How To Set Up A PA System - 3 Easy Steps For Bands, Singers & DJ's

In this beginner's guide, Sam gives a step-by-step guide to setting up a PA sound system for bands, DJ's & events.

Check out all of the gear that Sam mentions in this video at PMT Online...

00:00 Introduction to setting up a PA system
01:16 Speakers, mixer & microphones featured in this guide
02:37 Where to position your mixing desk
03:32 Microphone placement & mic stands
04:04 Speaker positioning Do's & Don'ts
05:12 Integrating a subwoofer
05:43 Where to position foldback monitor speakers
06:30 Setting up the stage for a DJ rig or conference
07:03 Running power to speakers & mixers
07:37 Connecting active speakers to the mixer - XLR cables explained
09:33 How to connect a subwoofer or subwoofers - Crossovers explained
10:31 Connecting wedge monitor speakers - Aux sends explained
11:41 Connecting mics, instruments and inputs to a mixer or DJ console
12:55 How to use a mixing desk - Mixer controls explained
14:01 How to set input gain & channel volume
15:18 Mixer EQ - High, Mids & Lows
16:29 What is a pan control?
17:04 How to use mixer effects - Reverb demo
17:53 Creating individual monitor mixes using aux sends
19:10 Mixer output controls
19:26 Final checks before powering up
20:05 Where to buy a PA system

Setting up a PA system for a band isn't as complicated as you might first think. In this beginner's guide to setting up a sound system, we cover everything from the different types of public address systems available and which PA systems are the best for bands or DJ's, we show you where to position all of your mics and speakers to stop feedback, how to connect active speakers together and finally give you a few tips on how to use a mixing desk for live sound.

If you find this guide helpful, don't forget to visit your nearest Professional Music Technology store for any more advice and for the best PA system bundles.

#PAsystems #HowToGuide #GearForGigging

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[NoStories]

Incredible video! Learned more in 20 minutes than I have in 10 years playing shows

[scsidrum]

I have to agree with the majority. This is such an informative video and presented/edited perfectly for a concise and understandable demonstration of a basic live setup. I’m glad that it has given people confidence to setup there own gear. It is rare to see such information delivered this way on YouTube so well done for achieving it.

[SavedPulley]

Wonderfully done God bless you my brother in Jesus's Name!

[jbass_]

I've been playing bass in bands for years but I've always been terrified to do any of this. I just ordered my own system so I could do sound, and this video made me feel a lot better. Thank you so much. This is well done

[rccghouseofpraisehampton]

Wow! This is the most detailed and most educating video I have watched on setting up PA are a professor on this. Thanks for this exceptional presentation/teaching.

[caferive]

Well, I have watched a countless number of YT videos on setting up PA systems and in particular using a mixer desk properly and this is the best by a mile that I have seen. No jargon, just logical, practical and systematic processes made simple, thank you

[Yellowjacket]

Very good video! I've been a sound tech for 45 years. You have explained the basics very clearly! For our 7-piece band, especially on a smaller stage, we use a single floor monitor in front of the lead vocalists/piano player in Aux 1, and 2 side-fill monitors on a tripod stand for the band from Aux 2. That seems to cover the stage for us rather nicely.

[gabrielrangel]

Literally the most informative video I've ever seen and been watching YouTube for 18 years 😄 thank you so much!!!

[icicilfonseka]

Explained a complex subject in a clear easy to understand and organised way. Well done mate. Keep up the good work. I learned a lot in 20 minutes.

[abelduenas]

Usually the problem with subs on each side of the stage creates a power alley and bass cancelation in the middle of the room. It’s much better to place a couple of subs centered in front of the stage in cardioid mode

[fernandofuentes]

Great video. I saw mixing boards so terrifying and now i can feel i can get started with my own PA system for my band

[ev.collinsokinyi]

What a quality simplified teaching technique. I have learnt a lot today. God bless you Sir.

[KishaMiles]

Thank you so much for showing me how to begin to fix the sound at my church. This is your gift

[richardbaker]

Great job! I am just beginning to acquire my own sound system for gigs, so this is very helpful! I love the way you explained things simple enough for a beginner such as myself to understand everything!

[DjSmoothNY]

I’m a Dj and I never use a mixer. I’ve always gone straight from the mixer into the powered speakers. I guess for me I see the mixer as another piece of gear to lug. I do have xlr outputs and quarter inch for my main, monitor, and source out. That enables me to use my mixer as the mixer lol. Main to speakers and booth to sub woofer produces excellent results for me😊 Nice video here👍🏾

[JoDubu]

Thanks fr this run through, am DJ ing at a large event next week, which has a PA system on the stage and I am having nightmare about setting up my gear, t his helps a lot. cheers 🙂

[billedwards]

Excellent Tutorial, , as a beginner i learned more than any other method. Thank you very much.

[DanielKarlMorgan]

Been gigging for years and still learnt a lot from this video! Thank you!

[MichaelBaeronPhoto]

What an absolute gem of a guy. Probably the best instructional video I've ever watched. Well done Sir!

[janlorennskandyo]

woww, this video is a very clear and comprehensive course in only 20 minutes! THANK YOU SO MUCH!