How to set up a small PA system

1. Chris Baker
www.musicstudentinfo.com
Music Performance & Ensemble
How to use a small PA system

2. Small PA System

3. PA System About
• An electronic amplification system used to get sound
from the performer(s) to the audience.
• “PA” stands for “public address.”
• Made up of many components.
• In choosing the right PA you should think about the size
of your audience.

4. Small PA System Components
Name all of the components in this small PA system WRITE
THEM DOWN

5. Small PA System Components
• Microphones Shure SM57 &
SM58
• PA speakers
• Mixer powered or
unpowered
• Foldback/Monitor speakers
• Microphone stands
• Speaker stands
• PA speaker amplifier
• Monitor speaker amplifier
• Effects unit
• Equipment case
• Wireless microphone
controller optional
• Wireless microphones
optional

6. You will need to know how to set up the PA system
and be your own sound engineer, even if you are
going to work somewhere where you have a
professional sound engineer, it will benefit you to
know the basics of how to set up the PA system.

7. How to set up a small PA system 1
Here are some easy steps to setting up and getting the best
sound from your P. A. system
•The most important thing to remember when hooking up any
size PA is the direction of the signal.
•The signal starts with your mouth or drum, or horn, or
whatever.
•Then goes through the microphone into the system.
•Then routes its way through the amp.
•Then finally into the speaker where it leaves the system as a
much louder sound.

8. How to set up a small PA system 2
NOTE Make sure that the system is turned OFF!
Speakers and Stands
•The speaker stands should be placed at the front of the stage
or performing area at either end.
•The speakers are mounted should be at a height of 2ft above
the head height of the audience.
•This is to prevent the sound from being blocked by people
standing in front of the speaker and also prevent hearing
damage.

9. How to set up a small PA system 3
Speakers, Stands & Feedback
•The singer should not be in font of the speakers as this can
cause problems with feedback.Feedback occurs when there is an
audio loop generated between the microphone and the
speakers.
•Feedback sounds like a high pitched squeal which is not
pleasant to listen to and is the biggest contribution to speaker
damage.

10. How to set up a small PA system 4
The Mixer
• A multi-channel mixer broken down into the various sections
is not too difficult to master.
• Each channel is simply just a copy of the first.
• The mixer is where all the sound from instruments,
microphones and audio players are connected in order to mix
the sound with equalization, effects and volumes before it
goes to the amplifier and speakers.

11. How to set up a small PA system 5
The Mixer
If we look at the picture we
can see the various parts
1. Channel Input
2. Trim
3. Channel Volume
4. EQ
5. Channel Effects
6. Master Volume
7. Master Effects8. Master
Outputs

12. How to set up a small PA system 6
Plugging In
1. Make sure that all channel dials are set to 12 O clock.
2. Set master volume to zero.
3. The equalizer should be set ‘flat’
4. Place the mixer near one of the performers.
5. Connect the speakers to the power amp/power mixer with
the speaker cable.
6. If your speaker cables are jacks or cannons they will plug
straight into the speaker and the power amp/power mixer.
7. ‘Speakon’ connectors plug in and than twist it to lock it in.

13. How to set up a small PA system 7
Plugging In
• Next you will want to plug in all your input devices
(microphones and CD players or audio devices)
• So connect the microphones with microphone cannon leads
and connect CD and audio devices with phono leads (maybe
phono to phono or phono to jack).
• If you are connecting instruments, sequencers or effect units
use jack leads.2) Pl
• If you are using a power mixer you will not have to do this
step.
• Next connect your mixer to the power amp.
• Take two jack leads and connect the left out on the mixer to
the left input on the power amp and the right output the right
input.
• the other end of the mic cord into any "input" channel of the mixer (input comes from t

14. How to set up a small PA system 8
Plugging In
1. Check volume knobs and sliders are down on the mixer and
the power amp/power mixer and that all power switches on
the equipment if off too.
2. Switch the power on at the wall then switch your gear on.
3. If running a power amp and mixer switch the mixer on first.
4. NOW YOU ARE READY TO GO
5. When it comes to switching off switch off the gear first and
than switch off at the wall.
6. Do not remove, change or unplug any leads or cables while
the gear and the wall power is switched on.

15. How to set up a small PA system 9
Sound check
• Bring up volume levels to suite your live playing volume.
• Adjust EQ to your taste.
• Hold the microphone around the body and not the head for a
clear sound.
• Check all sound sources for an accurate sound balance.
• Minor adjustments may need to be made for changes in
sound with the arrival of an audience.

16. How to set up a small PA system TEST
In groups all of you will be expected to set-up
the sound system in this order.