Simple Music Secrets» Simple techniques to read music, play guitar, piano & sing | SimpleMusicSecrets.com http://simplemusicsecrets.com Simple techniques to read music, guitar, piano & sing Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:46:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Sound Systems http://simplemusicsecrets.com/sound-systems/ http://simplemusicsecrets.com/sound-systems/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:08:54 +0000 admin http://www.simplemusicsecrets.com/wordpress/?p=134 When you go into an area to perform your music, you have to have some way to amplify your sound so that the audience may hear you. This is done through a series of equipment called a PA System (Personal Amplification System) It is important to be capable of operating this machinery, because if you do not possess your own, you will more than likely be using somebody else’s. So what does a PA system consist of?
The first and most important piece of equipment needed in order for the system to function, is a Mixing Board. The Mixing Board varies in size, and consists of channels. These channels are used to amplify several instruments at once. On every channel, there is an equalizer. This is so that when all of the instruments are amplified together, to may mix them into a much more manageable sound. Some mixers also contain effects loops. These are used to place musical effects on the master output of your sound.

The Next most important piece of equipment that you are going to need is a set of speakers. PA’s can hold anywhere from 2 to 50 speakers, depending on how big the amplification system is, and how many watt’s it is able to run off of. Speakers need to be positioned at angles to where they fill the entire area with sound waves that blend together. Another type of speaker that more experienced people use, are called monitors. Most Monitors are placed on the floor and are facing up. They provide the performing artist’s with sound as well so that they are able to hear themselves in order to play or sing.

Another must have in the system, is a couple of good live audio microphones. Shure Microphones seem to work very well in this genre. It is important to designate a few channels on your PA system to your microphones, and keep it that way so that you do not have to constantly rework your settings. A very affective way to keep up with your microphone’s channels is to place color coated tape on the microphones, and their corresponding channels.

There are many more required pieces of equipment, such as instruments, cables, effect pedals, powered mixers, etc. But in order to start simple and learn as you progress, you must have a grasp on this basic knowledge. The best teacher is experience, and the best student is the active one. Try working a soundboard for local shows, or asking experienced personnel about them in order to learn more. It is always good to take in as much information on this industry and its requirements as you can, in order to produce a more productive and effective performance.

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