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Tech2003 systems
A PA system consists of microphones, mixers, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and cables. Microphones capture sound and convert it to electrical signals which are sent to a mixer. The mixer allows combining of multiple audio sources and controls their levels before sending the signal to an amplifier. The amplifier strengthens the signal which is then sent to loudspeakers that convert it back to sound waves audible to the public. Crossovers and separate drivers are often used to optimize different frequency reproduction. Cables properly connect all the components.
Tech2003 systems
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- 2. What is aPA system? An electronic amplification system used as a communication system in public areas http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=pa%20system
- 4. How do PAsystems work? Microphones The goal of a PA system is to provide "public address", or a way to transmit audio communication to a group. This transmission can begin with a microphone, which is a device that can assist in magnifying an audio source's volume. A microphone is classified as a device that transforms sound into an electrical signal. Microphones used in PA systems are usually dynamic or condensers. Dynamic microphones are more rugged than condensers and are able to withstand the elements a little better. Condenser microphones utilize their own power source and produce better-quality audio signals, but can sometimes be so sensitive that they also receive background noises. Paul Bright. How Do PA Systems Work?. Available: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4964034_pa-systems-work.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
- 5. Mixers If a microphone or another audio source is used in a PA system, it is plugged into a mixer. The mixer allows for multiple channels of sound to be broadcast at different levels. This can help prevent feedback if a PA system will involve multiple microphones, instruments, or other audio sources. For example, someone may use a PA system to sing along with a pre- recorded CD. The CD track could be plugged into one channel, while the singer's voice would be broadcast through another. Paul Bright. How Do PA Systems Work?. Available: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4964034_pa-systems-work.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
- 6. Mixer 1. Channel Input 2. Trim 3. Channel Volume 4. EQ 5. Channel Effects 6. Master Volume 7. Master Effects 8. Master Outputs Robert Wishart. How to set up a P.A Sound System. Available: http://www.thesingingtutor.com/pasetup.htm. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
- 7. Amplifier The amplifier is usually side by side or incorporated with the mixer. The amplifier's job is to magnify the audio signal by manipulating its varying frequency qualities. Gain in an amplifier refers to the decibel level of the sound coming out of the speakers. Another quality, Output Dynamic Range, refers to the loud and soft levels of a specific channel's sound. Too low of an output could result in just broadcasting noise; too high of an output can lead to distortion. Paul Bright. How Do PA Systems Work?. Available: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4964034_pa-systems-work.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
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- 9. Loudspeakers The loudspeaker is the output end of the PA system, transforming the electrical signal back into sound that a group can hear. A good loudspeaker system will separate the differing sound frequencies and broadcast them through different sound channels for better quality output. Parts of a loudspeaker system include a woofer, which broadcasts low frequency sounds; and tweeters, the drivers of high frequency output. Some speakers also contain crossover systems that are responsible for separating these frequencies, reducing the electrical noise that can sometimes accompany a PA system broadcast. Paul Bright. How Do PA Systems Work?. Available: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4964034_pa-systems-work.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
- 10. The Drivers Drivers are the components that produce the sounds. They are generally comprised of a coil of wire sitting within a magnetic field. As electric current flows through the coil of wire it moves within the magnetic field. By attaching a diaphram to the coil, we can make a volume of air move at the same time and produce sound waves. A single driver can be capable of producing the full range of audible sounds. In practice, however, multiple drivers are more common in a loudspeaker for efficiency reasons. A two-way system would have a low-to-mid range frequency driver and a high-frequency driver too. One of the reasons for separating these out is that high frequencies are more directional. High frequency drivers are normally mounted along with a horn in order to control the direction. If you take a look at the specification for a loudspeaker, you should find a Dispersion property. This indicates the angle at which the high frequencies leave the loudspeaker. Narrower dispersion angles (30° - 60°) are more suited to long-throw speaker applications whereas wider angles (90° - 100°) are better for short-throw. Public Address (PA) Basics. Available: http://www.livesystems.co.uk/pa- basics.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
- 11. Crossovers When a loudspeaker has more than one driver we need a way to split the frequencies so that the low frequencies go to the low frequency driver and the high frequencies to the high frequency driver, etc. This is done using a Crossover. A crossover splits an incoming audio signal into its component frequency bands. Most two-way or three-way loudspeakers have an inbuilt crossover network that does this job. This is known as a Passive Crossover. More advanced systems use an external crossover known as an Active Crossover. This works slightly differently as it is inserted before the amplifier. In this case, you will require additional amplifier channels to run each individual driver. This technique is referred to as Bi-Amping. Such systems tend to sound cleaner, more detailed and controlled with each driver being run by its own dedicated amplifier channel. The down side is the expense as more amplifiers are required as well as the active-crossover itself. Public Address (PA) Basics. Available: http://www.livesystems.co.uk/pa- basics.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
- 12. Impedance We mentioned Impedance when we talked about amplifiers. This is a measure of the Load that the speaker represents to the amplifier. It is measured in Ohms (W). Most speakers have an Impedance of either 4W, 8W or 16W. This figure must be taken into account when choosing the correct amplifier to use. But what happens when you want to connect two or more loudspeakers to the same amplifier channel? Does the impedance change? Well, yes it does, but not as you may expect. When speakers are connected together they are connected in parallel. When this happens the following maths applies: To deal with more than two loads you just keep on adding terms to the right. So two 8W speakers would give a total of 4W and three 8W loads would give you a total load of 2.67W. Be careful not to make the load too small. Most amplifiers have a minimum load that they can drive, 2Wbeing the common minimum. Always check the specifications of the equipment. Public Address (PA) Basics. Available: http://www.livesystems.co.uk/pa- basics.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.
- 13. Cables & Connections Cables, although among the cheapest items in a PA, are very important. These carry the audio signals between components and should therefore be chosen carefully in order to minimise losses and interference which could degrade the resulting sound. Public Address (PA) Basics. Available: http://www.livesystems.co.uk/pa- basics.html. Last accessed 04/03/2013.