PA Systems

PA Systems - Buying Guide Overview

What is a PA? The PA is used to mix together the sounds from the vocal microphones and instruments, amplify it and project the sound out to the audience through the speakers. A PA can be as comprehensive as you need, a band starting out will probably need a small system just to amplify the vocals, more experienced bands with regular gigs will require a bigger system with more facilities such as effects for the vocals and onstage monitoring. Whatever you decide on, always talk to friends, bands at gigs or staff at Nevada.

Mixers

Buying a suitable mixer can be so frustrating. They always have an awful lot of knobs on which can be quite off putting. Splitting the mixer into two parts can make the system easier to understand.

Firstly the input channels. These are all the same and will be used for the band, so set up each channel individually. Once you have set the first one up the rest will come easily. The second aspect of the mixer is the venue part. This will enable you to help compensate for any acoustic problems in the room. Once everything is set and a sound check has been performed, the only thing you will need to do during the gig is to turn up the volume. It's worth noting the position of your settings, particularly if it's a regular gig.

Mixer Amps

A mixer amplifier is the most popular component when buying a PA. It pretty much does what it says; it's a PA amp with a built-in mixer. The mixer usually has 2-6 inputs and will take microphones as well as line-level items such as keyboards or backing tapes.

The facilities are typically rather limited. You will often find basic controls to adjust the sound (generally bass, treble and a level knob).

Mixer amps are a good entry-level option for acoustic performers or people using backing tapes, however they're usually quite low in power and will struggle to keep up with a live drummer.

There are numerous makes around but we suggest sticking with the well known brands such as Peavey or Yamaha. These manufacturers may not be the cheapest, yet they are so reliable out there in gigging land.

Powered Mixers

A powered mixer is the bigger brother of the mixer amp. This type of unit is more like a mixer with an amp built in. It will have more channels and many more features such as monitor sends and even built-in digital effects. The EQ controls enable greater flexibility when adjusting your sound.

These days most powered mixers come with digital effects which you can use to enhance your performance and give it some warmth.

Powered mixers are more expensive than mixer amps, but for the increase in sound quality they are certainly a worthwhile investment. Favourite models are made by the likes of Peavey, Yamaha or Samson.

Power Amplifiers

Any band that wants to get serious about their PA will usually go for a separate mixer and power amplifier.

In principle you will need to get a mixer in order to suit all of your requirements. Try to get some spare capacity with extra channels; you never know when you may need them. You can then get a power amp and speakers of a suitable size for the type of venues you play or intend to play. This will make the system more flexible and easy to upgrade if necessary.

If you are a DJ, you only need a power amp as you will already have your mixer. An amp and speakers are all it takes to get going.

Some power amplifiers have volume controls on the front and others don't. These can be useful if you want to protect your speakers a little. You can back off the volume on the amp so that however loud the signal from the desk gets, the amplifier is never working flat out.

Quality Speaker Systems

Of all your equipment the speakers will be the most important as they provide the sound which you will be judged on. Even with the best mixer and power amp, if the speakers are not up to the job you will sound bad.

It is vitally important that your speakers are capable of handling the amount of power that the amp can deliver to them. If the speaker rating is lower than your amp puts out the chances are that you will damage your speakers, which can be a costly mistake indeed.

This is less of a problem with mixer amps & powered mixers as you will normally have been advised on the correct mix of amp and speakers.

PA speakers are normally full range and reasonably compact. Most PA systems can be carried in a normal vehicle.

Powered Speakers

One of the most common questions we hear at Nevada Music is "what speaker is really light and will take 500watts?" Well the answer is simple – none! Speakers rely on a large magnet as part of their construction and more power means larger, heavier magnets. Cabinets too must be made to withstand hard use, vibration and being chucked into the transport at the end of the night.

One of the newer developments to be made available are known as "powered speakers" which have the amplifiers built into them. At present the power is limited unless you go for the really expensive ones. They are ideal for solo/duo and small bands - its one less box to carry around!

Reliable Power Leads

With any sound or PA system, the weak link is always the leads, so always take care when packing them away. 90% of the problems people get are down to dodgy leads and it's always worth taking spare ones with you. It's a very small part of the cost of your PA and you don't want to spoil a gig because someone has pulled a connector off or trapped a cable.