{"id":27825,"date":"2023-06-28T14:20:24","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T13:20:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?p=27825"},"modified":"2025-05-13T11:31:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T10:31:42","slug":"how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up an Outdoor PA System"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#The_most_important_step_%E2%80%93_buy_decent_PA_gear_first\" >The most important step \u2013 buy decent PA gear\u00a0first<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#How_loud_does_my_PA_system_need_to_be\" >How loud does my PA system need to be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#What_equipment_do_I_need_to_set_up_an_outdoor_PA_system\" >What equipment do I need to set up an outdoor PA system?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#An_outdoor_PA_system_for_a_cafe_or_small_venue_school_or_church_outdoor_service\" >An outdoor PA system for a caf\u00e9 or small venue, school, or church outdoor service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#An_outdoor_PA_system_for_a_singer-songwriter_open_mic_or_DJ_set\" >An outdoor PA system for a singer-songwriter, open mic, or DJ set\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#An_outdoor_PA_system_for_a_full_band\" >An outdoor PA system for a full band<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#How_to_set_up_a_PA_system_in_7_steps\" >How to set up a PA system in 7 steps<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#1_Consider_your_room_layoutenvironment\" >1. Consider your room layout\/environment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#2_Position_your_system\" >2. Position your system<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#3_Mixer_placement\" >3. Mixer placement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#4_Power_settings\" >4. Power settings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#5_Connect_the_mixer_to_your_speakers\" >5. Connect the mixer to your speakers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#6_Connecting_your_mics_and_inputs\" >6. Connecting your mics and inputs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#7_Mixer_settings\" >7. Mixer settings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#How_does_a_PA_system_work\" >How does a PA system work?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#Converting_sound_pressure_to_voltage\" >Converting sound pressure to voltage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#Gain_staging\" >Gain staging<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#How_do_PA_mixers_work\" >How do PA mixers work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#Passive_vs_active_speakers\" >Passive vs. active speakers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#Pros_and_cons_of_passive_speakers\" >Pros and cons of passive speakers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#Pros_and_cons_of_active_speakers\" >Pros and cons of active speakers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#Do_I_need_an_amplifier_for_my_PA_system\" >Do I need an amplifier for my PA system?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#How_much_electricity_does_a_PA_system_use\" >How much electricity does a PA system use?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#How_do_you_balance_the_sound_in_a_PA_system\" >How do you balance the sound in a PA system?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you\u2019ve decided to put on a show in an outdoor space or run an event outdoors, or maybe you simply want to start your own mini-Glastonbury in your backyard! You need to know how to set up an outdoor PA system first. Fortunately, it\u2019s actually easier than you think if you have the right gear!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We&#8217;ll show you <strong>how to set up an outdoor PA system<\/strong> and discuss the gear you need, whether active or passive speakers are best, and the pros and cons of wireless systems. We&#8217;ll also give you some tips on getting the best sound possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a step-by-step guide to setting up an outdoor PA system for smaller-style events, open mic nights, bands, and DJs rather than full festival scenarios! I\u2019ll also assume that you have access to power rather than using a generator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But first, here are some key considerations before you even purchase equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Festivals-banner-desktop.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Festivals banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Festivals-banner-mobile&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/promotions\/festivals?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=in+page+banner&#038;utm_campaign=festivals&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; src_tablet=&#8221;https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Festivals-banner-desktop.jpg&#8221; src_phone=&#8221;https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Festivals-banner-mobile.jpg&#8221; src_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Festivals banner&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;The most important step \u2013 buy decent PA gear first&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_most_important_step_%E2%80%93_buy_decent_PA_gear_first\"><\/span><strong>The most important step \u2013 buy decent PA gear\u00a0<em>first<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an event organiser, venue owner, or sound professional looking to run your own live events, you\u2019ll know that hosting an outdoor event can be pretty tricky to get right when it comes to achieving decent audio that is crisp and clear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor events are an entirely different animal when it comes to mixing sound and choosing PA systems compared to indoor events, especially when you throw elements like wireless microphones and power considerations into the mix. But we\u2019ll cover everything you need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important takeaway from this article is that you need the best sound possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s super important to invest in quality outdoor <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Speaker-Systems.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PA systems<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Mixers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mixers<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Microphone.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wireless\/wired mics<\/a><\/strong> from reputable brands like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Shure.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure<\/a><\/strong> to ensure your event is as successful as it should be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, I\u2019ll also cover a small list of gear that you need, too!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How loud does my PA system need to be?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_loud_does_my_PA_system_need_to_be\"><\/span><strong>How loud does my PA system need to be?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When researching how loud your PA system needs to be for an outdoor setting, think of it like this: a venue, cafe, or bar needs 100 to 300 watts as your patrons will likely be fairly close to the speaker system and just want something nice to listen to. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A small venue with singer-songwriters and DJs needs 300 to 900 watts as you want the performers to be heard. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A venue with live bands playing outdoors needs anything over 1000 watts as you\u2019ll be competing with a snare drum and other musicians.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-27860 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System.jpg\" alt=\"Singer with a Shure mic on stage \" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What equipment do I need to set up an outdoor PA system?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_equipment_do_I_need_to_set_up_an_outdoor_PA_system\"><\/span><strong>What equipment do I need to set up an outdoor PA system?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much gear you need depends on the event, but the most common equipment for an outdoor PA system is a mixing console, main speakers, subwoofers, monitor speakers, dynamic microphones (wired or wireless), speaker stands, cables, and extension cords.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now let\u2019s dig into the different gear lists based on your scenario!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ll be looking at the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor PA system for a pub\/caf\u00e9\/bar\/restaurant with the potential for outdoor performances, karaoke, or music in the background<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor PA system for a venue that also has live singer-songwriters<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor PA for a full band set up<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each environment will have some key differences and might require some additional equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_outdoor_PA_system_for_a_cafe_or_small_venue_school_or_church_outdoor_service\"><\/span><strong>An outdoor PA system for a caf\u00e9 or small venue, school, or church outdoor service<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re setting up an outdoor PA system for a small venue in which there&#8217;s just music in the background, some karaoke, or a live vocalist singing to a backing track, a single dynamic microphone through a powered speaker with an onboard mixer will be fine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This setup below will also be ideal for the likes of a local charity organisation hosting a fundraiser in a park or a school putting on an outdoor performance &#8211; or even sports day. If you\u2019re looking for a PA for a church outdoor service now that the weather is getting nice here in the UK then this is all you really need for an outdoor PA system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gear you need<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27861 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Alto TX308 350 Watt Active Speakers With Stands, Pair\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>PA speakers:<\/strong> I suggest going with active PA speakers here as you can link two together and you won&#8217;t need a mixer to power them. You just plug them into the wall. If you go for passive speakers, you\u2019ll need a mixer. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pro tip: Make sure you choose PA speakers with a power rating relative to the venue. As a general rule, you\u2019ll need something around 100-300 watts for this kind of environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> Most outdoor PA speakers have a mixer built in. They\u2019re designed to be portable, so you won\u2019t really need a standalone mixer in this scenario. But check out the FAQs at the end of the article if you\u2019re unsure about mixers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Microphone: <\/strong>Of course, you need a good quality microphone. I suggest something like the Shure SM58 dynamic microphone as it will last forever and withstand <em>many <\/em>drops and years of (ab)use. If you want to go wireless, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-BLX288-SM58-K3E-Dual-Handheld-Wireless-Microphone-System\/TU8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure BLX288\/SM58-K3E Dual Handheld Wireless Microphone System<\/a><\/strong> comes with two microphones and a wireless reliever that&#8217;s essentially plug-and-play!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Audio cables, stands and XLR leads:<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget the necessary cables to connect the mixer to the speakers (if you\u2019re using passive speakers), an XLR to connect the speakers to each other, and the XLR leads for your microphones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Power strips and extension cords:<\/strong> For powering the equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Things to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always check the microphone levels on the PA speakers <em>before <\/em>you let anyone speak as the sound level will be very different to what it is with ambient music<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always have a spare mic on hand<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a good idea to buy two speakers rather than one as you\u2019ll have better sound quality and dispersion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For this scenario, a powered or active PA speaker set will suffice as you probably won&#8217;t need to mix too much<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_outdoor_PA_system_for_a_singer-songwriter_open_mic_or_DJ_set\"><\/span><strong>An outdoor PA system for a singer-songwriter, open mic, or DJ set\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a singer-songwriter or DJ scenario, you\u2019ll need a mixer as you\u2019ll have to connect multiple instruments or mics to the speakers. You&#8217;ll also need powered or active PA speakers, a subwoofer (for DJ sets), a DI box if the musicians are using a keyboard or bass, two or more microphones and the necessary XLR cables.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gear you need<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> A medium-sized mixer (8-16 channels) with enough inputs for microphones, instruments, and DJ equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this scenario, you\u2019ll need a mixer as you\u2019ll have multiple instruments, perhaps two acoustic guitars, a bass, and two vocalists who need to be heard through the PA system. As most active PA systems only have 2-3 connections, a mixer is necessary to connect instruments and mics to the PA. Plus, you\u2019ll need to be able to actually mix the sound while the performers are playing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Powered speakers:<\/strong> Two high-quality powered speakers with stands for stereo sound dispersion. Choose speakers with a power rating suitable for the performance space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Foldback\/monitor speakers:<\/strong> You\u2019ll also need a monitor speaker or two for the performers to hear themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Subwoofer:<\/strong> For DJ sets where you need to hear the bass, a powered subwoofer for added low-end frequency response, is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> It\u2019s always a good idea to have at least two vocal microphones with stands and XLR cables. Again, the Shure SM58 mics are the industry-standard option here as they&#8217;re built to withstand decades of use and are what performers expect to see at venues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Direct input (DI) Box:<\/strong> It\u2019s helpful to have a DI box for your bass guitars or keyboards as you don\u2019t mic these instruments up. A DI box lets you connect these instruments directly to the PA system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Audio cables:<\/strong> Necessary cables to connect the mixer to the speakers and instruments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Power strips and extension cords:<\/strong> For powering the equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Things to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do a speedy sound check to get those mic and speaker levels just right before the performance \u2013 stand back from the PA around where the audience will be to make sure they\u2019ll be able to hear the performance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Position mics around 1-2&#8243; from voices and about 4-5&#8243; from acoustic instruments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let the performer&#8217;s natural sound shine and simply boost it with the PA system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Got a big space or lots of people? Two main speakers can help cover the area. Add a subwoofer if you feel the mix is lacking bass or power.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need more than two mics or instruments connected at the same time, an external mixer is essential.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No instrument input on the PA speakers? No problem. Use a DI box to hook up an acoustic guitar or keyboard to an XLR mic input.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have backup mic stands \u2013 you\u2019ll\u00a0<em>always<\/em> need more than four!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can\u2019t afford a stage monitor at this time, some PA speakers feature an AUX output that you can use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_outdoor_PA_system_for_a_full_band\"><\/span><strong>An outdoor PA system for a full band<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The equipment you need for a live band is as follows: a mixing desk with 16-32 channels, at least two PA speakers with upwards of 1000 watts of power, four dynamic microphones for vocals, dynamic mics for the snare, guitar amps, and tom drums, kick\/bass drum mics, a subwoofer for low frequencies, a DI box to connect bass\/keyboards, speakers stands, and all the associated XLR and power cables.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gear you need<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27863 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT 15'' Active PA Speaker with Bluetooth\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Mixer:<\/strong> A large mixer (16-32 channels) with enough inputs for all the instruments, microphones, and other audio sources is absolutely essential here. Make no mistake \u2013 you\u2019ll need additional channels as you never know how many musicians will turn up to play your gig! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, you not only need to mix the instruments, but you also need to mix the monitor speakers here, too!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>PA speakers:<\/strong> You need at least two or more high-quality powered speakers or active speakers with a power module and stands for stereo sound. A PA system will make or break your outdoor gig \u2013 so get something with at least 1000 watts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Subwoofers:<\/strong> One or two powered subwoofers for added low-end frequency response are essential for a live outdoor PA system for a full band. Low-end frequencies get completely lost when you play a gig outdoors, so investing in some good-quality subwoofers will help your live show be the best it can be. Your bass player will thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Stage monitors:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need two or more powered stage monitors for the band members to hear themselves. You need at least one for the vocalist and one for the additional musicians on stage. You can get away with just one (I have played many gigs where I have only had one) but the singer will always need the monitor more so than other musicians. So it\u2019s best to get at least two, perhaps even one more for the drummer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need multiple vocal and instrument microphones with stands and XLR cables. Aim for dynamic mics again, like the industry-standard Shure SM58, and consider wireless mics if the stage is becoming too cluttered with cables.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>DI boxes:<\/strong> You&#8217;ll need DI boxes for connecting instruments like keyboards or acoustic guitars directly to the mixer &#8211; you can\u2019t (and shouldn\u2019t really because you can\u2019t hear it) mic up a bass cab.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Audio cables:<\/strong> Obviously, you\u2019ll need the necessary cables to connect the mixer to the speakers, instruments, and microphones. Always buy twice because I can guarantee they\u2019ll go missing at some point!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Power strips and extension cords:<\/strong> For powering the equipment. Make sure you get high-quality surge-protected extensions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Things to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, the two most important factors here are PA speaker power and mixing desk inputs, but there are also some other points to consider when setting up an outdoor PA system:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need PA speakers with enough power to handle the band &#8211; aim for 1000 watts and up &#8211; anything less and you risk not being heard.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All these channels (instruments\/vocalists) can add up quickly, so make sure you choose a mixer that can accommodate everything. In a live band situation in an outdoor setting, a larger mixer with added channels for mics, aux sends for stage monitors, and a stage box (sometimes known as a stage snake) can simplify the setup process and make sure you have enough inputs for the full band. Aim for a mixer with 16+ channels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t try and turn guitar amps all the way up to get a good sound, as they\u2019ll drown out everything else and cause the monitor speakers to feedback. Turn them down and use the microphone and PA system to sculpt a good sound.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use a DI box on bass guitar and keyboards so you can connect it to the PA and sculpt the sound. Don\u2019t mic up a bass amp as the sound will get lost in an outdoor setting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting feedback from the monitors? Move your singer and the mic back from the monitor speakers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use speaker stands pointed slightly inwards, toward the crowd.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always soundcheck. Start with drums, then move on to guitars, then vocals. This lets you create a main mix for the audience, then move on to monitor mixes for the band.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How to set up a PA system in 7 steps&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_set_up_a_PA_system_in_7_steps\"><\/span><strong>How to set up a PA system in 7 steps<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you\u2019ve got the equipment, this is how you set up your outdoor PA system in 7 steps.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Consider_your_room_layoutenvironment\"><\/span><strong>1. Consider your room layout\/environment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27865 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems PA system and DJ\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Before you even consider purchasing any gear, think about what type of environment you\u2019re creating an outdoor PA system for. I can&#8217;t stress this enough. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The size of the outdoor venue, area coverage, layout, and type of event, whether it&#8217;s for a singer-songwriter, open mic nights, a full band, a presenter, or karaoke setting or even just an area where you need ambient music, will all affect the equipment and wattage of PA speakers you\u2019ll need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let me share some insights I&#8217;ve gained over the years!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Size of the outdoor venue<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The size of your venue will dictate the power and coverage you need from your PA system \u2013 you want everyone to hear the music. So the higher wattage, the more people will hear it from a distance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll get into the different environments and settings below, but a smaller, more intimate setting &#8211; like a garden concert, a beer garden, or a small outdoor wedding with an acoustic duo &#8211; may only need a compact PA system with around 100-300 watts and a built-in mixer and a single SM58 microphone \u2013 ideally a wireless one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A larger setting on the other hand, like an open mic night, sports event, or a full band will need a bigger PA system. Your PA speakers will need to be in the range of 1000 watts or higher to ensure everyone can hear the music clearly &#8211; and you\u2019ll need a mixer for multiple channels. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a rule of thumb, the larger the venue, the more power you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I determine area coverage?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The coverage area of a PA system plays a significant role in determining the type and number of speakers you&#8217;ll need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, for outdoor PA systems that aren&#8217;t major festivals, you\u2019ll achieve good sound coverage with 2-4 PA speakers and a subwoofer. It\u2019s almost impossible to get consistent coverage in an outdoor setting due to wind, lack of acoustic treatment etc, so to help with that, always choose a PA system based on power settings. The higher the power, the more people will hear it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a gig setting, wide coverage is essential for good sound distribution and to reduce dead spots where the sound isn&#8217;t as clear. I&#8217;ve found that placing the two front-of-house speakers (facing the crowd) on stands and angling them slightly inwards towards the crowd helps focus the sound. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have an outdoor venue with multiple seating areas, fly the speakers on the wall and angle them down towards the crowd for even coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pro tips:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The larger the setup, the higher the speakers need to be<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The louder the speakers, the better the coverage \u2013 choose PA systems based on wattage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What type of event do you need your outdoor PA for?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you using your outdoor PA for ambient music or full live bands? Is it for a DJ set one day and a wedding band the next? Is it for acoustic duos or open mic nights?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of event you need your outdoor PA system for will directly impact the gear that you need. I break down all the equipment you need by environment earlier in the article. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In summary, a solo singer-songwriter or presenter will just need a simple PA system with one or two speakers, perhaps a mixer, and a good dynamic microphone like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM58-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone\/4ZW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM58<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-58A-with-Boom-Mic-Stand-and-6m-Cable\/SNM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beta 58A<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; simple.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A full band setup, however, will need a way more extensive PA system with multiple speakers, a larger mixer with enough channels for all the instruments and vocals, stage monitors so the band can hear themselves, multiple microphones for vocals and instruments, DI boxes, and a subwoofer or two.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the types of events you plan to put on and then figure out what gear you need from there!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Position_your_system\"><\/span><strong>2. Position your system<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27868 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems PA system\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>It goes without saying but, strategically positioning your PA system so everyone can hear the sound, even outdoors is vital. If you\u2019re positioning your sound for a live band, the major goal here is to ensure that everyone can hear what\u2019s being played without any feedback.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip 1: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use speaker stands as the elevated height of the speakers will make sure everyone can hear the music, not just the people in the front row.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip 2: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always place the microphone and fold-back speakers behind the main FOH speakers as this will prevent feedback.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip 3: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re a wedding duo or acoustic act, I\u2019d still advise getting speaker stands, but if you must place the PA speakers on the floor, always place the speaker in front of the microphones. The PA system should never be behind you otherwise you\u2019ll get that horrible microphone feedback.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip 4: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When positioning your PA system, always angle it slightly inward to face the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do I need to do this? Proper speaker positioning enhances the listening experience for everyone, reduces the chance of feedback, and ensures you get a clear and balanced sound for your audience.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Mixer_placement\"><\/span><strong>3. Mixer placement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27870 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Behringer FLOW 8\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>At this point, you\u2019re probably wondering where you place the mixer in an outdoor PA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have two options depending on how big the setting\/event is.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Option 1:<\/strong> For a small event, open mic, or acoustic duo, the side of the stage is OK.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Option 2:<\/strong> For a large, full band mix, the middle of the audience is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideally, you&#8217;d want the mixer smack dab in the middle of the audience, so you can hear exactly what they&#8217;re hearing while you&#8217;re working your magic. For a live band setting this is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a smaller event, the best spot for the mixer is off to one side of the stage as you can monitor changes or respond to requests from the performers quickly, and it keeps all your gear close by and saves you from running crazy long cables.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a bar or beer garden and don\u2019t want the mixer in full view \u2013 somewhere where the public can\u2019t get to is a good idea as this prevents someone from accidentally making changes or spilling anything on the mixer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: If you\u2019re running an outdoor gig, run the cables directly down the middle and tape them down, then tape some carpet or rubber mats over the top so people can\u2019t trip over them.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Power_settings\"><\/span><strong>4. Power settings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you\u2019ve got your placement, it\u2019s a good idea to check you actually have power before completely connecting your PA systems and inviting acts to play. Use a power outlet tester or turn on your speakers to ensure a stable power source. Ideally, use high-quality extension cords with a surge protector to protect your PA systems in the event of a power outage, power surge, or someone spilling a drink on your PA system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: Make sure you have enough power outlets for all your gear as well as additional equipment any bands or artists may bring with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making sure you have a reliable power source prevents unexpected outages or equipment damage during your event, which lets you relax and focus on getting the sound right, w<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hich brings me to my next point&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Connect_the_mixer_to_your_speakers\"><\/span><strong>5. Connect the mixer to your speakers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s now time to connect your speakers to the mixer. I always reserve the main outputs of the mixer for the main speakers as that\u2019s the most important sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, grab an XLR cable and connect the left output on the mixer to the input of the left speaker. Then, use another XLR cable to link the right output of the mixer to the right speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, if your mixer comes with 1\/4-inch outputs, no worries! Just get yourself a 1\/4-inch TRS to XLR adapter, which will let you convert those outputs to XLR, and you&#8217;re good to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: do a pull test to make sure they\u2019re connected properly. You don\u2019t want anything falling out mid-set!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re running monitor speakers for the band or performers, hook them up with the aux outputs on the mixer. I like using aux 1 for one monitor and aux 2 for another and labelling them with some tape and a Sharpie pen for reference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn the mixer on <em>first<\/em>, and <em>then <\/em>the speakers. Doing it in this order helps you dodge any pesky pops or clicks that might end up hurting the precious PA speakers which you\u2019ve just bought. The same goes for mics \u2013 reduce the volume and increase gradually when you connect them!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Connecting_your_mics_and_inputs\"><\/span><strong>6. Connecting your mics and inputs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Connecting mics and wireless mic systems<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27866 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Shure GLX-D Dual Band\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>If you\u2019re connecting a dynamic microphone directly to the mixer, you just need an XLR cable. I always recommend dynamic mics for live PA systems, especially where multiple people are using them as they\u2019re just so hard-wearing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re connecting a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Wireless_Systems\/mics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wireless microphone system<\/a><\/strong> then these connect via an XLR connection too, except the XLR cable goes to the transmitter box. We\u2019ve actually compiled a list of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/best-wireless-systems-for-festivals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best wireless microphone systems for festivals<\/a><\/strong> which will help you choose!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Line Level Input (Laptop, Bass, Keyboard, Smartphone, DJ Turntable)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might want to run smartphones or laptops or a DJ turntable into your outdoor PA. All you need here is a 3.5mm to dual 1\/4-inch adapter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can connect to your mixer via any of the 1\/4-inch line inputs, but it\u2019s a good idea to use a stereo input as you\u2019ll be able to control both the left and right channels with just one channel strip on the mixer rather than taking up multiple strips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, these adapters are only useful if you\u2019re close to the PA system, so if you plan on using line-level instruments on a stage while you mix from afar, you&#8217;ll need a DI box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Direct Box (DI Box)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A DI box (also known as a \u201cDI,\u201d which is short for \u201cdirect input\u201d or \u201cdirect inject\u201d) is an essential piece of kit for any PA system. You need it to connect keyboards, DJ turntables, or bass guitars as you don\u2019t mic these up. Just plug your instrument into the DI box and then plug the DI box into the mixer via an XLR cable \u2013 simple.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Playing test music<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ve played a lot of gigs and <em>every <\/em>PA engineer I work with plays test music before\u00a0<em>every<\/em> show. It\u2019s that important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I recommend doing a PA \u201csoak\u201d test, which is playing a particularly intricate song full of different dynamics to spot any dead spots in the sound. I recommend Faith No More\u2019s \u201cStripsearch\u201d as it has so many different sonic qualities that you\u2019ll quickly figure out if your PA system can handle any type of live band.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But any song you love will do. You just need something your ears are used to hearing so you can make adjustments if something sounds \u2018off\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Mixer_settings\"><\/span><strong>7. Mixer settings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27871 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Behringer FLOW 8 8-Channel Digital Mixer\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Ok, you\u2019ve got everything set up. The first step in setting up the audio on a mixer is to \u201cnormal\u201d the settings. This means setting them to their default factory settings. Start at 0 or flat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most active PA systems have specific settings for music, speaking, and live bands \u2013 so if you don\u2019t have a mixer, you can use these. However, if you&#8217;re using a mixer, just set them to factory settings first or roll everything back to neutral and start mixing from there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then it\u2019s up to you to create a good balance between sound levels, EQ, and effects for each input source. Again, start with basic levels and EQ, then make adjustments according to what the band needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Set up gain structure<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is gain structure?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In simplest terms, setting a gain structure or gain staging is where you set your sound system to achieve the optimal signal-to-noise ratio. You basically find your system volume limit before noise or distortion starts to creep in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is how you set your gain structure!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with everything at 0, or the master fader to unity, which is 0dB (no sound). You have your test music hooked up, so now you unmute it and start to turn up the music channel fader until you see a signal, this is the rising and falling green lights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each mixer will have a preamp knob at the top of the channel strip. Look for this and gradually adjust until the metre averages about -5dB. This gives your mixer room if the vocalist or drummer suddenly plays something really loud and the sound won\u2019t distort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re not seeing any signal on the metres just yet, don&#8217;t panic. You might just need to hit the &#8220;L-R&#8221; or &#8220;Main&#8221; button at the bottom of the channel strip to send the signal to the main output.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why start with a low gain setting? <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By starting with a conservative gain setting, you can gradually increase the gain until you achieve the desired sound level without distortion or feedback. By using a lower gain setting at first, you can also ensure your sound doesn\u2019t distort if a singer screams or yells really high.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting up the gain structure correctly helps maintain consistent sound levels across the entire frequency, reduces the chance of distortion, and prevents equipment overload which makes sure everything actually sounds good!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Adjusting your speaker levels<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you have a good gain structure, you can introduce volume. With your test music playing, slowly turn up the volume knob on the PA speakers, <em>not <\/em>the mixer. Get the levels to an appropriate volume for your environment, but always give yourself a little more volume than necessary here as you can then adjust levels on the mixer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re now ready to start mixing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Fader unity gain<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fader unity gain is another term for setting the faders to 0dB and means that it won\u2019t be boosting or reducing the signal. This is known as the unity gain position. You are allowing the sound signal to pass through without adding any unwanted gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always start at 0dB here and adjust only if you need to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: For instruments, you probably won&#8217;t need much gain, it\u2019s usually just for vocals. But in an outdoor setting, you may need more gain on the kick, snare, or bass to really help push those lower frequencies around outside.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Setting your microphone preamp gain<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you have your channel faders to unity or 0DB, start by adding preamp gain at the top of each channel to give them more \u201clife\u201d. Remember, gain is power or \u201clife\u201d, volume is \u201cloudness\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the context of a PA system, gain refers to the amplification of a signal&#8217;s input level or line level, while volume refers to the overall loudness of the sound coming from the speakers after all adjustments have been made. Gain amplifies the signal making it stronger and slightly more distorted, volume makes it louder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep adding gain to each channel until it sounds loud enough and you can hear everything properly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: gradually adjust gain, then volume, gain then volume, repeat. Don\u2019t turn gain all the way up because when you increase the volume, you&#8217;ll just get a louder, distorted sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ringing out the speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-27872 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT 15'' Active PA Speaker \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>In simple terms, the whole point of ringing out speakers on a PA system is to spot the point of feedback and eliminate it. As you start to introduce gain, you\u2019ll gradually get feedback, so this is vital to get right before the gig.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how you ring out speakers and spot feedback areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set microphones back from speakers. The further the PA speaker is away from the mic, the more gain you can add. This is why I told you to place FOH speakers in front of the performer not behind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep microphones pointed away from monitor speakers and use a high-quality dynamic mic with good off-axis rejection. The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Microphones\/Shure.html?page=1&amp;filters[445]=3662\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta range<\/a><\/strong> is good for this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowly raise the volume of the input signal (instrument\/mic) until you start to get some feedback. It&#8217;s essential to be cautious and avoid sudden boosts as they can damage the speakers and annoy the audience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 4: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the equaliser (EQ) in your mixer to pinpoint the frequencies causing the feedback \u2013 look for the spikes on the mixing desk. If you keep getting feedback, switch on your high pass filters as these allow higher frequencies to pass through without causing feedback. You can then reduce the offending frequency until it goes away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;ve figured out which frequencies are causing feedback, use the EQ to lower their levels just enough to eliminate feedback, but not so much to affect the overall sound quality. You still want power and volume \u2013 if you cut too much you\u2019ll lose all the life of the PA system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How does a PA system work?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_a_PA_system_work\"><\/span><strong>How does a PA system work?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A PA (public address) system, whether outdoor or indoor, works by converting sound pressure into an electrical signal, usually from a microphone, and then amplifying the signal and sending it to a mixing desk, which then sends it to the speakers so everyone can hear it.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Converting_sound_pressure_to_voltage\"><\/span><strong>Converting sound pressure to voltage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The easiest way to explain how PAs convert sound pressure to voltage is by using an example of a microphone. When you sing or play into a microphone, it causes sound pressure, which then vibrates the diaphragm of the microphone. The diaphragm turns that sound pressure into an electrical signal, creating a voltage that mirrors the original sound pressure. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So if you sing or play harder, the sound is louder. This electrical signal, commonly referred to as analogue audio, is sent to the mixer (or speakers) and we can then mix or manipulate that sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gain_staging\"><\/span><strong>Gain staging<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We covered this above, but In simplest terms, setting a gain structure or gain staging is where you set your sound system to achieve the optimal signal-to-noise ratio. You basically find your system volume limit before noise or distortion starts to creep in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-27873 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage.jpg\" alt=\"Shure singer and band on stage\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How do PA mixers work?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_PA_mixers_work\"><\/span><strong>How do PA mixers work?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In short, PA mixers allow you to control and adjust all audio signals coming from the stage before sending them to the speakers. Mixers are the heart of any PA system or the control centre of your entire operation!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mixers come in various sizes and can have as little as two channels on analogue models to 32+ channel digital mixers with advanced signal processing capabilities. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a nutshell, mixers allow you to combine multiple audio signals like vocals, instruments, and backing tracks, adjust the levels of each, add EQ and effects, and manage the sound that is being projected to the audience. They also allow you to adjust what the performers onstage can hear, too!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some mixers, but not all, also have onboard recording features and built-in DAWs which are ideal for recording live shows or getting down tracks in the rehearsal room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Passive vs. active speakers&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Passive_vs_active_speakers\"><\/span><strong>Passive vs. active speakers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have passive speakers, you need a mixer with a power amp built-in. Active speakers, on the other hand, already have a mixer and power amp built into them. But it\u2019s a good idea to have a mixer if you\u2019re mixing more than two sound sources.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ll explain further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two main types of speakers: passive and active. Passive speakers need an external amplifier and power source \u2013 usually from the mixer, whereas active speakers have a built-in amplifier and can just be hooked up to the wall plugs in your venue.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_and_cons_of_passive_speakers\"><\/span><strong>Pros and cons of passive speakers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll find that passive speakers are often less expensive and lighter as they don\u2019t have a mixer and amplifier inside them, but they&#8217;ll require some extra equipment like a power amplifier or mixing desk. You\u2019ll likely want passive speakers if you have a good mixing desk already.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_and_cons_of_active_speakers\"><\/span><strong>Pros and cons of active speakers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, already have built-in amplifiers inside them, so you don\u2019t need additional equipment like a mixer if you\u2019re using them as an outdoor PA system for a wedding duo or open mic night. They can be more expensive and you\u2019ll need to run a power cord to each speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All in all, active speakers are also far less prone to feedback and distortion compared to passive speakers. They\u2019re also a lot easier to deal with if you\u2019re a beginner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_an_amplifier_for_my_PA_system\"><\/span><strong>Do I need an amplifier for my PA system?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re using passive speakers in your outdoor PA system, you\u2019ll need an external amplifier or mixing desk to power them. However, if you&#8217;re using active speakers, they\u2019ll already have built-in amplifiers &#8211; so you don\u2019t need an external amp or power source. Some actually have batteries too, which is why fitness instructors use <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/best-portable-pa-systems-for-fitness-instructors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">portable PA speakers<\/a><\/strong>!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_electricity_does_a_PA_system_use\"><\/span><strong>How much electricity does a PA system use?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to figure out how much electricity your PA system will use is to multiply the audio output power by 1.4 (this is how much mains power you need) and then divide by 230 to find out the current consumption. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a 900-watt PA at 250v will need 3.60 amps. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of electricity used by a PA system will depend on the power of the PA speakers and the mixing desk used. Higher wattage or dB means more power is required.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_balance_the_sound_in_a_PA_system\"><\/span><strong>How do you balance the sound in a PA system?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quickest way to balance a PA system is to set up the mics on stage to how you need them, bring your master fader to 0dB or unity gain, then bring your master fader to 0dB or unity gain. Switch on the mixer and slowly increase the gain to see if any start to feedback. When something feeds back, roll it back just to where it stops feeding back. Once you&#8217;ve found which band or frequency is feeding back using your graphic equaliser, slowly lower the fader (not the gain) until the feedback stops.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In case you haven\u2019t already guessed, setting up your outdoor PA system is actually not that difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simply by following the easy setup tips, you\u2019ll be well on your way to creating really nice outdoor events with clear, powerful audio. As always, invest in the highest-quality equipment you can first, always position your speakers towards the crowd and in front of performers, and go easy on the gain staging. With a little attention to detail and some great gear, I\u2019m confident your next outdoor event, show, or mini-festival will be a huge success!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good luck!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP PA SYSTEMS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Speaker-Systems.html&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE LIVE SOUND GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/category\/live-sound\/live-sound-guides\/&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, you\u2019ve decided to put on a show in an outdoor space or run an event outdoors, or maybe you simply want to start your own mini-Glastonbury in your backyard! You need to know how to set up an outdoor PA system first. Fortunately, it\u2019s actually easier than you think if you have the right gear!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":45368,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you\u2019ve decided to put on a show in an outdoor space or run an event outdoors, or maybe you simply want to start your own mini-Glastonbury in your backyard! You need to know how to set up an outdoor PA system first. Fortunately, it\u2019s actually easier than you think if you have the right gear!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We'll show you how to set up an outdoor PA system and discuss the gear you need, whether active or passive speakers are best, and the pros and cons of wireless systems. We'll also give you some tips on getting the best sound possible.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a step-by-step guide to setting up an outdoor PA system for smaller-style events, open mic nights, bands, and DJs rather than full festival scenarios! I\u2019ll also assume that you have access to power rather than using a generator.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But first, here are some key considerations before you even purchase equipment.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>The most important step \u2013 buy decent PA gear\u00a0<em>first<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an event organiser, venue owner, or sound professional looking to run your own live events, you\u2019ll know that hosting an outdoor event can be pretty tricky to get right when it comes to achieving decent audio that is crisp and clear.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor events are an entirely different animal when it comes to mixing sound and choosing PA systems compared to indoor events, especially when you throw elements like wireless microphones and power considerations into the mix. But we\u2019ll cover everything you need.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important takeaway from this article is that you need the best sound possible.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That's why it's super important to invest in quality outdoor <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Speaker-Systems.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PA systems<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Mixers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mixers<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Microphone.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wireless\/wired mics<\/a><\/strong> from reputable brands like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Shure.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure<\/a><\/strong> to ensure your event is as successful as it should be.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, I\u2019ll also cover a small list of gear that you need, too!<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>How loud does my PA system need to be?<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When researching how loud your PA system needs to be for an outdoor setting, think of it like this: a venue, cafe, or bar needs 100 to 300 watts as your patrons will likely be fairly close to the speaker system and just want something nice to listen to. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A small venue with singer-songwriters and DJs needs 300 to 900 watts as you want the performers to be heard. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A venue with live bands playing outdoors needs anything over 1000 watts as you\u2019ll be competing with a snare drum and other musicians.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-27862 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage.jpg\" alt=\"Guitarist jump on stage\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>What equipment do I need to set up an outdoor PA system?<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much gear you need depends on the event, but the most common equipment for an outdoor PA system is a mixing console, main speakers, subwoofers, monitor speakers, dynamic microphones (wired or wireless), speaker stands, cables, and extension cords.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now let\u2019s dig into the different gear lists based on your scenario!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ll be looking at the following:<\/span><\/p><ol><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor PA system for a pub\/caf\u00e9\/bar\/restaurant with the potential for outdoor performances, karaoke, or music in the background<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor PA system for a venue that also has live singer-songwriters<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor PA for a full band set up<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each environment will have some key differences and might require some additional equipment<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>An outdoor PA system for a caf\u00e9 or small venue, school, or church outdoor service<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re setting up an outdoor PA system for a small venue in which there's just music in the background, some karaoke, or a live vocalist singing to a backing track, a single dynamic microphone through a powered speaker with an onboard mixer will be fine.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This setup below will also be ideal for the likes of a local charity organisation hosting a fundraiser in a park or a school putting on an outdoor performance - or even sports day. If you\u2019re looking for a PA for a church outdoor service now that the weather is getting nice here in the UK then this is all you really need for an outdoor PA system.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Gear you need<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27861 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Alto TX308 350 Watt Active Speakers With Stands, Pair\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>PA speakers:<\/strong> I suggest going with active PA speakers here as you can link two together and you won't need a mixer to power them. You just plug them into the wall. If you go for passive speakers, you\u2019ll need a mixer. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Alto-TX308-350-Watt-Active-Speakers-With-Stands-Pair\/3XVG?_gl=1*1r2axs9*_ga*MzExMzk0NTg4LjE2ODI4MDMxMDU.*_up*MQ..\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alto TX308 350 Watt Active Speakers With Stands, Pair<\/a><\/strong> comes with everything you need to set up an outdoor PA including stands and an onboard mixer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pro tip: Make sure you choose PA speakers with a power rating relative to the venue. As a general rule, you\u2019ll need something around 100-300 watts for this kind of environment.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> Most outdoor PA speakers have a mixer built in. They\u2019re designed to be portable, so you won\u2019t really need a standalone mixer in this scenario. But check out the FAQs at the end of the article if you\u2019re unsure about mixers.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Microphone: <\/strong>Of course, you need a good quality microphone. I suggest something like the Shure SM58 dynamic microphone as it will last forever and withstand <em>many <\/em>drops and years of (ab)use. If you want to go wireless, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-BLX288-SM58-K3E-Dual-Handheld-Wireless-Microphone-System\/TU8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure BLX288\/SM58-K3E Dual Handheld Wireless Microphone System<\/a><\/strong> comes with two microphones and a wireless reliever that's essentially plug-and-play!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Audio cables, stands and XLR leads:<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget the necessary cables to connect the mixer to the speakers (if you\u2019re using passive speakers), an XLR to connect the speakers to each other, and the XLR leads for your microphones.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Power strips and extension cords:<\/strong> For powering the equipment.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Things to consider<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always check the microphone levels on the PA speakers <em>before <\/em>you let anyone speak as the sound level will be very different to what it is with ambient music<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always have a spare mic on hand<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a good idea to buy two speakers rather than one as you\u2019ll have better sound quality and dispersion<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For this scenario, a powered or active PA speaker set will suffice as you probably won't need to mix too much<\/span><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><h4><strong>An outdoor PA system for a singer-songwriter, open mic, or DJ set\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a singer-songwriter or DJ scenario, you\u2019ll need a mixer as you\u2019ll have to connect multiple instruments or mics to the speakers. You'll also need powered or active PA speakers, a subwoofer (for DJ sets), a DI box if the musicians are using a keyboard or bass, two or more microphones and the necessary XLR cables.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Gear you need<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Mixer:<\/strong> A medium-sized mixer (8-16 channels) with enough inputs for microphones, instruments, and DJ equipment.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this scenario, you\u2019ll need a mixer as you\u2019ll have multiple instruments, perhaps two acoustic guitars, a bass, and two vocalists who need to be heard through the PA system. As most active PA systems only have 2-3 connections, a mixer is necessary to connect instruments and mics to the PA. Plus, you\u2019ll need to be able to actually mix the sound while the performers are playing.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Powered speakers:<\/strong> Two high-quality powered speakers with stands for stereo sound dispersion. Choose speakers with a power rating suitable for the performance space.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Foldback\/monitor speakers:<\/strong> You\u2019ll also need a monitor speaker or two for the performers to hear themselves.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Subwoofer:<\/strong> For DJ sets where you need to hear the bass, a powered subwoofer for added low-end frequency response, is essential.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> It\u2019s always a good idea to have at least two vocal microphones with stands and XLR cables. Again, the Shure SM58 mics are the industry-standard option here as they're built to withstand decades of use and are what performers expect to see at venues.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Direct input (DI) Box:<\/strong> It\u2019s helpful to have a DI box for your bass guitars or keyboards as you don\u2019t mic these instruments up. A DI box lets you connect these instruments directly to the PA system.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Audio cables:<\/strong> Necessary cables to connect the mixer to the speakers and instruments.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Power strips and extension cords:<\/strong> For powering the equipment.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Things to consider<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do a speedy sound check to get those mic and speaker levels just right before the performance \u2013 stand back from the PA around where the audience will be to make sure they\u2019ll be able to hear the performance.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Position mics around 1-2\" from voices and about 4-5\" from acoustic instruments.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let the performer's natural sound shine and simply boost it with the PA system.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Got a big space or lots of people? Two main speakers can help cover the area. Add a subwoofer if you feel the mix is lacking bass or power.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need more than two mics or instruments connected at the same time, an external mixer is essential.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No instrument input on the PA speakers? No problem. Use a DI box to hook up an acoustic guitar or keyboard to an XLR mic input.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have backup mic stands \u2013 you\u2019ll\u00a0<em>always<\/em> need more than four!<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can\u2019t afford a stage monitor at this time, some PA speakers feature an AUX output that you can use.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><h4><strong>An outdoor PA system for a full band<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The equipment you need for a live band is as follows: a mixing desk with 16-32 channels, at least two PA speakers with upwards of 1000 watts of power, four dynamic microphones for vocals, dynamic mics for the snare, guitar amps, and tom drums, kick\/bass drum mics, a subwoofer for low frequencies, a DI box to connect bass\/keyboards, speakers stands, and all the associated XLR and power cables.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Gear you need<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27863 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-with-Bluetooth-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT 15'' Active PA Speaker with Bluetooth\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Mixer:<\/strong> A large mixer (16-32 channels) with enough inputs for all the instruments, microphones, and other audio sources is absolutely essential here. Make no mistake \u2013 you\u2019ll need additional channels as you never know how many musicians will turn up to play your gig! <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, you not only need to mix the instruments, but you also need to mix the monitor speakers here, too!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>PA speakers:<\/strong> You need at least two or more high-quality powered speakers or active speakers with a power module and stands for stereo sound. A PA system will make or break your outdoor gig \u2013 so get something with at least 1000 watts.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Subwoofers:<\/strong> One or two powered subwoofers for added low-end frequency response are essential for a live outdoor PA system for a full band. Low-end frequencies get completely lost when you play a gig outdoors, so investing in some good-quality subwoofers will help your live show be the best it can be. Your bass player will thank you.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Stage monitors:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need two or more powered stage monitors for the band members to hear themselves. You need at least one for the vocalist and one for the additional musicians on stage. You can get away with just one (I have played many gigs where I have only had one) but the singer will always need the monitor more so than other musicians. So it\u2019s best to get at least two, perhaps even one more for the drummer.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Microphones:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need multiple vocal and instrument microphones with stands and XLR cables. Aim for dynamic mics again, like the industry-standard Shure SM58, and consider wireless mics if the stage is becoming too cluttered with cables.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>DI boxes:<\/strong> You'll need DI boxes for connecting instruments like keyboards or acoustic guitars directly to the mixer - you can\u2019t (and shouldn\u2019t really because you can\u2019t hear it) mic up a bass cab.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Audio cables:<\/strong> Obviously, you\u2019ll need the necessary cables to connect the mixer to the speakers, instruments, and microphones. Always buy twice because I can guarantee they\u2019ll go missing at some point!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Power strips and extension cords:<\/strong> For powering the equipment. Make sure you get high-quality surge-protected extensions.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Things to consider<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, the two most important factors here are PA speaker power and mixing desk inputs, but there are also some other points to consider when setting up an outdoor PA system:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need PA speakers with enough power to handle the band - aim for 1000 watts and up - anything less and you risk not being heard.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All these channels (instruments\/vocalists) can add up quickly, so make sure you choose a mixer that can accommodate everything. In a live band situation in an outdoor setting, a larger mixer with added channels for mics, aux sends for stage monitors, and a stage box (sometimes known as a stage snake) can simplify the setup process and make sure you have enough inputs for the full band. Aim for a mixer with 16+ channels.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t try and turn guitar amps all the way up to get a good sound, as they\u2019ll drown out everything else and cause the monitor speakers to feedback. Turn them down and use the microphone and PA system to sculpt a good sound.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use a DI box on bass guitar and keyboards so you can connect it to the PA and sculpt the sound. Don\u2019t mic up a bass amp as the sound will get lost in an outdoor setting.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting feedback from the monitors? Move your singer and the mic back from the monitor speakers.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use speaker stands pointed slightly inwards, toward the crowd.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always soundcheck. Start with drums, then move on to guitars, then vocals. This lets you create a main mix for the audience, then move on to monitor mixes for the band.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><h3><strong>How to set up a PA system in 7 steps<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you\u2019ve got the equipment, this is how you set up your outdoor PA system in 7 steps.<\/span><\/p><h4><strong>1. Consider your room layout\/environment<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27865 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-and-DJ-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems PA system and DJ\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Before you even consider purchasing any gear, think about what type of environment you\u2019re creating an outdoor PA system for. I can't stress this enough. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The size of the outdoor venue, area coverage, layout, and type of event, whether it's for a singer-songwriter, open mic nights, a full band, a presenter, or karaoke setting or even just an area where you need ambient music, will all affect the equipment and wattage of PA speakers you\u2019ll need.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let me share some insights I've gained over the years!<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Size of the outdoor venue<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The size of your venue will dictate the power and coverage you need from your PA system \u2013 you want everyone to hear the music. So the higher wattage, the more people will hear it from a distance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll get into the different environments and settings below, but a smaller, more intimate setting - like a garden concert, a beer garden, or a small outdoor wedding with an acoustic duo - may only need a compact PA system with around 100-300 watts and a built-in mixer and a single SM58 microphone \u2013 ideally a wireless one.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A larger setting on the other hand, like an open mic night, sports event, or a full band will need a bigger PA system. Your PA speakers will need to be in the range of 1000 watts or higher to ensure everyone can hear the music clearly - and you\u2019ll need a mixer for multiple channels. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a rule of thumb, the larger the venue, the more power you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><strong>How do I determine area coverage?<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The coverage area of a PA system plays a significant role in determining the type and number of speakers you'll need.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, for outdoor PA systems that aren't major festivals, you\u2019ll achieve good sound coverage with 2-4 PA speakers and a subwoofer. It\u2019s almost impossible to get consistent coverage in an outdoor setting due to wind, lack of acoustic treatment etc, so to help with that, always choose a PA system based on power settings. The higher the power, the more people will hear it.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a gig setting, wide coverage is essential for good sound distribution and to reduce dead spots where the sound isn't as clear. I've found that placing the two front-of-house speakers (facing the crowd) on stands and angling them slightly inwards towards the crowd helps focus the sound. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have an outdoor venue with multiple seating areas, fly the speakers on the wall and angle them down towards the crowd for even coverage.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pro tips:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The larger the setup, the higher the speakers need to be<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The louder the speakers, the better the coverage \u2013 choose PA systems based on wattage<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>What type of event do you need your outdoor PA for?<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you using your outdoor PA for ambient music or full live bands? Is it for a DJ set one day and a wedding band the next? Is it for acoustic duos or open mic nights?<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of event you need your outdoor PA system for will directly impact the gear that you need. I break down all the equipment you need by environment earlier in the article. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In summary, a solo singer-songwriter or presenter will just need a simple PA system with one or two speakers, perhaps a mixer, and a good dynamic microphone like the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-SM58-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone\/4ZW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure SM58<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA-DJ-and-Lighting\/Shure-Beta-58A-with-Boom-Mic-Stand-and-6m-Cable\/SNM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beta 58A<\/a><\/strong> - simple.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A full band setup, however, will need a way more extensive PA system with multiple speakers, a larger mixer with enough channels for all the instruments and vocals, stage monitors so the band can hear themselves, multiple microphones for vocals and instruments, DI boxes, and a subwoofer or two.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the types of events you plan to put on and then figure out what gear you need from there!<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>2. Position your system<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27868 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-PA-system-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems PA system\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>It goes without saying but, strategically positioning your PA system so everyone can hear the sound, even outdoors is vital. If you\u2019re positioning your sound for a live band, the major goal here is to ensure that everyone can hear what\u2019s being played without any feedback.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Tip 1: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use speaker stands as the elevated height of the speakers will make sure everyone can hear the music, not just the people in the front row.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Tip 2: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always place the microphone and fold-back speakers behind the main FOH speakers as this will prevent feedback.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Tip 3: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you're a wedding duo or acoustic act, I\u2019d still advise getting speaker stands, but if you must place the PA speakers on the floor, always place the speaker in front of the microphones. The PA system should never be behind you otherwise you\u2019ll get that horrible microphone feedback.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Tip 4: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When positioning your PA system, always angle it slightly inward to face the crowd.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do I need to do this? Proper speaker positioning enhances the listening experience for everyone, reduces the chance of feedback, and ensures you get a clear and balanced sound for your audience.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>3. Mixer placement<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27870 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Behringer FLOW 8\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>At this point, you\u2019re probably wondering where you place the mixer in an outdoor PA.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have two options depending on how big the setting\/event is.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Option 1:<\/strong> For a small event, open mic, or acoustic duo, the side of the stage is OK.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Option 2:<\/strong> For a large, full band mix, the middle of the audience is essential.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideally, you'd want the mixer smack dab in the middle of the audience, so you can hear exactly what they're hearing while you're working your magic. For a live band setting this is essential.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a smaller event, the best spot for the mixer is off to one side of the stage as you can monitor changes or respond to requests from the performers quickly, and it keeps all your gear close by and saves you from running crazy long cables.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a bar or beer garden and don\u2019t want the mixer in full view \u2013 somewhere where the public can\u2019t get to is a good idea as this prevents someone from accidentally making changes or spilling anything on the mixer.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: If you\u2019re running an outdoor gig, run the cables directly down the middle and tape them down, then tape some carpet or rubber mats over the top so people can\u2019t trip over them.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>4. Power settings<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you\u2019ve got your placement, it\u2019s a good idea to check you actually have power before completely connecting your PA systems and inviting acts to play. Use a power outlet tester or turn on your speakers to ensure a stable power source. Ideally, use high-quality extension cords with a surge protector to protect your PA systems in the event of a power outage, power surge, or someone spilling a drink on your PA system.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: Make sure you have enough power outlets for all your gear as well as additional equipment any bands or artists may bring with them.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making sure you have a reliable power source prevents unexpected outages or equipment damage during your event, which lets you relax and focus on getting the sound right, w<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hich brings me to my next point...<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>5. Connect the mixer to your speakers<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s now time to connect your speakers to the mixer. I always reserve the main outputs of the mixer for the main speakers as that\u2019s the most important sound.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, grab an XLR cable and connect the left output on the mixer to the input of the left speaker. Then, use another XLR cable to link the right output of the mixer to the right speaker.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, if your mixer comes with 1\/4-inch outputs, no worries! Just get yourself a 1\/4-inch TRS to XLR adapter, which will let you convert those outputs to XLR, and you're good to go.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: do a pull test to make sure they\u2019re connected properly. You don\u2019t want anything falling out mid-set!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you're running monitor speakers for the band or performers, hook them up with the aux outputs on the mixer. I like using aux 1 for one monitor and aux 2 for another and labelling them with some tape and a Sharpie pen for reference.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn the mixer on <em>first<\/em>, and <em>then <\/em>the speakers. Doing it in this order helps you dodge any pesky pops or clicks that might end up hurting the precious PA speakers which you\u2019ve just bought. The same goes for mics \u2013 reduce the volume and increase gradually when you connect them!<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>6. Connecting your mics and inputs<\/strong><\/h4><p><strong>Connecting mics and wireless mic systems<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27866 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-GLX-D-Dual-Band-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Shure GLX-D Dual Band\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>If you\u2019re connecting a dynamic microphone directly to the mixer, you just need an XLR cable. I always recommend dynamic mics for live PA systems, especially where multiple people are using them as they\u2019re just so hard-wearing.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you're connecting a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/PA_Equipment\/Wireless_Systems\/mics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wireless microphone system<\/a><\/strong> then these connect via an XLR connection too, except the XLR cable goes to the transmitter box. We\u2019ve actually compiled a list of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/best-wireless-systems-for-festivals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best wireless microphone systems for festivals<\/a><\/strong> which will help you choose!<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Line Level Input (Laptop, Bass, Keyboard, Smartphone, DJ Turntable)<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might want to run smartphones or laptops or a DJ turntable into your outdoor PA. All you need here is a 3.5mm to dual 1\/4-inch adapter.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can connect to your mixer via any of the 1\/4-inch line inputs, but it\u2019s a good idea to use a stereo input as you\u2019ll be able to control both the left and right channels with just one channel strip on the mixer rather than taking up multiple strips.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, these adapters are only useful if you\u2019re close to the PA system, so if you plan on using line-level instruments on a stage while you mix from afar, you'll need a DI box.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Direct Box (DI Box)<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A DI box (also known as a \u201cDI,\u201d which is short for \u201cdirect input\u201d or \u201cdirect inject\u201d) is an essential piece of kit for any PA system. You need it to connect keyboards, DJ turntables, or bass guitars as you don\u2019t mic these up. Just plug your instrument into the DI box and then plug the DI box into the mixer via an XLR cable \u2013 simple.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Playing test music<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ve played a lot of gigs and <em>every <\/em>PA engineer I work with plays test music before\u00a0<em>every<\/em> show. It\u2019s that important.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I recommend doing a PA \u201csoak\u201d test, which is playing a particularly intricate song full of different dynamics to spot any dead spots in the sound. I recommend Faith No More\u2019s \u201cStripsearch\u201d as it has so many different sonic qualities that you\u2019ll quickly figure out if your PA system can handle any type of live band.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But any song you love will do. You just need something your ears are used to hearing so you can make adjustments if something sounds \u2018off\u2019.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>7. Mixer settings<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27871 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Behringer-FLOW-8-8-Channel-Digital-Mixer-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Behringer FLOW 8 8-Channel Digital Mixer\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Ok, you\u2019ve got everything set up. The first step in setting up the audio on a mixer is to \u201cnormal\u201d the settings. This means setting them to their default factory settings. Start at 0 or flat.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most active PA systems have specific settings for music, speaking, and live bands \u2013 so if you don\u2019t have a mixer, you can use these. However, if you're using a mixer, just set them to factory settings first or roll everything back to neutral and start mixing from there.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then it\u2019s up to you to create a good balance between sound levels, EQ, and effects for each input source. Again, start with basic levels and EQ, then make adjustments according to what the band needs.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Set up gain structure<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is gain structure?<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In simplest terms, setting a gain structure or gain staging is where you set your sound system to achieve the optimal signal-to-noise ratio. You basically find your system volume limit before noise or distortion starts to creep in.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is how you set your gain structure!<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with everything at 0, or the master fader to unity, which is 0dB (no sound). You have your test music hooked up, so now you unmute it and start to turn up the music channel fader until you see a signal, this is the rising and falling green lights.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Step 2: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each mixer will have a preamp knob at the top of the channel strip. Look for this and gradually adjust until the metre averages about -5dB. This gives your mixer room if the vocalist or drummer suddenly plays something really loud and the sound won\u2019t distort.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you're not seeing any signal on the metres just yet, don't panic. You might just need to hit the \"L-R\" or \"Main\" button at the bottom of the channel strip to send the signal to the main output.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why start with a low gain setting? <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By starting with a conservative gain setting, you can gradually increase the gain until you achieve the desired sound level without distortion or feedback. By using a lower gain setting at first, you can also ensure your sound doesn\u2019t distort if a singer screams or yells really high.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting up the gain structure correctly helps maintain consistent sound levels across the entire frequency, reduces the chance of distortion, and prevents equipment overload which makes sure everything actually sounds good!<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Adjusting your speaker levels<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you have a good gain structure, you can introduce volume. With your test music playing, slowly turn up the volume knob on the PA speakers, <em>not <\/em>the mixer. Get the levels to an appropriate volume for your environment, but always give yourself a little more volume than necessary here as you can then adjust levels on the mixer.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re now ready to start mixing.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Fader unity gain<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fader unity gain is another term for setting the faders to 0dB and means that it won\u2019t be boosting or reducing the signal. This is known as the unity gain position. You are allowing the sound signal to pass through without adding any unwanted gain.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always start at 0dB here and adjust only if you need to.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: For instruments, you probably won't need much gain, it\u2019s usually just for vocals. But in an outdoor setting, you may need more gain on the kick, snare, or bass to really help push those lower frequencies around outside.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Setting your microphone preamp gain<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you have your channel faders to unity or 0DB, start by adding preamp gain at the top of each channel to give them more \u201clife\u201d. Remember, gain is power or \u201clife\u201d, volume is \u201cloudness\u201d.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the context of a PA system, gain refers to the amplification of a signal's input level or line level, while volume refers to the overall loudness of the sound coming from the speakers after all adjustments have been made. Gain amplifies the signal making it stronger and slightly more distorted, volume makes it louder.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep adding gain to each channel until it sounds loud enough and you can hear everything properly.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top tip: gradually adjust gain, then volume, gain then volume, repeat. Don\u2019t turn gain all the way up because when you increase the volume, you'll just get a louder, distorted sound.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Ringing out the speakers<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-27872 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/LD-Systems-ICOA-15-A-BT-15-Active-PA-Speaker-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT 15'' Active PA Speaker \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>In simple terms, the whole point of ringing out speakers on a PA system is to spot the point of feedback and eliminate it. As you start to introduce gain, you\u2019ll gradually get feedback, so this is vital to get right before the gig.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how you ring out speakers and spot feedback areas.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set microphones back from speakers. The further the PA speaker is away from the mic, the more gain you can add. This is why I told you to place FOH speakers in front of the performer not behind.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep microphones pointed away from monitor speakers and use a high-quality dynamic mic with good off-axis rejection. The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Microphones\/Shure.html?page=1&filters[445]=3662\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shure Beta range<\/a><\/strong> is good for this.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Step 3: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowly raise the volume of the input signal (instrument\/mic) until you start to get some feedback. It's essential to be cautious and avoid sudden boosts as they can damage the speakers and annoy the audience.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Step 4: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the equaliser (EQ) in your mixer to pinpoint the frequencies causing the feedback \u2013 look for the spikes on the mixing desk. If you keep getting feedback, switch on your high pass filters as these allow higher frequencies to pass through without causing feedback. You can then reduce the offending frequency until it goes away.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you've figured out which frequencies are causing feedback, use the EQ to lower their levels just enough to eliminate feedback, but not so much to affect the overall sound quality. You still want power and volume \u2013 if you cut too much you\u2019ll lose all the life of the PA system.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>How does a PA system work?<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A PA (public address) system, whether outdoor or indoor, works by converting sound pressure into an electrical signal, usually from a microphone, and then amplifying the signal and sending it to a mixing desk, which then sends it to the speakers so everyone can hear it.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>Converting sound pressure to voltage<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The easiest way to explain how PAs convert sound pressure to voltage is by using an example of a microphone. When you sing or play into a microphone, it causes sound pressure, which then vibrates the diaphragm of the microphone. The diaphragm turns that sound pressure into an electrical signal, creating a voltage that mirrors the original sound pressure. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So if you sing or play harder, the sound is louder. This electrical signal, commonly referred to as analogue audio, is sent to the mixer (or speakers) and we can then mix or manipulate that sound.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>Gain staging<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We covered this above, but In simplest terms, setting a gain structure or gain staging is where you set your sound system to achieve the optimal signal-to-noise ratio. You basically find your system volume limit before noise or distortion starts to creep in.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-27873 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Shure-singer-and-band-on-stage.jpg\" alt=\"Shure singer and band on stage\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>How do PA mixers work?<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In short, PA mixers allow you to control and adjust all audio signals coming from the stage before sending them to the speakers. Mixers are the heart of any PA system or the control centre of your entire operation!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mixers come in various sizes and can have as little as two channels on analogue models to 32+ channel digital mixers with advanced signal processing capabilities. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a nutshell, mixers allow you to combine multiple audio signals like vocals, instruments, and backing tracks, adjust the levels of each, add EQ and effects, and manage the sound that is being projected to the audience. They also allow you to adjust what the performers onstage can hear, too!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some mixers, but not all, also have onboard recording features and built-in DAWs which are ideal for recording live shows or getting down tracks in the rehearsal room.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>Passive vs. active speakers<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have passive speakers, you need a mixer with a power amp built-in. Active speakers, on the other hand, already have a mixer and power amp built into them. But it\u2019s a good idea to have a mixer if you\u2019re mixing more than two sound sources.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ll explain further.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two main types of speakers: passive and active. Passive speakers need an external amplifier and power source \u2013 usually from the mixer, whereas active speakers have a built-in amplifier and can just be hooked up to the wall plugs in your venue.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>Pros and cons of passive speakers<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll find that passive speakers are often less expensive and lighter as they don\u2019t have a mixer and amplifier inside them, but they'll require some extra equipment like a power amplifier or mixing desk. You\u2019ll likely want passive speakers if you have a good mixing desk already.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>Pros and cons of active speakers<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, already have built-in amplifiers inside them, so you don\u2019t need additional equipment like a mixer if you\u2019re using them as an outdoor PA system for a wedding duo or open mic night. They can be more expensive and you\u2019ll need to run a power cord to each speaker.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All in all, active speakers are also far less prone to feedback and distortion compared to passive speakers. They\u2019re also a lot easier to deal with if you\u2019re a beginner.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h3><h4><strong>Do I need an amplifier for my PA system?<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you're using passive speakers in your outdoor PA system, you\u2019ll need an external amplifier or mixing desk to power them. However, if you're using active speakers, they\u2019ll already have built-in amplifiers - so you don\u2019t need an external amp or power source. Some actually have batteries too, which is why fitness instructors use <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/best-portable-pa-systems-for-fitness-instructors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">portable PA speakers<\/a><\/strong>!<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>How much electricity does a PA system use?<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to figure out how much electricity your PA system will use is to multiply the audio output power by 1.4 (this is how much mains power you need) and then divide by 230 to find out the current consumption. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a 900-watt PA at 250v will need 3.60 amps. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of electricity used by a PA system will depend on the power of the PA speakers and the mixing desk used. Higher wattage or dB means more power is required.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><strong>How do you balance the sound in a PA system?<\/strong><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quickest way to balance a PA system is to set up the mics on stage to how you need them, bring your master fader to 0dB or unity gain, then bring your master fader to 0dB or unity gain. Switch on the mixer and slowly increase the gain to see if any start to feedback. When something feeds back, roll it back just to where it stops feeding back. Once you've found which band or frequency is feeding back using your graphic equaliser, slowly lower the fader (not the gain) until the feedback stops.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>Final thoughts<\/strong><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In case you haven\u2019t already guessed, setting up your outdoor PA system is actually not that difficult.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simply by following the easy setup tips, you\u2019ll be well on your way to creating really nice outdoor events with clear, powerful audio. As always, invest in the highest-quality equipment you can first, always position your speakers towards the crowd and in front of performers, and go easy on the gain staging. With a little attention to detail and some great gear, I\u2019m confident your next outdoor event, show, or mini-festival will be a huge success!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good luck!<\/span><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[244,111],"tags":[290,169,126,161],"class_list":["post-27825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-live-sound-guides","category-live-sound","tag-guide","tag-live-sound","tag-pa-systems","tag-shure"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Set Up an Outdoor PA System | Gear4music<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We show you how to set up an outdoor PA system, discuss the gear you need, and give you some tips on how to get the best sound possible!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Set Up an Outdoor PA System | Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We show you how to set up an outdoor PA system, discuss the gear you need, and give you some tips on how to get the best sound possible!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gear4music Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-06-28T13:20:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-13T10:31:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"665\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Lee Glynn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lee Glynn\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"29 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Lee Glynn\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/53abe44abe1d8dcd2de212b8fdceb42c\"},\"headline\":\"How to Set Up an Outdoor PA System\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-28T13:20:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-13T10:31:42+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":6993,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-an-outdoor-pa-system\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Featured-image-How-to-Set-Up-an-Outdoor-PA-System-2.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Guide\",\"Live Sound\",\"PA Systems\",\"Shure\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\",\"Live Sound &amp; 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