Effectively setting up your sound system is essential to hosting a stand-out event – whether it’s a musical performance, outdoor event, corporate conference, or award show.
The right stage sound system can make the difference between guests having a great time, or leaving feeling underwhelmed. Refresh your knowledge of what makes up a sound system in this article.
There’s always lots to remember on event day. The last thing you want is to get overwhelmed by the technical audio setup. This article will run you through how to set up the two main types of sound systems.
How to set up an indoor point source public address (PA) system
A PA system will be your choice for most indoor venues. The components of the system work together to amplify the sound of your speakers, musicians, or other performers.
Planning and laying out a PA system
Firstly, assess the venue. Look at the dimensions of the space, the layout, and where the audience will be. Planning for good audio coverage is key: you want the entire audience area to be covered by speakers placed at the right height, location, and angle:
- Speaker height: stands elevate the speakers to ensure the sound is projected over the audience – not straight at the first few rows
- Location: place the stands around the room, with the main speaker stands next to the stage (or wherever people will be facing)
- Angle: position the stands inwards so the speakers don’t project sound at walls (or anywhere there won’t be people)
Gather the rest of your equipment: microphones, mixers, and amplifiers. If you need cost-effective sound equipment, check out the audio tools and systems we have for hire.
Now your speaker locations are set up, you can lay out the rest of your equipment:
- Subwoofers (to achieve better low-frequency sound) in the centre of the stage area, on the floor
- Mixer (to adjust audio signals before amplifying them) towards the back and centre of the room
- Amplifiers (which increase audio signals and send them to speakers) on racks near the stage speakers
Connecting the equipment in a PA stage sound system
Once you’re satisfied with the location of your equipment, it’s time to connect it all up. Use the correct cables to connect the amplifiers (also known as amps) to the speakers. If you’re using a mixer, connect it to the amplifiers.
The more complex the stage sound system, the more important it is to be able to identify areas of the system that need checking. Cable labelling is good practice and helps further down the line if troubleshooting is required.
Once all the equipment is correctly connected, turn it on. Importantly, don’t stop here! Everything should work, but it’s important to try everything out and adjust the sound.
Testing and adjusting a PA stage sound system
Multiple inputs and outputs require modifying when setting up a sound system:
- Amps should be adjusted to achieve the right Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
- Manually, or using software, measure the distances between speakers and set up audio wave delays so sounds from the speakers arrive simultaneously
- Set the desired pre-fade level (PFL) on the microphones so it is strong enough to be clear, but not distorted
- Equalize (EQ) the mix of the sound to minimise the chance of feedback occurring
Do a final test of all of the microphones and inputs. Finally, adjust the levels and equalisers to perfect the audible sound.
If the required level of setup feels overwhelming, get in touch. Our highly experienced team offers equipment installation, operation, and even event management.
How to set up a line array system
A line array speaker system is a more advanced stage sound system designed for outdoor events or big venues. Line array systems are made up of multiple speakers arranged in vertical blocks.
The basic set-up follows similar steps, but prepare to be handling more powerful and advanced equipment. As with a point source PA system, plan for the largest and most even coverage for the location.
Building a line array sound system
The first consideration that sets a line array system apart is the hardware required for mounting the speakers.
Consider the following when planning out a line array system:
- Having enough cabling to connect all amplifiers, mixers, and speakers
- Access to the line array to adjust angles and positioning
- Purchasing or renting the correct-sized hanging frames
Depending on the configuration of the line array and the requirements of the venue, speakers can be ground stacked or hanging.
If ground-stacked, first build the ground frame, then place the bottom box on the mounting frame. Connect up the successive speaker boxes at angles to suit the venue.
If hanging, build the fly frames, and attach the arrays to the top box. Allocate time in the build to inspect all of the rigging to check it can support the speaker line array weight.
Next, connect the cabling from the amplifier rack to the speakers in the line array. Link up the line array cabinets.
High-pass, low-pass, and band-pass filters are key to controlling audio frequency. Use low-level tests on each amp channel to check that the filters are feeding the speakers the right signal.
Finally, test and adjust all levels to produce the required frequencies and SPL.
Ready to set up your stage sound system?
Staging an event is exciting – both in the build-up and on the day itself. Giving yourself enough time to plan and lay out the sound system in advance will help to prevent issues and stress.
If you need help accessing or setting up the right equipment, get in touch. We’re happy to advise on a range of event production queries to help you put on a stand-out event.
