Sound Fundamentals 2

Beginning Live P.A.

Basic Components of Sound Systems

You should be able to:

1. Describe the basic components of a sound system

2. Apply this knowledge to using sound systems

I. IntroductionA. Purpose of a sound system

1. Sound Reinforcement 2. Music 3. Sound Effects

B. Parts of a sound system1. Transducer2. Mixer3. Amplifier4. Speaker

II. Components A. A transducer is the first step in any

sound system

B. A transducer is any device that inputs sound into a sound system, such as a CD, Tape Player, or Microphone

C. A transducer converts sound waves into electrical signals

III. Mixer A. A mixer is used to mix incoming signals

from different transducers in a sound system

B. A mixer combines all incoming signals into one signal for output to an amplifier

C. Mixers can send multiple output signals, and mix incoming signals from processors. They can send more than one signal to a monitor system

D. A monitor system is a separate speaker system used by the performers on stage to hear what the audience hears

IV. AmplifiersA. An amplifier amplifies the signal

received from a mixer and adds enough power to the signal for the entire audience to hear it

B Amplifiers send their outputs to speakers.

V. SpeakersA. A speaker is used to deliver sound

from a sound system to the audienceB. A speaker works the opposite way

of a transducer by converting electrical sound signals back into sound waves

VI. Volumes A. The main purpose of a sound system is to

make sounds louder. This is accomplished through “gain staging” B. Gain staging is making a sound louder by

passing it through the many components of a sound system.

Each component increases the amplitude of the sound

C. The output of each component of a sound system is different, and increases with each component due to gain staging

D. Power of different components 1. Mic Level - 100mV to 750mV 2. Line Level - 1 V to 2 V 3. Speaker Level - 10 V to 90 V