Kekani
Well-known member
Since I have some time, I thought I'd start something that is not the begin all end all of topic knowledge, not intended to replace Budhuu's sticky by any means, but possibly add to it, with a focus on Public Address (PA) systems.
First things first, not unlike electronics on your instrument, you get what you pay for in PA systems. For this thread, we won't go into higher end digital boards which are super cool or Bose Sticks, both of which are super expensive, and if you have those, then this thread will be meaningless anyway. Basics. . .
Amplifier Power, otherwise known as "amp"
Mixing Board Control center
Cab Cabinet, sometimes referred to as a speaker, or combo amp of sorts
Combo amp Powered speaker usually designed for a particular type of instrument - electric guitar, Bass, Acoustic, keyboards, etc. This is usually what the threads in Uke Talk refers to as "amp"
Powered mixer Or powered head - mixing board with an amplifier onboard, usually has relatively minimal controls
Speaker Where the sound comes out of, passive
Powered Speaker Where the sound comes out of, active, meaning, there's an amp on board
Tops See Speaker, or Powered Speaker
Subwoofer Or sub - if you're playing acoustically and have a good full range speaker, you normally won't need this. If you mic a drum set, look into this.
Mains Speakers that face the audience; known as FOH (front of house)
Monitors Specifically designed speakers that face back to the performer
Placement Where your equipment goes, especially important for microphones, speakers, monitors, etc.
Speaker Cable Cable designed specifically for speakers, with at least two wires
Instrument Cable Cable designed specifically for instruments, with a single hot wire surrounded by a ground shield (or sheilds)
Balanced Cable Usually seen as XLR mic cables, also used to connect Direct Injection (DI) boxes to the mixer. Also used for Tip/ring/Sleeve (TRS) connections like AUX out from the Mixer; has at least two wires and an outer shield.
XLR 3 pin connector, standard is Pin 2 hot.
Dynamic mic What you'll use for live sound vocals
Condenser mic What you won't use for live sound vocals
Cardioid, Super-cardioid, Hyper-cardioid mic Polar pattern of the mic, relates to how much signal the mic picks up directly in front, sides or behind the mic
Frequency range usually seen as 20hz to 20khz (20,000hz) Lower frequency is the bass range, down to about 40hz. 100hz is a common "crossover" frequency where subs produce frequencies below 100hz, and tops produce frequencies above 100hz (if using a two-ways system); important to know when adjusting eq frequencies.
By the way, this needs to be said again - you get what you pay for.
First things first, not unlike electronics on your instrument, you get what you pay for in PA systems. For this thread, we won't go into higher end digital boards which are super cool or Bose Sticks, both of which are super expensive, and if you have those, then this thread will be meaningless anyway. Basics. . .
Amplifier Power, otherwise known as "amp"
Mixing Board Control center
Cab Cabinet, sometimes referred to as a speaker, or combo amp of sorts
Combo amp Powered speaker usually designed for a particular type of instrument - electric guitar, Bass, Acoustic, keyboards, etc. This is usually what the threads in Uke Talk refers to as "amp"
Powered mixer Or powered head - mixing board with an amplifier onboard, usually has relatively minimal controls
Speaker Where the sound comes out of, passive
Powered Speaker Where the sound comes out of, active, meaning, there's an amp on board
Tops See Speaker, or Powered Speaker
Subwoofer Or sub - if you're playing acoustically and have a good full range speaker, you normally won't need this. If you mic a drum set, look into this.
Mains Speakers that face the audience; known as FOH (front of house)
Monitors Specifically designed speakers that face back to the performer
Placement Where your equipment goes, especially important for microphones, speakers, monitors, etc.
Speaker Cable Cable designed specifically for speakers, with at least two wires
Instrument Cable Cable designed specifically for instruments, with a single hot wire surrounded by a ground shield (or sheilds)
Balanced Cable Usually seen as XLR mic cables, also used to connect Direct Injection (DI) boxes to the mixer. Also used for Tip/ring/Sleeve (TRS) connections like AUX out from the Mixer; has at least two wires and an outer shield.
XLR 3 pin connector, standard is Pin 2 hot.
Dynamic mic What you'll use for live sound vocals
Condenser mic What you won't use for live sound vocals
Cardioid, Super-cardioid, Hyper-cardioid mic Polar pattern of the mic, relates to how much signal the mic picks up directly in front, sides or behind the mic
Frequency range usually seen as 20hz to 20khz (20,000hz) Lower frequency is the bass range, down to about 40hz. 100hz is a common "crossover" frequency where subs produce frequencies below 100hz, and tops produce frequencies above 100hz (if using a two-ways system); important to know when adjusting eq frequencies.
By the way, this needs to be said again - you get what you pay for.
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