PA systems aren't just for musicians; you can find them anywhere, including a neighbourhood event, a school hall, a yoga class, an open-air gig, and anything in between. Fortunately, technological advancements have resulted in a variety of PA configurations tailored to meet every requirement.
In this article, we'll look at the various factors to consider if you're thinking about purchasing. This includes the various types of PA systems available, the common components you may require, the technology underlying them, and much more.
Powered vs. Non-Powered
Enable live sound for multiple audio sources with ease with a next level performing audio PA speaker. The first thing to think about is the distinction between powered and non-powered ones.
Powered PA speakers provide built-in amplification. That means less gear to carry around. It also implies that the amplifier inside each speaker is precisely adapted to its drivers (the speakers) and enclosure (or cabinet). This streamlines your purchasing experience. You don't have to worry about whether the speakers and amplifiers work well together.
Each powered PA speaker should be hooked into an electrical socket. Many of them also include microphone and line inputs, as well as rudimentary mixing controls, on the enclosure itself. If you're only utilising it for a short event, such as toasts at a birthday or wedding celebration, that should suffice.
If you're building a large system, non-powered passive audio speakers will give you both versatility and room to expand. They need external amplification from a professional amplifier or powered mixer.
Passive PA speakers are typically lighter than powered ones with similar dimensions and drivers since they lack built-in amplifiers. For the same reason, a passive PA speaker has fewer potential failure modes.
They are commonly utilised in permanent installations such as churches, schools, and live music venues, as well as bigger moving rigs. Passive speakers are easy to utilise in a hanging or wall-mounted array because they only require a speaker cable to connect. You won't need to climb up a ladder to adjust a setting, as you might with a powered model.
Power
The typical rule of thumb is that you should be able to supply approximately double the handling power of your chosen audio PA speaker. For example, if you have an 8-ohm speaker with a 350-watt program power rating, you'll need an amplifier capable of producing 700 watts at 8 ohms.
This may appear counterintuitive, but it is intended to prevent signal distortion. If an amplifier can output twice the amount of power required, the signal can reach a much higher volume without clipping since the amp provides lots of headroom.
Many power amplifiers power two channels, i.e. a stereo PA system, but you can get ones with multiple channels for larger systems. Again, this may be more practical if you're planning on having a PA with more than two speakers or spanning a larger area.
Size
The most common woofer sizes for PA speakers are 10", 12", and 15". If you'll be moving them frequently, make sure they'll fit in your vehicle. Check the specifications to find out the cabinet's dimensions and weight.
PA speakers with smaller drivers provide a wider angle of dispersion, which is ideal for shallower spaces with an audience dispersed left to right. Larger speakers have a narrower dispersion and a longer throw in rooms that are deeper than they are wide.
And, while PA speakers with larger drivers can normally be louder, the amount of bass frequencies does not change greatly as size increases. A subwoofer can significantly improve the low end of your live sound.
Subwoofer- Do You Need It?
When it comes to low tones like bass guitar and kick drums, live sound subwoofers are crucial. Bass takes a lot of power, so having a sub to handle that responsibility allows your full-range audio speaker to focus on the mid and high frequencies. That makes it sound louder and cleaner.
The right sub for you depends on the music you're playing and the venue in which it's being played. If you're looking for portable gear for an acoustic guitar duo, you probably don't need a subwoofer to emphasize the very low frequencies - ditto for a chamber music quartet in an echo-y church. Funk band in a club? Consider a sub. Detuned metal power trio? Consider two.
Portability
If you require a compact, versatile sound solution, an all-in-one PA system is a fantastic alternative. An all-in-one system, which includes a built-in mixer and numerous connection choices, is great for touring acoustic artists looking for a system that will fit into a compact SUV or even a car.
A line array portable PA sounds great, particularly for quieter solo or small group performances. It can produce rich, lively sound in small to medium-sized venues. For the simplest personal PA system configuration, consider something with a cordless microphone, a rechargeable battery, and a weight of slightly more than 16 pounds.
