8. Additional Useful Tools
Besides the essential components of a PA system, there are other handy tools to optimize signal transmission.
DI Boxes
When you encounter humming or need to send an unbalanced signal over a long cable run, you'll need a DI box. It balances the signal and can interrupt an existing ground loop or hum with a "Ground Lift" feature.
If you're connecting instruments (e.g., a keyboard or acoustic guitar) directly to a mixing console, using a DI box is a wise choice. It helps you deal with any potential interference effectively.
To dive deeper into this subject, we recommend checking out our online guide on "DI Boxes."
DSPs
A classic two-way stereo crossover has two inputs and four outputs. It splits the incoming stereo signal (L+R) into high-frequency and low-frequency components. The outputs of the crossover are then connected to the power amps of subwoofers and top speakers. This way, each speaker receives the portion of the signal it can handle best.
A DSP (Digital Signal Processor) not only divides the frequency spectrum but can also equalize (EQ), delay, compress, and limit each individual channel. As DSP technology has become more affordable in recent years, choosing a DSP is definitely worth it when seeking sound optimization.
Multi-Effects Units
To further enhance sound quality, effects are often the way to go. Reverb, delay, or modulation effects like chorus and flanger can add that extra flavor to a mix. Typically, an external effects unit is connected to the mixing console via an effects loop (Aux).
Today, there's a wide selection of mixers with integrated effects units. With digital mixers, you often don't need external effects units anymore. Hence, traditional 19" effects units are becoming a dying breed.
Stage boxes/Multicore cables
Many signals inevitably mean many cables. If you're miking up an entire band, you'll quickly accumulate quite a few cables. To maintain order, there are multicore cables. In essence, multicore cables bundle several individual cables within one "large" cable with multiple connectors on each end. Often, on the stage side, multicore cables have a stage box, where all stage signals converge at a central point.
Multicore cables are used in practice to minimize the cabling between the stage and FOH.
People who own digital mixing consoles sometimes get the chance to hook up one or more digital stage boxes. These gadgets are usually connected using just one cable, often a network cable. This method is particularly helpful when you're dealing with a bunch of channels, and it also keeps things lightweight.
For more information on digital stage boxes and their specifics, check out our Online Guide on Digital Mixers.
Your Contacts
Product Highlights
-
Passive Speaker PA Sets
-
Band PA Sets
-
Active Speaker PA Sets
-
DJ PA Sets
-
Column PA Systems
