How to Set Up a PA System for a Band

Mitch Gallagher shares some expert advice on setting up a PA for a typical band performance.

0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Setting Up
1:31 - PA Configuration
3:29 - Connecting the Mixer
5:40 - Connecting the Microphones
6:38: Thanks For Watching!

#Sweetwater #PaSystem

[sweetwater]

We hope you enjoyed this guide to setting up a PA for your band. There are more helpful tips and tricks on the way! Just like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a beat 🤘

[swaj]

How about a video where you set up a PA in a small pub/club? The "stage" is 1/2 the size you need, there's one outlet and it's on the ceiling, and you have to carry all your gear through 2 sets of door and up a dark staircase. Also don't forget to lock your car during every trip because otherwise your gear goes for a walk...

[elinolasco]

Plot Twist: this was all just one elaborate ad for the Sweetwater Duffle bag @ 1:23

[BenjaminGib]

Sweetwater has the best videos known to man.

[brodyh]

as an event services AV technician for university of delaware, as well as resident sound tech for a couple house venues, i was ready for this video to be super cringy, full of stuff like all-in-one racks and things that only techs for huge, big-budget events would deal with. i've teched for a lot of bands, and while I personally have never had to run a bass or guitar amp through a PA, use more than one monitor, or deal with keyboard player wanting to use the PA instead of their own amp, this info was really useful and I can see it being valuable to someone just starting out teching in a new diy space where things like that are necessary. good job sweetwater with not including useless information or info that is only applicable to huge events.

[julian.borisov]

I can listen to Mitch for days. Very calming and informative at the same time.

[repugnicansrevealed]

Intelligent, scientifically designed for the best performance, very well presented! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For quality, professional content and a masterful presentation! Clearly, this guy is a subject matter expert.

[mainquest_official]

I had no idea where to start my research since I know nothing about PA systems and micing drums. This sure helped a lot ! incredible video and I appriciate you showing visually every step of the process.

[allendouglas]

The Powered Speaker is one of the most under rated advances in PA System ease and size of setup. Traveling with a local Band up and down the east coast mainly VA, NC, SC, TN, GA, FL, AL we traveled with our equipment in a Bus with limited storage the new class D power amps were a game changer and we use to setup in less than an hour and ready for the SHOW. That included lights. Planning is the key this was a great example of quick and well planned setup! If bands pay attention to this video they can have well thought out setups too!

[johnballantyne]

Your videos are always so professional. You've got a lot of hardworking, talented people on your team.

[leehanson]

Turn on the mixer first. If you turn on the speakers first, nobody in the room will be happy with the loud pop when you turn on the mixer, and you might take a speaker out. And turn off the mixer last, for the same reason.

[jerryocrow]

Re signal routing: I was taught: Channels 1-12: kick, snare, HH, T1, T2, T3, OH1, OH2, bells/chimes/other, Pads (stereo), other or open, then 13-24: back line: Bass, G1, G2, G3, KeyL Key R, Synth L, Synth R, then Vocals 25-28: (house left to right for my benefit) 1, 2, 3, 4, other 28-32: (CD, pre show, video sound, othes). Then, routing to 4: subs to mains: (perc, inst, vocals, efx), then 8 monitor mixes or 16 out to P16 e.g.: 1-8: (wedge/earbuds per performer (in same order: perc 1/2, inst 3/4, voc 5/6, other 7/8) as requested), Out to main (L/R), lobby, other rooms, recording (direct out or other "every channel", plus main (LR) for management (band, house, and me). 32 and every other sound man can run my setup as we all learned the same way. If shrinking, keep the same groups (perc, inst, etc.) and outputs (L/R, lobby, etc.)
If only 16: then shrink: drums (8), inst (4), and Voc (4) plus sends (monitors (2) and outs (2)(house and lobby) If keys, then combine toms (1-2), inst (only 3), and voc (1, 2, 3-4) use the two saved for "other".

[mashzmash]

I'd love to set up a PA right now. Sure would be nice if we had some gigs or rehearsals going on in the world right now. :(

[oldmannewman]

Fantastic explanation of the basics with tips from experience thrown in. Love it!

[stephenlennartz]

Excellent as always, Mitch! Many thanks. A good follow-up video could be your process for sound check? My band played out a bunch in 2019. Here's what we came up with. Btw ... we do not have a dedicated sound guy.
Once our mains (QSC KS12.2s) are set up on tripods ... we spin them around toward the band (monitors are turned off) and dial in instruments in this order: drums, bass, keys, guitars, and vocals are always last. We typically play a verse and chorus from 2 or 3 of our go to songs--making sure to dial in all instruments and voices.
Next we spin the mains back toward the dance floor & seating ... and dial in the monitors.
Interesting choices for monitors-- Both the drummer and guitarist have the powered Simmons drum monitors. They sound great. I use the Bose system with sub which sounds really great with my keys, acoustic & electric guitars, and voice. (Overachiever?). All mics are routed to an Allen & Heath 30 channel mixer. Forgot to mention our two QSC 18" subs. At least one person per gig will come up to the stage when we go on break and tell us how amazing the sound quality is. Maybe we're on to something? Quick note about the Bose-- I originally purchased it for my duo (yes ... from Sweetwater!). About five years ago I saw an amazing CSNY tribute band using 2 or 3 of the Bose systems incorporated into their concert rig. This was at a 20, 000-seat arena. I gave it a try with my band and have never looked back. Portable & sounds great blended in with the QSCs!

[josephfelice]

I know it's handy to use the pole out of your subs for mains, but having subs separated very far causes some weird cancellation issues if the room is very deep. If you walk around and hear "dead spots", that is what's going on. Usually putting the subs in the center is the best because they will work together to evenly cover the space. If they can't go in the center, having them to one side is better than spaced apart. Don't worry about how it looks.

[pilotpete]

Mitch Gallagher- your videos are so helpful and you deserve a raise!

[john-dimz]

This is excellent . I learnt a few things from this video...so thankyou Mr Gallagher and Sweetwater

[futur_sunds]

Mitch Gallagher dose such a good job explaining.

[RockCircus]

That was an extremely helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to teach this!!