“Demonstrating outdoor audio to your client is essential in closing the sale and, in many case, upselling more products.”
– Jon Bowman, VP of Operations
UNBOXING YOUR NEW DEMO KIT
Live with and get to know your demo system(s) inside and out along with all pros, cons, and limitations. Know all retail pricing and options for expansion, along with less and more expensive systems.
SETTING UP YOUR NEW DEMO KIT
Speaker placement and system configuration are key to a successful demo. The environment plays a large role as speakers will sound different in grass, a landscape or a parking lot. For example, placing a subwoofer on a hardscape will increase bass response much more than placing on grass. Similarly, placing a subwoofer in a corner will dramatically increase bass response.
CSU Live: New Audio Demo Kits
FINE TUNING THE DEMO
Before your customers listen, pay attention to speaker phase, sound cancellation, and the sweet spot of each system. Gain controls should set ahead of time but advanced users can balance the volume of subs to satellites via the gain controls on the amp.
SUBWOOFER CONSIDERATIONS
Subwoofers (especially when above ground) are generally noisy when played by themselves- especially at higher volumes. During demos (as in permanent installations) subs should always be played with the matching full range and satellite speakers. Also be sure to use Isolation Spikes when demoing subs on hardscapes.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU CAN HEAR
MUSIC SELECTION
Match the systems and music to your audience. Always use higher resolution music and note that there can be numerous versions of each song. While there are exceptions, most studio versions sound better than live songs.
Describe the systems before the demo. Tell your audience what they are going to hear, demo the system, and then recap what they heard. After the demo listen to your clients’ comments, tailor a system to their needs and then close the deal!
FRANCO'S TOP 10 SONG PICKS
1. Eagles: Hotel California (Hell Freezes Over)
2. Frank Sinatra: Fly Me to the Moon
3. Deadmau5: Seeya
4. Pentatonix: Hallelujah
5. Marian Hill: Down
6. Justin Timberlake: Say Something
7. Bruno Mars: That’s What I Like
8. Camila Cabello: Havana
9. Phil Collins: Don’t Care Anymore (Remastered)
10: Dave Brubeck: Take 5
ADDTIONAL TIPS
For novice audiences consider starting with a relatively known speaker such as Bose as a reference. Always start with the lowest quality system and go the highest. Start with two channel stereo/2 speakers, then add in rear or side speakers to offer and more enveloping sound.
Pay close attention to volume levels and know the limits of each system, ensuring not to push a system beyond its limits. It is important to know how each system sounds at high and low volumes. Point out that the bigger, more powerful systems can play louder.