ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses Public Address (PA) components like the speakers, amplifiers, mixer, and microphones. At its simplest, a PA system comprises loudspeaker cabinets, power amplifiers and the mixer itself. For very small PA systems, a combined mixer and amplifier can be convenient. Plugging in the distribution boards via a Residual Current Device (RCD) is to provide an extra level of safety. Mixing consoles are located remotely, so that the mix engineer can hear the performance as the audience hears it. Compact digital mixers that can be remotely controlled via tablet devices offers an alternative, as they allow the mixer itself to be left on the stage, where the mics and DI boxes can be plugged in directly. While any difference in performance between different brands of mic cables in live applications, it is worth avoiding the very cheapest ones as their XLR connectors tend to be of inferior quality.
