Search results for: pro audio buying guide pa system buying guide
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by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Whether you’re a musician who’s building a studio or rehearsal space, setting up an audio system at a venue or house of worship, an aspiring streamer/podcaster, or a production house, the audio mixer may be the most important (and expensive) purchase you make—but with multitudes of options, you’ll want to know exactly what you need before pulling the trigger.
This guide will help you sort through the factors to consider when searching for the perfect mixer for the job. If you’ve got a case of choice paralysis when it comes to mixers, or if
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Wireless microphones are an incredibly popular and convenient solution to many of the problems that come with traditional wired setups: they require far less cabling, and that means fewer issues with shorted wiring, lowered chances of cable-related tripping, and a higher number on the “Days Since Last Incident” sign. While they can be a bit more difficult to onboard, once the system is up and running, audio engineers and A/V technicians appreciate the fast setup time and decreased storage space that wireless mics afford. So, with all the
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
The PA system is the linchpin of any venue or event space, whether it’s the hottest new night club, this weekend’s big house party, or the screening of the next indie film sensation. It’s integral to the experience of social activity—and because music and sound deserve to be clear, coherent, and exhilarating, the PA system needs to serve up the goods by being powerful, reliable, and properly scaled for the event.
In our
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
When it comes to putting on a live show, knowing the specific gear to get and how to use it can be a daunting prospect. There are tons of different microphones, speaker systems, monitoring setups, and mixer environments, all of which are suited for different types of performance settings. And that's not even including power distribution, cabling, and other miscellaneous equipment you'll need to put on a proper event. But fear not reader. In this guide, we'll go over all the gear you'll want to consider and why, whether you're putting on
by Steven Esposito · Posted
IN THIS ARTICLE
1. The Casual User2. The Creative3. The Professional4. The Gamer
Last year we had a really interesting time as we slowly transitioned from one position within the world of computers to another. We are not just talking about the slow upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. We are talking about whole new architecture built around new platforms, the rise of AI integration in ways that might actually make sense, and a return to well
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
A phono preamp ensures that your turntable can connect to your amplifier, receiver, and powered speakers in the same way as other audio sources would, such as a CD player or streaming via your phone or computer. In shorter terms, if you don't use a phono preamp, your record will sound weird and insufficiently audible.
Now, getting more technical, a phono pre-amplifier (sometimes called a phono stage EQ) is a component designed to amplify and equalize
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
Public speaking can be nerve-racking, especially when addressing a large audience. In addition to thorough preparation, knowing you have the right live sound equipment—including a quality loudspeaker, wireless receiver, and microphone—will help you establish the confidence you need to get the task done. So, we’ve provided a diverse list of the best sounding and most reliable gear that’s ideally suited for live speaking events and presentations.
Speakers
While you may
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
If you’re a guitarist, bass player or keyboardist, you’ve probably heard the term “DI Box” thrown around. You might be wondering whether you need one for a home studio setup or you’re new to stage performance and looking to buy a DI Box to get started. Regardless of your specific application, let’s break down what exactly a DI Box is and whether you need one.
What is a DI Box?
In the most basic terms, a DI Box (Direct box) is a device that converts unbalanced, high-impedance signals from instruments like electric guitars, or basses into
by Gabby Bloch · Posted
Whether you’re speaking at a small gathering or DJing for a huge crowd, there are seemingly an endless number of considerations with respect to the size, design and functionality of the speakers available on today’s market.
Today we’re going to focus on active speakers, meaning none of the speakers on this list need an external an amplifier to work. Furthermore, the models in the larger PA speaker category have all the speaker drivers necessary to produce a wide frequency range of sound so you won’t need to buy an external subwoofer. Many of
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
In-ear monitors, or IEMs, are an integral part of any professional live performance. They sound better and are much smaller than stage wedges, offering musicians a far more effective monitoring solution by delivering consistent sound no matter where they are on stage. Depending on your budget and intention, adding IEMs to your workflow can be either a modest upgrade to your setup or serious evolution of your production value. In this guide, we'll be going over the advantages (and disadvantages) of IEMs as well as some of the intricacies and
by Andrew Eisele · Posted
For more than 70 years, JBL has been at the forefront of audio technology. Its design goal is “create the best tools for better, more accurate sound,”, a motto that has proven the test of time, resulting in numerous audio achievements, groundbreaking technologies, and revolutionary advances in the art and science of professional audio. It’s no wonder that JBL is still popular today and with this JBL portable PA buying guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at their the brand's latest offerings, including the
by Mos Khan · Posted
So you've shot your video, finished that shoot, or wrapped up the recording session, and you're probably wondering, now what? Well, it’s time to begin post-production. Regardless of your chosen medium, owning the right gear will make the post-production process significantly faster and more efficient. The purpose of this guide is to help break down some popular and essential peripherals and make them work for you. As we dig into a few recommendations, we'll also look at some of the different categories of equipment that exist, because your
by Andrew Eisele · Posted
It’s that time of year again—with the holidays are just around the corner, everyone is in a celebratory mood. If you find yourself wanting to buy a sound system and have no idea where to start, then this beginner’s buying guide will be of great help. For a beginner system, I highly recommend a powered speaker because they contain the built-in amplifiers that are optimized for the best sound. You don’t have to worry about calculations or providing additional equipment like amp racks and heavy speaker cables. Some powered speakers include built
by Andrew Eisele · Posted
It’s that time of the year again. The “holidaze” are upon us and with them comes the stress of finding the perfect gift for that special someone. I’m a terrible procrastinator, especially when holiday shopping, so I’ve compiled a roundup of the best portable Bluetooth speakers.
Bluetooth speakers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Portability is subjective, so we’ll be looking at a broad variety of offerings. From beach karaoke and whitewater rafting to spreading holiday cheer with ambient background music or rocking out while preparing
by Howard Gotfryd · Posted
If you are a singer/songwriter/musician who has been itching to get back out in public to perform in the warm weather, the most flexible solution for busking in public spaces is a battery-powered guitar amplifier that will provide hours of dependable play time and can handle the kind of punishment the street can dish out. Bringing your words and music to your town’s culture-craving citizens could be just the ticket, not only for expanding your songwriting and performing