in a specific direction to cover large areas such as parking lots, factories, or construction sites. The horn shape amplifies sound making these speakers effective in environments with high ambient noise.

When choosing horn speakers for paging and alerting, it's essential to consider factors like durability, directional coverage, and power handling. Horn speakers are weather-resistant if used outdoors. [AP1] [AS2]

Horn speakers should be mounted as high as possible with the long-axis vertical pointed roughly midway down (45 degrees) for even coverage and to avoid ear damage. Positioning and mounting may vary, especially in areas such as warehouses with opaque racks. Common mounting options include standalone mounting, back-to-back mounting, and clover leaf mounting (4 horn speakers around a pole).

Horn speakers in large, densely packed areas must consider attenuation caused by obstructions. For example, horns should be placed in each aisle or every other aisle in a warehouse with tall shelving due to the shadowing effect of audio caused by stored opaque material. Intelligibility will be impacted in this scenario.

8186 Maximum Speaker to Listener Distance (ft)

Note: Wind and air absorption ignored

8186 Audio Level (dBA) vs Distance and Volume Setting

(the measurements below are per speaker, each leveraging PoE power)

8196 PoE+ Audio Level (dBA) vs Distance and Volume Setting

(the measurements below are per speaker)

8196 PoE+ and 1x 1196 Audio Level (dBA) vs Distance and Volume Setting

(the measurements below are per speaker)

8196 PoE+ and 2x 1196 Audio Level (dBA) vs Distance and Volume Setting

(the measurements below are per speaker)

8196 PoE+ and 3x 1196 Audio Level (dBA) vs Distance and Volume Setting

(the measurements below are per speaker)

Algo Wall Mount Speakers

Wall-mount speakers are ideal for spaces where ceiling installation is impractical or where more focused sound distribution is needed. Algo wall-mount speakers have additional features such as clocks and strobe lights to aid with spatial awareness and visual communication.

8180 Maximum Speaker to Listener Distance (ft)

Note: Wind and air absorption ignored

8190 IP Speaker-Clock Audio Level (dBA) vs Distance and Volume Setting

(the measurements below are per speaker, each leveraging PoE+ power)

8190S IP Speaker-Clock & Visual Alerter Audio Level (dBA) vs Distance and Volume Setting

(the measurements below are per speaker, each leveraging PoE+ power)

Algo Display Speakers

Algo display speakers are ideal in environments where both auditory and visual signals are required. Addressing both audio and visual needs ensures essential messages are accessible by everyone in places such as hospitals, airports, and schools. The display screen can be customized to show important messages, alerts, or emergency information, making these devices more flexible and accessible. The combination of audio and visual cues helps improve response times and ensures that critical information reaches a wider audience.

Speaker Layout Examples

School

• 8410 IP Display Speaker in each classroom

• 8198 IP PoE+ Ceiling Speaker used in hallways

• 1198 Satellite Ceiling Speaker placed strategically to meet sound requirements while saving on costs

• ADMP (cloud product) for remote supervision and management

In buildings with closed offices, like schools, it’s essential that each room has its own speaker. Hallway speakers are not adequate to rely on in a room when a door is closed due to additional audio attenuation.

Small Industrial Area

• 8410 IP Display Speaker in breakroom for general announcements

• 8420 IP Dual-Sided Display Speaker in the hallway for situational awareness

• 8196 IP PoE+ Horn Speaker in manufacturing area at full volume

• 2x 8196 and 2x 1196 Speaker around pole in open area for maximal coverage

• 8180 IP Audio Alerter in prime and bond room

• 8300 IP Controller in server room or ADMP if a cloud product is desired

Large open areas, such as in a small industrial building, can mount horn speakers in a “clover” pattern around a central pole at a high point for adequate coverage.

Hospital

• 8410 IP Display Speaker nurses station

• 8420 IP Dual-Sided Display Speaker hallways

• 8198 IP PoE+ Ceiling Speaker in hallways and large rooms

• 1198 Satellite Ceiling Speaker in hallways and large rooms

• ADMP (cloud product) for remote supervision and management