Secondary Research - Creating Block Diagrams

In a block diagram, each component in the system is represented by a symbol. Lines between these represent cables.

This is a very basic example of the beginning of a block diagram. The input is on the left (the microphone). It's signal travels through a cable to the mixer. The mixer then outputs this signal to an amplifier where it is then fed to the output (the speaker).

Once you add more components to the system, it all starts to come together.

Here there are three floor mics that connect to a stagebox on the floor. This then feeds back to the mixer inputs. There are also wireless mic transmitters which have corresponding receivers that connect to the mixer inputs. This setup features a computer sound card that is also connected to the mixer inputs.

The mixer then has two outputs, on channel 1 and channel 2. These feed to the inputs on the amplifiers then they output to the loudspeakers.

This diagram could be improved by adding mixer input channel numbers.

A more detailed output block diagram.

This displays the outputs from 5 mix buses on the mixer and where they go. The main LR speakers go through a limited and a GEQ (graphical equaliser) before reaching the amplifiers and speakers.

Bus 4 is much the same, with it's purpose being to fill in for those on the balcony. Due to it's distance from the main PA, these balcony speakers also have a delay on them, which gives them the name of delay speakers.

The on-stage foldback speakers don't have these and their bus outputs go straight to the amplifiers. This is the same with Bus 5, a mix for the green room.