PA Basics

A Basic Guide to PA Systems, PA Equipment and Live Sound Applications

Ultimately, the performers, sound and lighting crew, promoter and venue manager all want the same thing: to produce the best performance possible. Often there are limitations: the production budget, the marketing budget, the time available, the venue, even the local transport network.

This section is written primarily for people who are new to using public address systems for live music performances. Its aim is to cover the main elements in sound reinforcement that can help or hinder the performance. It contains some general guidelines which - we hope! - will make it easier for hirers, promoters, venue staff and performers to work with the sound system and its operators.

You can find more detailed discussion under the following headings:

Sound in PA Systems	A few aspects of this enormous topic are touched upon here.
PA Equipment Guide	What the various parts of a PA system do, how they are used, and what the specifications mean. We hope we have covered all the PA equipment components that make up the majority of touring or installed sound systems, but if there is something you would like to see here that isn't yet included please let us know.
Live Event Production	Some of the basic matters that come up for PA system installers and operators in everyday event management.
Tips and Techniques	A few extra pointers for anyone wishing to build, tour with or operate a PA System.
Glossary	If you have never looked you will probably be surprised how well a good dictionary defines even very technical terms. However, if you haven't a dictionary to hand, some of the terms used in audio discussion are covered in the glossary.

If we have missed the thing you were looking for, we apologise. Please ask us about it.

Depending on your interest in live sound, you might also want to read a book, in which case you could try Live Sound for the Performing Musician (by Paul White) for starters, or the Sound Reinforcement Handbook (by Gary Davis & Ralph Jones) if you want a little more meat. Live Sound Reinforcement (by Scott Hunter Stark) includes gravy & two veg.

You could also look at forums and discussion groups (for example, try the Sound on Sound live sound forum).

[Top of page]

All trademarks and images are the property of their respective owners.

PA Basics

A Basic Guide to PA Systems, PA Equipment and Live Sound Applications

Sound in PA Systems

PA Equipment Guide

Live Event Production

Tips and Techniques

Glossary

[Top of page]

PA HIRE IN & AROUND GLOUCESTERSHIRE