Information
on professional audio equipment
A professional audio system
normally consists of a playing device (CD player, DVD player, MP3 player, guitar,
laptop or singer etc). amplifier, speakers and microphone. Below we look at
each individual item and it's merits:
Amplifiers
Buying an amplifier is one of the biggest investments you will make. Which one
is right? Only you can decide. But we can help you with tips to make your choices
a bit easier to make.
Power
ratings
When comparing amplifiers, make sure to compare continuous (sustained) power.This
is reported as 'Watts RMS', or Root Mean Square. It is a mathmatical formula
that computes an average amount of wattage generated. Don't be confused with
sales talk of peak power or peak performance, you should only be concerned with
the RMS rating. High power is required for accurate reproduction of music. Buying
an underpowered, poor performing amp won't save you money. Power costs money
and lots of power costs more money - it's as simple as that! However, buying
a qood quality commercial amp will save you money over time and give you the
reliablity that you need.
Think
'speakers' when you buy an amplifier
A common mistake made by people is to purchase an incompatible system. This
is the equivalent of throwing money down the drain. Regarding sound quality,
your system can be split approximately into two halves (50% from the amplifier/mixer/microphone
and effects and 50% from the speakers) and one doesn't perform to it's potential without the other. So,
when choosing your amplifier always have your speakers in mind.
What
about powered mixers?
For singles, duos, acoustic trios, or any group that plays in smaller clubs
etc, you'll probably want a PA that is compact, easy to carry, and can fit easily
in your car with your other instruments. For you, a powered mixer is probably
the best choice. Most of what you need (power amps, mixer, and often EQ and
effects) are usually combined in one box. Plug in a microphone and speakers
and you're good to go!
Analog Mixers
Let's assume that you have the typical rock band setup, one or two guitars,
keyboard, bass, drums, a lead singer, and a few members singing backup. Maybe
playing smaller clubs? In this scenario, a traditional unpowered analog mixer
would not only provide ease of set-up, but will also allow you to grow into
a larger system by adding larger speakers, etc. without having to start from
scratch. Many analog mixers now include digital effects processors so you don't
have to carry additional gear to your venue.
Digital
Mixers
A digital mixer include features such as dynamic effects processors and instant
settings recall while forming the basis of a system that can be added to as
you grow and still provide a highly effective system at any level of performance.
Buy
good cables
Cables are a sensitive issue. Some people spend a lot of time choosing the right
amplifier and speakers and then try to cut costs on cables. Choose the best
cables you can afford - period!
Big
is good - isn't it?
Big isn't always good or better. Don't let your ego get in the way of a great
sounding system. Sure, it's cool to have big speakers if you are a DJ or trying
to impress your peers but don't forget it's the sound quality that should be
the impressive bit!
Tips
on choosing great speakers!
Buying speakers may seem
overwhelming but a little knowledge can pay big dividends. Here are my tips:
Look
for RMS ratings not peak performance
Peak performance is the maximum wattage you can feed into a speaker. Sales people
love to quote "peak performance" but you cannot expect peak performance
from your speakers all the time! Hence, what you should be concerned with is
the "RMS rating." RMS stands for: Root Means Square which is a mathmatical
equation that is used to rate speakers. It gives you the continual power rating
you can expect from your speakers.
Go
for portability - leave your ego at the stage door People
tend to think big speakers are good speakers! Sure, it's cool if you are a DJ
or trying to impress your peers but don't forget it's the sound quality that
really counts. Today's technology allows you to have great sounding lightweight
speakers that are convenient to transport. Give your back a rest and leave your
ego at the door!
Get
the best speaker cables you can afford
Cables are a sensitive issue. Some people spend a lot of time choosing the right
speakers and then try to cut costs on speaker cables. Choose the best cables
you can afford - period!
Don't
buy named brands just for brand sake
Specific names or brands can be elusive despite great reputations. Often the
cheapest speakers in a named brand can be the worst sounding speakers you could
buy. Put brands aside and look for the best quality sounding speakers in your
price range.
Get
expert advice
Advice is FREE so why not email your concerns to one of our audio experts and
they will point you in the right direction. After all they have over 20 years
of experience that you can take advantage of.
Microphones
Microphones comes in two varieties. Corded (with lead) and radio-microphone
(cordless). Generally, you will achieve far better quality from a corded microphone
than from a radio microphone of equivalent price.
Microphones - Corded or Wireless?
Radio microphones are great for those who dislike a wire trailing around the
stage, and for those who wish to involve audience participation, however if
vocal quality and price is paramount, the corded microphone is usually the better
buy. Microphones are the link between you and your audience.
Improving the sound of your singing voice
It's important to select the right microphone for your voice. Some singers improve
their singing sound by up to 50% when they change their microphone! If you are
starting out in the singing world start with buying an entry level Shure microphone
and you won't go far wrong. The next step after buying a quality microphone
is to practise using it correctly. You will be amazed at how you can improve
your sound quality by upgrading your microphone and handling it correctly.
How to handle a microphone correctly
The microphone should be held gently between your fingers, with the fingers
slightly spread apart. Don't cup the microphone as this can increase the likelihood
of feedback through the speakers. Move the microphone away from your mouth when
you hit the high notes to avoid your vocals sounding too overpowering. If you
vary the distance of the microphone from your mouth you will find this a useful
way of keeping even volume levels. Try to avoid singing over the top of your
microphone (unless intended). You could lose a portion of your vocal sound when
relayed to the speakers!
