PA Hire & How PA speakers work
PA Hire and Sound Hire is a huge part of what we do at Precise Events, whether it be large outdoor systems for bands or small PA’s for business seminars. If something needs amplifying, we’ve got the kit to do it. The types of speakers used has a huge impact on the success of each event, but what happens behind those grills?
Knowing how speakers work impacts on the choice for the event at which they are required, and we’d like to impart some of our knowledge on exactly what makes them tick.
The humble speaker cone plays a big part in the type of tone the unit produces. When buying speakers, there’s quite a few different options available in terms of the material the cones are made from. Polymers and paper are the most common, but the thicker the cone, the more robust it is and the less likely the speaker is to distort.
Depending on the size of the application, wattage is important, but it’s not all about volume (unless your event needs to be a loud one, obviously). If a speaker has a high power rating, it will have a voice coil with a much larger diameter, which will in turn increase bass response and generate a much warmer tone. This is particularly important in applications where music is concerned.
Speakers are all about magnets. They have a huge impact on the purity of the sound and the quality of the bass, which is one of the hardest frequency ranges to get right. Most speaker manufacturers opt for heavy magnets, which produce a higher quality sound.
A great speaker is nothing without a great cabinet, and overlooking this element can result in a highly inefficient system. The box in which the speaker is encased has a huge impact on the sound. Speaker manufacturers spend a great deal of time ensuring the dimensions of cabinets best compliment the sound being produced by the speaker contained within. Ports are a big part of their success – these often gaping holes in their bodies enhance bass response and overall performance.
It doesn’t matter if you’re amplifying a speaker’s voice or an eight piece band – for the event in question to be a success, those in attendance need to hear every word spoken or note played. Speakers are often the small or large black boxes sitting at either side of the stage which don’t always get the credit they deserve!