An excellent public address (PA) system must perform essential functions including the ability to convert acoustic sound to an electronic signal, send different signals at different levels to main speakers or monitors, and control frequency output. Concert production firms in Salt Lake City handle these tasks using prepackaged PA systems or customized systems, depending on their needs and preferences.
As a musician, whether you perform regularly or occasionally, you need a PA system that can reach your audience with definition and clarity. You need a PA system designed for your performance needs. To achieve this, you have to consider many different components.
Loudspeakers
These are the main sound-producing component of a PA system, and their sounds are the combined work of amplifiers, equalizers, and mixers. Depending on their power source, speakers are either active or passive. Active speakers have their outlets and plugs. Passive speakers rely on power from a mixer or amplifier.
Power Amplifiers
Power amps amplify the sound you produce and send it to the speakers so that your audience can hear you. Some power amps are built into speakers or the mixing console, but there are also stand-alone options.
If you perform in huge venues, you should get stand-alone amps for your PA system. But for smaller gigs, built-in amplifiers are more convenient to bring along.
Mixer
The mixing console allows multiple instruments or inputs to be connected to your PA system. The most basic mixers enable you to amplify and control the volume of each device or input connected to it. More advanced mixers today offer more capabilities.
Some mixers allow you to use them as a basic equalizer for individual inputs or the entire group of inputs connected to it. Some mixers allow the output level of monitors and speakers to be controlled independently of each other.
Equalizer and Other Rack Effects
The equalizer is an essential component in a PA system. It is used to tweak or customize sounds according to the requirement of a music venue. It can fine-tune the overall tone of a PA system using different kinds of rack effects. It is also critically used to make last-minute modifications to fix feedback problems and accurately reach the right frequency needed.
While rack effects are commonly used to improve the overall sound, they can also fine-tune the sound of different kinds of inputs.
Monitors
Monitors are speakers that are always placed in front of the performers, facing them. This allows them to hear their voices and make adjustments when necessary.
Inputs
Inputs are components that produce the sound you make. A microphone is an essential input in a PA system. Instruments are also considered inputs.
These components cover the main parts that you’ll need for your PA system. At first, it will be difficult to tweak everything on your own, but you’ll learn everything in the long run. You can also consider hiring a concert production team who can help you run the PA system, so you don’t have to worry about your sound system.
