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Basic audio operation guide
Basic audio operation guide
A basic public address (PA) audio system is made up of 3 parts:
Input sources – where the acoustic sound is transformed into an electrical audio signal.
Processing devices – where the electrical audio signal is manipulated, mixed, recorded and amplified.
Output devices – where the electrical audio signal is converted back into acoustic sound waves and transmitted to be heard by humans.
Schools Spectacular Featured Artist rehearsal
Microphones
Microphones
Which microphone to use for different purposes?
live vocals - dynamic (For example: Shure SM58)
compere - radio dynamic
lectern - condenser
choir - condenser
piano - dynamic (For example: Shure SM57)
drums - dynamic
acoustic guitar - dynamic
guitar amp - dynamic
drama performance - condenser or boundary mics in front of stage or individual face mics
tap dance performance - condenser in front of stage or boundary mics on stage.
Watch the video 'The best way to use a microphone' as Marc Zovaro from The Arts Unit explains microphone techniques.
The best way to use a microphone
Duration: 02:16For further information on microphones and how to use them in live performance watch the following videos 'A quick guide to microphones' and 'How to mix live music - microphones'.
A quick guide to microphones
Duration: 03:20How to mix live music – microphones
Duration: 10:34Audio cables and connectors
Audio cables and connectors
Many different types of cables and connectors are used to connect the various components of an audio system together.
Use the following document as a reference to the most common audio cables.
Audio cables and connectors - (Docx)
Audio cables and connectors.docxFor further information on the different audio cables and connectors watch the video 'Understanding audio cables and connectors'.
Understanding audio cables and connectors
Duration: 14:59Cable rolling
Cable rolling
To ensure your audio leads are always going to be in the best working order and be stored in the safest way, it is essential to roll them correctly.
How to roll a cable
Duration: 01:54Audio mixing desk
Audio mixing desk
An audio mixer takes several inputs, then mixes or manipulates the audio before sending it to the outputs.
Each input strip on an audio mixing desk has similar features and purposes. The labeled audio input channel strip identifies the basic knobs and buttons on a common audio desk.
The following 2 videos demonstrate:
'How to use a mixing desk' with Marc Zovaro from The Arts Unit to learn about the input section on an analogue audio desk.
'How to mix live music faders and groups' on the output section on a digital desk.
Audio input channel
How to use a mixing desk
Duration: 11:23How to mix live music – faders and groups
Duration: 10:29Equalisers
Equalisers
Watch the following 2 videos 'EQ Explained - Sound Basics with Stella' and 'How I set my graphic EQ' to gain an understanding of equalisers and their role.
EQ Explained - Sound Basics with Stella
Duration: 05:21How I set my graphic EQ
Duration: 10:03Effects
Effects
An audio effects processor takes an audio signal and manipulates the sound to create a different effect.
This should not be confused with creating actual sound effects (known as Foley sound effects) such as a doorbell, telephone, or door slam.
Many mixing consoles have the basic effects built in. There is also what is known as an ‘effects rack’. This is a separate device that contains a wide range of effects and would become a component of an audio system.
Two common effects are delay and reverb.
Watch the following 2 videos 'What are audio effects?' and 'Reverb and delay explained' to gain an understanding of the role of audio effects.
What are audio effects?
Duration: 03:18Reverb and delay explained
Duration: 06:29Setting up your equipment
Setting up your equipment
Watch the following 2 videos 'How to set up a PA system for solo/duo' and 'Reverb and delay explained' to discover tips and tricks on how best to set up a PA system.
How to set up a PA system for solo/duo
Duration: 05:12How to set up a PA system for a band
Duration: 07:18Feedback
Feedback
Audio or acoustic feedback can occur for many reasons throughout a performance.
Feedback can be in the form of a low pitched rumble sound coming from the speakers or a high pitch squeal sound that can be painful to the human ear.
Immediate feedback from an audio system can be minimized by reducing the gain or pre-amp level of the specific input channel that is creating the feedback. It can also be reduced by attenuating the offending frequency via the channel EQ. The LED lights can often identify this channel by the increased signal highlighted in the red zone.
The way you set up your audio PA system and the placement of equipment can also reduce the possibility of feedback.
Watch the video 'How to prevent feedback on stage' to learn more.
How to prevent feedback on stage
Duration: 01:58Third-party content attributions
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