Chapter 8

The P.A. System

More than the Sum of Its Parts

Block Diagramming the Signal Chain

What We Use the P.A. to Achieve

Meeting Live Sound Minimum Requirements

Minimize Distortion

Maximize Headroom

Maximize Gain/Gain before Feedback

Maximize Signal to Noise Ratio

Block Diagramming the Signal Chain

A block diagram of a sound system is a simplified drawing of the system components and their connections that functions as a “road map” of your sound system. It’s important to note that a map may be no more than a couple lines, squares, and an X, scribbled on paper or it can be a very detailed rendering of every aspect of the environment, showing all access points, traffic flows, and landmarks. Much like roadmaps, block diagrams can come in versions ...

Get Basic Live Sound Reinforcement now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.