Portable PA Systems are affordable solutions for musicians who perform mainly at smaller venues like coffee shops, small bars and the like. Just make sure that you have your music loaded up on your device, ready for playing through the PA for sound check, breaks, and even for emergencies. In the past, most PA Systems had a tape deck or a CD player, these days, a single laptop, tablet or smartphone can do the job, and do so much more effectively. The two most common types used live are Wireless Microphones and Wireless In Ear Monitors. These systems are being utilized by pros and non-pros alike, allowing for true un-tethered performances. Technology has allowed wireless systems to automatically set themselves up, and change settings to get the most reliable and best quality transmission in real time. Wireless Systems have come a long way from its reputation of being unreliable and problematic to setup. This allows for a more organized and clutter-free setup. Instead of having to lay down multiple wires for multiple mics and instruments, all you have to do is get a snake rolled out and use the solid connection that it provides. Just make sure that each cable are properly handled, regularly checked and maintained, and you can be sure that you're live gigs will be glitch free.Ī snake cable is a system of cables that are organized to provide convenient stage connection between multiple sound sources and your mixer. To find out more read our Vocal Effects Pedal / Processor Guide.Ĭables continue to provide a more reliable and straightforward way of getting your sound through your PA System. Typically these are special vocal processors or loopers. Some performers also use effects pedals which they can control from the stage. There are also other effect racks that are specifically tuned for vocals, guitars, drums and other instruments. Other rack effects like reverb, compression and delay are used to improve your overall live sound. This is a critical piece of equipment for tweaking your sound to match various music venues, and for making last minute adjustments to correct frequency and feedback problems. Standalone equalizers let you fine tune the overall sound of your PA system and your monitors, depending on where you implement them on the signal chain. Most modern setups, including mobile ones, come with active speakers (amps built in) because of their convenience, while bigger venues prefer more powerful standalone amplifiers and passive speakers. They can either be standalone, built-into the mixing console or built-into the speakers. Modern mixers also come with built-in effects and allow for instant live recording when connected to a computer.Īs the name implies, these are what amplify your sound before going to the speakers. This is where volume levels are set, along with tone and EQ adjustments, dynamic changes, routing and more.
I cannot stress enough how important this gear is, and how the proper use of it can make a big difference to your performance. The mixing desk, also called a mixer or mixing console, is the central hub of your music, where all the different sound sources are received, processed and mixed, the end result being good live sound. To better organize the information provided here, we will focus on mixers, amplifiers, cables and wireless systems, and we have a dedicated section for PA Speakers and Microphones. This includes microphones, cables, mixers, amplifiers, speakers and every item in between. They encompass everything that your instrument or vocal signal has to pass through to get to your audience. Public Address Systems provide connection, sound amplification and distribution to get your music heard by the public. Extra Batteries, Power Adapters and Chargers.