step by step setting up a pa system
- 1. Step by step guide to setting up a PA System Lauren Benson
- 2. STEP 1 Plug the kettlelead into the mains and the desk. Kettleleads are used because they are able to transfer more power.
- 3. STEP 2 Connect each speaker to the mains with kettleleads. Then switch off the speakers so that they aren’t damaged when the desk is connected and switched on.
- 4. STEP 3 Speaker input Connect the desk to the speakers using an XLR cable from the main output on the desk to the inputs on the speakers. The left output connects to the left speaker and the right output to the right speaker. Desk outputs XLR cables
- 5. USING ACTIVE OR PASSIVE SPEAKERS You can use active or passive speakers. I am using active speakers because they have a built in amp. Passive speakers would be more commonly used in the rig as they are lighter.
- 6. STEP 4 Plug in the sound source (CD player) using a figure 8 cable.
- 7. STEP 5 Phono cable Connect the sound desk to the sound source using a phono cable with quarter inch jack adapters, then switch on the desk. The input on the desk can vary depending on your sound source, for example whereas a CD player uses a line input, a microphone would use an XLR input. Quarter inch jack adapters
- 8. STEP 6 Switch on the sound source and press play.
- 9. STEP 7 Turn down the volume on the speakers to avoid damage, and then switch on.
- 10. STEP 8 Switch on both channels.
- 11. STEP 9 PFL Gain controls Press PFL (Pre Fade Listen) on one channel, then adjust the gain until the peak meter begins to flicker orange. This will allow the sound to get louder/quieter without damaging equipment. The gain controls how much sound comes into the speakers. Repeat for each channel. Peak meter
- 12. Step 10 Because the speakers are stereo and I am using 2 channels for my speakers, I will pan my left speaker all the way to the left and the right speaker all the way to the right. This will allow equal sound to exit the speakers.
- 13. STEP 11 Adjust the master fader to 0DB to give the sound an ability to become louder at any point.
- 14. STEP 12 Adjust the channel’s faders to appropriate levels.
- 15. STEP 13 Now there is sound exiting the speakers, adjust the EQ to suit the sound, i.e so it doesn’t sound tinny.