How can I make my PA system sound better?
Feedback Test
- Start by setting up several vocal mics downstage.
- Bring the master fader on your console up to unity.
- Bring the channel faders for the vocal mics up to unity.
- Slowly increase the gain of each mic until it starts feeding back, then turn it down just enough to make it stop.
Do you need an amp with a PA system?
PA systems usually consist of two loudspeaker cabinets, each of which usually contains one large speaker and a smaller “tweeter” speaker or horn for higher frequencies. They’re typically passive speakers, which means they require amplification.
How many amps does a PA need?
Working It Out
| Equipment | Mains Power needed | Mains Current needed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 x 240W active PA speakers | 480W x 1.4 = 672W | 672 / 230 = 2.92 Amps |
| Mixer | 100W (stated) | 100 / 230 = 0.44 Amps |
| 2 x rack processors | 20W each (stated) = 40W | 40 / 230 = 0.17 Amps |
| 3 x 100W backline amps | 300W audio x 1.4 = 420W | 420 / 230 = 1.83 Amps |
Do I need a crossover for my PA system?
While there are internal passive crossovers inside some PA speakers, you’ll need an active crossover to split signal to your subwoofer and mains. Most powered subwoofers include active crossovers, but they tend to be simple and feature a fixed crossover point (usually around 100Hz).
What kind of amp do I need for PA speakers?
The industry says, buy a PA power amplifier that can deliver power equal to twice the speaker’s program power rating. This means that a speaker with a “nominal impedance” of 8 ohms and a program rating of 350 watts will need a power amplifier that can deliver 700 watts into an 8-ohm load.
What does the amp do in a PA system?
Simply put, an amplifier (in our case we speak of a “power amplifier”) is needed to get the line output signal of the mixer or DJ controller to a level where it can drive your speakers to the volume you need.
What size PA amplifier do I need?
How much power do I need to run a PA system?
Typical sensitivity for a PA loudspeaker is 95 to 110 dB-SPL/watt/meter. Bigger speakers generally have higher sensitivity than smaller speakers, and high-frequency drivers have higher sensitivity than low-frequency drivers.
Do powered speakers need a preamp?
Most powered speakers still require a separate phono pre-amp. In any case, internal amplification and the built-in phono pre-amp eliminate the need for two separate components – a receiver and discrete phono pre-amp.
Do you need a mixer for PA speakers?
A mixer is not required to use active speakers. Active speakers have everything they need already installed, like a built-in amplifier. A mixer simply gives you more control over the sound they produce.
Does PA need a subwoofer?
If you’re lacking bass in the mix, or your PA speakers distort when you drive the lower frequencies, you’re obviously in need of a subwoofer. A subwoofer fills in all those low frequencies that are missing from your mix and is dedicated to providing your sound with the deep bass that may be lacking from your sound.
How many watts does a PA system need?
Using speakers with average sensitivity, a rock band playing in a medium-sized club will need around 1,500 watts total power at a minimum, whereas a pop or jazz group might need between 250-750 watts. For simple folk music in the same venue, that requirement can come down to as little as 60 watts.
What do I need in a PA system?
There are three components to every PA system:
- An input transducer (microphones or line-level output from an instrument)
- Amplifiers (both preamps in the console and power amps in the speakers)
- An output transducer (speakers or headphones)
What size generator do I need to run a PA system?
The naive method is to say it requires a 12 kw generator or larger. The reality is that at max volume on peak hits it pulled about 22 amps, which is 2640 watts for a few seconds, and averaged about half that. The music was very bass drum heavy. Your generator is fine.