This generally includes a microphone, mixer, and loudspeakers, all of which perform a specific function. The microphone converts sound pressure to voltage. Its magnetic force emits a small amount of voltage when someone produces vocal sounds into it. This voltage is then modified and equalized on the mixing console, then is amplified by a powered loudspeaker or amplifier.
The higher voltage is dispersed by the speakers, which increases the volume of the sound for the audience. Sound Pressure Level SPL of speakers determines the volume of sound at given distances from the speaker. Speakers usually work together to amplify sound in a trapezoidal configuration, which allows for easier placement than a square or rectangle arrangement. Each venue is different, and with time you will learn tricks to adapt to each one. You will also develop a system that works for you, that can easily be modified to fit each new setting.
A basic rule of thumb to remember is to keep the speakers in front of the microphones rather than behind to prevent feedback. Feedback is what happens when a microphone picks up too much of its signal. The amplifier then outputs a louder version of the signal, creating a feedback loop that can only be interrupted by muting the speaker or microphone.
Similarly, you will want to do your best to keep the main amplification away from the microphones. Mixers are used to combine multiple audio sources such as microphones and instruments to then manipulate the volume, frequency, and dynamics of the sound source. In a PA system, audio signals are increased to line level in the mixer. Audio mixers come in different sizes. Larger audio mixers have several input channels that will accommodate more microphones and connections.
They can be analog or digital. Analog mixers balance the tonal sound and carve out space in the sound profile for each instrument in the band. Most have a three to four parametric EQ equalization , which changes the balance of different frequency components in an audio signal. Digital mixers tend to be best for touring bands, since most require less gear to operate, and can be controlled wirelessly through dedicated apps. It can also adjust monitors from the stage while listening to the musicians play.
To correctly use a sound mixer, you need to know the basics of mixing consoles , click the link to read an entire article that explains the ins and outs of audio mixers. Microphones capture the sounds produced by vocals, guitar amplifiers, drums, and any other sound source.
Mics come in different shapes and forms. Some are designed for studio recording, while others are tuned explicitly for live performances. For live performing vocals, there are two main types of mics from which to choose: dynamic and condenser.
Dynamic microphones are usually best for live performances because they are less sensitive than condenser mics. Having low sensitivity means the mic is less prone to bleed and feedback during a stage performance. Even so, many vocalists and sound engineers prefer customized condenser microphones because they deliver superior sound quality and clarity when compared to dynamic mics.
For a bigger audience, we will need two main speakers to make sure that the quality of the sound is on a high level. With the external mixer, we can adjust mics and find the perfect balance between them. Setting up the PA system for the smaller band has the same basis as for one performer, and because it needs more mikes, we will need the more powerful mixer.
It needs to have enough channels for every microphone and aux inputs for stage monitors, and because of that, we need to pay attention to avoid the feedback. If we want to avoid feedback, it is necessary to put the mics away from stage monitors and point their bottom at the speakers since it is the least sensitive part of them.
When it comes to a big concert, having a powerful mixer and a lot of mics is not enough, and we will need more speakers so every person in the venue can hear the sound loud and clear. We will need special speakers, which are called subwoofers, because of the low-frequencies that need to be reproduced, and place them properly for the best sound quality.
Keep in mind that placing subwoofers and speakers near walls may provide a louder sound, and it is most likely that it will not be well-balanced.
Another great tip is to use two mixers — one for singers and instruments and the other for stage monitors to prevent feedback. And of course, make sure your power cable is plugged in to the AC outlet for each speaker in your setup. Outputs: active speaker outputs allow you to chain together additional speakers for floor monitoring situations, which is not only super-handy but also ultra-easy. This way your mains and subwoofers will work well together and not cause a frequency headache out in the audience.
Pro tip: set the High Pass on your mains to match the low pass on your subwoofer s. Used to hook up mics to mixers, and mixer output to speaker systems. This type of connector is found in passive systems. Simply put, you can use them as pole-mounted main speakers for your PA setup, or as wedge monitors on the floor. Diagram outlining how to hook up floor wedges in parallel. Setting up your speakers as mains typically just means sliding them onto industry-standard speaker stands, and adjusting the height properly.
Pretty much everyone who buys any of these PA systems greatly enjoys pushing it to its limits at gigs. When placing your speakers , make sure they face the crowd and space them out just enough to cover the main audience area.
When in doubt, aim both speakers towards the rear-middle of the room. Ensure that any speakers are in front of you and a safe distance from where you and any other band members will stand.
In placing your microphone stands, consider feedback. The closer a microphone is to a speaker, the higher the chance of ear-piercing feedback! This is why, when you placed your speakers, you put them to the front and to the side of where you and your bandmates would be. When placing the stands, try to find a balance between the space everyone will need to move around while performing and the safe space needed to prevent feedback.
Handling the sound mixing during a live performance is possible on your own, thankfully. Considering the bubbles I discussed above, place your mixer somewhere you and other band members can easily reach. If you have a band member that tends to stay in one place, like a drummer or pianist, try tasking them with sound mixing, and set up the mixer near them.
This will ensure that someone will always be close if you need to tweak your audio mid-performance. For starters, is your cable balanced or unbalanced? An unbalanced cable has a positive connection, as well as a grounded connection for shielding.
A balanced cable, however, has an additional negative connection. Using XLR cables, connect your microphones to your mixer, and your mixer to the speakers. Now that your audio equipment is connected, you can work on running power to your gear.
A key thing to remember during the PA system setup is not to turn anything on before everything is connected. In the meantime, start running drops between your setup components. As you connect power cables, try to lay them neatly with audio cables.
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