electrosushi
Tape Op
Joined: 31 Oct 2006
Posts: 21
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| How to choose a PA? |
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Hello people,
so here's my quest, I am putting down notes to set up a PA for cerimony but I am a newbie and somehow don't know if what I'm thinking about is right or wrong:
The cerimony is a found raising event for let's say "mature posh people", it's expected to be attended by a number between 100 and 300 people, location is a hotel conference room.
And here's what Im seeking directions for:
There will be a dance area, so I guess the PA will be placed in that particular area, How many loudspeakers should I request?
Should I calculate a number of Watt per person (as read in other posts) or should I just rent a decent PA system?
Tips and Tricks?
I wish I got this job after having finished the audio course... not before even starting it. Not that I don't feel confident, but some directions would help at this stage...
Ed |
Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:39 am |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| PA selection |
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Hi Ed
There a few main considerations when choosing a PA system, and remember, a PA isnt just speakers! you will also require a mixing desk, amplifiers (if using passive speakers) mic stands, cables, microphones, D.I boxes and so on.
1. what are you going to need to put through the PA? just one lecturn mic or will you have live music, DJ? Draw out an input list, so you can work out how big a mixing desk and multicore you will need.
2. How big is the area you need to cover, and what sort of average level are you hoping to achieve? (look up decibels SPL, and inverse square law)
3. How important is the audio fidelity? (tied to budget)
4. What is the programme material? Think of the bandwidth of the sound you need to reproduce, spoken word is not going to require a 20,000watt flown subwoofer array.
5. What gear do you have available, and what is the space like that you need to fill.
6. Possibly most important, Budget. How much do you have to spend. good PA systems dont come cheap. If you can afford to over-spec, do so.
Hope that gives you some direction to start off with.
-Paul
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If In Doubt...Hit It With a Hammer, If Still In Doubt... Find a Bigger Hammer. |
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Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:54 pm |
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electrosushi
Tape Op
Joined: 31 Oct 2006
Posts: 21
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thanks so much for your answer, judging by the type of event the set up will be quiet straight forward, I forecast a couple of mics more or less.
I'll keep in mind your advices
THX  |
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Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:55 pm |
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electrosushi
Tape Op
Joined: 31 Oct 2006
Posts: 21
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Made treasure of the advices and tried to move on, the only thing I would like to know is about the Amplitude, Inverse Square Law and SPL...
Here's the list I prepare, is there anything uselesse written on it?
Q.ty Item
1 CD player, double deck*
1 Pair of Loudspeakers* with stand (estimated 450 people)
1 Power Amplifier*
1 3 Channels Mixer*
1 Wireless Microphone
* All gear will be supplied with the relatives cables |
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Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:48 am |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| Contingency |
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Just a few things to add to that list.
1. Power, make sure you have sufficient 13amp power distribution available.
2. Microphones, request a standard wired microphone with stand and cable for emergencies, i.e. RFI (interference)
3. Recording, bare in mind they may want the event recorded, so bring along a minidisc/CD-R/DAT deck in case you need it.
4. i would say add a few channels to the mixer for stereo returns etc. but you wont be given a 3 channel mixer itll be bigger so not a worry.
5. Add 50% to all the cables. last thing you want is to run out of cables or find a couple broken and beyond repair.
6. Wireless Mic, try to get a decent variable frequency microphone to avoid RFI. diversity receiver is aways preferable too (this unit will have two aerials so easy to spot, it will automatically switch to the aerial with best signal, again to avoid RFI.
and lastly, try to give a specific power rating that you want for the speakers, 450 people is a big venue, look at minimum 1000watts a side.
_________________
If In Doubt...Hit It With a Hammer, If Still In Doubt... Find a Bigger Hammer. |
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Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:29 pm |
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electrosushi
Tape Op
Joined: 31 Oct 2006
Posts: 21
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well, I updated my list, does this make sense? Or will I get laughed at the store...
Audio Equipment List
Q.ty Item
1 CD player, double deck*
1 Pair of Loudspeakers* with stand minimum 1000 W
1 Power Amplifier able to power up the speakers*
1 6 or more Channels Mixer*
1 Wireless Microphone with variable frequency
1 Wired Microphone (as back up)*
1 Microphone Stand
* All gear will be supplied with the relatives cables |
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Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:28 am |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| Budget for Consumables |
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yep sounds about right, you may be better off using a couple of smaller speakers each side so u dont need 4 guys to help you lift a big speaker cabinet everywhere.
also remember the consumables, gaffa and electrical tape, cable ties, black cloth, batteries (lots of batteries!!).
do you have anything available for 2-track recording?
_________________
If In Doubt...Hit It With a Hammer, If Still In Doubt... Find a Bigger Hammer. |
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Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:48 pm |
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electrosushi
Tape Op
Joined: 31 Oct 2006
Posts: 21
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| thanks man! |
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well, I feel so much better after your answer. I was thinking of recording the event via a laptop, my idea is of going there with my audio interface, hook it up to the mixer and record on Logic. Cheers |
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Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:58 pm |
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