Article posted on August 18, 2025
When planning a major commercial sound system installation, it’s tempting to get carried away with the appeal of a specific brand of speakers, the size of the subwoofers, or how many microphones you’ll need. Most audio specialists will try to upsell you on these things, but don’t be fooled.
Performance audio systems, especially in large venues like churches, auditoriums, and convention centres, require a different approach to ensure you get the right results.
To get sound right the first time and avoid costly reworks, true experts focus on these three crucial factors:
This means carefully considering the cabling, power distribution, and signal routing that form the backbone of your system. A rushed or poorly planned installation can lead to constant technical headaches, from annoying buzzes and hums to complete system failures.
An expert will ensure your infrastructure is scalable for future technology. This means using proper cabling, planning for future expansion of microphones or video sources, and installing the necessary network connections for digital audio. Thinking ahead will save you from costly, disruptive renovations down the line.
Loud does not necessarily mean better. Clarity is more important. A performance system should deliver even, intelligible sound evenly across the entire venue. If the back row can’t hear a speaker clearly while the front rows are being blasted by harsh highs, your system isn’t doing its job properly.
It’s essential to match the type of system to the primary use of the space. Spoken word systems might differ from live music systems. Therefore, you need to choose equipment with the right frequency response and dispersion capabilities. In this respect, quality amplification and tuning are just as important as the hardware.
You don’t want to be saddled with a top-tier sound system that’s difficult to operate. It will quickly become a daily frustration. The controls should be intuitive, and the system should integrate smoothly with your lighting and video systems. Any automated features need to already be in place once the installation is done so you can just use it without needing a degree in sound engineering.
This is especially true in commercial or institutional settings where your day-to-day staff may not have formal AV training. Fearing’s takes this into account when designing systems for our clients, ensuring high performance doesn’t come at the cost of usability.
To ensure you choose the right design for your space and sound goals, contact Fearing’s for expert sound system installation.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
