How to setup live sound concert

Live in concert! Wow what a concept, what a fun, amazing enjoyment. But do you know how to setup a live sound concert? Big question. At least 500 people to attend the venue, how to reach each one’s ears with a perfect sound system? Now we will discuss on this topic live shows takes various elements, both strategic and technological, into consideration.

To setup a live sound concert the main solve is PA system

PA system

What is it? PA system is the abbreviation of the public address system. It is an electronic system incorporates microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers,drums, bass, electric guitars, keyboard, along with vocals. It can remarkably enhances the volume of a human voice, musical instrument, or other acoustic sound source in a small or large venue. In its simplest form, it has a microphone, mixer, and loudspeakers. The concepts such as gain structure, frequencies, dynamics, and time processors work and dedicate a lot of time to issues related to the phase, design and optimization of systems.

  Signal Flow

Audio signal is transformed into an electric signal, the electric signal which converts the analog signal to a digital signal. Audio signal is coming from, where it needs to go and how to get it there at all times. The DAW, we convert the signal back to analog, send it back to the console faders. Passive analog PA system to run front of house and monitors, in order to demonstrate how everything works in full detail.

Mixing Console

The mixing console in another words calls the mixing desk. It is an electronic device for combining sounds of many different audio signals. Here all the different sound sources are received, processed and mixed, the end result being good live sound. This is where volume levels are set. along with tone and EQ adjustments, dynamic changes, routing and more. Modern mixers also come with built-in effects and allow for instant live recording when connected to a computer. It’s where all of your inputs instruments are controlled, processed and routed to the appropriate outputs. Most consoles have 8-32 channels, a few subgroups, stereo “main” outputs and multiple “aux” outputs for stage monitors and outboard effects. Analog consoles are outfitted with semi-parametric EQs on every channel. Dynamic range compression, allows engineers to increase the overall gain of the system or channel without exceeding the dynamic limits of the system.

Power Amplifiers

Power amps are most important in PA system. It is crafted to enhance the magnitude of power of a given input signal. Either be standalone, built-into the mixing console or built-into the speakers. The quality of an amplifier is measured by a series few parameters -Bandwidth, Skew Rate, Noise, Gain, Stability, Linearity, Efficiency, Output Dynamic Range. It refers to amount of power provided by the power supply circuit.

Equalizer(EQ)

In PA system graphic equalizers are connected to the mixer outputs to adjust the overall tone of the sound performance, it is used to correct the frequency response.

When you EQ the concert hall. What does it mean? You make that room behave like it was the middle of the wide open empty vast area. Here master gains has to be controlled to increase gradually.  Effects pedals also creates havoc. Which performers can control from the stage.

Speaker

Speakers should be based on coverage requirements and the size of the venue. Active and passive speakers. Active speakers are the easiest to identify. It feature crossovers, which isolate and route frequency ranges to each component, and built-in limiters for protecting the drivers. Amplification, speaker cables needs for passive speakers and also an outboard crossover. It allows greater control over the speaker components. Subwoofers also come in active and passive options.

Snake Cables

It needs to connect multiple sound sources and mixer console. It is most delicate part are organized to provide convenient stage ambiance.

Microphones

The most important part is Microphones. There are many categories. Microphone stands at each vocal microphone positionup microphone stands facing the speakers of each amplifier and place the microphones. For the drums, set up microphone stands at each part of the set (kick, snare, hi-hat, toms, overhead) and place the microphones. Technically microphones are many types we have in market. Like – Dynamic, Condenser, Drum, USB mics are most popular.

Stage Gear

In PA system  all the extra equipment or the supportive instruments & maintenance tools for the main orchestra called stage gear. This consists of various like –

• Direct Input Box connects  instruments by direct plugging system. It helps to convert the instrument output to line level. Balance the unbalanced signal. Bass, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Keyboards are the instruments needs to be connected directly.

• Mic Stands is needed to hold the mic. It helps the performer for any kind of gesture or the musicians to play the music in front of mic. They are two types-Boom stand & Straight Mic Stand.

• Music Stands is needs to organize and accessible the list, sheet music and performance notes.

• Instrument Tuners are most crucial element which can keep the instruments in ready to perform position anytime.

• Drum Riser used to lift the drums and accessories make it perfectly arranged for performance on stage.

• Fog & Bubble Machines creates the perfect ambience for entertaining dreamy performance.

Lighting

The vital part of any musical event is lighting. This is needed to highlight the performance by adding variety of lights in perfect positioning. Some of are – Spotlights, Par Cans, Color & Wash lights, Lighting Controllers & Interfaces & most importantly Lighting software.

Finally, are you ready to create any event? Just go for it. The journey to setup a live sound concert is not a rocket science or tedious one, it’s gig night or a big event to crack. So, as an arranger just flow with music and tune. This is entertaining. Then the venue and the surrounding will be ready to entertain any number of crowd. Have fun.