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[W449]What Is A Pa System

by Richard Pace, Ric

1. Poor cables on the inputs
2. Fluorescent lights
3. Dimmers
4. Poor design, particularly shielding and location of the mixer and power amps power transformers
5. Poor A/C wiring in the location where the P.A. is being used
6. Radio stations or other transmitters in the area
7. Large motors close to the system
8. Grounding problems, when using equipment manufactured by different companies
9. Noise in the input signal, especially guitar pickups
10. Magnetic fields induced by other nearby components like air conditioners

Be sure to turn down your level sliders before you attempt to plug or unplug any source that is connected to your system, or you may produce damaging pops or clicks that can take out speakers.

Most of these system problems can be reduced or even eliminated by using high quality cables and balanced lines.

To check for the source of the noise, unplug all inputs at the mixer input jacks and listen for noise. Any noise that has now disappearedis definitely coming from something that you are plugging into the input of the mixer and not from the P.A. itself. If this is the case, start plugging the sources back into the mixer, one by one. Listen for noise changes. When you hear noise when you plug something in, you now know that this device is a problem and you should take steps to eliminate the problem with the device. Some sources, especially keyboards and guitars, are noisy and cannot be improved much.

Here are a few tips to help with input noise problems:

Remember, some hiss is normal, and occurs when an input is at a high level, or all the way up.

1. Reduce the length of the cables.

2. Wherever possible, use balanced sources. Some mixers have both balanced and unbalanced outputs on their products. If they do, change to balanced. Use of a balanced cable will even improve noise in unbalanced sources.

3. Use direct boxes where possible for instruments being plugged into the mixer. This isolates the signal, converts any high impedance instruments to be balanced, low impedance, and allows you to “lift” the grounds on these devices. "Lifting" the ground will help eliminate MANY sources of interference.

4. Change your cables to higher quality ones with a high degree of shielding.

5. Make sure the input cables are not lying too close to a transformer, motor, amplifier or other source of magnetic radiation.

6. Plugging the components of a P.A. system into different electrical outlets can sometimes cause problems. Where ever possible, try to connect all parts of the P.A. into the
same circuit, even if you have to run extension cords to accomplish this.

7. Turn any lights on dimmers off, or if this is not possible, turn them fully on.

If the noise does not disappear or reduce significantly when you disconnect all inputs, then the problem lies somewhere else in the system. Take a step-by-step approach to determine where the problem lies. Try to "cut the system in half" when trouble shooting.

First start with the mixer. Turn all outputs to zero. If the noise disappears then the problem is in the mixer; otherwise it is after the mixer. If it is in the mixer, try removing all effects devices such as delays or reverbs, if there are any, and try again. Keep going through the process of eliminating components until you find the problem, keeping in mind that many noise problems are as a result of inferior or defective cables.

Eventually you will locate the problem, and the suggestions mentioned above should help in most cases.

If you want to broadcast to a big crowd in order to give a speech or deliver any type of public pronouncement, PA systems are a fantastic asset. Should you wish to employ this type of system, you need to be aware of some factors when selecting a PA system.
This PA system is made up of four main parts, comes with cables that connect them and each part has specific instructions. Remember, just because equipment is expensive does not mean it is the best. The success of a PA system is determined by many factors.
The initial consideration ought to be the type of microphone to buy. Low quality microphones produce low quality sound. When you choose microphones, keep in mind how many people will need to use them at a particular time. A Unidirectional microphone is preferreed when the microphone is only used by one speaker at a time. You should use an omni directional microphone if it is going to be used by a group of people at the same time.
The quality of the mixer and its connectors are important to consider, in conjunction with the number of microphones and output speakers that are utilized. The mixer routes all the audio signals that are coming in from various devices. Every component is attached to a channel, therefore you need to keep in mind the amount of microphones, speakers and amps you intend to utilize prior to purchasing a mixer.In PA systems, amplifiers play an important role to boost travel of signals. The amplifiers in a PA system of high quality should not alter the signals in an undesirable way. Make sure that the amplifier is powerful enough to meet your needs. You can find more information about choosing a PA amplifier here:http://www.pasystemworld.com
Speakers are like reverse microphones. They translate the electronic signals coming through PA systems into waves os sound audible to human ears. Of course the loudspeakers are just as vital as the microphones. When choosing loudspeakers, consider the area you want to cover and how many speakers you want to purchase; this will help determine the range and power each loudspeaker must be.
Cables can be thought of as the arteries of a PA system. They connect all the different parts of the system. Before buying cables, take these three things into account. To start with, select a cable designed for audio. Second, select a sturdy cable that won't break down with moderate use. Lastly, you need to determine the total length of cable that your system will require.
It's obvious that selecting a PA system involves a lot of different criteria. You need to consider the speakers, the amplifier and the microphone. Making the effort to perform due diligence and you will be able to come up with a PA configuration that fits your needs.

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Both Richard Pace & Fred Jackson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Richard Pace has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Air Filters and Home Management. Richard Pace is a author and studio engineer for many musicians. He is a consistant "problem solver" and is know for his knowledge of noise and feedback resolution. See some of his other works at. Richard Pace's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.

Fred Jackson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Work From Home, Family and Finances. Get a PA System. It's the only way to be heard. Start with visiting .. Fred Jackson's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.