PA System and Related Articles

Serving Working Musicians Since October 1997

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/pa_page.html

Even ducks use Shure SM58 microphones!

PA System specific

(12/97) PA Systems; Things not in the users guide - Concepts, Definitions and General Suggestions.
(10/99) PA Systems; Equalization - Guidelines for getting the best sound out of your current gear.
(07/04) P.A. Systems; Evaluating your needs - A checklist.
(8/04) General Sound Information - Getting to know more about Speaker Systems
(11/04) Choosing a Power Amp
(1/05) PA System Basics - For Beginners Only, Part I

Cables

(2/99) Making Ring - Tip Cables - Splits a stereo signal into 2 mono signals, or for use when you have an effect send/receive that uses a stereo cable to connect to devices with mono inputs and outputs. Note: Graphics Intensive Page
(3/99) Making XLR Cables - Often used with Low Impedance Microphones/Direct Boxes. Note: Graphics Intensive Page
(9/00) Using Audio Stage Snakes - General Concepts
(1/01) Building an Audio Snake - A very generalized design that can be adapted to many needs. Note: Graphics Intensive Page
(2/02) Common Splitter Cables - 1/4 or 1/8 Inch Stereo/XLR/RCA
(3/02) Common Speaker Cables - Using Speakon, 1/4 inch, Bare Wire and RCA Connectors
(8/02) Converting a Balenced XLR signal to Unbalenced Phone (or RCA) signal
(5/03) Speaker Wires and Connectors for stage cabinets

Op-Amps and Active Circuits

(3/00) Introduction to Op-Amps - Part 1 - How these work in an Audio Context.
(4/00) Introduction to Op-Amps - Part 2 - Interfacing your circuits with real devices. Includes a 4 input Mixer circuit design and High-Low impedance matching designs.
(5/00) Introduction to Op-Amps - Part 3 - Using Battery Power Supplies
(5/02) Introduction to Op-Amps - Part 4 - Active Tone Control - Using Op-Amps for Treble/Bass Cut and Boost.
(5/02) Introduction to Op-Amps - Part 5 - Active Cross-Over Network - Split your signals for Bi-Amping or Recording.

Playing Out

(4/98) Playing Out; Dealing with exceptions - A bigger/smaller room, a reconfigured PA system, No electrical outlets - a bad dream? It will happen to you.
(8/98) Organizing Supplies; What to bring along and how to package it - You'll have lots to keep track of - Organization can simplify the task.
(1/99) Playing Out; Protecting your Equipment, and Insurance - Help prevent things from getting stolen - simple steps can make a big difference in protection your investment.
(7/99) Performing Outdoors - Note: Graphics Intensive Page

Sound Systems

(1/00) PA Systems - Bridged Power Amps - General Overview
(10/02) Playing out with Electronic Drums - Equipment and Amplification considerations.
(11/02) Speaker Design and how it affects your choices
(11/02) A Speaker Cabinet Project, in Words and Pictures - Building a Quality Pro-Audio PA Cabinet. Note: Graphics Intensive Page
(3/03) An Amplified Speaker/Near-Field Monitor Combo - Building a Specialized Pro-Audio Cabinet with Front and Rear Mounted Speakers. Lots of construction details. Note: Graphics Intensive Page
(4/03) Adding subwoofers to your PA system - What they are, How to use them and Why. Note: Graphics Intensive Page A Stereo Guitar Speaker Cabinet
(7/03) 2-way, 12 inch PA cabinets - Small Simple DIY PA Project.
(10/03) Building Floor Monitors - Concepts and Generalized Plans
(1/04) Speaker SPL - How much power do you need? - Understanding SPL when buying speakers can save you a lot of money and frustration
(2/04) Wiring a 2 X 12 Speaker cabinet - Some common configurations and how to use them.
(2/05) General Thoughts about Power ratings for Pro-Audio Speaker Applications

Performance

(3/04)Becoming A Singer - Bare Essentials and Making it Happen.
(4/04) General Vocalist Notes - Things to make you more successful as a Singer.
(7/04) Microphones for Stage Use - Types, Issues and Understanding.
(8/04) Wireless Systems for Stage use
(12/04) Singing Harmony - Understanding the basics of Harmonizing

Other

(3/02) Make a cheap box - One that can take abuse
(3/03) Homemade Rack Cases - Custom fitted for your needs!

Questions? Comments? .

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