This is intended as an introduction, if you are well versed in this subject please skip this section to PA in depth signal flow and the audio chain Remember these golden gems of advice…

Component Quality

The most important thing to remember is the chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. If you buy an “all bells and whistles” state of the art system and use a dodgy microphone lead, you will be very disappointed with the result. All that expense will have been for nothing. It pays to examine every item you use for quality.

People Quality

The second most important thing to remember is “knowing how to use the equipment”. I have heard some real horror stories concerning so called sound engineers who really haven’t got a clue. It is essential that one interested and informed person is made responsible for supervising the set up and operation of the equipment. An old smoker of a system, will probably sound better in the hands of one who knows, rather than a posh system in the hands of an unenlightened operator. Remember that the music industry is riddled with bullshit by those with blacker dogs than yours.

Don’t be phased by those who claim to know it all , they almost certainly do not. Another interesting observation I have made is that very technical people who really do understand the electronics of it all, rarely if ever, posses a good set of ears. These are the best qualification for operating a sound system.

The Microphone

First in the chain is the microphone. This is the device that converts sound energy into electrical energy. Don’t buy a cheap mic. Buy the best you can afford. (Dependant on what system you use one of two things will happen you will need either a mixer and separate power amp or a mixer amp. In the latter case all of the following to a greater or lesser degree will happen before the speakers.)

The Mixer

The electrical current from the microphone is very small and needs to be boosted. This is the job of the preamp in the mixer. Here the signal will be mixed with other microphones or sound sources. The tones and volumes will be adjusted to suit individual needs The output from the mixer will deliver a line level signal.

The Power Amp

The line level signal from the mixer now needs to be boosted by the power amp. This will be measured in watts stereo or mono.

The Speakers

The last link in the chain will be a pair of speakers. They will convert electrical energy into sound energy. They are rated in watts to cope with the power amp output and speaker diameter for frequency requirement.

This was only meant to be a brief introduction. Please go to the article entitled “Signal Flow And The Audio Chain” by Martin McCann for the full explanation.