A public address system can be used in an office, gymnasium, party room or anyplace else where you need to control multiple audio sources through one master control. The main components of a public address system are a mixer to combine multiple audio sources, an amplifier to maximize the volume level, a microphone for the announcer and the speakers to project the sound. Other devices are also connected to play music over the system as well.
Instructions
1. Connect an audio mixer with three or four channels to an amplifier, or get a mixer with its own built-in amplifier. For a separate mixer-amplifier combo, connect the amplifier's input to the "Amp" output ports on the mixer. Use RCA audio composite cables, which have red and white plugs.
2. Hook up as many speakers as you need to the amplifier. Depending on the available ports for all devices, use RCA cables or stereo mini-coaxial cables (these have a single plug with two black bands). An amplifier with at least four RCA output ports works best. Position the speakers around the room, and make sure you have enough cable.
3. Attach a microphone or headset to the mixer through its "Mic" port. This should be a large stereo coaxial port, in which the plug it connects to is much thicker than a mini stereo plug. A headset has a second plug that connects to the mixer's "Phones" port.
4. Connect a set of headphones to the "Phones" port if you connected a separate microphone to the mixer. You need headphones to hear everything that plays on the system above crowd noise.
5. Hook up extra devices to the mixers other channels. This can include a CD player, MP3 player, radio or computer with music files. You may need mini-to-RCA cables to connect them, which have the red and white plugs on one end and the small stereo coaxial plug on the other. Take note of the channel each device is plugged into so you know which volume dial it uses.
6. Plug in and turn on all devices. Use the mixer to control the volume on any channel you are using, making sure its master level is at full volume. For example, when using the microphone, turn up its volume level while turning down the volume on other devices that are playing, like the CD player.
Tags: audio sources, have white, have white plugs, mixer with, multiple audio
