{"id":1748534,"date":"2022-02-22T20:08:02","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T20:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/?post_type=articles&#038;p=1748534"},"modified":"2023-06-14T13:51:12","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T13:51:12","slug":"how-to-set-up-a-pa-system","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/how-to-set-up-a-pa-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up a PA System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In this guide, we will show you how to set up a PA system. Whether you\u2019re using a portable speaker with a single microphone, or a large mixer with multiple amplifiers and speakers, we\u2019ll walk you through the setup basics and show you a few examples. Follow the sections below to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong><a href=\"#What-is-a-PA-system\">What is a PA system?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Set-up-to-prevent-feedback\">Set up to prevent feedback<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#How-to-Set-Up-a-PA-System\">How to Set Up a PA System<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Presenter-or-karaoke\">Presenter or&nbsp;karaoke<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Singer-songwriter-or-musician\">Singer-songwriter or musician<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Band-or-music-group\">Band or music group<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Large-performance-venue\">Large performance venue<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are new to using a PA system, then you\u2019re in the right place. The primary goal is to amplify a sound source to your audience, and we\u2019ll show you how to go about doing that. To get started, first learn <a href=\"#WhatisaPAsystem?\">what a PA system<\/a> is and how it\u2019s able to amplify sound <a href=\"#Set-up-to-prevent-feedback\">without producing feedback<\/a>. Once you\u2019ve got a hang of the basics, learn a few different <a href=\"#How-to-Set-Up-a-PA-System\">examples of PA\u2019s<\/a> you have likely seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Set Up a PA System for a Band\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Shtwr8-P0zs?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"What-is-a-PA-system\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">What is a PA system?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>public address (PA) system<\/strong> is for amplifying the human voice. In its simplest form, it has a <em>microphone<\/em>, <em>mixer<\/em>, and <em>loudspeakers<\/em>. It all starts with the microphone <em>(mic)<\/em>, which converts sound pressure to voltage. That means when you speak or sing into the mic, its magnetic force outputs a small amount of voltage. That voltage is then sent to either a mixer or loudspeaker for amplification. Once boosted by a power amplifier, the voltage is so high that it forces the speakers to move and recreate the sound pressure changes which first entered the mic. The result is a much louder sounding voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to think about amplification is how the <strong>signal level<\/strong>, or its voltage level, is increased at separate gain stages of the system. <strong>Gain staging<\/strong> refers to each level of preamplification or volume adjustment found in a signal path. For a PA system, the gain stages are the <em>microphone preamplifier<\/em>, <em>channel level<\/em>, <em>mix level<\/em>, and <em>loudspeaker level<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The voltage starts at <strong>mic level<\/strong> and, after being increased by a preamplifier gain knob, is increased closer to <strong>line level<\/strong>. Once raised to line level, the signal level is adjusted by a mixer\u2019s level controls. When the mix leaves the mixer and enters the loudspeaker\u2019s amplifier, it is dramatically increased to <strong>speaker level<\/strong> and controlled by the amplifier\u2019s level control. The high voltage level causes the speaker to rapidly move back and forth, thus reproducing an amplified version of your original signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"How-do-mixers-work\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">How do mixers work?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mixers let you connect and control levels that are <em>received<\/em> from microphones and <em>sent<\/em> to speakers. Their main function is to bring microphone and instruments levels up to line level and then balance the mix before sending it to the loudspeakers. Learn more about <a href=\"http:\/\/sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/mixer-quickstart-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to set up a mixer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Passive-vs-active-speakers\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">Passive vs. active speakers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The real difference is where the power amplifier is located. In a <strong>powered<\/strong> speaker, the amp is inside the cabinet with the speaker. In a <strong>passive<\/strong> speaker, the amp is a completely separate device mounted in a rack separate from the speakers. While you\u2019ll use similar cables to connect a mixer to either loudspeaker\u2019s amplifier, connecting passive speakers to their amplifier requires an additional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/store\/search.php?s=speakon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Speakon<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/store\/search.php?s=ts+speaker+cable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00bc\u201d speaker cables<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1254\" height=\"762\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Sound-from-any-mixer-1.png\" alt=\"Sound from any mixer\" data-id=\"1748537\" class=\"wp-image-1748537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Sound-from-any-mixer-1.png 1254w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Sound-from-any-mixer-1-300x182.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Sound-from-any-mixer-1-768x467.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Sound-from-any-mixer-1-1024x622.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Set-up-to-prevent-feedback\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Set up to prevent feedback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How to prevent feedback is one of the most fundamental PA system rules. <strong>Feedback<\/strong> is what happens when a microphone pickups up too much of its own signal. When this happens, the amplifier outputs a louder version of the signal, and a loop is created. The result is a ringing tone which gets louder and louder until the feedback loop is interrupted. The big idea with feedback is that you want to keep the sound from the speakers from getting into any of the microphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The number one way to prevent feedback loops is by <strong>never<\/strong> pointing microphones and speakers directly at each other. If a feedback loop occurs, you can stop it by muting the offending speaker or microphone, but the most reliable option is to take feedback loops into consideration when positioning each mic and speaker. Main speakers should be placed in front of the microphones and pointed away from the stage. This helps each mic reject the amplified sound sent to the audience. Stage monitors are often prone to feedback because of their proximity to each performer\u2019s microphone. Increasing their distance apart from each other will help, but facing the speaker so it\u2019s rejected by the microphone will produce the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"For-the-setup\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">For the setup<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Always<\/strong> keep the maximum practical distance between mics and speakers.<\/li><li><strong>Never<\/strong> place the main speakers behind microphones.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"For-the-singer\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft underline customh4 swheader\">For the singer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Always<\/strong> speak or sing within 1\u201d-3\u201d from a microphone windscreen.<\/li><li><strong>Never<\/strong> point the microphone directly at a speaker.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Prevent-Feedback-stay-behind-speakers.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1361\" height=\"606\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Prevent-Feedback-stay-behind-speakers.png\" alt=\"Illustration: Stage with microphone on stand. Speakers are set up in front of the stage.\" data-id=\"1748541\" class=\"wp-image-1748541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Prevent-Feedback-stay-behind-speakers.png 1361w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Prevent-Feedback-stay-behind-speakers-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Prevent-Feedback-stay-behind-speakers-768x342.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Prevent-Feedback-stay-behind-speakers-1024x456.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1361px) 100vw, 1361px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Feedback-Loop-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1361\" height=\"603\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Feedback-Loop-1.png\" alt=\"Illustration: A feedback scenario where the microphone on stand is pointed down at a speaker monitor.\" data-id=\"1748540\" class=\"wp-image-1748540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Feedback-Loop-1.png 1361w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Feedback-Loop-1-300x133.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Feedback-Loop-1-768x340.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Feedback-Loop-1-1024x454.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1361px) 100vw, 1361px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"How-to-Set-Up-a-PA-System\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh2 swheader\">How to Set Up a PA System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PA systems can be used for a variety of purposes and thus can be set up in a variety of configurations. Below, we\u2019ll show you a few common ways for setting up PA systems. Since every setup will be a little different, we recommend you view each and then determine which type of configuration works best for your setup. Check out each PA systems setup example below: <a href=\"#Presenter-or-karaoke\">presenter<\/a>, <a href=\"#Singer-songwriter-or-musician\">singer-songwriter<\/a>, <a href=\"#Band-or-music-group\">full band<\/a>, and <a href=\"#Large-performance-venue\">large venue<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Presenter-or-karaoke\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Presenter or karaoke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The simplest job of any public address system is amplifying a single microphone through a powered speaker. The amplifier receives signal from the microphone, amplifies it according to the speaker\u2019s level control, and then outputs sound from the speaker. Some portable PA systems even have EQ and wireless connectivity options for ease of use. If you need to play music from a smartphone, computer, or disk player, they can usually be connected via a wired <em>(Phono\/TRS)<\/em> or wireless <em>(Bluetooth)<\/em> option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Common-gear\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Common gear<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> Built-in to speaker\/system or not required.<\/li><li><strong>Loudspeakers:<\/strong> At least one, often capable of linking a second speaker.<\/li><li><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> One or two standard dynamic microphones for voices. Some systems have built-in wireless features for connecting specific microphones.<\/li><li><strong>Other:<\/strong> Both active loudspeakers and all-in-one systems might have EQ and level control.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Tips\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Tips<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Excellent for presenters and portable amplification (some have rechargeable batteries).<\/li><li>Perform a quick sound check to <strong>set the microphone level<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Speak or sing within <strong>1 &#8211; 2\u201d<\/strong> of the microphone.<\/li><li>For small spaces, rely on the acoustic sound and mix the speakers in.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Presenter.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1240\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Presenter.png\" alt=\"Illustration: a microphone on a stand next to a powered speaker.\" data-id=\"1748646\" class=\"wp-image-1748646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Presenter.png 1240w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Presenter-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Presenter-768x372.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Presenter-1024x495.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Singer-songwriter-or-musician\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Singer-songwriter or musician<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most mixers have the same features and controls but vary in the number of <strong>channels<\/strong> for connecting microphones and instruments. That means when you need more mics, you need more channels. A mixer with a couple of channels allows you to mic a voice or instrument <em>(like guitar or piano)<\/em>, mix them together, and then output them through one or two main speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once connected, you\u2019ll use the mixer to adjust the microphone and mix levels sent to the speakers. Some small mixers even have aux outputs for sending a unique mix to a performer\u2019s stage monitor speaker. The same setup rules apply: <em>point the speakers for optimum coverage<\/em>, <em>avoid positioning gear in feedback loops<\/em>, and <em>set sufficient gain levels<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Common-gear\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Common gear<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> Mixer is separate from speakers and varies in the number of inputs and outputs.<\/li><li><strong>Loudspeakers:<\/strong> One or two connected to the mixer\u2019s main mix. You could also connect one or two for the mains, and <em>(if your mixer has an aux send)<\/em> another as an optional stage monitor.<\/li><li><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> One or two standard dynamic microphones for voice and acoustic instruments.<\/li><li><strong>Other:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t have a \u00bc\u201d guitar input <em>(aka Instrument or Hi-Z)<\/em> a DI box will be necessary to connect electric keyboards or guitars to a microphone input.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Tips\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Tips<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Perform a quick sound check to set the microphone and speaker levels.<\/li><li>Place mics 1-2\u201d away for voices and 4 &#8211; 5\u201d away from acoustic instruments.<\/li><li>Rely on the acoustic sound of the performer and <strong>reinforce their sound<\/strong> with the PA system.<\/li><li><strong>Two<\/strong> main speakers provide wider coverage for larger spaces or audiences.<\/li><li>An external<strong>&nbsp;mixer<\/strong> <em>(soundboard)<\/em> allows for more mics, instruments, and speakers.<\/li><li>If you don&#8217;t have an instrument input, use a&nbsp;<strong>DI box<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;connect&nbsp;an acoustic guitar or keyboard&nbsp;to an XLR microphone input.<\/li><li>Boom mic stands <em>(short\/tall)<\/em> for better positioning microphones.<\/li><li>Some mixers can connect an additional stage monitor via an aux output.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Singer-songwriter-or-musician.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1705\" height=\"825\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Singer-songwriter-or-musician.png\" alt=\"Singer-songwriter or musician\" data-id=\"1748642\" class=\"wp-image-1748642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Singer-songwriter-or-musician.png 1705w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Singer-songwriter-or-musician-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Singer-songwriter-or-musician-768x372.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Singer-songwriter-or-musician-1024x495.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1705px) 100vw, 1705px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Band-or-music-group\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Band or music group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical band might require mics for drums <em>(kick, snare)<\/em>, bass guitar <em>(mic or line input)<\/em>, electric guitar <em>(amplifier mic)<\/em>, keys <em>(stereo line inputs)<\/em>, and a few vocalist microphones. Channels add up fast, so an ideal mixer is one that has enough. In this case, you\u2019ll likely need a larger mixer with additional channels for mics, aux sends for <strong>stage monitors<\/strong>, and a stage snake to make setup easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The setup process is the same, but you\u2019ll need to give more attention to gain staging and feedback prevention. Typically, the more microphones and speakers you add to a system, the more likely you are to experience feedback. Do your best to point the bottom of the microphone at the speakers or monitors. That\u2019s the least sensitive part of the mic, so it really helps to keep it from picking up the sound of the speakers and stage monitors.Common&nbsp;gear<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Common-gear\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Common\u00a0gear<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> An external mixer with enough channels for a full band and aux outputs for stage monitors. Built-in effects and signal processing allow for greater control.<\/li><li><strong>Loudspeakers:<\/strong> Two main speakers are standard, but stage monitoring depends on the mixer: usually up to four stage monitor loudspeakers, each with a unique mix.<\/li><li><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> Dynamic mics for vocals, guitar amp, snare, and toms. Kick\/bass drums require a unique microphone for low frequencies.<\/li><li><strong>Other:<\/strong> Use DI boxes to connecting instruments <em>(like bass guitar)<\/em> to microphones inputs. Use a stage snake to replace long cable runs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Tips\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Tips<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Larger mixer to accommodate more mics and stage monitors.<\/li><li>Use <strong>speaker stands<\/strong> to elevate the speakers to the audience\u2019s ears.<\/li><li>Soundcheck to set the microphone level, create a main mix, and then adjust monitor levels.<\/li><li>Position drum mics up close and point them at the center of their drum head.<\/li><li>Always point mics away from stage monitors to prevent feedback.<\/li><li>Instead of turning guitar amps all the way up, turn them down and use a microphone to put the guitar amp in the PA.<\/li><li>Use a <strong>DI box<\/strong> on bass guitar so you can connect it to the amplifier and a mixer channel at the same time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Amplifying-a-band.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2233\" height=\"1665\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Amplifying-a-band.png\" alt=\"Amplifying a band\" data-id=\"1748643\" class=\"wp-image-1748643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Amplifying-a-band.png 2233w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Amplifying-a-band-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Amplifying-a-band-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Amplifying-a-band-1024x764.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2233px) 100vw, 2233px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Large-performance-venue\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader darkBlueHeader alignLeft underline customh3 swheader\">Large performance venue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you go to a concert venue, you\u2019ll probably first notice a large number of speakers. This is because the biggest challenge of a large space is adequately amplifying the performer throughout the entire venue. To do this, the system requires more powerful <em>(or just more)<\/em> amplifiers, and thus speakers, too. These amplifiers will accommodate the additional mains arrays, subs, stage monitors, and any other speakers the venue may need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since low-frequencies require a lot of energy to reproduce, larger venues will need a lot of large speakers with enough power to create the low-end thump you can feel. <strong>Subwoofers (subs)<\/strong> are speakers dedicated to reproducing low frequencies. They can be configured along with the main mix or output a unique tailored aux mix <em>(e.g., kick and bass)<\/em>. Positioning subs will vary from venue to venue, so just consider how its placement will affect how the entire system sounds, and make adjustments for balance. Placing subs or speakers near walls will make them sound louder, and possibly unbalanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the stage grows, <strong>wireless systems<\/strong> become a convenient solution for performers who move around during the performance. That means you could find additional wireless microphones and\/or in-ear monitor systems on the side of the stage. You might also see a second mixer on stage, which is is operated by a <em>monitor engineer<\/em> who specifically manages the monitor mixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Common-gear\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Common gear<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> Large channel count mixer, typically digital. A second mixer can be used on stage strictly for monitor mixes. Digital stage snakes are often used in conjunction with their compatible mixers.<\/li><li><strong>Loudspeakers:<\/strong> Mains speakers are made from several speakers connected in an array. Several subwoofers are required to reproduce low frequencies.<\/li><li><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> Lots of dynamic mics to accommodate any setup. Unique microphones for vocals, guitar, and kick drum are often used.<\/li><li><strong>Other:<\/strong> Back up microphones, cables, and DI boxes to make sure the show goes off without a hitch.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Tips\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-customheader blackHeader alignLeft noUnderline customh4 swheader\">Tips<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Perform scheduled sound checks well in advance of the performance time<\/li><li>Mix stage monitors or in-ear monitoring systems from an additional Monitor mixer.<\/li><li>Digital mixers can save and recall scenes for complex or frequent band turnovers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Concert-venue.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"3751\" height=\"2505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Concert-venue.png\" alt=\"Concert venue\" data-id=\"1748644\" class=\"wp-image-1748644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Concert-venue.png 3751w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Concert-venue-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Concert-venue-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Concert-venue-1024x684.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3751px) 100vw, 3751px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1748683,"template":"","categories":[2,142726,7],"tags":[54221,142586,53796,221279,53649,35127],"storecat":[142764,142766,142795,142807,142763,142797,142792,142802,142800,423089,142765],"itemids":[],"manufacturers":[202712],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this guide, we will show you how to set up a PA system. 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