Course Code – BJMC 222

Public Address System

April 19, 2019
Recap from last lecture
• WoM
• Who uses WoM
• Wom Strategy
• Types of WoM

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Topics to be covered today

• PA System
• Process
• Components in PA System
• Using Microphone
• Choosing Mixer
• Choosing Speakers
• Choice of PA System

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Public Address System

A system is an electronic sound amplification and

distribution system with a microphone, amplifier and
loudspeakers, used to allow a person to address a large
public

The simplest PA system consist of a microphone, an

amplifier, and one or more loudspeakers

A system of microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers

used to amplify speech or music in a large building or at an
outdoor gathering

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Process

The process
The loudspeaker
begins with a These waves are
sound source This signal is converts the
detected by a electrical signal
(such as a human microphone, which amplified in an
voice), which amplifier up to a back into sound
converts them to waves, which are
creates waves of electrical energy. required level.
sound (acoustical heard by human
ears.
energy).

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Components of PA System

• DSP • Loud Speakers

• Microphone
• Select, combine, • Ceiling Mounted
• Unidirectional
route, filter and • Passive Column
• Omnidirectional
process audio Array
• Handheld Microphone
signals • Steerable
• Push To Talk (PTT)
• Audio Power Column Array
• Desktop Paging
Amplifiers • Direct from
(gooseneck) Microphone
• Amplify the low speaker to
power signals listener
from DSP • Horn
Loudspeakers

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Using Microphone
• Don’t use poor quality microphones. They don’t last very long and produce very thin sounding
output.
• Use microphones specific to the use. For example, an instrument mic has special
characteristics that might not suit a vocalist.
• Microphones shouldn’t be pointed directly at or be close to the monitor speakers or
loudspeakers. That causes feedback.
• Calculate the adequate number of mics needed.
• Try not to use 2 mics on the same sound source, this might result in something called phase
cancellation when done incorrectly, which negatively effects the tone of a sound source.
• Be aware of the pickup pattern of mics. A lot of poor quality mics pickup sound from unwanted
directions, and cause feedback problems
• Place mics at a proper distance away from the sound source. By placing it too close to the
sound source, the loud parts will seem very loud.
• Some mics might need a windscreen to prevent making a ‘pop’ sound, especially for vocals.

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Choosing Mixer / DSP

Buy a mixer made by a reputed company

Familiarize yourself with all the knobs and buttons on the mixer. When the
unexpected problem arises, you should know how to fix it.

Set up your mixer in a logical manner, and know which mic is connected to
which channel. If you want to alter the sound of the vocalist, you should
know exactly what channel knobs to turn.
Buy a mixer with adequate number of microphone inputs. It is
recommended at least 8 microphone inputs .

Many mixers are capable of 2 (if not more) ‘mixes’. What the audience
wants to hear is different from what the artists want to hear on stage

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Choosing Speakers

Choose your loudspeaker based on the size of your venue and approximate
audience size. If the loudspeaker is too weak (low in power), it won’t sound loud
enough for the audience.

Prefer using speakers in a stereo setup (where the signal of left speaker is different
from signal of right channel). Just the way that we have two ears, it is more pleasing
to hear stereo sound.

Speakers need to work together as a group, so correct placement is key. If the

speakers are not distanced and/or angled correctly, the effect is quite displeasing.

Choose a reliable brand of loudspeaker, which usually ensures longevity and quality
of sound.

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Choice of PA System

The kind of The space

music or speech How loud it where it’s being
needs to play
being played used

Desired sound
How portable it Who is running quality and
needs to be the system
durability

Cost

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 Source:
https://asia-latinamerica-
mea.yamaha.com/en/products/contents/proaudio/musicianspa/beginer
_guide.html

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Summary
• PA System
• Process
• Components in PA System
• Using Microphone
• Choosing Mixer
• Choosing Speakers
• Choice of PA System

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Thank you

Dr. Kuldeep C Rojhe

School of Business Management & Liberal Arts
Shoolini University
Village Bajhol, Solan (H.P)

+91 988 204 4749

kuldeeprojhe@shooliniuniversity.com

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