Having a good portable public address (PA) system can make or break a speaking engagement. Although many venues offer installed sound systems, a speaker has the freedom to speak anywhere and anytime with his or her own personal PA system.
It’s a sound amplification system that generally includes a microphone, amplifier and loudspeakers. Many also include a mixing console or powered mixer, which allows one to amplify and mix in a single device. In many cases the ability to mix sound is an essential part of achieving the desired results.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by all of the knobs and buttons, don’t worry. A portable PA system may look complicated, but it’s really a simple set-up with a repetitive layout that can provide a punch to your sound output. Here are some features to look for in your portable system:
Watts and Mixers
Power doesn’t always equate to volume, good speakers can pump out a lot of level from low watt amplifiers. If you want your PA to handle more than solo and duo acts, look for a portable PA system with mixer channels. If you’re engagement will be in an outdoor venue such as open-air theater or larger venue, you will need something more powerful.
Inputs
All systems should include XLR inputs for professional mics, jacks for instruments that are ¼’ and wireless receivers. Systems with RCA and 1/8’ inputs that can accommodate mp3 players and other playback devices like laptops are an added bonus.
Speakers
You’ll get better sonic dimension and more tonal separation if your portable PA system has low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) speakers. A wider dispersion of sound can also be accommodated with multi-speaker array systems.
Weight
Remember that you will have to lug these systems around, so look for something lightweight. You’ll have to lug your PA in and out of vans and even up and down stairs.
EQ
If you like tweaking the mids on vocals, look for 3-band EQ. A system that adds a 5 or 7 band EQ on the stereo master can help fight feedback and tailor sound to the environment.
