The initials P.A stand for public address and a PA system usually comprises of an electronic amplifier with a mic, mixer and loudspeakers. PA systems and speakers find extensive use in auditoriums, bars, institutional and commercial buildings. The most important decision criteria while choosing PA speakers should be to understand and determine the type of music or audio to be played and the space where it is meant to be used. Smaller spaces and a small ensemble dictate a minimalist set of PA speakers whereas full blown outdoor open air performances will require an elaborate full featured PA system. PA speakers like all other speakers, convert the electronic signals into physical sound waves. With the aid of electrical power from the amplifier, the vibrating speaker cone allows the sound waves to travel through the air and reach the audience.
They are usually larger audio speakers accounted for together within the sound cabinet, with one or two midrange speakers housed in the cabinet as well having powerful drivers capable of producing astoundingly high output to the tune of 400 watts to 1000 watts. The choice of a PA system will depend on the style of music and the size of the venue or the application to which it is to be put to. Off the shelf portable PA speakers and systems should preferably have 200 watts of output and a 12 volt rechargeable battery which should last you for at least 8-9 hours. The speakers can be placed on the ground or mounted on tripods.
PA speakers too can be classified as active speakers and as passive ones. The unique point of distinction for active PA speakers is that amplification and all other circuitry are built into the speaker’s cabinet. Examples such as Mackie’s SRM450 feature sophisticated internal circuitry, including a phase accurate electronic crossover while the Yamaha MSR 100 Pro Audio system has a simple but effective mixer built into the rear of each unit, providing 3 inputs with master EQ for precise sound control. Many brands of PA speakers are available such as Bose, Mackie, QSC, Behringer, JBL, Yamaha, Peavey and the like just to name a few. Many of these speakers can easily replicate the bass guitar that you would hear at a live sound stage.
Since the main purpose of PA speakers is to address a large gathering, laws of physics dictate that the height and the angle at which they are placed will have a very important bearing on their effectiveness. The higher that they can be placed, the better. This goes without saying that the walls and ceilings in an enclosed venue too have a part to play in reflecting the sound waves. Similarly, speakers when angled downwards achieve better sound distribution. Good PA speakers powered independently should only increase the level of the sound source and do nothing else to change it in any other way. Powered speakers controlled by appropriate stage monitors make for quite the acoustic experience.
It should also be remembered that loud noises can be irritating and an environmental hazard as well as against the law in some states. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high decibel output can damage hearing and one needs proper ear protection. Amazon offers free shipping on a number of the products it carries and the one that you picked out of the buying guide or your wish list probably is in there as well. The PYLE PWMA230 200W VHF Wireless Battery Powered PA System combined with the Pyle PMDK-102 Pro Audio Speaker Stand and Cable Kit makes for a killer kit. If you’d like a standalone PA system that is capable of playing music from your iPod then the Alesis TransActive Live Portable PA System for iPod would be a great buy as well.
Specialty Speakers - Check out more specialty speakers. This Section features speakers from the famous ORB Speakers to Marine Speakers, to Rock Speakers and many specialty speaker types in between! Click below to see more on the specialty speaker that interests you.
