STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO SETTING UP A PA SYSTEM.

Step 1

Plug in the kettle lead into the back of the desk

Step 2

Connect each speaker to the mains with kettle leads. But ensure that they are switched off so they don’t get damaged.

Step 3

Connect the desk to the speakers using an XLR cable from the main outputs on the desk to the inputs on the speakers.

Looking at the desk the left output is for the left speaker and the right is for the right speaker making things easier while operating. On the left is the

speaker with an XLR cable plugged in. and on the right is the desk with the cables plugged in.

Using Active or Passive speakers.

You can use active or passive speakers. I am using active speakers because they have a built in amp, this makes them heavier but means less equipment is needed to lug around.

Passive speakers don’t have an amp built in making these lighter so they would be used in a rig because its easier to carry the speakers onto the rig.

Step 4

Plug in the sound source, in this case a CD player by using a figure of 8 cable.

Others sound sources could be an IPOD, phone, or even a laptop.

Step 5

Connect the sound source to the sound desk using a phono cable with a quarter inch jack, the cables we had was a generic jack which you plug into a phone so I added an adaptor so they can be plugged into the desk.

A mic will use a different form of input which would be an XLR cable but apart from that most inputs are jack leads.

Step 6

Switch on the sound source and ensure the sound is playing. (normally via the timer counting up)

Step 7

Turn down the volume on the speakers to avoid damage to the speakers, and then switch them on.

Step 8

Switch on the channels you are using. This may be a light above the volume for the channel.

Step 9

Press the (Pre Fade Listen) on one channel, then adjust the gain until the peak meter begins to stay in the green maybe flicker orange. This will control the volume without making too much noise and without damaging speakers. Repeat for all channels.

PFL Gain control Peak meter.

Step 10

As I plugged in two speakers this makes the sound stereo this means that we are using two channels for the sound. I will pan my left speaker to the left and the right all the way to the right. This will allow for equal sound to exit to both speakers. Making stereo sound.

Step 11

Adjust the fader to 0DB to give the sound to become louder or quieter at any point. Bringing the master up or down gives you more control over specific channels.

Step 14

Adjust the channel fader to the appropriate levels for each channel.

Step 13

Now there is sound exiting the speakers, adjust the EQ to suit the sound, i.e. so the sound isn't tinny or you want to add more bass to sound etc.

And that is how to set up a PA system.