Setting up a PA might be a little challenging, especially if you have never done it before. Whether it is a small event or a big concert, everyone would be looking forward to a great sound. And realizing that you made a mistake after or during the performance, is too late. So you must just get everything right. Below are tips that can help you avoid the mistakes.  

Check On the Equipment

The PA equipment must have a good quality. Whether you are borrowing or hiring, try to find out the equipment's condition. This includes the sound quality they produce and if they have any technical issues. This will save you from setting the wrong equipment, only to find out that it does not work during testing. You also get to know of any problem before it is too late.  

Setting the Speakers

The speakers play a major role in the PA system, the music quality relies on them. First, connect the kettle lead to the mains and the desk. The reason why you use kettle leads is due to their capacity to transfer more power. Connect all your speakers to the mains with the kettle leads. Ensure to turn off the speakers, to prevent them from being damaged after connecting the desk and turning it on. Proceed by connecting the speakers to the desk, use an XLR, from the desk’s output to the speakers’ input. The speakers can either be passive or active. The active ones have an inbuilt amplifier, thought the passive ones are common, they are also lighter. You can then connect the desk to the source of the sound. Ensure that the speakers are in front of everything else, this would avoid music feedback, especially from the microphone and drum sets, if there is any. The speakers must also not be too close to the wall or corners  

Organize the Stage

When you finish with the speakers and sound production, make sure to organize the stage, this would make the stage look lively. The more organized it is, the more appealing and easy to use it will be. Ensure the microphone at the stage, is the correct place, the right height and stands steadily and cannot fall. Tape the microphone cable and all other cables to prevent them from scattering all over, that may result in tripping.

Test the System

Let one be over the microphone as the rest listen to the sound quality produced. In case you notice any unclear sound, try to adjust the amplifier to make sure that you have the best quality sound. Have in mind that, once the room is full the sound quality may change, so check on how the speakers are set and the direction they are facing to have a balanced sound.  

Final Thoughts ...

Setting the stage is usually not the end. During the performance make sure someone is alert to watch how the system is functioning. But if everything is right, there is no need to worry, everything shall go on as planned and you shall be proud of your work.    

Your Turn to Sound Off!

Do you set up your own PA system?

Let us know in the comment section below!

   

Other Stories You Might Like ...

[caption id="attachment_4586" align="alignleft" width="150"]recording tips mixer The Basics Of Mixing[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6506" align="alignleft" width="150"]Recording Tips: Improving Your Acoustic Guitar Tone Recording Tips: Improving Your Acoustic Guitar Tone[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7775" align="alignleft" width="150"]vocal tips recording Avoiding Common Problems When Recording Vocals[/caption]