Only two letters but in reality it's so much more...
Public Address Systems
The acronym "PA" is commonly used today, with most people interpreting it as a sound system designed to amplify voices, instruments, or music. Short for Public Address, the term originally referred to systems used for announcements in public buildings or outdoor spaces. Over time, however, it has evolved into a more general term for any sound reinforcement system used for announcements, music playback, live performances, or events.
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The term "Tannoy system" is often used interchangeably with PA system. Tannoy is a brand known for manufacturing speakers, much like how "Hoover" is often used to refer to any vacuum cleaner. While a Tannoy system may serve well for announcements, it would not be suitable for live music performances due to limitations in the compression driver technology these speakers typically use.
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Whether it's for a village fete, an air show, a football stadium, a shopping centre, or a bar, a PA system is essential for effective communication with guests or attendees. Not only does it ensure safety through announcements, but it can also enhance the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the event. Clear, immediate communication is vital, whether to notify the public about upcoming attractions, opening and closing times, or crucial health and safety updates. Networked speakers, strategically placed across your venue, can be zoned for specific areas or used for mass announcements, all controlled from one or multiple control locations.
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When planning an outdoor event, it's important to consider the specific needs of your PA system, as there are two distinct types of systems available - each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
"a PA System is an essential part of communicating with your guests"
Constant Voltage PA Systems
Constant voltage systems, commonly referred to as 100V line speaker systems, utilize a step-up transformer on the amplifier and a step-down transformer within each speaker. This design allows for long cable runs across large event sites without significant power loss, making it ideal for expansive spaces.
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Ideal for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
For outdoor use, especially in large areas like showgrounds or festivals, horn-type speakers are often the go-to solution. These speakers feature a compression driver and a flared acoustic horn that effectively directs sound over long distances. While they may have a more "classic" look, horn speakers are up to ten times more efficient than their coned counterparts.
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Lightweight, Compact, and Easy to Deploy
Horn speakers are not only lightweight and compact but also relatively affordable, making them easy to mount on stands or poles to project sound across the event site. The simple cabling setup allows for speakers to be linked together, maintaining high-quality audio and consistent power without signal loss.
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Wireless and Portable Amplifiers for Easy Setup
In collaboration with our IT consultant, Prosound Solutions has developed a range of portable, rechargeable amplifier packs. These amplifiers wirelessly connect to one of our central control hubs, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. This innovative solution reduces setup time, offering a cost-effective and efficient option for one-day events or locations where running cables would be impractical.
Advantages and Limitations of 100V Line PA Systems
While 100V line PA systems offer numerous benefits, they also come with a few limitations that may be significant in certain applications. One key disadvantage is the frequency range they can produce. Typically, these systems cover frequencies between 300Hz and 10KHz. In comparison, full-range cone speakers can reproduce a broader spectrum, including deeper bass and higher treble frequencies. While this might seem like a major drawback, the frequency range of horn-type speakers is more than sufficient for speech-based applications, making them ideal for announcements and events where clarity of the human voice is paramount. However, they are less suitable for events requiring full-range audio, such as live music performances.
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Can You Play Music Through a 100V Line System?
Many people ask whether it’s possible to play music through a 100V line speaker system. The short answer is yes! Prosound Solutions offers a range of weatherproof, full-range 100V line cabinet speakers. These speakers can be deployed around your event site to deliver high-quality foreground and background music, all from an elegant, stylish cabinet that wouldn’t look out of place in your living room.
"much better suited for the demands of a live music concert"
Low Impedance Speakers
Conventional Full-Range Speakers
These are the type of speakers you’re likely familiar with—similar to those found in most domestic hi-fi systems. Typically, they feature a large moving coil driver to produce low-frequency sounds, paired with a compression driver and horn to handle the high frequencies. Designed to reproduce the full spectrum of sounds that the human ear can detect, these speakers are better suited for live music concerts and musical performances. In larger setups, speakers can be arrayed, and additional enclosures can be used to produce sub-bass frequencies, further enhancing the overall performance.
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The Trade-Offs of Full-Range Systems for Outdoor Events
While full-range speakers deliver high-quality audio across a wide frequency range, they do have some drawbacks when used for outdoor events. Unlike high-frequency horn flares, which are very directional, bass and sub-bass frequencies radiate in all directions. These lower frequencies are more easily absorbed by the audience or the surrounding environment, reducing their effectiveness in open spaces.
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Line Array Systems for Larger Venues
If you've attended a large theatre or outdoor festival, you’ve likely noticed what’s known as a "front of house" speaker system, which, in modern setups, typically consists of a Line Array system. This system is composed of a series of loudspeakers stacked vertically, all covering the same frequency range. The key advantage of a line array is that each speaker faces slightly different vertical angles, allowing for a more consistent and even sound coverage over a greater depth of field than a single speaker can achieve. Even so, large venues or festival sites will often use additional delay towers or strategically placed speakers around the venue to ensure even audio distribution across the entire space.
"Talk to us about your next project or event"
Choosing the Right PA System for Your Event
​As you can see, each type of PA system has its advantages and drawbacks. The right choice for your event will depend on factors such as the size and layout of the venue, as well as the specific needs of your application.
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Many people focus on wanting a full-range system, especially if they have a live band performing at their event. However, it's often more practical to run two independent systems for different purposes. For example, rather than blasting the band’s sound across the entire site, you can use a front-of-house full-range system for the audience gathered in front of the stage, and complement it with 100V line speakers spread throughout the venue for vocal announcements. This approach is often the best solution for events of all sizes. We regularly provide this service for our clients, and in some cases, we’ve set up scenarios where a live band performs on stage while another entertainer performs elsewhere, with sound for each area controlled from a central hub.
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Why Choose Prosound Solutions?
At Prosound Solutions (SW) Limited, we bring extensive experience in selecting the ideal combination of speakers for your specific event or venue. We specialize in providing tailored audio solutions that perfectly match your needs. From the initial consultation to the planning and delivery phases, we work closely with you to ensure every opportunity is maximized and every detail is executed flawlessly.
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Let’s Talk About Your Next Event
Reach out to us about your upcoming project or event and discover why we are Driven by Sound.
