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:
How to Install a Wired In Ear Monitor System.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNPJtrMn1Cg
How to set up In Ear Monitoring for under $110! A detailed guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udeT8mn3o-8
Tomi Engdahl says:
InfoComm 2017: Void Acoustics Unveils Nexus XL Low Frequency Enclosure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9HIqHxl8Sk
InfoComm 2017: Void Acoustics Unveils Nexus XL Low Frequency Enclosure
Gorgeous system with a gorgeous price tag.
Tomi Engdahl says:
InfoComm 2017: Eastern Acoustic Works Talk About the QX Line of Speakers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvPea8e6Hs4
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Synergy Horn, What makes it Unique?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz5tIAcxJB8
Professor Doug Jones of Danley Sound Labs gives an explanation of what differentiates the Synergy Horn technology from more traditional approaches both current and throughout history.
Great video, and a well thought-out explanation.
Danley Sound Labs SBH10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8cX5Xs_vZg
Danley Sound Labs is the exclusive home of the designs of Tom Danley. The SBH10 is the latest innovation and tool from Danley Sound Labs. Though it has a column form factor, it actually it is a horn with an effective path length of 28ft
Danley Jericho J2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj7t9UsxyaM
A brief overview of the Danley Jericho J2
Tomi Engdahl says:
Line arrays do provide certain benefits, but at the expense of phase coherence and “impulse” response, which is the very thing that separates a “musical” sounding speaker from one that can reproduce sine tones, sweeps, and pink noise very well but falls down on musical detail and impact. Think carefully about this: Your ears are not a line. They are points in space, and they pick up stimuli from acoustic events that happen around them. A line source is actually made up of infinitely many points, in theory (in practice, in real line arrays, there are a large number of discrete points that begin to acoustically act “like” a line source) and because the distance from each point along that line to your ears is different, the impulse response from a line source is inherently more smeared (longer decay time) than the one from a point source speaker.
Source: comment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz5tIAcxJB8
Tomi Engdahl says:
KV2 Audio VHD5.0 Constant Power Point Source Array – Introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgrI_x9xHWc
The VHD5.0 Constant Power Point Source System is a true feat of engineering. The system delivers audio over large areas with clarity and definition simply not achievable from the digitally processed line arrays that are so commonly used today.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Synergy Horn, What makes it Unique?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz5tIAcxJB8
Professor Doug Jones of Danley Sound Labs gives an explanation of what differentiates the Synergy Horn technology from more traditional approaches both current and throughout history.
Danley Jericho J2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj7t9UsxyaM
A brief overview of the Danley Jericho J2
Tomi Engdahl says:
Zero Latency Monitoring – May 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBTAZXdH7LU
Tomi Engdahl says:
TECHNICAL TALKS – Point Source vs. Line Array and Introduction to VHD5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2vzknf8vQ
The challenge for KV2 in building a large point source system for audiences of 50,000 people plus, was to reproduce the low mid energy that certain line arrays provide, though the summing of multiple drivers whilst maintaining the key benefits of point source technology. These benefits include minimal destructive interference in the higher frequency range, accurate impulse response and superior sound. Utilising highly advanced point source speaker design, extremely efficient power management amplifier technology and totally unique hybrid signal processing, KV2 has created the first major advancement in large scale concert sound reinforcement since the development of the Line Array.
Comment:
Excellent explanation of the physics behind different speaker configurations!
line array is clever idea and very suitable on large and crowded area with uneven acoustic environment. the biggest drawback (in my opinion) in point source reinforcement maybe is very predictable resonance particularly in open space area,
The explanation in this video is completely wrong, there is no such time smearing in true line arrays (curved arrays) and the inductance explanation is terrible too.
Essentially he is just talking about the time difference of arrivals between different loudspeakers. Imagine you have a very fast signal, think a snap or something, not bass or guitar. Now imagine that there are multiple arrivals of that sound signal coming in over 2ms. What happens now is that instead of the snap being crisp it will lose its definition and its edges get blurred due to same signals arriving at the same time. So if the signals arrive at different times with the same sound signal it will be comparable to hitting play on multiple sound devices (f.x. phones) almost simultaneously so you can easily try out how it sounds, not completely representative though since one usually does not have that kind of precision for clicking play. Hope that helps.
you could also simulate this easily on some DAW software by copying a snappy signal to another channel and move it around by 1-2ms.
Over 2ms ? that would be 1m or more .. the tilt angle of the linearray, at that distance is only a few degrees. you will never ever get more than .1m of delay.
I´m not really talking about line arrays in particular mind you, I am simply describing the effect mentioned in the video that he is asking about. I feel that by exaggerating such effects it can be easier to understand the topic
Yes. the explanation in this video is misleading. Curved arrays have have no time smearing problem, just large straight arrays have.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Line arrays explained (AKIO TV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9tVcPbIlqk
A line array is a bunch of stacked speakers, that allows for the existance of more efficient sound systems. In this video, you’ll see why. I hope you enjoy watching it!!
Tomi Engdahl says:
ArrayProcessing – What is ArrayProcessing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD3uDpYniXU
ArrayProcessing tutorial 2 Planning in ArrayCalc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIIGM5UgQO8
Tomi Engdahl says:
#38 – Arena line array system walk-through
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=878EMtfgl6g
In this video we get out on an Arena sound gig, fly some more JBL VerTec arrays, and talk about all the gear that goes into a live sound system of this size. 2016-12-31
Tomi Engdahl says:
#40 – Presidential Inauguration – Live sound system for a million people
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e71idYwFrLM
In this video we take a look at what goes into a PA System built to cover a million people.
Comments:
Fascinating the amount of equipment, planning and teamwork involved in this enormous project.
Absolutely amazing, in-depth overview of the whole show. Mad props to MSI!
Dream set-up, and great guys who did this!
The dual SM57 setup sure does look better than a single mic IMHO, if mic esthetics is even a consideration. I noticed that Trump has continued to use a single mic beyond the inauguration, and personally, I find that it looks somewhat low-budget, as if he were a high school principal speaking at a school assembly rather than the POTUS speaking at a presidential podium.
Tomi Engdahl says:
#34 – 2016 Presidential Election Night Broadcast, JBL Vertec & Stand-Up Comedy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acWbynHXWO4
Live election night television coverage as an RF Tech, installing a JBL Vertec Line Array sound system for a corporate gala and then mixing a bunch of walk-on gigs at The Historic Synagogue at 6th & i .
Tomi Engdahl says:
#010 – Live Sound: Working with Standup Comedy Acts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD5w5lJ1ksQ
2015-03-09 – We take a look at an installed system and how it is used for a typical live comedy show.
Tomi Engdahl says:
RCF HDL 30-A compared to RCF HDL20-A detailed overview Authorized Dealers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9UEeUWdruk
RCF HDL 30-A review
Tomi Engdahl says:
Anchor Audio Beacon 8000 Portable Line Array Speaker System Overview | Full Compass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOtl4fxlFxU
Bose L1 Portable Speaker Systems Overview | UniqueSquared.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c3oxfkZ72s
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Bose L1 Approach and the History Of Amplification
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY9JjH00QTI
The L1® approach to amplifying live music is based on the qualities of unamplified music: each musician in control of his or her sound, the ability to hear oneself and each other, and the sound of each voice and instrument coming from its unique location.
BOSE L1 Model 1S [REVIEW]: 1S vs. Model2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qEA3VaQtHY
Taking a look at the Bose L1 Model 1S and comparing to the L1 Model 2 and the L1 Compact
Tomi Engdahl says:
JBL Vertec VT4886 Line Array Speakers – In-Depth Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjC_tqkuwXM
The VT4886 Subcompact Passive Three-Way Line Array Element is designed to deliver high-quality reinforcement of music and speech in a wide variety of applications including concert audio and corporate A/V presentations of all types for both portable users and fixed venue installations.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Focusrite // The Story of the Focusrite Studio Console
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJd8606oNNk
The stories of the only 10 Focusrite Studio Consoles ever made.
Tomi Engdahl says:
EXPOSING DEADMAU5′s STUDIO – *SPOILER* He’s a huge Geek!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBiqFNNfudA
What happens when one of the biggest touring artists in the world is also a massive geek? We find out in Deadmau5′s INCREDIBLE house/studio…
Tomi Engdahl says:
Live Sound Check: Midas M32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrfDkYuP66k
In this video we show a real life example of a Live Sound Check with the Midas M32. Great board for the price range and the sound quality is awesome.
Mixing Monitors on the MIDAS M32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdAJQgRRODU
Example from the side of the stage, unedited.. Filmed with phone.
Tomi Engdahl says:
WIRING A STUDIO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRTGkoW3oIQ
How much POWER does an ANALOG MUSIC STUDIO consume?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQlrRFYJj1c
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wiring SOUND VISION STUDIO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0FbypJLQ_0
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to set up a Patchbay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22yA6dF7DgY
How I Use Patchbays in My Synth Studio – The PERFECT Home Studio? Ep. 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRn3taQGTVQ
In this third episode of The PERFECT Home Studio? series I talk about patchbays. Different types and how I use the ones I have for my synth setup.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Danley Sound Labs 2017 PLS J3-94 and DBH-218
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIpJ5sgdb6Q
Raw Motorola g3 mobile phone video of a Danley Sound Labs outdoor demonstration at the Frankfurt Pro Light and Sound trade fair. 1x J3-94 and 4x-DBH-218 per side. Measurement video board mic was about 30m from the stage. The white fence is about 45m from the stage. It is about 120m from the stage at the end of the organ piece.
Danley J3-94 speech at 600ft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Iav7Rfd-As
Speech intelligibility is a must in all applications, especially at large distances any issues are magnified. This recording is of a single J3-94 and two BC218s positioned at the far end of the field
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ringing Out Your Venue PA | Tuning Your Sound System Graphic Equalizers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqvu-_mQlEM
Join Scott and Chad as we Ring Out a venue PA using a Graphic Equalizers.
Gear used in this video:
Midas M32R (Mixing Board)
Shure SM58 (Mic)
Crown Amps and EAW Cabs (Sound System)
American Vocal Dual 31 (GEQ used in intro of the video)
How to Ring Out Your Mics – #AscensionTechTuesday – EP024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWJs8HGRR-Q
This week Chad shows us how to “ring out” a microphone to avoid feedback on a live stage!
We’re using a Behringer X32 but this technique will work for most any digital or analog system with a 31 band eq.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Live Sound EQ – Ringing Out Feedback VS Flat Response – Q&A Sessions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_-VqmfOyqE
This is about ringing out feedback vs setting a flat response.
$ questions to answer:
1) Is it loud enough?
2) Can everybody hear?
3) Can everybody understand?
4) Will it feed back?
If you ring out feedback frequencies, and make reference materials sound good, the system will be flatter than when you started, but ‘flat’ does not always equal good. The ear is the best tool for assessing sound system quality.
How to Equalize – EQ a Live Sound System – How to Ring out Speakers for Feedback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-f9qw18PRU
Tomi Engdahl says:
Using Pink Noise and the Built-In RTA to Ring Out Your Room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kez1LIHbevY
Drew Brashler of dBBaudio.com stops by MUSIC Studios in Los Angeles to explain how to use Pink Noise and the built-in RTA to ring out your room using the X32 Digital Mixing products.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Equalizing a Live Sound System & Gain Structure Part 01 – on a Digital Mixer (Behringer X32)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9591VUrOd4
Equalizing a Live Sound System & Gain Structure Part 02 – on a Digital Mixer (Behringer X32)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOfuvesWpXg
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Set Up a Delayed speaker in a Nightclub – Live Sound System Fill Speakers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouv2COeoQWw
Delaying a ‘fill speaker’ is pretty easy with a simple set up and calculation. And it improves intelligibility quite a bit!!
Comments:
Great video. Short and to the point, with great examples!
Brilliant informative film! Thanks for that.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Have a Great Sounding Live Sound Mix Every Time!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LszlEIBAT5Y
After years of mixing, and finding a way to simplify processes for live sound systems, I have boiled it all down to six simple steps.
Top 6 Live Sound STAGE RULES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DIyLjQK5nc
I had to come up with rules for my stage when I work at clubs, and especially when working with microphones that don’t belong to the band or artist.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Live Sound Challenges at Festivals – How to Manage Live Sound Problems
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb6f55gApPw
This is a case study about a festival show in Toronto, at a public square, with a ton of people in attendance and a few problems to deal with, such as:
- no sound check allowed
- limit on how loud the mix could be
- large stage with concrete and glass
- poor scheduling of talent
- city bylaws for ‘construction zones’ when setting up stages
Each problem had a workaround.
Choosing & Using Microphones for Live Events – Conference AV Mic Choices
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cjeTZmyqb4
This is part of a longer podcast, where Justin Miniaci and I (Buck Moore) are discussing microphones for live events, especially conferences.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Find Feedback with A Channel Strip EQ and Get Rid of the Feedback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOP63U2f3NU
This process works for finding problem frequencies, including feedback. I also use it to lower certain overwhelming sounds, like if I hear a vowel sound in different words pop out too much.
How To Set Up Gain Structure and EQ a Sound System in a Club or House of Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWDTymxPPvQ
This 5 step method is basically a starting point as the settings can, and do, change during sound checks and showtime.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Live Sound – How to do a Soundcheck – How to Mix a Band on Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Xi5pNA5t8
This is my method of sound checking bands in clubs and small concerts.
I tend to start with vocals, then build the rhythm section, then everything else – but vocals are #1 for me! I use some sub-grouping as a way to balance my channel faders (this is something not everyone agrees on but if they make buttons and faders, I will find ways to use them).
One more note – club sound mixing is the filthy, sweaty, front-line trenches of the audio industry, and we’re lucky to have the gear we do to make the mixes work.
Tomi Engdahl says:
1 0f 8 SLOW SOUND CHECK hr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNcxmrtgnU
2 of 8 SOUND CHECK MEDIUM SPEED hr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUyOLfLqeU
Tomi Engdahl says:
Live Sound Mixing – How to Get a Great Sound on Stage part 01
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XFlUdvFYjM
Live Sound Mixing – How to Get a Great Sound on Stage part 02
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjhUxUUEQEI
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Loud to Mix a Live Show – Sound Levels and Hearing Loss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Zv-K3BsH0
Loud live shows should be mixed so that nobody loses their hearing. I keep my loud mixes around 100dBA, and 108dBC. I had been asked by a show promoter once to `turn it up`and I refused because the band sounded good and just loud enough to feel right.
Live Sound EQ – Ringing Out Feedback VS Flat Response – Q&A Sessions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_-VqmfOyqE
$ questions to answer:
1) Is it loud enough?
2) Can everybody hear?
3) Can everybody understand?
4) Will it feed back?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Live Sound EQ – Sound System EQ for Outdoor Shows – Q&A Sessions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45MMBTQV9Ko
I had a question about sound system EQ and feedback for outdoor events. Surprisingly, the EQ is very similar in both situations – aside from low frequency behaviour indoors and slap-back echoes outdoors. Also, sound waves can bend differently in different air temperatures, such as warm ground and cool air above, and vice-versa. Aiming the speaker system may be a little different outside as well, because highs might get lost at long distances and buildings may cause slap-backs, but this can happen indoors as well in some venues.
How to Set Up and Tune a Portable Sound System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dGq2701R7w
This is a simple set up with 1 x FOH and 1 x Stage Monitor. Every extra speaker can be set up in the same way, just using more snake channels and more EQ’s.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Acoustic Treatment for Clubs, Bars & Restaurants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96dTGphx2SM
Tomi Engdahl says:
JBL VTX V20 at BELONG Tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysy-H1oT72A
Longtime JBL Professional partner CTS Audio took us behind the scenes on the Belong Tour, where they deploy an in-the-round VTX V20 rig built for speed and precision.
Tomi Engdahl says:
JBL Professional (by Samsung/HARMAN) – VTX A12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRqzFnMtBCg
JBL Professional VTX A12 Overview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8z6BYksfyY&list=PLx0d-fHgbF8HTdsqQih3v7IHwBHiftf8U
Learn more about the latest generation of JBL Professional line array technology—VTX A12.
Tomi Engdahl says:
VTX A12 Rigging Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_1eIRQ5XJQ
Get step-by-step instructions on how to unpack and suspend VTX A12 line arrays. And see how the new cart design and array cover can be easily stored during deployments.
VTX A12 De-Rigging Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB0lpKpgWbU
Watch as the HARMAN team walks through how to completely de-rig VTX A12 line arrays in a matter of minutes.
Tomi Engdahl says:
HOW TO SET UP WIRELESS IN-EAR MONITORS ON AN IPHONE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww6p_fpFoyg
Pro-level wireless monitoring delivered to your phone.
Hear exactly what you need to hear on stage, without the hassle, at a fraction of the cost.
https://audiofusionsystems.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=share&utm_term&utm_content&utm_campaign=churchfront-demo-video-1
To run Audiofusion, you can use the Apple phone, tablet and laptop you already own. No need to buy any extra equipment. That means you’ll be able to get started with wireless monitoring faster and more affordably.
Forget the belt pack and cables. Forget the expensive, proprietary hardware
FIRST TIME TRYING IPHONE IN-EAR MONITORS WITH A LIVE BAND
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt3ICDfcqko
Tomi Engdahl says:
AUDIO TIPS! | AUX FED SUB FOR MORE CONTROL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8paM3y8uhF0
In todays video we discuss using an outboard mixer to send an aux signal to your subs. That in turn allows you to get everything you can out of your PA or DJ rig!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Stage Left Audio – Event Video 19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oF9wj5e0jM
We’re back at a cultural event. This is a longer than normal video showing more of what it is like in “real time” with conducting a line check and connecting inputs/outputs to an amplifier. Many times, tasks (such as these) can take a bit longer time to complete.
The hall where this event took place is round with a parabolic roof in the center. The parabolic roof presents unique issues when mixing, due to how the sound waves get “trapped” between the floor and the center of the parabolic “dish”. The room is very reverberant which can present issues when there are a lot of people talking.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Make Band Practice Sound Better | Tuning Ringing Your PA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C85kP42oCTY
Join Scott and Chad as we Ring Out a band practice PA using an inexpensive Graphic Equalizer.
How to Tune a Live Sound System – EQ, ring out feedback, RTA, sound questions answered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt54FN0YEnk
Tomi Engdahl says:
How I Use Patchbays in My Synth Studio – The PERFECT Home Studio? Ep. 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRn3taQGTVQ
In this third episode of The PERFECT Home Studio? series I talk about patchbays. Different types and how I use the ones I have for my synth setup.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Patchbay Basics Part 1. Patchbay or Jackfield configurations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o68PbWVq2Co
the wall plate and the patchbay are designed to carry the phantom signal from the preamp
The patchbay allows for the preamp to send phantom +48v from the preamp through the patchbay and down the line to the microphone. Common practice is to turn off phantom power before patching. This is called hot swapping and isn’t recommended.
Patchbay Basics Part 2: Normaling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPhbR1ivPyE
This is an important concept and there’s just not a lot of easily digestible info out there.
Tomi Engdahl says:
deadmau5 – Mix & Mastering Electronic Music Production (Full Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGqgb4Yl9Ck