Portable Public Address (PA) Sound Systems - A Selection Guide

So you got tagged to select a portable sound system for your school, church or office. Congrats. Now what? There is no secret formula for you follow. There are, however, specific considerations to help you in making an informed choice. 

Ease of Use

Let's face it. We're not all geeked out. Sure, we were once members of the High School AV Club, but the technology world has changed (a lot) since then.. A "turn it on and go" approach may work best for you.

Audience

First, you need to decide what type of audience(s) to consider. Are you supporting a 30 student dance class or a crowd of 5,000 at the football field? You could (but wouldn't) want to blow the roof off of the house. Is the same system to be used in the yoga studio? Remember, it is much easier to turn the volume down than to try to crank it to "11".

PA Size

A full size public address system is required for audiences of 300 people or more. A full size system typically includes an amplifier, mixer and speaker. The system may be expanded by adding additional speakers or connecting additional PA units. PA Systems

A personal PA system is designed to support audience of 300 people or less. The system is usually comprised of a compact speaker and a microphone. An auctioneer would use a system like this. A swim coach too. PA Systems

Megaphones are another type of PA system and are often used in emergency situations, assemblies, backstage at concerts, pep rallies and sporting events. Megaphones often have built-in features such as sirens, recorders, remote microphones and safety lights. Megaphones

Physical Environment

The larger the space, the larger the system does not always apply, but typically does. A key consideration is wireless capability and "line of sight". A transmitter must be able to talk to the receiver. If you are a marching band leader using a wireless headset microphone during practice, you cannot always expect perfect results when standing on the goal line when the base PA system is on the 50.

Is the system to be used inside as well as outside? Be prepared to consider companion speakers while in the great outdoors. 

The Ins and Outs

The number of inputs and outputs is a consideration often missed. How many devices (in and out) do you expect to connect to your system? Examples of inputs are microphones, CD players, BluRay Players, MP3 players etc.... Examples of outputs include additional speakers and companion PA systems. It's up to you to determine inputs, outputs and connections. Remember, it's easier to plan for the future by maximizing input and output options up front.

Microphones

Companion Speakers

Portability

"Portable" is a slippery term. After all, if it isn't bolted to the wall, isn't it portable? Portable sound systems come in many shapes and sizes, from the self-contained array system on wheels (like travel luggage with a handle) to multi-piece systems with speaker stands, cases and bags. 

An auctioneer and a marching band director have markedly different requirements when it comes to portable sound. The auctioneer may be best served by employing a self-contained, over-the-shoulder PA system with headset microphone, while the marching band director may require a multi-piece system that includes companion speakers, tall speakers stands and a wireless microphone that must work anywhere on the athletic field.

Power Source

How long is your extension cord? If you are looking for a truly portable system that can be used in almost any environment (not at the bottom of the pool please), you will require battery power. Remember that all batteries are not created equal. When selecting a system, do your homework. How many charges can the battery take before it is "spent". Typically a system battery can be charged between 2,000 and 20,000 times. Ask the question.

In the end, the most flexible system utilize both AC and DC power sources. If you are able to "plug it in", plug it in! 

Affinitech

We look forward to helping you with your decision. We provide advice and design service free of charge. No obligation. No hard sell. We enjoy what we do and look forward to helping you in any way.

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online@affinitechinc.com

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