Setting up a PA System Part 3

Equipment settings

- Start with EQ settings flat and gains low

- Use input gain to set the maximum signal level without distortion (use VU meters, bar graphs or peak lights if fitted, use your ears if not)

- Use the minimum cut or boost in EQ. Use it as a subtle fine tuning effect, not to define the whole sound. If all EQ controls are boosted or cut, flatten EQ, re-adjust gain and start again.

- Set up mic levels first, and adjust other equipment to match

- Avoid very high onstage levels from backline

- With mixers, use the gain to maximum clean signal, then use the channel faders to balance all sources in soundcheck. Use just the master faders to control overall level during the gig ; avoid ‘riding the faders’ as much as possible.

- If possible position mics/instruments in the correct left to right position as on stage using the PAN controls
Amps should have peak or clip lights illuminating only on signal peaks, not all the time.

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Go to Part 4 - Sound Checking