The Equipment You Need To Put On A Concert

Input Sources

You must first capture the sound you are wishing to project to your audience, and there are many different input sources available to accomplish this. Microphones capture sounds and send them electronically to a controllable source. Direct interface is another way to modify the electronic source of audio and prepare to send it to the output source, utilizing a preamplifier to make the sound stronger beforehand. Line source feeds are direct input sources provided by things such as professional video players, digital media servers, and wireless microphones.

Amplifiers

Amplifiers, while not always necessary, should not be overlooked when it comes to planning your larger events. Power efficiency and output are going to be the two most important things you take into consideration when deciding on what will be best and you want your amplifier to have flexible speaker settings to maximize the output of the speaker. DSP, short for digital signal processors, integrate signals within the amplifiers and are efficient in handling the processing and output of the sound through the speakers. Looking for amplifiers with this or similar abilities is a great way to utilize most amplifiers for every speaker.

Speakers

When it comes to speakers, the most common you will typically find at a concert are plastic horn and woofer speakers that are usually wall or pole mounted. You may also encounter side fill speakers that fall more in the midrange category and musical instrument, or MI, speakers. These can offer a truer sound than standard PA speakers do as they separate the electronic and acoustic sounds of live instruments. Your AV partner will be able to tell you what speaker will help you get the best sound out of your setup!

Audio Consoles

Audio consoles, commonly referred to as mixing consoles, are going to be your central hub for the signal flow. It will receive all inputs and also holds the pre-amplification that is necessary for microphones, interfaces, and other sources of live and pre-recorded sounds. Every source gets its own input that can be shaped individually to the desired strength and volume. 

Monitors and IEM

Monitors provide anyone within the area a ready reference and custom mix of audible sources and are usually the speakers that face the presenter or performer. IEM, in-ear monitors, is a more modern option to stage monitors and provide a discrete and more concise monitoring while reducing the necessity for increases in stage volume. This allows the perform to hear their feedback with less interference. 

All of these items make up the basic structure to your audio visual setup and can be built upon and customized to whatever your situation needs. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential AV company what they would recommend and utilize their extensive knowledge to build the ultimate sound machine!