Landscape Audio FAQ

What is a landscape audio system?

A landscape audio system is designed to provide evenly distributed music throughout outdoor spaces such as patios, gardens, pools, decks, and backyards. Multiple strategically placed outdoor speakers create consistent coverage without requiring one or two speakers to play excessively loud.

How is landscape audio different from regular outdoor speakers?

Traditional outdoor systems often rely on a pair of speakers mounted to the house. Landscape audio places multiple speakers closer to the listening areas, creating more even coverage, better sound, and fewer excessively loud areas.

Where can landscape speakers be installed?

Landscape speakers can be positioned around patios, pools, gardens, walkways, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and other entertaining areas. Depending on the system and landscape, speakers may also be discreetly incorporated into plantings, landscaping, or masonry.

Will landscape speakers be visible in my yard?

They don’t have to dominate the landscape. Outdoor speakers are available in discreet designs that can blend into gardens and landscaping or integrate with masonry and other architectural features. Harmony’s current outdoor-audio approach specifically emphasizes minimizing visual impact while maintaining sound quality.

Are landscape speakers weather-resistant?

Yes. Purpose-built outdoor speakers are designed for exposure to outdoor conditions. The appropriate product and installation method should be selected based on where the speakers will be installed and the environmental conditions they’ll encounter.

How many outdoor speakers do I need?

There isn’t one number that works for every property. The right speaker count depends on the size and shape of the outdoor areas, listening locations, landscaping, desired volume, speaker type, and coverage goals. Multiple properly positioned speakers generally provide more even coverage.

Can landscape audio cover a large backyard?

Yes. Landscape audio can be designed for larger outdoor spaces by dividing the property into appropriate listening areas and positioning speakers where people actually gather. The objective is consistent sound coverage rather than simply increasing the volume.

Will an outdoor audio system bother my neighbors?

A properly designed landscape audio system can actually help reduce unwanted sound beyond the listening area. By placing multiple speakers closer to listeners and directing them toward the entertaining areas, the system doesn’t need to be played as loudly.

Do I need a subwoofer for outdoor audio?

Not necessarily, but a subwoofer can make a substantial difference. Bass behaves differently outdoors because there are fewer walls and surfaces to reinforce low frequencies. A properly designed outdoor subwoofer can add the fullness and impact that smaller landscape speakers alone may not provide.

Can an outdoor subwoofer be hidden?

Yes. Underground outdoor subwoofers can be buried in the landscape with only a discreet portion visible above ground. This allows the system to provide deeper bass without placing a large speaker cabinet on the patio or in the yard.

Can outdoor audio connect to my whole-home audio system?

Yes. Landscape audio can often become another zone within a compatible whole-home audio system, allowing you to play music indoors and outside independently or create a more seamless listening experience between spaces.

Can I play different music outside than inside?

Yes. With a properly designed multi-zone system, indoor and outdoor areas can often operate independently. You could listen to one source indoors while someone outside enjoys something different, or group compatible zones when you want the same music everywhere.

Can I control my outdoor audio from my phone?

Yes. Depending on the system selected, outdoor audio can be controlled using a phone or tablet, making it easy to select music and adjust volume without going inside. Harmony’s outdoor systems can integrate with music-streaming platforms and other compatible audio systems.

Do I need outdoor Wi-Fi for landscape audio?

It depends on the system and how you want to control it. Reliable outdoor Wi-Fi can be valuable for phones, tablets, streaming, and network-connected entertainment technology. Outdoor coverage should be considered when planning the overall system.

Can landscape audio be installed around a pool?

Yes. Landscape speakers can be strategically placed around pools and surrounding entertaining areas to provide more consistent audio coverage. Equipment selection, placement, wiring, and installation should be planned specifically for the outdoor environment.

Can speakers be installed around an outdoor kitchen or fire pit?

Absolutely. Outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, patios, and other gathering spaces are ideal locations for targeted landscape audio. Rather than trying to cover the entire property at high volume, speakers can be positioned around the areas where people spend their time.

Can landscape speakers include outdoor lighting?

Some outdoor speaker designs can combine sound with low-voltage landscape lighting. Harmony AVL+media currently offers bollard-style speakers with integrated low-voltage lighting, allowing audio and outdoor illumination to work together within the landscape.

Can landscape audio be installed in an existing yard?

Yes. Outdoor audio can be added to existing properties as well as incorporated into new landscape projects. The installation approach depends on the yard, hardscaping, existing infrastructure, speaker locations, wiring paths, and areas you want to cover.

When should I plan landscape audio for a new outdoor living space?

As early as possible. If you’re building a pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, deck, or major landscaping project, early planning makes it easier to coordinate speaker locations, underground wiring, subwoofers, networking, power, and other outdoor technology.

How much does a landscape audio system cost?

The cost depends on the size of the outdoor area, number and type of speakers, amplification, subwoofers, wiring, controls, and installation requirements. A landscape audio system should be designed around the property, listening areas, performance expectations, and budget.

Who installs landscape audio systems in Asheville, NC?

Harmony AVL+media designs and installs outdoor and landscape audio systems in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Solutions can include discreet landscape speakers, outdoor subwoofers, multiple audio zones, streaming, controls, and integration with whole-home audio.