A public address system is an electrical sound amplification system that allows a person’s voice or music to be heard throughout a large building or area. A PA system may include multiple microphones and other sound resources to combine and modify multiple sources and loudspeakers for louder volume, greater coverage or broader distribution, such as that required to provide sound throughout entertainment venues or an outdoor environment.
Types of Public Address System
Small System – The Smallest PA system consists of a microphone, an amplifier, and one or more loudspeakers. It requires 50 to 2000 watts of power. It is used mainly in small venues like School auditoriums, churches, shops, hotels, etc.
Large System – The Largest PA System requires 1000 to 3000 volts of power. It is used mainly in buildings, campuses, industrial sites, and outdoor complexes.
PA over IP – PA over IP refers to PA paging and intercom systems that use an internet protocol (IP)
Network. It is used to distribute audio signals to paging locations across a building or campus or anywhere else within the IP network’s reach. It is required 6 watts of power.
WMT PA System – Wireless Mobile Telephony PA System refers to PA paging, which is a system that uses any form of Wireless Mobile Telephony system such as a GSM network. It distributes audio signals to paging locations across buildings, campuses or anywhere else.
Long Line PA – A long line public address system is any public address system with a distributed architecture normally running across a wide geographic area. It is used mainly in rail, light rail and metro industries from one or more locations.
Small Venue System – It is used mainly in Small clubs, bars, and coffeehouses. It uses a relatively simple set-up, with front-of-house speaker cabinets aimed at the audience and monitor speaker cabinets mainly aimed back at the performer. So they can hear their vocals and instruments.
Large Venue System – A large System is much better than other Public Address Systems. The portable sound system recommends driving large, heavy-duty loudspeaker amplifiers.
It required 100 watts of power.
Advantages of Public Address System
- A public Address system gives an immediate way to address everyone at a location or any other location.
- PA System easily cuts background noise.
- It is relatively easy to maintain.
- Communication is crucial to the success of any large organization because of the PA System.
- PA Systems are perfect for locating individuals in a large group.
Disadvantages of Public Address System
- Poor sense of sound.
- System complexity, high cost.
- It easily leads to feedback (whistling) and excessive volume on the microphone.
- PA systems are not suitable for small-scale, multifunction, or hall meetings.
Components of Public Address System
- Speaker: Main speaker, subwoofer, and monitor.
- Amplifiers: Needed only if using passive speakers.
- Audio Mixer: Analog or digital.
- Speaker Processors
- Microphones: Dynamic or condenser.
- Effect: Only used if needed.
- DI Box: Direct Injection Box.
- Cables and Accessories
Terminology of Public Address System
- Intelligibility: Aim to achieve comprehension of the spoken word.
- Stability
- Clarity
- Linearity
- Natural: The PA system sound balance is natural.
- Uniform Sound Coverage
- Adequate Sound Level
- Adequate ratio of direct to Indirect sound
- Adequate SNR
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Function
The main function of a PA system is to increase the apparent volume of a human voice, musical instruments, other acoustic sound sources, recorded sound, or music.
Requirements of Public Address System
- It must avoid acoustic feedback.
- Distribute the sound intensity uniformly.
- Reduce reverberations.
- Use proper speaker orientation.
- Select proper microphones and loudspeakers.
- PA System should create a sense of direction.
- Loudspeaker impedances should be matched properly.
- Proper grounding should be provided.
- Use closed area connection for loudspeakers.
Factors to be Considered Before Buying any PA System
- The output power of the PA system should be sufficient for a given application.
- The number of microphones that can be connected at the input.
- Provision to connect a tape recorder or CD player at its input.
- Provision of a tone control/graphic equalizer circuit.
- Facility to operate the PA system on DC batteries in the event of a power failure.
- Separate amplitude control for each input microphone.
- Number of speakers that can be driven by the PA system.
- Always buy a small size, lightweight, and least cost PA system.
- Guarantee for reliable operation and after-sale service.
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Also read – IBPS SO,Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Eligibility