FAQ- PUBLIC ADDRESS (PA) SYSTEMS, SOUND AND COMMUNICATIONS
We have all experienced the application of public address systems at one time or another in our day-to-day life. We see / hear Public Address systems in use in hotels, football grounds, shopping centres, banks, Post Offices, supermarkets, offices, factories concerts to name but a few.
Frequently asked questions about PA (Public Address) Systems include:
FAQ's
Where do I start when putting a P.A. system together?
What does zoning mean?
If I want to add speakers to an existing site, do I need to upgrade the amp?
Can microphones and background music be prioritized?
Does the end user need a license to play music on their premises?
Where do I start when choosing speakers?
Do I need any special cable either for the microphone or speakers?
How many speakers can I run on one line?
What is the maximum distance I can run speaker wire?
Answers
Where do I start when putting a P.A. system
together?
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First take into account the area to be covered by speakers and how many speakers would be required. Then find out if background music (bgm) is required on site and if the speakers are to be zoned.
What does zoning mean?
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Zoning is when different areas are called at different times. Lets say music is being played to all zones, an announcement can be made to one particular zone without cutting the music in the other areas.
If I want to add speakers to an existing site, do I need to upgrade
the amp?
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You need to take a few things into account here, the wattage of the existing amp and the total wattage of the existing speakers. As long as the amp wattage stays above the total speaker wattage after the additional speakers, there is no need to upgrade. Of course the other thing is weather the new speakers are to be zoned separately and if there is that availability on the existing amp.
Can microphones and background music be prioritized?
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Yes, although it does depend on the make of the amp. Microphones will take priority over the bgm and microphone No: 1 will take priority over NoÕs: 2,3 and 4 etcÉ If the amp has it, an emergency input will always have total priority.
Does the end user need a license to play music on their premises?
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If the end user is playing music to the public then yes they would require a music license. See www.prs.co.uk for information.
Where do I start when choosing speakers?
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Speaker selection is mainly decided by the environment, for instance externally, office, church, warehouse, background noise. It is also worth bearing in mind that music should not be played through horn speakers as their frequency is more top end and the music will not sound right, in this instance a sound projector would be advisable because of it frequency range.
Do I need any special cable either for the microphone or speakers?
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Recommended cable for speakers is 2-core 0.75mm speaker cable. For standard microphones it will be a 2 + 2-core screened cable however, for microphones with selectable priority or microphones with zone selection etcÉ a 4-twisted pair with overall screen will be recommended.
How many speakers can I run on one line?
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This is the advantage of using 100v line where ohms do not have to taken into consideration, the answer is as many as you like as long as the wattage matches, it is only distance that needs to be considered.
What is the maximum distance I can run speaker wire?
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0.75mm speaker cable should not be taken more than 250m.