Basic concept

Basic concept

Basic Sound Reinforcement System

A typical sound reinforcement system consists of; input transducers (e.g., microphones), which convert sound energy into an electric signal, signal processors which alter the signal characteristics (e.g., equalizers, compressors, etc.), amplifiers, which add power to the signal without otherwise changing its content, and output transducers (e.g., loudspeakers), which convert the signal back into sound energy. These primary parts involve varying amounts of individual components to achieve the desired goal of reinforcing and clarifying the sound to the audience, performers, or other individuals.

Some audio engineers

Some audio engineers and others in the professional audio industry disagree over whether these audio systems should be called sound reinforcement (SR) systems or PA systems. Distinguishing between the two terms by technology and capability is common, while others distinguish by intended use (e.g., SR systems are for live event support and PA systems are for reproduction of speech and recorded music in buildings and institutions). In some regions or markets, the distinction between the two terms is important, though the terms are considered interchangeable in many professional circles.

A sound reinforcement system

A sound reinforcement system may be very complex, including hundreds of microphones, complex audio mixing and signal processing systems, tens of thousands of watts of amplifier power, and multiple loudspeaker arrays, all overseen by a team of audio engineers and technicians. On the other hand, a sound reinforcement system can be as simple as a small public address (PA) system, consisting of a single microphone connected to an amplified loudspeaker. In both cases, these systems reinforce sound to make it louder or distribute it to a wider audience.

A sound reinforcement system

A sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers that makes live or pre-recorded sounds louder and may also distribute those sounds to a larger or more distant audience.In some situations, a sound reinforcement system is also used to enhance the sound of the sources on the stage, as opposed to simply amplifying the sources unaltered.