If you have a business model in which you use audio equipment on a regular basis, you’ll probably need to frequently store or transport that equipment, whether you’re just staying on site or taking it elsewhere. If you’re going to have gear that will last you for years to come, it is important that. you understand how to care for this equipment and store it away safely and responsibly. After all, you’ve put a significant financial investment into purchasing it, so you should focus on preserving your investment for as long as possible.
Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind regarding audio equipment maintenance and storage in Seattle, WA.
Keep it in a dry place
Obviously, moisture is a mortal enemy of electrical equipment, including sound equipment. You need to make sure any facility in which you store your sound equipment is kept dry, meaning there should be no leaks or standing water and there should be dehumidifiers kept running. Otherwise, that humidity can turn into corrosion, which can degrade the physical quality of the speakers and microphones and wiring and result in it breaking down far sooner than it otherwise would if properly stored.
One thing that will help is making sure you have all of your equipment stored in protective casing, so the equipment itself isn’t exposed to the air. You should also keep those cases off the ground—at the very least, store them on pallets or racks.
Organize storage cases
If you want to make sure you keep your sound system safe and secure, it can be highly beneficial to keep them well organized. There are going to be multiple components that make up your sound system, so proper storage will prevent them from getting mixed up, tangled or broken. You might consider purchasing rack mounts that have cases specifically designed for amps and speakers. Otherwise, you can still purchase simple storage bins and separate everything out that way.
Not only will this keep your equipment safe, but it will also make it so it’s much easier to find the equipment you need when you need it. Also, make sure you label everything so you don’t have to open up your cases to figure out what is stored where.
Maintain proper storage temperature
The moisture and humidity of the storage area isn’t the only environmental factor you should consider. It’s also important to keep the equipment in a storage space that’s at room temperature. You don’t want it too hot or too cold, otherwise it could cause damage to the speaker. Freezing conditions especially might result in the speaker not working correctly when you need it at the event, as it will take some time to warm up.
Preserve your recordings
Finally, if your business involves the use of audio recording equipment, you’ll want to keep your recordings themselves in a controlled setting. Temperature should be stable (between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit), and relative humidity should be between 25 and 45 percent, with minimal fluctuation on a daily basis. Circulation and ventilation should be encouraged in your storage space, and the space should be kept dark when not being accessed. Finally, copy and make backups of your recordings.
If you’re interested in learning more about audio equipment maintenance and storage in Seattle, WA, we encourage you to contact the team at Efficiency, Inc. today.