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by mtneer_man

Question by daniel: What is a good sound reinforcement/ PA system for small areas/venues?
I’m in a band and we’re looking to invest in a PA or Sound Reinforcement system (and I still don’t really understand the difference) to use in our rehearsal space as well as in some small sized venues.

1. What’s the difference?
2. What’s a reliable company that makes this product?
3. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Antiphon
The difference between the terms “PA” and “sound reinforcement system” (or “sound system”) is largely a matter of semantics. Some audio engineers and technicians may differentiate between a Public Address system as being more ‘band limited’ (for example speech—rather than music—reproduction,) compared to the typical sound reinforcement system; otherwise most people that work in the field of pro sound would treat the terms as synonymous.

Professional sound reinforcement systems are usually custom tailored— à la carte—for each end-user’s needs and budget; though there are likely some small, pre-packaged systems available. Assembling the best sound system for your application and budget will be best done at a local pro sound dealer. If there are no nearby pro sound dealers you should try your local music instrument dealer to see if they can assemble a sound reinforcement system for you.

It’s been quite some time since I have been involved in pro sound so I am unable to give you detailed specifics. Please take the time to check some of the resources I have provided in order to help get you started. Professional sound reinforcement systems, of any size, can run the gamut in price—from fairly inexpensive to exorbitantly expensive—depending on the choice of equipment and your specific requirements.

There is an enormous number of products that would be useful or beneficial – too numerous to mention here. Nevertheless, the following is a very basic, very general list of some of the more obvious items you will need:
   • A full range loudspeaker system capable of producing enough clean output to fill the largest venue that you anticipate performing in;
   • Audio power amplifiers to drive the loudspeakers; class D amplification is extremely popular these days;
   • Possibly active crossover units (depending on the loudspeakers you purchase);
   • A “front-of-house” (FOH) mixing console; (avoid powered mixers);
   • Possibly a monitor mixing console; (again, avoid powered mixers);
   • Monitors (or a wireless in-ear earphone monitor system);
   • Additional power amplifiers to power a conventional monitor system (if applicable);
   • Microphones (vocal and instrument, wired and wireless);
   • Direct boxes, microphone preamplifiers and splitters (where applicable);
   • Microphone stands (with and without shock-mounts);
   • Outboard audio and effects processing: including bass management units, equalizers, compressors, limiters, noise gates, delays, etc;
   • Test and measurement equipment such as real-time analyzers and sound level meters;
   • AC power conditioners;
   • Patchbays;
   • Cables and “snakes”;
   • Professional equipment rack(s) and heavy duty ATA-rated equipment transport cases.

One of the best places to start is to take note of the equipment used by various musical groups when they’re out on tour. Further, check out your local club scene to see what each club is using for the ‘house system.’ Read as many of the leading trade publications as possible. Head to your local library and/or bookstore and acquire some of the books listed in the resources I’ve provided. Also, check your local trade school(s) or community college(s) to see if they offer courses on audio engineering or music production, such resources will help immensely.

Though by no means the only source, as far as well-respected brand names is concerned, one of the best collections of pro sound brands can be found under one umbrella – Harman International.

http://www.harman.com/WHAT_WE_DO/market.aspx?market_id=PRO&type=brands

Please take the time to properly educate yourself, you’ll be glad you did. Always emphasize quality over quantity when it comes to your sound equipment, your audience will appreciate it. Doing so also has the added benefit of increasing the resale value of your used equipment when it comes time to upgrade. Above all have fun!

P.S.
Considering what some people invest in pro sound gear don’t forget to purchase insurance for your equipment; such equipment has always been extremely popular with thieves.

RESOURCES

Live Sound International Online

http://www.livesoundint.com

Whirlwind Tech Articles

http://www.whirlwindusa.com/tech.html

RaneNote Tutorials & Reprinted Published Articles

http://www.rane.com/library.html#rnotes

Pro Audio Reference Books (Updated 2007-08-01)

http://www.rane.com/par-book.html

Does any one know how to set up a PA system?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070307160646AAeg1uc

Whats the best speaker system to use for a rock concert? any suggestions?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070226092122AAHJds5

What is the loudest subwoofer that I could buy?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070602123254AAyf5cR

(Contains a list of ‘subs’ for professional sound applications.)

Setting Sound System Level Controls

http://www.rane.com/note135.html

Understanding Acoustic Feedback & Suppressors

http://www.rane.com/note158.html

Feedback Suppression

http://www.rane.com/ppt/feedbacksupp.ppt

HyperPhysics – Audio Concepts
(Explains the term “Ringing the System.”)

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/audio/audiocon.html

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