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:
Comb filtering
https://youtu.be/0wvlrBx3U4c
https://youtu.be/4nN7JIewXqg
Tomi Engdahl says:
THE BASICS ABOUT COMB FILTERING (AND HOW TO AVOID IT)
https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/the-basics-about-comb-filtering-and-how-to-avoid-it
Tomi Engdahl says:
Dave Rat YouTube channel is becoming the MythBusters of the live sound world
https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveRat
Tomi Engdahl says:
Cat5e vs Audio Snake, Hear Signal Loss of 100 meter cables
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZqoA12Qjr8
I came up with a really cool test to easily and clearly hear the actual loss in signal cables using simple and relatively inexpensive gear.
the test setup allows you to hear the actual loss in the cables. So louder is more loss and brighter is more HF loss which means the cable is dulling the sound
00:00 Intro
01:10 Setup description
05:15 Pink noise hear loss in audio snake vs Cat5e
06:17 Results and cable info
07:30 Pink noise hear loss in audio snake vs Cat7
08:48 Summary and future tests
Tomi Engdahl says:
Chili Peppers FOH Live Sound Analog Mixing Setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRh_zJPT2_c
I found a video I made in 2016 about the FOH gear I carried with Chili Peppers. This is a new and never released different version that does not have the focus issues.
Cool cool.
00:00 Intro
00:10 RTA and Mic
00:35 FOH EQ
01:38 PFL Metering, Sum and Difference
02:44 Effects
03:27 Compression
04:30 Left/Right Metering
04:52 Gates
05:16 Actively controlled Sub Crossover and limiters
06:00 Custom Sub processor and synth
06:26 Additional EQs
06:58 Console channels and groups
08:10 Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
Problems With Mono Sound From Stereo Speakers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHjdh-Vka-g
Demonstration of how to reduce comb filtering and audio interference issues from sound reinforcement systems.
00:00 Into
0037 Same sound from multiple points in space
01:40 Same signal vs different signal interactions
02:11 Multiple sounds from the same point in space
03:05 Unnatural sound assets and issues
04:05 Demo description
05:16 Single speaker pink noise
05:39 Same pink noise to two speakers
06:07 Same pink noise to two speakers with polarity reverse one speaker
06:26 Same pink noise to two speakers
06:32 Two different pink noise generators to each speaker
07:02 Two different pink noise generators to each speaker with one speaker polarity reversed
07:20 Summary
09:00 Multiple pink sources for measuring sound systems
09:26 Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
Test AES3 on Mic vs Snake and CAT5e Cable @ 48Khz 96Khz 192Khz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-qoZPKsLDs
Comparing various lengths of mic cable, AES cable, snake cable and Cat 5 cables with AES 48, 96 and 192 Khz.
00:00 Intro
01:02 Short mic cable test AES3 @ 48Khz, 96Khz, 192Khz
01:36 50 meter mic cable test
02:05 100 meter mic cable test
02:49 200 meter mic cable test
03:37 250 meter mic cable test
04:10 300 meter mic cable test
05:15 25 meters snake cable test
05:57 50 meter snake cable test
06:16 75 meter snake cable test
07:23 100 meter AES cable test
08:53 200 meter AES cable test
09:22 50 meter Cat5e cable test
11:06 100 meter Cat5e cable test
12:03 150 meter Cat5e cable test
13:00 200 meter Cat5e cable test
14:25 300 meter Cat5e cable test
15:02 400 meter Cat5e cable test
15:40 Summary
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why are sound cables like they are? – Sound Chat With My Daughter Sammy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwi9CZ3etOU
In this series of “Sammy Asks Sound Questions” Sammy asks about the cables we use for connecting sound sound gear.
My daughter Sammy has toured on several Warped tours, worked Coachella Festivals and joiner her parents on various tours like Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. Sammy and I are doing a series of videos where she asks me a question about sound.
00:00 Intro
02:00 XLR cables
03:14 D connector
03:35 Tuchel Connector
04:50 Mic Capsules and 3-Wire cables
07:25 Twed to remember XLR wiring
07:50 Non 3 conductor mic wiring
10:08 XLR vs other Connectors
13:00 1/4″ TRS for balanced vs headphones
14:10 Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
Hear Inside Your Hear – In-Ear Monitors Ear Canal Mics (Public)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbN9oEs06Hg
Can in-ear monitors be used as microphones? Well, yes and when they are in you ears, those in-ear mics pick up the sound of your voice from inside your head.
Sammy and I chat about and demo the sound of using in-ear monitors as microphones and then combine the in-ear monitor sound with a mic sound both in and out of polarity.
I recommend using headphones for this video
00:00 Intro
01:41 In-ear monitors as mics
02:09 Why hearing aids and in-ears feedback
02:56 Hear inside my head using in-ears as mics
04:50 In-ears as mics plus mic on my voice
05:04 Polarity switch setup
05:25 Here mic in and out of polarity with in-ear monitors
06:00 Discuss the differences
06:43 Test $40 pair of CCA in-ear monitors as mics
08:03 Handing noise of $40 pair
08:26 Handling noise of Stealth Sonics in ear monitors
09:03 The sound from inside your head
10:02 Bone conduction and hearing impaired
11:14 In-ear monitor as mic panned to one side and mic panned to the other side
12:49 Polarity switch mic with panned signals
13:16 Summary chat
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Crowded Shows Sound Dull – Impact of Heat on Live Sound Coverage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lB8e9OY0-U
The heat from humans at a concert refracts sound up and away from from the audience. Here is a demo using a heat gun to alter the path of sound waves. This phenomenon of sound being refracted by heat can cause substantial variations in the quality of the sound at concerts and other gatherings.
Tomi Engdahl says:
FOH MIXING MISTAKES NEW ENGINEERS MAKE with Dave Rat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP_jwOgZiFQ
What are the common mistakes front of house mixing engineers make when they are first starting out in live sound? Dave Rat, founder of Rat Sound Systems and FOH engineer for Red Hot Chili Peppers, tells us about the most common stumbling blocks of live mixing and how to mix live music like an experienced professional.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to EQ a Live Sound Reinforcement System – Some Tricks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU9BmupC62c
An EQ method for achieving consistent sound. What do you EQ with the channel strips? What do you EQ with the system graphic EQ? What do you EQ with the system processor?
00:00 Intro what EQ’s what
00:30 Channel EQ
01:11 Speaker processor EQ
01:43 House/system EQ
01:54 What changes show to show?
02:31 Confirming a system is properly EQ’d
03:20 Using headphones as a reference point to EQ channels to correct
04:42 Bringing the system to correct
05:40 Comparative references
07:06 Same settings for live usable for recording
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Is Going To Change Music Forever..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-qlLM74wII
This is a pretty awesome piece of tech for your home studio musician to be able to collaborate with other musicians, but the Elk Live! isn’t without it’s flaws.
Tomi Engdahl says:
DI Boxes, Impedance and Transformers Part #1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zzGSkAvSFQ
DI Boxes, Impedance and Transformers Part #2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-Gm8oKfDc0
Tomi Engdahl says:
New Power Amplifier Watts vs Old Amp Watts & Power (Public)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ4N-gCCl0o
The way pro audio amp manufacturers rate power amps over years has changed drastically. A new watt is way different than an old watt and each has its assets and issues. Here is the first video of several I am doing on power amps.
00:00 Intro
00:44 All watts are not created equal
01:23 Old amp power specs vs new amp specs
02:00 Analogy to cars
03:50 Different ways amps deliver power
05:50 Power delivery duration
07:10 Thermal constraints
07:50 Impedance vs peak power vs time
09:22 Amp capabilities vs music type
10:55 Test methods to hear loaded amp output
12:20 Outro
What Happens When an Amp Toasts? (Public)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0UZviEDhc
Testing a Powersoft T902 power amplifier to see if the amp toasts when driven with varying frequencies into an atypical load
00:00 Intro
00:42 Test Setup
01:41 Test Description
02:13 Wall Voltage vs Shock Factor
05:16 Heating it up
06:13 Loading and ramping up the voltage
08:00 Varying the frequency
09:42 Reviewing the test results
11:00 Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
Don’t Let Phantom Power Kill Sound Cards – Lick Test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W42MRnJhXrk
Tomi Engdahl says:
Dangers & Solutions – Audio Phantom Power + Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8UTGcuAtd0
What are the dangers and solution to using phantom power?
How does phantom power work? What happens when sending phantom from more than one console to a mic? What happens sending phantom down an unbalanced mic cable? Can phantom power destroy a mic?
00:00 What is phantom power?
01:57 Phantom power is high voltage, low current
02:59 Phantom measurement setup
04:21 Measuring phantom power output
04:56 Phantom power wiring
06:15 How phantom powers a condenser mic
08:43 Plug in a condenser mic an measure phantom
10:40 Dynamic mic wiring
12:23 Phantom to a dynamic mic
12:36 Dangers of phantom on dynamic mics
14:56 Phantom from two consoles wiring description
15:37 Impact on phantom when second console is connected
17:03 Test and measure phantom sent from two consoles to the same mic
18:48 Parallel vs series
20:32 Phantom and isolation transformers
21:15 Summary
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://astiastudio.fi/fi/albumin-aanitys-miksaus-ja-masterointi-viidessa-paivassa-case-study-tuomas-jk-turunen/?fbclid=IwAR2UqqdLAkECB_lNwBiRn20AHbVrQM52Cruonp3yTBvQJqNcHFsg3qqUkVI
Tomi Engdahl says:
‘The more you drink, the better we sound’
Tomi Engdahl says:
Acoustic interference (flying over our heads)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFv3QPNU6hw
Unusual physics in mundane events.
0:00 The question
0:17 Doppler hypothesis
1:10 Spectrogram
2:00 Echo interference
3:25 Verification
5:22 Double slit analogy
7:14 But where’s Doppler?
8:06 Recap
Tomi Engdahl says:
Developing the Double Hung PA & the MicroWedge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzu4l6tR8-8
Here I describe the thought process behind developing the EAW MicroWedge and double hung PA and discuss using source location perception to improve intelligibility.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rammstein : The Show Behind The Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LElKJJJWQJg
Rammstein’s show is epic in scope and it takes four days to set the stage. Rammstein Production Coordinator Bruno Fernandes was kind enough to take Fox San Antonio behind the scenes at the Alamodome before the band’s tour date in the Alamo City. If you can find a concert with as much planning and pre-production that goes into a Rammstein show, please call our news assignment desk with any helpful information!
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to EQ live sound system
https://youtu.be/cU9BmupC62c
Tomi Engdahl says:
Double hung PA
https://youtu.be/Bzu4l6tR8-8
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Big Of A Line Array Do You Need?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEtAbfABQsA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Genelec Smart IP | Supercell AV: Korkealuokkaista äänentoistoa peliyhtiön pääkonttoriin
https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3EcoNn3oC5FzHVSIqXf5eihYVt5C7Nwkjeo_ZgtuTW2CfNoHSseRdiShM&v=IvVMRHfPb9M&feature=youtu.be
Tomi Engdahl says:
Genelec and G Livelab Tampere: creating the perfect live music venue | Genelec AV
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j5BDwNhpkfg
Tomi Engdahl says:
Toby Francis: 2022 Red Hot Chili Peppers worldwide tour with WesAudio
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r4hcfvezUuc&feature=youtu.be
Tomi Engdahl says:
Thinking Outside the (Speaker) Box – Does stereo Ruin Sound?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDcf184730E
Lets take a look at visualizing what we do to sound when we mix and ponder some possible better ways.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sound system tuning by ear
https://youtu.be/1IbvhgfGEhU
Tomi Engdahl says:
Lav Mic EQ & Processing For Corporate Shows
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az3pw2qLiWA
01:26 – Mic placement as an A2
02:49 – System Design & Processing
05:52 – Channel Strip & Subgroup Processing on Console
18:53 – Mixing Techniques
Tomi Engdahl says:
Point Source, Constant Curvature Array, or Line Array | Which One Should You Choose?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTwg61OUvPE&t=24s
01:37 – Three Speaker Types Overview
10:12 – Point Source Strengths & Weaknesses
14:21 – Constant Curvature Array Strengths & Weaknesses
17:49 – Line Array Strengths & Weaknesses
Tomi Engdahl says:
ArrayProcessing. What is ArrayProcessing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD3uDpYniXU
The optional ArrayProcessing function within the ArrayCalc simulation software V8 incorporates powerful filter algorithms that calculate and optimize the sonic performance of a d&b line array over an entire listening area. ArrayProcessing ensures that every member of the audience benefits from the same remarkable quality of sound by enhancing the spectral consistency, with a defined level distribution, to achieve a consistent tonal balance for each listener. The optimization intensifies the clarity and tonal balance of the J-Series, SL-Series, T-Series, V-Series or Y-Series line array solutions; taking existing d&b systems to dizzying heights. For further information, please visit our website: http://www.dbaudio.com
https://www.dbaudio.com/global/en/solutions/enabling-technologies/arrayprocessing/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The BEST subwoofer array for large concerts?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWydFTUguzQ&t=395s
This is my attempt at recreating the results described in an AES paper called Subwoofer positioning, orientation and calibration for large-scale sound reinforcement.
https://secure.aes.org/forum/pubs/conventions/?elib=15268
The BEST subwoofer array for large concerts?
https://www.sounddesignlive.com/the-best-subwoofer-array-for-large-concerts/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Cardioid Subs Explained For Normal Audio People
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgHK1s7SzIE&t=836s
It’s time to bring some clarity to this term “cardioid subs”. Although we do need to know HOW to deploy them, we often skip the WHAT and WHY first. Before we get out our audio analyzers and measurement microphones we’ve got to understand a cardioid sub array’s purpose, key benefits, and sneaky caveats.
We’ll answer:
- What key benefits can you expect from a cardioid setup
- When is it a BAD idea to deploy a cardioid sub rig
- How to know if your cardioid setup is working
Live Sound Subwoofer Configurations Part 3 – Cardioid Arrays
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSZK9Altvm8&t=48s
In this video I cover the two primary methods of creating a cardioid sub configuration with conventional subs along with some assets and issues with each.
00:00 Intro
00:15 Two types of directional sub arrays
00:59 Directional subwoofer array calculate and determine spacing
02:13 How an end fire array works
03:48 How a cardioid array works
05:17 Endfire (non polarity reversed) vs Cardioid (polarity reversed)
09:57 Advantages and issues of the two array types
Tomi Engdahl says:
Point Source vs Line Array| KV2 Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwmHXDq2n1k&t=589s
George Krampera, one of the founders of KV2 Audio, explains the difference between point source and line array.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Problems With Mono Sound From Stereo Speakers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHjdh-Vka-g&t=455s
Demonstration of how to reduce comb filtering and audio interference issues from sound reinforcement systems.
00:00 Into
0037 Same sound from multiple points in space
01:40 Same signal vs different signal interactions
02:11 Multiple sounds from the same point in space
03:05 Unnatural sound assets and issues
04:05 Demo description
05:16 Single speaker pink noise
05:39 Same pink noise to two speakers
06:07 Same pink noise to two speakers with polarity reverse one speaker
06:26 Same pink noise to two speakers
06:32 Two different pink noise generators to each speaker
07:02 Two different pink noise generators to each speaker with one speaker polarity reversed
07:20 Summary
09:00 Multiple pink sources for measuring sound systems
09:26 Outro
Tomi Engdahl says:
How I Screwed Up A $200,000 Sound System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZjt5ULaMRY
Tomi Engdahl says:
Mixing for the Groovynators at the Blue Note Grill on a Yamaha MGP24X house console – Video 33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eccheTDl3E
Mixing for theGroovynators on a Presonus 16.0.2 in Pittsboro, NC – Video 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbsywtRJ7PE
Tomi Engdahl says:
We are assisting a local band with the sound system setup and mixing for an event – Video 30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8WtsjL4unk
Tomi Engdahl says:
Providing sound for the 2016 Vietnamese Tet festival using a Soundcraft GB8 console – Event Video 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5D9rHi9QL8
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to use a basic compressor for vocals, drums, bass (dbx 1066) – Stage Left Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPkS7UgES18
A basic look at setting a sub-group compressor for vocals, drums, and bass. The values shown in the video are ONLY a starting point. A lot of variables determine the best compressor settings when running live sound.
The trick to good sound…? Use compression primarily for control. Over compression of any instrument (including vocals) will remove the dynamics and can damage speaker drivers.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Setting up effects (reverb / delay) on an analog console – Stage Left Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSVwTuv-5to
A look at routing reverb and delay using outboard gear with an analog board.
Adding the right amount of reverb in a live sound setup can make a big difference for the entire show. Adding the right amount of delay is very critical, and should only be used when needed.
Too often, high amounts of reverb and delay are used when those amounts are not required.
The process showed in this video should work with most any console that has auxiliary sends and available channels for returns.
Important: effects such as reverb and delay can be very personal things to artists and performers. Respect their vision and always work with them to come to a solution that works.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Checking in equipment, preparing for an event, and re-loading the cargo van – Stage Left Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSVwTuv-5to
We’re checking-in audio gear from a few shows over the past two weeks. After every event, we check-in the gear to ensure it is fully functioning so that it can go out on the next show. In this video, we check-in gear… setup the equipment for an upcoming show, and reload the cargo van with gear.
Checking in audio equipment after a rained-out event – Stage Left Audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZPuj63MSkM
A look at the check-in process we do when returning from an event. It’s important to check all gear and equipment to ensure it is working for the next show.
Providing sound outdoors brings issue to the process of checking in.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is Performing With A Backing Track Cheating? My Opinion…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZXUPuiC9Eo
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Ultimate XLR Adapter for Pro Audio Technicians!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZBKNpz6tUo
I asked you what you call this type of adapter & got a ton of interesting answers from all around the world. No matter what you call these though, you should have them in your kit, especially if you’re traveling light. Splitting, combining, turning around and patching, this one cable can do it all. So what is it?
Viewer comment:
The Z cable is the best cable, as I’ve already said. It’s able to do the job of 4 different cables in one, with very little extra space in your case. I normally have two Z cables with me at all times and two single XLR cables with convert-con connectors at both ends. This allows me to do pretty much everything I need. On top of that I have two RCA-Convertcon cables and two 1/4″jack-Convertcon cables. That’s everything you’ll ever need. And saves me from having 6 or 7 extra adapters in my case.
Tomi Engdahl says:
USITT/TSDCA SOUND DOCUMENTATION
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
https://www.usitt.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/USITTTSDCA%20Sound%20Documentation%20Recommendations_April_2022_APPROVED.pdf
Tomi Engdahl says:
Designing Low Variance Sound Systems | Pt. 1 of 3 with Michael Lawrence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCi9edfLyJA
00:00 – Intro
01:45 – Low Variance Definition
04:28 – Design Considerations
08:57 – Line Length
16:52 – LF Aiming
21:18 – Processing Granularity
24:40 – Mains & Subs Design, Vertical Coverage
31:38 – Plan View HF Coverage
34:02 – Side Hang Design
41:29 – Fill System Design
46:34 – Downfill System Design
49:43 – Wrapup
Tomi Engdahl says:
Speaker Coverage Calculator | How To Choose The Right Speakers & Placement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNkhxnFNUNU
00:00 – Introduction
01:55 – What We’ll Learn
02:14 – What Is Speaker Coverage?
05:22 – Why Is Speaker Coverage Important?
07:32 – Two Big Mistakes When Choosing Speakers
10:09 – The #1 Spec When Choosing Speakers
13:03 – Speaker Coverage Calculator (Audience FAR)
16:07 – Best Speaker Placement For Live Sound
17:49 – Is a Wider Speaker Pattern Better?
18:20 – Can Your Speakers Cover Your Audience?
19:41 – Speaker Selection & Coverage: Key Takeaways
Tomi Engdahl says:
How To Eliminate Microphone Feedback | 5 Must-Know Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2ceO8D_MUw
What causes microphone feedback? How can you eliminate mic feedback to prevent the squealing, howling, or screeching sound of feedback from ruining your live performance? In this video, I’ll teach you how to set up your PA system and ring out stage monitor wedges to prevent microphone feedback before the show begins.
0:00 – Introduction
0:16 – What Causes Microphone Feedback?
1:03 – Tip #1
2:32 – Tip #2
3:19 – Tip #3
5:20 – Tip #4
6:26 – Tip #5
7:31 – Bonus Tip (Tip #6)
7:49 – Subscribe To Audio University!
https://audiouniversityonline.com/5-steps-to-eliminate-microphone-feedback/