Have you ever been to a concert and wondered how you are able to hear the performer from a seemingly far distance and the music is still clear and relatively clean? Well, it isn’t magic, it is a vast system of technology that forms a “sound reinforcement system”. A sound reinforcement system is made up of a massive amount of microphones, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers in enclosures all controlled by a mixing console that makes live or pre-recorded sounds louder and can also produce sound to a larger or more distant audience. In most cases, a sound reinforcement system is also used to enhance or alter the sound of the sources on the stage, typically by using electronic effects, such as reverb, as opposed to simply amplifying the sources without changing the quality of the sound in question.
A routine set up for these systems usually include microphones in which the purpose is the convert the sound energy such as someone singing at a venue. Signal processors are used to alter these signal’s characteristics! The signal processors accomplish this by using equalizers to alter a signal’s base and treble. A signal path is the complex route that the system needs to transfer the signals to a main hub where they can be manually modified whether this is accomplished by a disk jockey or a sound engineer. The path that the signals are set up to take are determinate by the location and type of venue, and the path taken is often referred to as a “snake”. You would be very surprised by how many locations make use of these complex systems. It is one of the primary reasons that in many public areas where music is played, that the actual sound doesn’t sound echoed, choppy, or distorted. These systems are used in marketplaces, outdoor public area, small businesses, and of course, large concerts and venues.
How does a sound reinforcement system work? Well, simply put, a sound reinforcement system is designed and engineered to capture and amplify sound and deliver it to an audience. It’s purpose is to distribute sound evenly to the areas where the listeners are, while ensuring that sound is not directed to non-listener areas such as the walls and ceiling. Have you ever wonder what was responsible for the quality of the audio and music you hear at public events? I am excited to hear from you guys, so don’t hesitate to leave me with some of your thoughts in the comments below!
I will catch you in the next one. Stay Classy!