PA Systems for a Live Music EventAlmost any live music event will need a PA System for the music itself (the most common exception to this is classical music, which is seldom amplified). Because there are often so many variables to take into account, you may well need to speak to us before deciding what to hire and whether to hire it from us. However, our packaged systems are designed to get as close as we can to a one-size-fits-all solution, so we hope this section will help you get a good idea of what is suitable without needing to spend too long or go into too much detail. The table below sets out the equipment required for common music styles (identified by column headings). At the head of each column you can link to one of the systems we recommend for that application. You can also use the embedded links in each of the ticks or question-marks to find more detailed information further down the page about why an item is included (or may be needed).
Microphones and stands. You will generally need at least one vocal microphone, and may require one or more instrument microphones as well. Each of our live music systems include appropriate microphones for that system's description (for example, our Vocal PA System includes four vocal and two general-purpose microphones). However, a solo performer with an instrument requiring only a line-input might manage with our Announcement System, which includes only one microphone. The microphones included by default with each system should cope with most typical requirements (and all necessary cables, clips and stands are included). However, we can usually offer alternative or additional microphones if these are preferred or needed, so please ask us if a you would like a different combination with any particular system. [Back to Table] DI Boxes. Broadly, you will need a DI box for any instrument that has a pickup, or for electronic instruments (which includes most keyboards). How many you need will depend on the combination of instruments: guitar-based bands without keyboards may not need any, while a folk duo with two acoustic instruments each might need four. All our packaged live music systems include at least two DI boxes (and most include four, which is usually enough), but we can supply more if you need them. [Back to Table] Cables. With any of our systems you will get a selection of cables, and this will generally include all the power cables you need, all the speaker cables you need, and at least one 5-metre XLR cable per microphone or DI Box. We don't include jack-to-jack leads or other signal adaptors, but our engineers always carry a case of spares (with most common varieties of cable and connector in it). Where a sound engineer is also involved, it is usual for the mixer to be in the audience area. All our larger systems (from the Small Concert System upwards) therefore include a 45-metre multicore cable, which will reach from the stage to the back row of most venues with an audience capacity of less than 1,000. [Back to Table] Mixer. Any live music will need a mixer, and although it is possible to work with fairly basic controls, modern audiences - and sound engineers! - are generally accustomed to higher standards of production. For that reason, all our live systems are supplied with professional-standard Allen & Heath mixers, ranging from 12 to 32 channels. Generally, the bigger the production the more channels you will need, and the mixer supplied with any of our systems is generally appropriate for the scale of production involved. However, we can provide alternatives, or a second mixer if the production involves a separate monitor engineer. [Back to Table] Effects. Any of our live music systems includes at least one effects unit that will provide reverb and most other common effects. In addition, the Allen & Heath MixWizards have a built-in effects section, so that even our Announcement System provides access to effects if needed. [Back to Table] Processors Usually our default provision of processors and effects units is enough for a professional technical rider: any sound engineer will be happier if a 31-band graphic equaliser is provided for the main PA and each monitor mix, so all our live systems include as many as are needed to meet that requirement (whether or not we are also providing the engineer). We also provide compressors (from four channels with the vocal system to twelve channels with our full concert systems), which - whether or not they are strictly required - many engineers also appreciate. [Back to Table] CD Player or Other Sound Source. A CD player is often useful to provide background or interval music at live events, as well as providing a sound source to assist setting up so all our live systems include one. We can also provide - either as well or instead - a DVD, Minidisc, Cassette or MP3 player if you need one. [Back to Table] Amplifier, Speakers and Stands. Our live systems and monitor subsystems are supplied with QSC PLX2 Series amplifiers and Martin Audio speakers. Each main speaker system is optimised for a range of performance styles and audience sizes using our dbx Driverack PA controllers. [Back to Table] Bass Amplifier and Speakers. With the exception of our Vocal PA, all our live systems include a bass amplifier and Martin Audio bass speakers. [Back to Table] Delivery and Set-up. Live music adds equipment (extra microphones, stands, cases) and complexity, and even where performers travel with their own sound engineer they will usually want the system professionally set up before they use it. Also, most of our live systems are flightcased and need at least a small van for transportation, and our larger systems (3kW and above) require a vehicle with at least 1,000 kg load capacity. For this reason we include delivery and set-up with all our live systems. [Back to Table] Technician on site. Most live productions call for a technician on-hand to help with technical and practical issues. For that reason, all our live systems apart from the Vocal PA include at least one technician, who can remain with the equipment (or at least nearby) from delivery to collection. Generally - unless we know in advance that the band will be providing one - the technician will be an experienced sound engineer. [Back to Table] [Site Map] [Top of page]
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