Commercial audio solutions by application
Background music, announcements, paging and zone control for cafes, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, gyms, offices, schools, hospitals, auditoriums and outdoor spaces. Each example has a layout drawing, the speakers and the amplifier, with every product sold by ESCO in Pakistan.
How a commercial sound system works
Every commercial sound system has the same four parts. Once you know them, every drawing on this page is easy to read.
Where the sound comes from: a phone or streaming player, the TV, a microphone, a call station for announcements.
Decides what plays where and how loud. A small place has one zone. A restaurant with a terrace, or a gym with a studio, needs a zone each, so one can be quiet while another is loud.
Gives the power. Commercial systems use a 100 V line: one thin cable runs from the amplifier past every speaker, and each speaker takes only the watts it is set to. Easy to extend, cheap to wire, safe over long runs.
Ceiling speakers for flat ceilings, wall speakers for open ceilings and music, columns for speech in echoing halls, projectors and horns for kitchens, outdoors and long distances.
Three system sizes, three brands
ESCO is the authorised distributor for Bosch, Dynacord and Electro-Voice in Pakistan. Every system below is built from these three brands, and every product links to its page on esco.pk.
Dynacord U Series
One zone. A mixer amplifier with knobs, nothing to program. Music in, call station in, speakers out.
Bosch PLENA mixer + Dynacord amplifier
Two zones with their own volume, announcements to either or both, a chime before each call.
Dynacord V Series zone platform
Up to 8 zones, each with its own sources, level, tone and priority. Wall panels for staff, call station for announcements, app control.
Which system for your venue
Background music, public address, paging, announcements, voice alarm and evacuation: the same four parts, sized for the venue. Find your place and jump to the closest example. If the venue is not here, ESCO has done it.
| Venue | What it usually needs | Start with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe, coffee shop, bakery, ice cream parlour | Background music, one or two announcements a day | U Series | Cafe, coffee shop or small bar |
| Fast food, food court, canteen | Music, order-ready and staff announcements, kitchen paging | U Series or two-zone | Fast food, bakery or ice cream shop |
| Restaurant, fine dining, rooftop, dhaba with seating | Music per area, private room, terrace, speeches | V Series multi-zone | Restaurant with a terrace |
| Banquet hall, marquee, wedding hall, event venue | Speech from the stage, music, lobby paging | V Series multi-zone, column speakers | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| Hotel lobby, corridors, restaurant, pool, ballroom | Music per zone, paging, time schedules, voice alarm where required | V Series or Dynacord IX; PRAESENSA for voice alarm | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| Shop, boutique, showroom, car dealership | Background music, staff announcements | U Series or two-zone | Showroom or midsized shop |
| Supermarket, departmental store, cash and carry, pharmacy | Clear announcements in every aisle, soft music, checkout paging | Two-zone or V Series | Supermarket or departmental store |
| Shopping mall, plaza, multi-storey market | Public address, music, evacuation announcements | Bosch PAVIRO or PRAESENSA (EN 54 voice alarm) | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Gym, fitness centre, yoga and dance studio, sports club | Loud music per room, trainer microphones, paging | V Series multi-zone | Fitness centre, small |
| Swimming pool, sports ground, cricket academy, stadium | Outdoor announcements, music, referee or commentary mic | U Series with horns and projectors; IX for stadiums | Rooftop, terrace or garden |
| Office, bank branch, call centre, co-working space | Low background music, visitor paging, prayer-time and drill announcements | U Series; V Series per floor | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Boardroom, conference room, meeting room, training room | Video-call audio, presenter microphones | U Series with ceiling speakers; DICENTIS for conference systems | Boardroom or meeting room |
| Auditorium, lecture hall, seminar hall, theatre | Speech clarity, lectures, drama and music, stage microphones | V Series or Dynacord IX with column or EV speakers; ESCO design | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| School, college, university, campus, hostel, library | Morning assembly, bell and announcements to every classroom and corridor, campus-wide paging, evacuation | U Series per block, V Series or PAVIRO campus-wide | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Classroom, computer lab, laboratory | Teacher voice reinforcement, lesson audio | U60:1M or U120:1M with ceiling speakers | Boardroom or meeting room |
| Hospital, clinic, dental surgery, diagnostic lab | Soft music in waiting areas, calm paging for staff and patients, code calls, evacuation | Two-zone or V Series; PRAESENSA for voice alarm | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Factory, warehouse, workshop, cold storage | Shift announcements, paging over machine noise, evacuation | U Series with horns and projectors; PAVIRO for evacuation | Rooftop, terrace or garden |
| Car park, petrol station, bus terminal, toll plaza | Outdoor announcements, safety messages | U Series with horn speakers | Rooftop, terrace or garden |
| Masjid, madrasa, imambargah, church | Clear speech in the hall, azan from the minaret, courtyard and ablution areas | U Series or two-zone with columns and horns; see the masjid guidance on our speaker pages | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| Airport, railway station, metro, port | Certified public address and voice alarm, many zones, many languages | Bosch PRAESENSA | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Wedding marquee, exhibition, temporary event | Portable or hired speech and music system | Electro-Voice portable speakers and R300 wireless mics | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
Cafe, coffee shop or small bar
What the place needs. Warm background music the whole day, a little louder in the evening. One announcement now and then. Open or decorative ceilings, so wall speakers look better than ceiling speakers.
Where the speakers go
- 1Seating 4 x Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2TB or EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (two pairs) on the walls, aimed at the tables. Pick S5.2 for a cafe, S8.2 if the music is the main attraction.
- 2Counter and bar 2 x EVID-S4.2TB so staff hear the same music at a lower level.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U120:1M mixer amplifier (120 W). Two mic or line inputs, two aux inputs for a music player or TV, bass and treble, one knob per input.
- Music source
- Phone or tablet on Bluetooth, a streaming box or the TV, plugged into an aux input.
- Budget option
- Bosch LB2-UC15 / LB2-UC30 wall speakers (15 W or 30 W) in place of the EVID-S. Speech and background music only.
- Step up
- Add a Dynacord V600:2 for a second zone (indoor and outdoor seating), or move to the V Series system shown for restaurants.
Fast food, bakery or ice cream shop
What the place needs. Clean, bright music in the dining area, order-ready and staff announcements, and a kitchen zone that is louder than the dining area. Flat ceilings, so ceiling speakers keep the look tidy.
Where the speakers go
- 1Dining 9 x Electro-Voice EVID-EC4.2 ceiling speakers in a grid, about 12 to 14 ft apart for an 9 to 10 ft ceiling. Use EVID-EC6.2 where the ceiling is higher.
- 2Order counter 1 x EVID-EC4.2 above the counter for order calls.
- 3Kitchen 2 x Bosch LP1-UC20E sound projectors, splash proof and loud enough to beat the extractor fans.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U240:1M mixer amplifier (240 W) with the call station on the priority input, so an announcement lowers the music by itself.
- Announcements
- Dynacord UCS-1 desk call station at the counter, or the Bosch PLE-1CS.
- Budget option
- LC3-UM06E or LC1-UM06E8 Bosch ceiling speakers in place of the EVID-EC.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
- Step up
- Separate volume per zone with the V Series system below.
Restaurant with a terrace
What the place needs. Different music and volume in the main dining room, a private room that can be muted or used for a speech, service areas with announcements, and an outdoor terrace that must survive rain and dust. Staff change the volume from a wall panel, not from the rack.
Where the speakers go
- 1Main dining 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (three pairs) for full, even music. 2 x EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers over the middle tables.
- 2Private room 2 x EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers. Own zone: mute it, or send the speech microphone there only.
- 3Kitchen, washrooms, corridor 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers for music and announcements at a lower level.
- 4Terrace 3 x EVID-S5.2XB weather-resistant wall speakers under the canopy, pointing out over the tables.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8 zone audio platform: all the inputs (music, TV, microphone, call station) go in, each zone gets its own mix, volume, tone and priority.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifier (600 W shared between the channels), one channel per zone.
- Control
- VWP wall panel in the dining room for source and volume; VCS-8 call station at the host desk for announcements to any zone.
- Instead of the old Bosch set
- This replaces the PLENA matrix (PLM-8M8 + PLM-4P220) and LB20 speakers shown in the older Bosch guides. Same layout, same wiring, current products.
- Step up
- For networked audio (Dante), scheduling and remote support, ESCO can offer the Dynacord IX Series amplifiers on request.
Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall
What the place needs. Background music during dinner, clear speech from the stage for speeches and nikah ceremonies, and separate levels in the lobby and service areas. Big halls echo, so speech needs column speakers aimed at the guests, not more ceiling speakers. For live bands and DJs, see the sound reinforcement note below.
Where the speakers go
- 1Banquet hall 9 x Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers for music across the hall, plus 4 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (two pairs) near the walls.
- 2Stage and head table 2 x Bosch LA1-UM40E column speakers either side of the stage for speech. For a very long or echoing hall, LRC-1100 columns from Electro-Voice.
- 3Lobby and reception 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
- 4Kitchen, service, washrooms 3 x Bosch LC1-UM12E8 ceiling speakers for announcements and low music.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8 with up to 8 zones. Stage microphones, music player and the call station as inputs.
- Amplifiers
- 2 x Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifiers (8 channels, 1,200 W in total).
- Microphones
- Electro-Voice R300 wireless handheld for the stage, PolarChoice gooseneck on the head table.
- Live music and DJ
- Column and ceiling speakers are for background music and announcements. A hall that hosts live bands, a DJ or a loud stage needs sound reinforcement speakers: Electro-Voice EVIVA, ZLX, ELX and ETX, with Dynacord power amplifiers. ESCO designs these systems too.
- Step up
- Dynacord IX Series networked amplifiers for halls with several rooms on one network, on request.
Showroom or midsized shop
What the place needs. Even background music over the sales floor, a louder feature wall or display zone, staff announcements from the counter, and a store room that hears the announcements only.
Where the speakers go
- 1Sales floor 9 x Bosch LC1-UM12E8 ceiling speakers in a grid. LC1-UM24E8 for a higher or hard-finished ceiling.
- 2Display and feature wall 2 x Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2TB wall speakers for a richer sound where customers stop.
- 3Store room and office 1 x LC3-UM06E ceiling speaker, announcements only.
The system
- Mixer
- Bosch PLE-10M2 two-zone mixer: music to both zones, announcements to both, and a different volume for each zone.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:2 two-channel amplifier (600 W shared), one channel per zone.
- Announcements
- Bosch PLE-2CS two-zone call station at the counter.
- Instead of the old Bosch set
- This replaces the PLENA Easy Line amplifiers (PLE-1ME, PLE-1MA) and the LB20 speakers in the older Bosch guides.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
Supermarket or departmental store
What the place needs. Announcements that reach every aisle clearly, soft music, a checkout zone at its own level, and a back store, cold room and loading bay that need a tougher speaker.
Where the speakers go
- 1Aisles and shelving 15 x Bosch LC1-UM06E8 ceiling speakers on a 12 to 14 ft grid between the shelf rows. Budget: LC3-UC06.
- 2Checkout 2 x LC1-UM06E8 ceiling speakers at a lower level so cashiers can talk.
- 3Back store, cold room, office 2 x Bosch LP1-UC10E sound projectors (dust and splash proof).
The system
- Mixer
- Bosch PLE-10M2 two-zone mixer with priority for the call station and a chime before each announcement.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:2 two-channel amplifier.
- Announcements
- Bosch PLE-2CS call station at the customer service desk.
- Instead of the old Bosch set
- This replaces the PLENA All-in-One (PLN-6AIO240) and LC6 speakers in the older Bosch guides.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
Fitness centre, small
What the place needs. Loud, punchy music on the workout floor, a class room with its own music and a trainer microphone, and quieter reception, lockers and showers. Hard floors and mirrors, so speakers need power and control.
Where the speakers go
- 1Workout floor 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (three pairs) high on the walls, angled down. Bass-rich 8-inch speakers for energy.
- 2Group class or spin room 2 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (one pair) plus a trainer headset microphone on the Electro-Voice R300 system.
- 3Reception, lockers, showers 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8: music per zone, trainer mic only to the class room, reception sets the volume from a VWP wall panel.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifier.
- Step up
- Add a second V600:4 or a subwoofer per zone for a club-style floor; ESCO sizes it for your room.
Fitness centre, large
What the place needs. Weights, cardio, two studios and the changing rooms each want their own music and level, with trainer microphones in the studios and paging to everywhere.
Where the speakers go
- 1Weights and machines 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (three pairs).
- 2Cardio 4 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (two pairs), lower level so members can hear their own headphones and the TVs.
- 3Studio 1 2 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (one pair) and a trainer headset mic.
- 4Studio 2 (spin) 2 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (one pair) and a trainer headset mic.
- 5Reception, lockers, showers 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8 with 8 inputs and 8 zones.
- Amplifiers
- 2 x Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifiers (8 channels).
- Microphones
- Electro-Voice R300 headset systems, one per studio.
- Step up
- Dynacord IX Series networked amplifiers for a multi-floor club, on request.
Boardroom or meeting room
What the place needs. Everyone at the table hears the far end of a video call and the presenter clearly, without the sound bouncing back into the microphones.
Where the speakers go
- 1Boardroom 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in two rows over the table. Smaller room: 4 x EVID-EC6.2.
- 2Table 3 x Electro-Voice PolarChoice gooseneck microphones for a hybrid meeting.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U60:1M mixer amplifier (60 W), line input from the video codec or TV, mic inputs with phantom power.
- Larger rooms
- U120:1M and more ceiling speakers. For a training hall or auditorium, ask ESCO about the Bosch DICENTIS and PRAESENSA systems.
Rooftop, terrace or garden
What the place needs. Music outdoors with no walls to hold the sound in, and speakers that live through monsoon rain, dust and the Karachi sun.
Where the speakers go
- 1Covered terrace 3 x Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2XB weather-resistant wall speakers on the building wall, facing the seating. 2 more on the far posts.
- 2Garden and lawn 4 x Bosch LP1-UC20E sound projectors on poles or trees, aimed inwards. For a bigger lawn, LBC3483/00 horns.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U240:1M mixer amplifier (240 W), indoors in a cabinet.
- Good to know
- Outdoor speakers need 100 V line wiring, weatherproof junction boxes and 20 to 30 percent more power than the same area indoors.
Office floor, clinic or school corridor
What the place needs. Low background music in the lobby and open office, clear paging everywhere (visitor at reception, prayer time, evacuation drill), meeting rooms that can be muted.
Where the speakers go
- 1Lobby and reception 2 x Electro-Voice EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
- 2Open office 3 x Bosch LC1-UM06E8 ceiling speakers, spaced 15 ft apart.
- 3Corridor 3 x LC3-UM06E ceiling speakers.
- 4Meeting rooms 1 x LC3-UM06E each, with a local volume control so the room can be muted.
- 5Pantry and washrooms 1 x LC3-UC06E.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U240:1M mixer amplifier (240 W) feeds the whole floor on one 100 V line; local volume controls in the meeting rooms.
- Paging
- Dynacord UCS-1 call station at reception with a chime.
- Several floors
- VZX-8 + V600:4, one zone per floor, or a Bosch PAVIRO / PRAESENSA system when voice evacuation (EN 54) is required.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
Choosing the loudspeakers
Pick the speaker by the ceiling and the job, not by the watts. A 6 W ceiling speaker every 12 ft is plenty for background music in an office; a gym needs 8-inch wall speakers with real bass.
| Type | Best for | Electro-Voice | Bosch | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling, entry | Speech and soft music in corridors, washrooms, stores, offices | EVID-EC3.1 (3 in), EVID-EC4.2 (4 in) | LC3-UC06, LC3-UC06E, LHM0606/10 | Flat ceiling 9 to 12 ft. One speaker every 12 to 15 ft. |
| Ceiling, music | Even background music in dining, retail, lobbies | EVID-EC6.2 (6.5 in) | LC3-UM06E, LC1-UM06E8 | Fuller sound than entry models, still a plain white grille. |
| Ceiling, premium | Foreground music and video calls: restaurants, boardrooms, hotels | EVID-C8.2 (8 in two-way), EVID-C8.1S (shallow) | LC1-UM24E8 | Real bass from the ceiling; EVID-C8.2-G2 taps up to 60 W on 100 V. |
| Pendant | Open or very high ceilings, warehouses, atriums | EVID-P6.2B | - | Hangs from a cable to the right height. |
| Wall, speech and background | Shops, offices, masjid halls, classrooms | - | LB2-UC15, LB2-UC30, LB1-UM20E | 15 to 30 W, light or dark, horizontal or vertical. Indoor and sheltered outdoor. |
| Wall, music | Cafes, restaurants, gyms, bars | EVID-S4.2 (4 in), EVID-S5.2 (5.25 in), EVID-S8.2 (8 in) | - | Sold in pairs. The 8-inch has the bass a gym or bar wants. Black or white. |
| Wall, weather-resistant | Terraces, rooftops, pool sides | EVID-S5.2X, EVID-S8.2TW | LB2-UC30 (sheltered only) | Rain and dust rated. Still mount under a canopy where you can. |
| Column | Speech in long, echoing halls: banquet halls, masjids, auditoriums | LRC-1060, LRC-1100, LRC-2100 (long reverb, high end) | LA1-UM20E, LA1-UM40E, LBC3200/00 | Throws the sound along the hall and away from the ceiling, so words stay clear. |
| Projector | Kitchens, loading bays, gardens, car parks | - | LP1-UC10E, LP1-UC20E | Splash and dust proof, points the sound where you want it. |
| Horn | Long distance outdoors: grounds, factories, minarets | - | LBC3481/12, LBC3483/00, LBC3484/00, LH1-UC30E | Speech and announcements only, not for music. |
Choosing the amplifier
Add up the watts every speaker is tapped at, then add 20 percent. That is the amplifier you need. On a 100 V line the cable can run the length of a supermarket without losing power.
| Model | What it is | Power | Roughly drives | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynacord U60:1M | Mixer amplifier, 1 zone | 60 W | 8 ceiling speakers at 6 W, or 2 pairs of EVID-S4.2 | Meeting rooms, small shops, clinics |
| Dynacord U120:1M | Mixer amplifier, 1 zone | 120 W | 16 ceiling speakers at 6 W, or 3 pairs of EVID-S5.2 | Cafes, offices, small showrooms |
| Dynacord U240:1M | Mixer amplifier, 1 zone | 240 W | 32 ceiling speakers at 6 W, or 13 LB2-UC15, or 4 pairs of EVID-S8.2 | Fast food, office floors, outdoor areas |
| Dynacord V600:2 | Power amplifier, 2 channels | 600 W shared | 2 zones of up to 300 W each | With the PLE-10M2 mixer or the VZX-8 |
| Dynacord V600:4 | Power amplifier, 4 channels | 600 W shared | 4 zones, the 600 W go where they are needed | With the VZX-8 in restaurants, gyms, halls |
| Dynacord VZX-8 | Zone audio platform | - | 8 inputs, up to 8 zones, DSP for every speaker | Any multi-zone project; add V600 amplifiers |
| Dynacord IX Series | Networked DSP amplifiers (Dante) | 1.5 to 6 kW | 4 or 8 channels, 375 to 1,500 W each | Hotels, stadiums, multi-floor clubs. On request. |
Mixer amplifier or power amplifier? A mixer amplifier (U Series) has the inputs, the mixing and the power in one box, for one zone. A power amplifier (V600) only gives power; the mixing is done by the PLE-10M2 or the VZX-8 in front of it. The U Series mixer amplifiers also have a mixed line output, so one can feed a V600 for more power or a second zone.
Questions we hear every week
Can I use my home hi-fi amplifier and speakers in my shop?
For one or two speakers next to the amplifier, yes. For a shop or restaurant, no: home speakers are 8 ohm and lose power over long cables, and a home amplifier cannot run eight of them. A 100 V commercial system runs any number of speakers on one cable, and an announcement lowers the music by itself.
Do I need a separate amplifier for each zone?
Each zone needs its own amplifier channel. One V600:4 gives four channels, so four zones from one box. The VZX-8 decides which inputs go to which channel and how loud.
Can staff change the volume without going to the rack?
Yes. The V Series has the VWP wall panel for source and volume per zone, and an app. The two-zone PLENA mixer has volume per zone on the front. Single-zone U Series systems can have a local volume control on the wall for a room that needs to be quieter.
How do announcements work?
A call station (UCS-1, PLE-1CS, PLE-2CS or VCS-8) sits at the counter or reception. Press, speak, release. The system plays a chime, lowers the music while you talk, and brings it back.
Which speakers survive outdoors in Pakistan?
The Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2X and S8.2TW wall speakers, the Bosch LP1 sound projectors and the Bosch horn speakers. Mount them under a canopy or eave where you can, use weatherproof junction boxes, and keep the amplifier indoors.
Can the same system do prayer-time and evacuation announcements?
Routine announcements, yes, from any system on this page. A certified voice evacuation system (EN 54) for a hotel, hospital, mall or office tower is a different product class: Bosch PAVIRO or PRAESENSA. ESCO designs and installs both.
How many speakers do I need for my place?
Use the drawings as a starting point: they are drawn for typical rooms. Ceiling height, glass, marble, noise and the music you play all change the count. Send ESCO a floor plan or photos and the Bosch and Electro-Voice certified engineers will size the system for free before you buy.
Do you still sell the Bosch PLENA Easy Line and PLENA matrix?
They have been replaced. The Dynacord U Series takes over from the PLE mixer amplifiers, the Dynacord V Series (VZX-8 and V600) from the PLENA matrix and PRM amplifiers, and the Electro-Voice EVID range from the LB20 and LC2 speakers. The designs on this page use the current products.
Free system design by certified engineers
Send a floor plan, a few photos and what you want the sound to do. ESCO's Bosch, Dynacord and Electro-Voice certified engineers will size the speakers and the amplifier for your building, with the layout drawing and the quotation.
WhatsApp ESCO Request a quoteCommercial audio solutions by application
Background music, announcements, paging and zone control for cafes, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, gyms, offices, schools, hospitals, auditoriums and outdoor spaces. Each example has a layout drawing, the speakers and the amplifier, with every product sold by ESCO in Pakistan.
How a commercial sound system works
Every commercial sound system has the same four parts. Once you know them, every drawing on this page is easy to read.
Where the sound comes from: a phone or streaming player, the TV, a microphone, a call station for announcements.
Decides what plays where and how loud. A small place has one zone. A restaurant with a terrace, or a gym with a studio, needs a zone each, so one can be quiet while another is loud.
Gives the power. Commercial systems use a 100 V line: one thin cable runs from the amplifier past every speaker, and each speaker takes only the watts it is set to. Easy to extend, cheap to wire, safe over long runs.
Ceiling speakers for flat ceilings, wall speakers for open ceilings and music, columns for speech in echoing halls, projectors and horns for kitchens, outdoors and long distances.
Three system sizes, three brands
ESCO is the authorised distributor for Bosch, Dynacord and Electro-Voice in Pakistan. Every system below is built from these three brands, and every product links to its page on esco.pk.
Dynacord U Series
One zone. A mixer amplifier with knobs, nothing to program. Music in, call station in, speakers out.
Bosch PLENA mixer + Dynacord amplifier
Two zones with their own volume, announcements to either or both, a chime before each call.
Dynacord V Series zone platform
Up to 8 zones, each with its own sources, level, tone and priority. Wall panels for staff, call station for announcements, app control.
Which system for your venue
Background music, public address, paging, announcements, voice alarm and evacuation: the same four parts, sized for the venue. Find your place and jump to the closest example. If the venue is not here, ESCO has done it.
| Venue | What it usually needs | Start with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe, coffee shop, bakery, ice cream parlour | Background music, one or two announcements a day | U Series | Cafe, coffee shop or small bar |
| Fast food, food court, canteen | Music, order-ready and staff announcements, kitchen paging | U Series or two-zone | Fast food, bakery or ice cream shop |
| Restaurant, fine dining, rooftop, dhaba with seating | Music per area, private room, terrace, speeches | V Series multi-zone | Restaurant with a terrace |
| Banquet hall, marquee, wedding hall, event venue | Speech from the stage, music, lobby paging | V Series multi-zone, column speakers | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| Hotel lobby, corridors, restaurant, pool, ballroom | Music per zone, paging, time schedules, voice alarm where required | V Series or Dynacord IX; PRAESENSA for voice alarm | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| Shop, boutique, showroom, car dealership | Background music, staff announcements | U Series or two-zone | Showroom or midsized shop |
| Supermarket, departmental store, cash and carry, pharmacy | Clear announcements in every aisle, soft music, checkout paging | Two-zone or V Series | Supermarket or departmental store |
| Shopping mall, plaza, multi-storey market | Public address, music, evacuation announcements | Bosch PAVIRO or PRAESENSA (EN 54 voice alarm) | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Gym, fitness centre, yoga and dance studio, sports club | Loud music per room, trainer microphones, paging | V Series multi-zone | Fitness centre, small |
| Swimming pool, sports ground, cricket academy, stadium | Outdoor announcements, music, referee or commentary mic | U Series with horns and projectors; IX for stadiums | Rooftop, terrace or garden |
| Office, bank branch, call centre, co-working space | Low background music, visitor paging, prayer-time and drill announcements | U Series; V Series per floor | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Boardroom, conference room, meeting room, training room | Video-call audio, presenter microphones | U Series with ceiling speakers; DICENTIS for conference systems | Boardroom or meeting room |
| Auditorium, lecture hall, seminar hall, theatre | Speech clarity, lectures, drama and music, stage microphones | V Series or Dynacord IX with column or EV speakers; ESCO design | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| School, college, university, campus, hostel, library | Morning assembly, bell and announcements to every classroom and corridor, campus-wide paging, evacuation | U Series per block, V Series or PAVIRO campus-wide | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Classroom, computer lab, laboratory | Teacher voice reinforcement, lesson audio | U60:1M or U120:1M with ceiling speakers | Boardroom or meeting room |
| Hospital, clinic, dental surgery, diagnostic lab | Soft music in waiting areas, calm paging for staff and patients, code calls, evacuation | Two-zone or V Series; PRAESENSA for voice alarm | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Factory, warehouse, workshop, cold storage | Shift announcements, paging over machine noise, evacuation | U Series with horns and projectors; PAVIRO for evacuation | Rooftop, terrace or garden |
| Car park, petrol station, bus terminal, toll plaza | Outdoor announcements, safety messages | U Series with horn speakers | Rooftop, terrace or garden |
| Masjid, madrasa, imambargah, church | Clear speech in the hall, azan from the minaret, courtyard and ablution areas | U Series or two-zone with columns and horns; see the masjid guidance on our speaker pages | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
| Airport, railway station, metro, port | Certified public address and voice alarm, many zones, many languages | Bosch PRAESENSA | Office floor, clinic or school corridor |
| Wedding marquee, exhibition, temporary event | Portable or hired speech and music system | Electro-Voice portable speakers and R300 wireless mics | Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall |
Cafe, coffee shop or small bar
What the place needs. Warm background music the whole day, a little louder in the evening. One announcement now and then. Open or decorative ceilings, so wall speakers look better than ceiling speakers.
Where the speakers go
- 1Seating 4 x Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2TB or EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (two pairs) on the walls, aimed at the tables. Pick S5.2 for a cafe, S8.2 if the music is the main attraction.
- 2Counter and bar 2 x EVID-S4.2TB so staff hear the same music at a lower level.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U120:1M mixer amplifier (120 W). Two mic or line inputs, two aux inputs for a music player or TV, bass and treble, one knob per input.
- Music source
- Phone or tablet on Bluetooth, a streaming box or the TV, plugged into an aux input.
- Budget option
- Bosch LB2-UC15 / LB2-UC30 wall speakers (15 W or 30 W) in place of the EVID-S. Speech and background music only.
- Step up
- Add a Dynacord V600:2 for a second zone (indoor and outdoor seating), or move to the V Series system shown for restaurants.
Fast food, bakery or ice cream shop
What the place needs. Clean, bright music in the dining area, order-ready and staff announcements, and a kitchen zone that is louder than the dining area. Flat ceilings, so ceiling speakers keep the look tidy.
Where the speakers go
- 1Dining 9 x Electro-Voice EVID-EC4.2 ceiling speakers in a grid, about 12 to 14 ft apart for an 9 to 10 ft ceiling. Use EVID-EC6.2 where the ceiling is higher.
- 2Order counter 1 x EVID-EC4.2 above the counter for order calls.
- 3Kitchen 2 x Bosch LP1-UC20E sound projectors, splash proof and loud enough to beat the extractor fans.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U240:1M mixer amplifier (240 W) with the call station on the priority input, so an announcement lowers the music by itself.
- Announcements
- Dynacord UCS-1 desk call station at the counter, or the Bosch PLE-1CS.
- Budget option
- LC3-UM06E or LC1-UM06E8 Bosch ceiling speakers in place of the EVID-EC.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
- Step up
- Separate volume per zone with the V Series system below.
Restaurant with a terrace
What the place needs. Different music and volume in the main dining room, a private room that can be muted or used for a speech, service areas with announcements, and an outdoor terrace that must survive rain and dust. Staff change the volume from a wall panel, not from the rack.
Where the speakers go
- 1Main dining 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (three pairs) for full, even music. 2 x EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers over the middle tables.
- 2Private room 2 x EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers. Own zone: mute it, or send the speech microphone there only.
- 3Kitchen, washrooms, corridor 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers for music and announcements at a lower level.
- 4Terrace 3 x EVID-S5.2XB weather-resistant wall speakers under the canopy, pointing out over the tables.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8 zone audio platform: all the inputs (music, TV, microphone, call station) go in, each zone gets its own mix, volume, tone and priority.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifier (600 W shared between the channels), one channel per zone.
- Control
- VWP wall panel in the dining room for source and volume; VCS-8 call station at the host desk for announcements to any zone.
- Instead of the old Bosch set
- This replaces the PLENA matrix (PLM-8M8 + PLM-4P220) and LB20 speakers shown in the older Bosch guides. Same layout, same wiring, current products.
- Step up
- For networked audio (Dante), scheduling and remote support, ESCO can offer the Dynacord IX Series amplifiers on request.
Large restaurant, banquet or marquee hall
What the place needs. Background music during dinner, clear speech from the stage for speeches and nikah ceremonies, and separate levels in the lobby and service areas. Big halls echo, so speech needs column speakers aimed at the guests, not more ceiling speakers. For live bands and DJs, see the sound reinforcement note below.
Where the speakers go
- 1Banquet hall 9 x Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers for music across the hall, plus 4 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (two pairs) near the walls.
- 2Stage and head table 2 x Bosch LA1-UM40E column speakers either side of the stage for speech. For a very long or echoing hall, LRC-1100 columns from Electro-Voice.
- 3Lobby and reception 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
- 4Kitchen, service, washrooms 3 x Bosch LC1-UM12E8 ceiling speakers for announcements and low music.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8 with up to 8 zones. Stage microphones, music player and the call station as inputs.
- Amplifiers
- 2 x Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifiers (8 channels, 1,200 W in total).
- Microphones
- Electro-Voice R300 wireless handheld for the stage, PolarChoice gooseneck on the head table.
- Live music and DJ
- Column and ceiling speakers are for background music and announcements. A hall that hosts live bands, a DJ or a loud stage needs sound reinforcement speakers: Electro-Voice EVIVA, ZLX, ELX and ETX, with Dynacord power amplifiers. ESCO designs these systems too.
- Step up
- Dynacord IX Series networked amplifiers for halls with several rooms on one network, on request.
Showroom or midsized shop
What the place needs. Even background music over the sales floor, a louder feature wall or display zone, staff announcements from the counter, and a store room that hears the announcements only.
Where the speakers go
- 1Sales floor 9 x Bosch LC1-UM12E8 ceiling speakers in a grid. LC1-UM24E8 for a higher or hard-finished ceiling.
- 2Display and feature wall 2 x Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2TB wall speakers for a richer sound where customers stop.
- 3Store room and office 1 x LC3-UM06E ceiling speaker, announcements only.
The system
- Mixer
- Bosch PLE-10M2 two-zone mixer: music to both zones, announcements to both, and a different volume for each zone.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:2 two-channel amplifier (600 W shared), one channel per zone.
- Announcements
- Bosch PLE-2CS two-zone call station at the counter.
- Instead of the old Bosch set
- This replaces the PLENA Easy Line amplifiers (PLE-1ME, PLE-1MA) and the LB20 speakers in the older Bosch guides.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
Supermarket or departmental store
What the place needs. Announcements that reach every aisle clearly, soft music, a checkout zone at its own level, and a back store, cold room and loading bay that need a tougher speaker.
Where the speakers go
- 1Aisles and shelving 15 x Bosch LC1-UM06E8 ceiling speakers on a 12 to 14 ft grid between the shelf rows. Budget: LC3-UC06.
- 2Checkout 2 x LC1-UM06E8 ceiling speakers at a lower level so cashiers can talk.
- 3Back store, cold room, office 2 x Bosch LP1-UC10E sound projectors (dust and splash proof).
The system
- Mixer
- Bosch PLE-10M2 two-zone mixer with priority for the call station and a chime before each announcement.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:2 two-channel amplifier.
- Announcements
- Bosch PLE-2CS call station at the customer service desk.
- Instead of the old Bosch set
- This replaces the PLENA All-in-One (PLN-6AIO240) and LC6 speakers in the older Bosch guides.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
Fitness centre, small
What the place needs. Loud, punchy music on the workout floor, a class room with its own music and a trainer microphone, and quieter reception, lockers and showers. Hard floors and mirrors, so speakers need power and control.
Where the speakers go
- 1Workout floor 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (three pairs) high on the walls, angled down. Bass-rich 8-inch speakers for energy.
- 2Group class or spin room 2 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (one pair) plus a trainer headset microphone on the Electro-Voice R300 system.
- 3Reception, lockers, showers 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8: music per zone, trainer mic only to the class room, reception sets the volume from a VWP wall panel.
- Amplifier
- Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifier.
- Step up
- Add a second V600:4 or a subwoofer per zone for a club-style floor; ESCO sizes it for your room.
Fitness centre, large
What the place needs. Weights, cardio, two studios and the changing rooms each want their own music and level, with trainer microphones in the studios and paging to everywhere.
Where the speakers go
- 1Weights and machines 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (three pairs).
- 2Cardio 4 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (two pairs), lower level so members can hear their own headphones and the TVs.
- 3Studio 1 2 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (one pair) and a trainer headset mic.
- 4Studio 2 (spin) 2 x EVID-S8.2TB wall speakers (one pair) and a trainer headset mic.
- 5Reception, lockers, showers 2 x EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
The system
- Zone controller
- Dynacord VZX-8 with 8 inputs and 8 zones.
- Amplifiers
- 2 x Dynacord V600:4 four-channel amplifiers (8 channels).
- Microphones
- Electro-Voice R300 headset systems, one per studio.
- Step up
- Dynacord IX Series networked amplifiers for a multi-floor club, on request.
Boardroom or meeting room
What the place needs. Everyone at the table hears the far end of a video call and the presenter clearly, without the sound bouncing back into the microphones.
Where the speakers go
- 1Boardroom 6 x Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in two rows over the table. Smaller room: 4 x EVID-EC6.2.
- 2Table 3 x Electro-Voice PolarChoice gooseneck microphones for a hybrid meeting.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U60:1M mixer amplifier (60 W), line input from the video codec or TV, mic inputs with phantom power.
- Larger rooms
- U120:1M and more ceiling speakers. For a training hall or auditorium, ask ESCO about the Bosch DICENTIS and PRAESENSA systems.
Rooftop, terrace or garden
What the place needs. Music outdoors with no walls to hold the sound in, and speakers that live through monsoon rain, dust and the Karachi sun.
Where the speakers go
- 1Covered terrace 3 x Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2XB weather-resistant wall speakers on the building wall, facing the seating. 2 more on the far posts.
- 2Garden and lawn 4 x Bosch LP1-UC20E sound projectors on poles or trees, aimed inwards. For a bigger lawn, LBC3483/00 horns.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U240:1M mixer amplifier (240 W), indoors in a cabinet.
- Good to know
- Outdoor speakers need 100 V line wiring, weatherproof junction boxes and 20 to 30 percent more power than the same area indoors.
Office floor, clinic or school corridor
What the place needs. Low background music in the lobby and open office, clear paging everywhere (visitor at reception, prayer time, evacuation drill), meeting rooms that can be muted.
Where the speakers go
- 1Lobby and reception 2 x Electro-Voice EVID-EC6.2 ceiling speakers.
- 2Open office 3 x Bosch LC1-UM06E8 ceiling speakers, spaced 15 ft apart.
- 3Corridor 3 x LC3-UM06E ceiling speakers.
- 4Meeting rooms 1 x LC3-UM06E each, with a local volume control so the room can be muted.
- 5Pantry and washrooms 1 x LC3-UC06E.
The system
- Amplifier
- Dynacord U240:1M mixer amplifier (240 W) feeds the whole floor on one 100 V line; local volume controls in the meeting rooms.
- Paging
- Dynacord UCS-1 call station at reception with a chime.
- Several floors
- VZX-8 + V600:4, one zone per floor, or a Bosch PAVIRO / PRAESENSA system when voice evacuation (EN 54) is required.
- Premium option
- For full-range music and a premium feel, Electro-Voice EVID-C8.2 ceiling speakers in place of the budget ceiling models.
Choosing the loudspeakers
Pick the speaker by the ceiling and the job, not by the watts. A 6 W ceiling speaker every 12 ft is plenty for background music in an office; a gym needs 8-inch wall speakers with real bass.
| Type | Best for | Electro-Voice | Bosch | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling, entry | Speech and soft music in corridors, washrooms, stores, offices | EVID-EC3.1 (3 in), EVID-EC4.2 (4 in) | LC3-UC06, LC3-UC06E, LHM0606/10 | Flat ceiling 9 to 12 ft. One speaker every 12 to 15 ft. |
| Ceiling, music | Even background music in dining, retail, lobbies | EVID-EC6.2 (6.5 in) | LC3-UM06E, LC1-UM06E8 | Fuller sound than entry models, still a plain white grille. |
| Ceiling, premium | Foreground music and video calls: restaurants, boardrooms, hotels | EVID-C8.2 (8 in two-way), EVID-C8.1S (shallow) | LC1-UM24E8 | Real bass from the ceiling; EVID-C8.2-G2 taps up to 60 W on 100 V. |
| Pendant | Open or very high ceilings, warehouses, atriums | EVID-P6.2B | - | Hangs from a cable to the right height. |
| Wall, speech and background | Shops, offices, masjid halls, classrooms | - | LB2-UC15, LB2-UC30, LB1-UM20E | 15 to 30 W, light or dark, horizontal or vertical. Indoor and sheltered outdoor. |
| Wall, music | Cafes, restaurants, gyms, bars | EVID-S4.2 (4 in), EVID-S5.2 (5.25 in), EVID-S8.2 (8 in) | - | Sold in pairs. The 8-inch has the bass a gym or bar wants. Black or white. |
| Wall, weather-resistant | Terraces, rooftops, pool sides | EVID-S5.2X, EVID-S8.2TW | LB2-UC30 (sheltered only) | Rain and dust rated. Still mount under a canopy where you can. |
| Column | Speech in long, echoing halls: banquet halls, masjids, auditoriums | LRC-1060, LRC-1100, LRC-2100 (long reverb, high end) | LA1-UM20E, LA1-UM40E, LBC3200/00 | Throws the sound along the hall and away from the ceiling, so words stay clear. |
| Projector | Kitchens, loading bays, gardens, car parks | - | LP1-UC10E, LP1-UC20E | Splash and dust proof, points the sound where you want it. |
| Horn | Long distance outdoors: grounds, factories, minarets | - | LBC3481/12, LBC3483/00, LBC3484/00, LH1-UC30E | Speech and announcements only, not for music. |
Choosing the amplifier
Add up the watts every speaker is tapped at, then add 20 percent. That is the amplifier you need. On a 100 V line the cable can run the length of a supermarket without losing power.
| Model | What it is | Power | Roughly drives | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynacord U60:1M | Mixer amplifier, 1 zone | 60 W | 8 ceiling speakers at 6 W, or 2 pairs of EVID-S4.2 | Meeting rooms, small shops, clinics |
| Dynacord U120:1M | Mixer amplifier, 1 zone | 120 W | 16 ceiling speakers at 6 W, or 3 pairs of EVID-S5.2 | Cafes, offices, small showrooms |
| Dynacord U240:1M | Mixer amplifier, 1 zone | 240 W | 32 ceiling speakers at 6 W, or 13 LB2-UC15, or 4 pairs of EVID-S8.2 | Fast food, office floors, outdoor areas |
| Dynacord V600:2 | Power amplifier, 2 channels | 600 W shared | 2 zones of up to 300 W each | With the PLE-10M2 mixer or the VZX-8 |
| Dynacord V600:4 | Power amplifier, 4 channels | 600 W shared | 4 zones, the 600 W go where they are needed | With the VZX-8 in restaurants, gyms, halls |
| Dynacord VZX-8 | Zone audio platform | - | 8 inputs, up to 8 zones, DSP for every speaker | Any multi-zone project; add V600 amplifiers |
| Dynacord IX Series | Networked DSP amplifiers (Dante) | 1.5 to 6 kW | 4 or 8 channels, 375 to 1,500 W each | Hotels, stadiums, multi-floor clubs. On request. |
Mixer amplifier or power amplifier? A mixer amplifier (U Series) has the inputs, the mixing and the power in one box, for one zone. A power amplifier (V600) only gives power; the mixing is done by the PLE-10M2 or the VZX-8 in front of it. The U Series mixer amplifiers also have a mixed line output, so one can feed a V600 for more power or a second zone.
Questions we hear every week
Can I use my home hi-fi amplifier and speakers in my shop?
For one or two speakers next to the amplifier, yes. For a shop or restaurant, no: home speakers are 8 ohm and lose power over long cables, and a home amplifier cannot run eight of them. A 100 V commercial system runs any number of speakers on one cable, and an announcement lowers the music by itself.
Do I need a separate amplifier for each zone?
Each zone needs its own amplifier channel. One V600:4 gives four channels, so four zones from one box. The VZX-8 decides which inputs go to which channel and how loud.
Can staff change the volume without going to the rack?
Yes. The V Series has the VWP wall panel for source and volume per zone, and an app. The two-zone PLENA mixer has volume per zone on the front. Single-zone U Series systems can have a local volume control on the wall for a room that needs to be quieter.
How do announcements work?
A call station (UCS-1, PLE-1CS, PLE-2CS or VCS-8) sits at the counter or reception. Press, speak, release. The system plays a chime, lowers the music while you talk, and brings it back.
Which speakers survive outdoors in Pakistan?
The Electro-Voice EVID-S5.2X and S8.2TW wall speakers, the Bosch LP1 sound projectors and the Bosch horn speakers. Mount them under a canopy or eave where you can, use weatherproof junction boxes, and keep the amplifier indoors.
Can the same system do prayer-time and evacuation announcements?
Routine announcements, yes, from any system on this page. A certified voice evacuation system (EN 54) for a hotel, hospital, mall or office tower is a different product class: Bosch PAVIRO or PRAESENSA. ESCO designs and installs both.
How many speakers do I need for my place?
Use the drawings as a starting point: they are drawn for typical rooms. Ceiling height, glass, marble, noise and the music you play all change the count. Send ESCO a floor plan or photos and the Bosch and Electro-Voice certified engineers will size the system for free before you buy.
Do you still sell the Bosch PLENA Easy Line and PLENA matrix?
They have been replaced. The Dynacord U Series takes over from the PLE mixer amplifiers, the Dynacord V Series (VZX-8 and V600) from the PLENA matrix and PRM amplifiers, and the Electro-Voice EVID range from the LB20 and LC2 speakers. The designs on this page use the current products.
Free system design by certified engineers
Send a floor plan, a few photos and what you want the sound to do. ESCO's Bosch, Dynacord and Electro-Voice certified engineers will size the speakers and the amplifier for your building, with the layout drawing and the quotation.
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