So you need a PA sound system? We hope this article will help point you in the right direction. Mostly, finding the system best suited to you is by eliminating the types that are not suitable. By this process of elimination, you should be left with a smaller, more focused view of what you should be looking for. This will save you a lot of time or asking a music shop owner a generic question like “What sort of PA’s do you have?”.
Consideration #1 - What is the PA for?
What exactly are you using the PA for? Mixing a band? A DJ? Just for someone to speak through to address an audience? Once you can answer this, you will instantly eliminate a lot of systems. This can also save you money by buying a system that suits what you need without all the extras that might be unnecessary for your need. Once you are clear about the use of the system, be sure to consider how many channels you will need (it’s always best to opt for a couple of spare channels in case you overlooked something or need to add something later).
Consideration #2 - Size of Audience
The larger the audience the more powerful the PA will need to be. Expected room size is also a consideration. If you are using the PA outdoors, you will need more power again as the power tends to disipate in outdoor situations as opposed to a room. A PA in a near empty room will sound much more powerful than when you add people into the room. This is because the denseness of the human body (being mostly comprised of water) actually absorbs the sound.
Consideration #3 - Budget
An obvious consideration is budget, but don’t forget that it really is true - you get what you pay for. If you have the chance to listen to systems, be sure to do so as you might be surprised just how much clearer and how much more a sense of depth a more expensive speaker has. Speakers can range from a couple of hundred dollars to many thousands each. If you plan on making this investment as part of a career, it might pay you to buy the best you can afford.
Consideration #4 - Transporting the System
Last, but not least, don’t forget that if you plan on taking the PA sound system “on the road” you will need to consider any transport issues. Make sure it fits in your vehicle and also assess the weight of the system and if you might need to invest in trolleys to make moving the equipment safer and easier.