Music System
An input device is the interface between a sound source and the sound system, while in most cases it will consist of either a microphone or a direct input (DI) box. These devices convert the sound or the electrical signal from an instrument or voice into an electrical signal that is compatible with the components of a sound system. The characteristics and features of these devices vary widely between different manufacturers and models.
The cables used to connect components of a sound system have three wires (conductors), similar to the three prong plug used to supply power to grounded electrical equipment. The electrical circuit used to pass a signal between sound equipment is ‘balanced’, to ensure that two of the three conductors are dedicated to carrying the ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ path for the circuit carrying the signal, and the third conductor connects the ground of each component. The ground conductor is woven into a mesh surrounding the other two wires which provides an electromagnetic shield to reduce the cables’ susceptibility to electromagnetic noise.
Power is the chief consideration when choosing a PA system. As the size of your event and audience increases, so does your power requirement vary. It is therefore useful to be able to shop for PA by their wattage and the power of their amplifier. In addition to audience size, also consider the physical environment that your PA system must serve. If you’re using the PA system for sound reinforcement at outdoor events, for example, sound reflections (and therefore the perceived volume of the PA system) decrease — and the amount of wattage you need increases. Similarly, an auditorium with high ceilings requires far more amplification than a small conference room. When shopping for a PA system, overestimate your wattage needs. A PA system that’s slightly larger than what you need is more efficient (and sounds better) than a small system working at close to capacity.
Portable P.A. systems have experienced perhaps the most dramatic growth of any pro audio product category over the past couple of years. Supported by both manufacturers and retailers, this segment of the market offers more new technologies packed into all-in-one systems than ever before, and is being accepted by a broader base of end-users. It’s now common for musicians to own their own P.A., tailored for their specific music, instrument(s) and the venues they frequent.
Technology has advanced to bring affordable home theater systems that provides the ideal in-home movie watching experience or even a dance club sound system, designed and tuned to provide club-shaking bass and volume, within the reach of those who dream and wish to own the experience . But the demands placed on a fitness sound system go above and beyond—with group ex sound, it’s vital to have excellent performance both when it comes to playing great sounding music and having crystal-clear wireless mic clarity so the instructor can be heard by all.