How to Set Up Stage Sound Equipment
- 1). Place one speaker stand on each side of the stage. Speakers placed on stands disperse sound to the audience more efficiently than speakers sitting on the floor or on tables. Avoid placing stands in front of obstacles that may block or reflect sound when the speakers are installed.
- 2). Elevate the speaker stands so the bottom of the lowest speaker is at average head level. Speakers must be placed facing outward to the audience, several feet in front of the band to prevent microphone feedback. Be sure to tighten the stands securely, preferably using locking pins.
- 3). Plug the powered mixer into a standard electrical power source. If no sound person will be manning the mixer, place the mixer on the stage. If a sound person is available, place the mixer as close to the center and back of the room as possible, so that the sound can be monitored and adjusted as needed. Keep the speaker cable length and electrical power requirements in mind.
- 4). Place the monitors in position on the stage floor, with the speaker facing inward and upward toward the spot the performer will occupy. Additional monitors will be required for each performer in a band situation. Most monitors are built with two choices of upward angles.
- 5). Place the monitor power amp on the side of the stage, or next to the powered mixer, and plug into a standard electrical power source. The power amp will generally not need adjustment after it is turned on, as adjustments will be made from the mixer.
- 6). Connect the main speakers with speaker cables. Plug one end into the speaker output of the mixer, and the other end into the speaker input. Follow any specific instructions printed on the mixer and speakers near the mixer and speaker connection points.
- 7). Connect the monitor speakers to the power amp with speaker cables by plugging one end into the speaker output of the power amp, and the other end into the monitor speaker input. Follow any specific instructions printed near the amp and monitor connection points
- 8). Plug the monitor power amp into the mixer using a standard high or low impedance input cable. The owner's manual for the system will determine the cable type. Many systems allow both cable types.
- 9). Turn down all main volume controls on the mixer and power amplifier before turning on both units. Ensuring that volumes are down before turning on the system will prevent loud "popping" sounds from the power surge to the speakers, which could damage the speakers.
- 10
Set up the microphone and stand in the relative position of the performer, and connect the microphone cable to one of the inputs on the mixer. Extra stands, microphones and cables will be required for additional performers and instruments that will be amplified through the system. - 11
Turn the main volume up on the mixer and monitor amplifier, and perform a sound check. Specific instructions as to the proper use and function of mixer controls, including monitors, will be found in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's web site.
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