More Than Just Lighting: SM Lights is Expanding into Pro Audio!

So, you’re standing in the middle of your sanctuary or theater, and the lighting finally looks perfect. The front wash is crisp, the facial clarity is spot-on for the livestream, and those moving heads are adding just the right amount of energy to the room. But then, someone grabs a microphone, and... well, let’s just say the sound doesn't quite match the visual.

If you’ve spent any time in the AVL (Audio, Video, Lighting) world, you know the frustration. You’re juggling three different vendors, four different support lines, and a pile of gear that doesn't always play nice together. It feels like learning three different languages just to put on a Sunday service or a Friday night play.

Honestly? We think that’s a headache you don’t need.

For years, SM Lights has been your go-to for high-output, flicker-free stage lighting. We’ve built our reputation on making the "sight" part of your venue effortless. But we’ve always known that sight is only half the story. To truly create an atmosphere that moves people, you need the "sound" to be just as professional, reliable, and volunteer-friendly.

That’s why we are beyond excited to announce that SM Lights is officially expanding into Pro Audio.

We aren't just adding a few speakers to a catalog; we are becoming your one-stop shop for everything on the stage. And we’re kicking things off with a brand that matches our obsession with quality: FBT Speakers.

Why Audio? (And Why Now?)

Let’s be honest: we’re the lighting arm of Shepherd Multimedia, and we’ve been doing hands-on AVL installations for over two decades. We’ve seen firsthand how a great lighting rig can be "muted" by a subpar sound system.

We’ve also heard the feedback from our partners (that’s you!). You love the US-based human support you get with our lighting. You love that we only sell gear we’d actually trust in our own projects. So, the question we kept getting was: "Can you guys help us with our sound, too?"

The answer is finally a resounding Yes. By bringing Pro Audio into the fold, we can help you design a cohesive experience where the lighting and the sound work in harmony, supported by the same team of pros who already know your venue.

Introducing FBT: Italian Engineering Meets Your Stage

When we decided to jump into the audio world, we didn't want to just grab any brand off the shelf. We looked for a partner that shared our commitment to high-definition clarity and rugged reliability.

Enter FBT.

If you aren't familiar with FBT, here’s the reality check: they’ve been crafting world-class audio in Italy since 1963. They don't just "assemble" speakers; they engineer them. We’re talking about Baltic birch plywood cabinets, custom B&C drivers, and onboard DSP (Digital Signal Processing) that makes a volunteer look like a pro sound engineer.

Whether you're a mobile church setting up in a school gym or a 2,000-seat theater, FBT has a solution that fits. Here’s a breakdown of the series we’re bringing to you:

1. The Touring Series: For the Big Moments

Think of this as the "heavy hitter" category. If you need a line array system that can fill a large sanctuary with crystal-clear audio from the front row to the back balcony, the FBT Touring line (like the MYRA, MUSE, or MITUS series) is your answer.

• The Superpower: Incredible SPL (Sound Pressure Level) without the distortion. It’s the "high-definition" equivalent of our flicker-free stage lights.

2. The Install Series: Built for Your Building

Sometimes you want the speakers to be heard, not seen. The Install series (including the Archon and the weather-resistant Shadow series) is designed to blend into your architecture while providing consistent coverage.

More over, the same MYRA, MUSE, and/or MITUS can be installed to give you that concert sound in a large or small space.

• The Superpower: Discreet designs and flexible mounting hardware that make permanent installation a breeze.

3. The Portable Series: Power on the Go

For mobile churches, youth rooms, or outdoor events, the Portable series (X-Lite, X-Pro, and the legendary Promaxx) offers "plug-and-play" simplicity.

• The Superpower: Lightweight polypropylene or plywood cabinets that are easy to carry but don't sacrifice that deep, rich low-end.

4. The Contractor Series: Clarity for Every Corner

Need background music in the lobby or paging in the hallways? The Contractor series (Project series) ensures that the message is heard clearly, everywhere in your facility.

• The Superpower: High speech intelligibility and wide coverage: ideal for spaces where "hearing every word" is the priority.

The One-Stop Shop Advantage (In Plain English)

You might be wondering, "Why should I buy my speakers from my lighting guys?"

It’s a fair question. Here’s the "why" behind the "what":

1. Unified Support
When you have a question about how your DMX control: like our Light Shark LS-1: interacts with your overall stage flow, you don't want to be told "that's an audio problem" by one guy and "that's a lighting problem" by another. We understand the whole stage. One phone call, one team, 17+ years of experience.

2. Volunteer-Friendly Systems
Just like we design our lighting packages to be easily programmed by volunteers, we choose audio gear that is intuitive. FBT’s built-in DSP presets mean you can optimize the sound for "Speech," "Live Music," or "DJ" with the turn of a knob.

3. We Only Sell What We Trust
We aren't a massive box-store retailer trying to move thousands of SKUs. We are AVL installers. We’ve used FBT in the field, we’ve heard it perform in challenging rooms, and we know it holds up. If it’s on our site, it’s because we’d put it in our own church or theater.

This Is Just the Beginning

We’re starting with FBT because their quality is undeniable, but we aren't stopping there. The expansion into Pro Audio is a long-term commitment for SM Lights.

In the coming months, you can expect to see:

• More Manufacturers: We’re in talks with other industry leaders to bring you a wider variety of microphones, mixers, and processing gear.
• Complete Stage Packages: Soon, you won't just be able to buy a "Front Wash Package": you’ll be able to grab a "Full Stage Package" that includes the lights, the sound, and the control systems to run them both.
• Educational Content: Expect more blogs and videos (starring Stan and Sonny!) deep-diving into how to get the best sound out of your new gear.

Ready to Level Up Your Sound?

If you’ve been looking at your stage and feeling like the audio is the "weak link," let’s chat. You don't have to navigate the world of ohms, wattage, and dispersion patterns alone.

Whether you need a single pair of portable speakers for your youth room or a full line array for your main auditorium, we’re here to help you find the right fit for your budget and your team.

Check out our new Pro Audio section here and see what FBT can do for your venue.

Let's make your stage look: and finally sound: incredible.