Here are some interesting videos related to PA and sound reinforcement systems. Wikipedia defines that a public address system (PA system) is an electronic system comprising microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and related equipment. It increases the apparent volume (loudness) of a human voice, musical instrument, or other acoustic sound source or recorded sound or music. The term, sound reinforcement system generally means a PA system specifically for live music or performance. A sound reinforcement system for a rock concert or other large event in a stadium may be very complex.
A brief history of live sound reinforcement
Stage Left Audio – Event Video 11
Dave Rat about his sound engineering for the Red Hot Chili Peppers live tour 2016
LIVE SOUND SUBS SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT & CONFIGURATION: LR, Center, Cardioid, End Fire (Pt1)
Look inside D&B, L’Acoustics and MicroWedge Monitors
DJ Sub and Speaker Placement For Dummies
Cardioid Subwoofers and Nexo Technology Part 1
Time Lapse of a Large PA Audio Sound System Setup for Rock & Roll
#38 – Arena line array system walk-through
How to Set Up a Simple PA System
Sound System Tuning Step-by-Step using TRACT and Smaart
Audio 101- How to do a pro sound check.
979 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Show Us Your Junk! Ep. 18 – Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) | EarthQuaker Devices
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVMo4F2H0dY
Tomi Engdahl says:
Toasting with a power amplifier
https://youtu.be/w_0UZviEDhc
Tomi Engdahl says:
Neve 33609 Diode Compressor Teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqMWbqwM5U8
A look inside one of Rupert Neve’s greatest inventions, the diode compressor. The 33609 is the same 2254 compressor from Neve’s 80-series consoles, but with a class AB signal path and in rack mount format.
https://www.youtube.com/user/PetersonGoodwyn/videos
Tomi Engdahl says:
What Are Audio Transformers? Why Do They Sound So Good?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n-lXFTuMfI
Curious to know more about transformers and how they work?
Transformer Saturation & Crosstalk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGtj5KrdcmY
Transformer Core Oversaturation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtIMw6gHLpI
Testing some characteristics of a transformer by over magnetizing its core and reading some voltages and reactive power
Tomi Engdahl says:
What’s in an API preamp? Vintage API 515 and 512c teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bysCG7aa2os
What gives API preamps their signature sound? I take the lid off some racked up 515 modules from an old console, and a more modern 512c to find out.
What makes Neve preamps so great? Neve clone teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMCPL-iBDw4
Neve’s vintage mic preamp design is the most celebrated and imitated of all time. But what’s inside and that makes it so damn special? In this video I tear down a GAP Pre-73 Neve preamp clone and walk through the parts and the circuit.
Tomi Engdahl says:
1176 FET Compressor Teardown pt 1: Circuit and Compression Secrets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22nwCBXaBAI
What gives the 1176 compressor design it’s incredible staying power? I take apart a Hairball Audio 1176 Rev D to show what’s under the hood. There are some surprising discoveries along the way, such as:
- a single $0.50 FET is responsible for most of the sound
- there *is* a threshold control (if you know where to look)
- the ratio control is a lie?!
Tomi Engdahl says:
$50 vs $500 Preamp: What’s inside?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhggBjgJnU4
I tear down a $50 Behringer and a $500 (per channel) Hamptone preamp to see what the real differences are between cheap and boutique mic preamps.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Compressor Designer GEEKS OUT on DRUM COMPRESSION!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0XGXz6SHco
Compressors are powerful weapons that define the tone, texture, and attitude of our productions. Join Gregory Scott, Kush Audio’s analog and plugin designer, as he twists the knobs on a compressor plugin while telling you exactly what to listen for, making it incredibly easy to hear all the nuances that make compressors the most magical pieces of gear in a producer’s arsenal.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is the Alesis 3630 compressor really that bad? Teardown of “the worst compressor ever made”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74h3zUpvOtk
The Alesis 3630 may be “the most popular dynamics processor ever made” (according to Alesis), but it’s also been called the worst compressor ever made. Is it really that bad? In this teardown I take one apart to look at the circuitry and parts to find out.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Don’t Practice BORING Scales, Practice THIS!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxtgJynvDlU
Don’t just practice scales. Practice melodic ideas that you could use in compositions or while improvising. I will demonstrate some ideas of how to do this.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is this as good as a real NEVE!? || Heritage Audio – HA-609a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD9D-Wcw2zc
INDEX:
00:00 – Intro
00:20 – Unboxing glamour
00:43 – What is the 609A?
01:06 – Comparison
03:38 – Review
05:41 – Conclusion
06:14 – Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
The LA-2A’s Underrated Little Sibling? Urei LA-4 Opto Compressor teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OTHszi526w
The LA-4 gets constantly outshone by it’s older siblings, the LA-2A and LA-3A. But today it gets to step into the stoplight with a DIYRE teardown. Check out why I think the LA-4 is an underrated gem that deserves more attention.
Viewer comments:
This piece of gear was designed for installation and studio use. Most of the time it’s hard wired into a patchbay or stationary system. So so xlr connectors would have been an extra expense and failure points. You can always add them on a pigtail or rack panel for portable use.
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIY Recording Equipment EQP5 passive EQ build
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YlKyCDPHg4
This 500-series equalizer is based off the famed Pultec passive EQ: the EQP-1, which was originally released in 1951 by Pultec (Pulse Techniques). The kit came with all parts, and wasn’t difficult considering the great build guide and tools on the DIYRE website.
The PCB is thick, and the pads are through-hole (so no need to solder both sides – bottom only!). All parts were grouped in small baggies (actually wish they had used less bags, it ended up being a lot to throw out), so sorting parts was quick and painless. The hardware was equally robust, and once assembled it feels quite solid.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Andrew Scheps on Analogue vs Digital, How to ‘Hear’ when Mixing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M5aEC3-ACQ
AudioTechnology caught up with legendary Grammy-winning mix engineer Andy Scheps at Collarts, Melbourne, to talk about all things audio. Andrew willingly shared his wisdom and unique insight on topics ranging from audio education to the age-old analogue vs digital debate.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tweeters, Woofers, and Subwoofers | What Is A Speaker Crossover?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3dLDVbgky8
Speaker specs guide
https://upbeat-creator-1556.ck.page/43dbf0870c
Tomi Engdahl says:
BIGGEST SOUND SYSTEM in the PHILIPPINES | featuring 108sub of team stroker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnQns9JU9xE
The 2nd X-Mas party of Team Stroker Family at Brgy:Bungsuan Dumarao Capiz. Dec 1 2019 @ bgry Bungsuan Dumarao Capiz
Powered by Yolanda Speakers and Hurricane Power Amplifier
The bass is so strong that the space around the speaker is literaly distorted
The Biggest Sound System Set up in the World,Team Stroker Part two 50 percent of testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vijS6buNVzU
The battle of distortion. Sound should be judge by the quality of low mid high at high and low volume. Mostly local sound systems are judged by the loudness and strongest power of bass which usually sound distorted. Based on my experienced watching live big musical events & concerts like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival Miami, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Journey, Michael Jackson, GNR etc the sound is very clear and clean at very high and loud volume.
That is quality sir….. The loudness of vocals is good that is why it is on top…….. The sub is like bomb
Tomi Engdahl says:
“Sound Waves” Martin Garrix Tremor on DiveTech Pro Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MflcQDTlDOU
January 2, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g22Xj2evJJM
Tomi Engdahl says:
Time Lapse of a Large PA Audio Sound System Setup for Rock & Roll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxGEBizdcbY
Take a look in about 3 minutes at roughly 7 hours of setup time for about 800,000 watts of pro touring PA at the Izod Center for a large rock ‘n roll concert.
Viewer comments:
I highly doubt it’s 800,000 watts, maybe 80,000 watts but not 800,000..
800,000 watts ……for that tiny pa?
I miss the good ol days where the pa was so big it obstructed part of the stage if you were in the rite place…..I mean come on, 800,000 watts …to power that crappy sounding cheap pa system?
like iv said, “its all about money, and fuck the fans.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rammstein LIVE Du Hast – Berlin 2022 Day 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4nL1JPO1Cw
Rammstein – Europe Stadium Tour (Time Lapse)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgGuRKgvWQ4
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ed Sheeran “Divide” Tour 2018: Sound System Design and FoH sound for his support Jamie Lawson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjUKD4tuFMc
mothergrid had the chance to talk to the sound crew of the Ed Sheeran „Divide“ Tour – Charlie Albin (Sound system engineer), David White (Chewie Tech) and Rob Simpson (FoH sound for support Jamie Lawson).
With equipment from Meyer Sound, Allen & Heath, DiGiCo, Optcore and many more:
Equipment list:
72 x LEO
42 x 1100LFC
20 x LINA
08 x Leopard
02 x UPA
56 x Milo
10 x Galaxy
04 x Galileo
01 x SIM3
02 x MJF 212
02 x 900 LFC
04 x Optocore X6R
04 x Optocore V3R
01 x Digico SD7 (Ed Sheeran)
01 x Allen & Heath dLive s3000 (support act Jamie Lawson)
Tomi Engdahl says:
DJ Tutorial. Setting up a Large PA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0WM986EFLE
Tomi Engdahl says:
“Big Mick” Hughes on Mixing Metallica, Low End, and LEO Line Array
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMV_N1yx0l0
“When you use all the frequencies in the correct proportions, the music sounds full, more powerful, and it does give the impression of being loud.”
“Big Mick” Hughes
FOH Engineer, Metallica
FOH engineer “Big Mick” Hughes, who has mixed more than 1,500 Metallica shows, is a legendary figure in live audio.
In this Meyer Sound video, he sheds light on the role of a FOH engineer, his love of low end, and his experience with the Meyer Sound LEO line array system and 1100-LFC low-frequency control element.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Iron Maiden live Pre Show Soundcheck at Banc of California Stadium Los Angeles, CA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46gxrKi2RmE
The raven age headliner pre show soundcheck at Banc of California Stadium Los Angeles, CA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rammstein – Du Hast / 04.06.2022 Berlin Olympiastadion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LEc-14vPNI
Rammstein – Sonne / 04.06.2022 Berlin Olympiastadion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFy6HoaNzjM
Tomi Engdahl says:
Western Electric Sound System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SUMk7iJGKs
Tomi Engdahl says:
JBL 60 year history of building the best speakers for recording studios, movie theaters, live sound, home and automotive use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJTi74WsjI4
This video takes you though roughly 60 years of JBL history from the first speakers designed to produce sound in the movie theater to becoming the standard for recording studios and live sound. JBL speakers and JBL history evolve into the offerings delivered today such as Project Everest II
Tomi Engdahl says:
Too MUCH BASS for a TAHOE!?!? Playing Kyle’s BIGGEST Car Audio Subwoofer Sound System Ever!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srY_6wZTzZE
Tomi Engdahl says:
The best Ground Zero hair trick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikcoiALcucg
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sinai: Inside the UK’s most versatile sound system
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuXDpo-8_zY
Sinai is one of the UK’s most versatile sound systems. Deep Medi, Tectonic Recordings and Young Echo are some of the labels and collectives to have hosted the roaming Sheffield audio installation, which bridges the gap between traditional dub sound system culture and modern bass music.
Founded by Huw Williams, Sinai Sound System began life as part of the travelling speaker stack for legendary dub outfit Iration Steppas. Over the years, Sinai has grown in size and reputation, travelled the continent and endured a devastating flood in its hometown.
In this film, FACT travels to Sheffield to hear the story of Sinai Sound System and follows it to Bristol’s Trinity Centre as it prepares to provide the audio at the fifth birthday party for Batu’s Timedance label.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Midas M32C Small Band Set Up w/PA System Tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqWrOqEm4EM
This video shows setting up a RCF PA system with a Midas M32C for a small band. The video shows the show file, routing, and basic set up of the PA and the tuning of the room.
I shot the video for training for new engineers to our band. I figured I would share with the rest of the sound human world.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The NEW Mac Studio with M1 Ultra. My thoughts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAmsyB98ndI
Tomi Engdahl says:
Summing Shmumming? Analog vs digital summing test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVp4syrFkE0
In which I finally tackle the issue of analogue summing: is this the secret magic ingredient thats been missing from your ITB mixes? Or, are we being conned by charlatans and snake oil salesmen? Lets find out…
Viewer comments:
This kind of ,,myth busting” is just what the audiophile and music industry needs. So many people get emotionally invested into things like their gear, or the way they play, compose, mix… And they can end up leading others away from the path of reason and into marketing potholes, and ignorance ditches. Good work, Dan! Thanks for making those experiments, so that we don’t have to (although I would encourage anyone with enough time and equipment to go for it) ! Cheers!
It’s impossibly bad in guitar circles, the cognitive bias is unstoppable. Yeah sure that 59 ‘burst is worth $350000 compared to the damn near perfect reproduction from another brand name…sure.
There’s that old trick, where you do an A/B test between one audio example (like a full song or drum mix), and another which is secretly raised .5 dB. You then ask the subject which they think is better and why. Most often you’ll get a response like “B sounds more open, wider, brighter; objectively better”, just from that tiny lift in level. And what do you know, that’s how audiophiles describe why they spent 4 stacks on a power cable
00:00 — Intro
00:24 — Intro: Digital summing is mathematically perfect.
01:28 — Desirable imperfections: The possibilities
01:51 — Desirable imperfections: Frequency response
02:12 — Desirable imperfections: Output non-linearities
02:40 — Desirable imperfections: Input non-linearities
03:32 — Desirable imperfections: Consider the Waves plugin.
04:37 — Comparison pitfalls: Level matching, Pan laws, Gain calibration
05:35 — Comparison pitfalls: Colouration not from summing
06:36 — Test: Mystery prototype unit
07:43 — Test 1: Setup
08:35 — Test 1: Listening
08:47 — Test 1: Null test
09:29 — Test 2: Setup
09:59 — Test 2: Null test
10:44 — Reasons to disregard: Specific unit
11:13 — Reasons to disregard: Bias & mixing process
13:07 — Reasons to disregard: Not high-end enough
13:48 — Reasons to disregard: High noise floor
14:38 — Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
VOCAL EQ SECRETS of the PRO’s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq1di2luMcs
Took some notes on this thought should share with everyone:
- Always cut below 100 hz
- 100 hz is low end, by boosting it can give deep rumble, radio warm kind of vocals.
- Boosting 200 hz is warmer point where vocal body lives.
- 300 hz to 500 hz is where boxiness and Honkiness comes. Its not a good idea to boost it but reduce.
- 600 hz to 1 khz is the point where body lives, its not a good idea to boost or reduce it
- 1.5 khz to 2.5 khz is where actually vocal is, by boosting vocals can pop up by reducing vocals can disappear. Boosting too much can boost nasal sound.
- 2.5 khz to 3.5 khz is a proper nasal sound frequency range if the vocal has nasal sound cut it down.
- 4 khz is harshness, too much boosting can be harsh too much cutting can make words less understandable.
- 6 khz is clarity, cutting it down can make vocal warm.
- 7 to 10 khz is where siblance comes.
- 10 to 16 khz top end sizzle.
- 17 khz to 20 khz air and breath.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.howwegotloud.com/
http://www.dozin.com/wallofsound/
Tomi Engdahl says:
That Elusive Console Magic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpj92a3OFgo
In which I pontificate on the possible real sources of the analogue console magic, while sharing some pictures of nice analogue desks. (snapped on my phone, don’t expect pro quality). Hey, I’m allowed a low effort video from time to time, no?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Doesn’t It Null? bx_console Amek 9099
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpm-7GzoKOE
n which I take almost an hour to review the new Amek 9099 plugin from Plugin Alliance / brainworx, and still don’t cover all the features; I reveal my most compelling reason *not* to use the FabFilter EQ; and I claim to know better than Rupert Neve when it comes to EQ design. Could I be any more wrong?
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.teosto.fi/teostory/mita-promoottori-tekee/?fbclid=IwAR3rv6F9y0O7wUkbXcF2RfogluaX4UgUfS2s2jv-MbCXVwR9-TDzlke4IV0
Tomi Engdahl says:
98% of faults are on the system techs, bad building grounds , poor acoustics, band too loud/quiet poor mic technique ect are what YOU ARE PAID TO TAKE CARE OF, if you cant or wont best find another hobby
Tomi Engdahl says:
BEHIND THE SCENES…It’s MIND-BLOWING ! | Lakewood Church TECH TOUR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgcz2cjrB_E
LAKEWOOD CHURCH FULL BROADCAST PROCESS
In this video I break down Lakewood Church Live Stream Setup / (Full Broacast Process) from a production TECH TOUR / visit I did back in summer 2021 down to Houston Texas with their production staff members.
I was able to visit the whole production area thanks to Lakewood church staff.
I go through audio capture and mixing process, cameras, switching, graphics and visual elements as well as some extra visit to their server and editing rooms .
I hope you enjoy the video
CHAPITERS:
00:00 Intro
02:16 Cameras
05:20 Camera Control Units Room
06:54 Main Switching Room
10:25 Audio Capture & Mixing
14:43 Lighting
16:14 Graphics & Visual Elements
17:23 Editing Rooms and Server Rooms, EXTRA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Line arrays explained in under five minutes, featuring some very unique NEXO technologies. Full video link in first comment.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02oY7qxe6cQ24eNDbAJcyLh1sahurV9dwYTj1ayKxk31q79GPkBe5sZAdcUXESAnG6l&id=1831539197113302
Thanks to PA of the Day for their support! https://shop.paoftheday.com/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Moog
https://www.facebook.com/BBCArchive/videos/412764349996081/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Phantom Power Mic 6 Miles Cat5e Cable??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SorO-QpqYRU
00:00 Intro and setup
02:14 100 meter (3 28 feet) test Shure SM58, AKG C414 and Neumann U89
04:24 800 meter (1/2 mile) test Shure SM58, AKG C414 and Neumann U89
06:57 1600 meter (1 mile) test Shure SM58, AKG C414 and Neumann U89
09:22 2400 meter (1.5 mile) test Shure SM58, AKG C414 and Neumann U89
11:46 4800 meter (3 mile) test Shure SM58, AKG C414 and Neumann U89
14:21 6400 meter (6 mile) test Shure SM58 and Neumann U89 ( I tested the C414 as well and it worked without issues, I skipped it as it performed the same as the U89)
16:21 Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Properly Coil Large Gauge Cable – Method #1 of 2
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh3HiGutK0s&feature=youtu.be
In this segment Roger Lattin, an ETCP Trainer and Certified Stage Electrician, demonstrates the proper method for coiling or ‘wrapping’ a feeder cable. Using 4/0 Type SC cable as an example, step-by-step instructions detail proper handling methods utilizing the ‘right-hand lay’ of the wire to prolong the life of an extension. Tips and techniques like pre-wrap preparation, wrap size monitoring and cable condition examination ease the work load while increasing efficiency.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Can YOU hear the difference? Blind Bass Direct Box Shootout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6X5w8Hwusk
In this video, I share a blind comparison test with seven different direct boxes for electric bass. Together we compare the Radial JDI, the JHS Colourbox, the Noble, the Reddi, the Zod, the Ampeg SCR-DI, and the Pyle. We discuss the value and results that bass direct boxes have on bass tone.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Things you didn’t realize about bass… until now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23q3zoKiuGs
Tomi Engdahl says:
Loudspeaker basics in under ten minutes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbYg-FmGoIg
Devin shows Anika the basics of loudspeaker technology using NEXO products as our guide.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Switching Between Vocals and MD on a Wireless Mic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M35t5jJWq2s
In this video, I’ll explain why and how we switch our wireless mics between two outputs so that one of our Worship Leaders can also act as a Music Director when needed. You church people know the struggle – sometimes you don’t have a dedicated MD and you have to get creative! This allows us to do Vox and MD, all while keeping the stage clean during worship. We can even move our mics to the side during the message so all eyes are where they need to be.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Privately Talk to Your Entire Band Live through In-Ear Monitors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U7e_59jZUY
Learn how to easily communicate with band members live without all of the visible distractions.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Basic Talkback Mic Setup. #TalkbackMic #Gospelmultitracks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqm565UOm0I
Tomi Engdahl says:
Understanding In-Ear Monitors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WASVODlaCi4
This tutorial aims to de-mystify the concepts of in-ear monitoring and to break it down to basics for those who are completely new to the IEM game.
In Ear Monitors Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_rfSX34ZR8
In Ear Monitors Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giXfCXco6Jo
HOW TO build a Cheap SELF MIXED In Ear Monitor rig for your band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgtVb3pUu8c
How To Build a cheap In Ear Monitoring rig for your band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjvy_6EQNVc
What Are In-Ear Monitors And Why Do Singers Use Them?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xD0tpaT1Nw