| Before I explain how to setup a P.A. let me first | | | | connect CD and audio devices with phono leads |
| say that before you buy a P.A. make sure that it | | | | (maybe phono to phono or phono to jack). If you |
| is the one you want and when you do buy it | | | | are connecting instruments, sequencers or effect |
| make sure that it comes with all the manuals, | | | | units use jack leads. |
| instructions and warranty. Another thing to note is | | | | 5. If you are using a power mixer you will not |
| that if you are buying a second hand P.A. check it | | | | have to do this step. Next connect your mixer to |
| out and make sure it works fine, if you are not | | | | the power amp. The outputs from the mixer will |
| the person that can really tell if a P.A. is working | | | | normally be on the back or on the top on the |
| fine take someone with you that does. You don't | | | | right. Take two jack leads and connect the left |
| want a P.A. that is dodgy and does not work. | | | | out on the mixer to the left input on the power |
| Anyway lets get started! | | | | amp and the right output the right input. |
| | | | 6. Connect the power cords to a power outlet. |
| 1. The first thing you want to do is setup your | | | | NOTE: DO NOT SWITCH ON YET. Before |
| speakers. Place the speakers as far apart a | | | | switching on check that all volume knobs and |
| possible within reason at a minimum distance of 4 | | | | sliders are down on the mixer and the power |
| meters and at a height of about 5 to 6 feet to | | | | amp/power mixer and that all power switches on |
| the audience. | | | | the equipment if off too. |
| 2. Place the mixer and power amp/power mixer | | | | 7. Switch the power on at the wall than switch |
| somewhere where it can be reachable by one of | | | | your gear on. If you are running a power amp |
| the performers. You want to have this close to | | | | and mixer switch the mixer on first and than the |
| someone since you may need to change the | | | | power amp, when you switch it off do the |
| levels at times during performances. | | | | opposite - power amp off and than mixer off. |
| 3. Next connect the speakers to the power amp | | | | 8. NOW YOU ARE READY TO GO |
| power mixer with the speaker cable. If your | | | | 9. When it comes to switching off switch off the |
| speaker cables are jacks or cannons they will plug | | | | gear first and than switch off at the wall. Make |
| straight into the speaker and the power amp | | | | sure that you do not remove, change or unplug |
| power mixer. However if the connectors are | | | | any leads or cables while the gear and the wall |
| speakon connectors than you with have to plug | | | | power is switched on. |
| the cable in and than twist it to lock it in. | | | | Anyway there is a quick and simple guide that |
| 4. Next you will want to plug in all your input | | | | can get you up and running with a simple P.A. If |
| devices, for most people learning how to setup a | | | | you are using a large or complex P.A. than |
| P.A. you will just be plugging in microphones and | | | | additional things will be required and you should |
| CD players or audio devices. So connect the | | | | seek professional help from a music store on how |
| microphones with microphone cannon leads and | | | | to setup and use your P.A. |