Outdoor living landscapes have experienced a dramatic evolution in recent years. As premium high-performance outdoor audio solutions have become increasingly available, gone are the days of limited backyard speakers. Today’s homeowners and systems integrators look to enhance outdoor spaces using advanced audio soundscapes.
Integrators now leverage an expansive range of industry-leading outdoor speakers to craft customized audio experiences where audio flows effortlessly around the perimeter of the space, enhances walkways, and creates the perfect ambiance. Today’s technology is tailored to each unique space, offering unparalleled customization.
Outdoor speakers are no longer bulky and awkward and, instead, blend seamlessly into the landscape. With forward-thinking designs and exceptional performance, the outdoor audio industry has surged in popularity, delivering significant benefits for both integrators and their clients.
Here are a few of today’s trends that are shaping outdoor audio.
More Is More
By distributing sound through multiple strategically placed speakers, systems maintain audio quality and minimize noise intrusion, offering a rich listening experience.
The more speakers, the better, so that each speaker performs less work, enabling the ideal sound experience to suit both the aesthetic and the space. Where two speakers once sufficed, today’s setups often include multiple speakers, strategically directing sound. By distributing sound through multiple strategically placed speakers, systems maintain audio quality and minimize noise intrusion, offering a rich listening experience.
Solutions such as bollard speakers deliver 360-degree sound and enhance the outdoor listening experience. Paired with other speakers, they offer a great blend of focused and ambient sound, producing an audio quality that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.
Accommodating Dynamic Areas
Traditionally, outdoor audio has centered around areas like pools, patios, and decks. While these are still popular spots, today’s homeowners want property-wide coverage, extending to fire pits, tennis courts, gardens, boat docks, and more. This increased demand for audio across expansive outdoor spaces has driven manufacturers to develop cutting-edge solutions.
Related: Bright Ideas for Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces are inherently dynamic — trees grow, landscapes change, and new structures may be added or removed. Flexibility is crucial. Leading manufacturers have designed speakers that are easy to relocate, upgrade, or scale. Systems that combine lighting and sound, or offer customization without complex rewiring, are increasingly favored in outdoor projects and are a necessity to keep up with these ever-changing environments.
Elevated Audio Meets Customization
Expanded speaker designs have in turn expanded placement possibilities beyond wall mounting or staking in the ground. Some speakers can now be suspended like pendants from tree branches or rafters, often incorporating lighting for added style and function.
For a seamless integration, the ability to blend into surroundings is essential. Today’s outdoor speakers are available in myriad finishes that match everything from home exteriors to custom garden designs. Many manufacturers even offer color-matching services, making audio systems unique to each landscape.
Case Study: Adding Outdoor Audio to a Landscape Lighting Project
The evolution of outdoor audio has redefined luxury outdoor soundscapes, blending cutting-edge technology with sophisticated design to create immersive, high-performance experiences tailored to every type of environment.
Matthew Kamp is senior director of product management – entertainment solutions at Snap One.
