Full range speakers

These are single cabinets fitted with one or more drivers each designed to cover a different range of sound frequencies. Full range cabinets are generally fitted with crossover circuits which separate the incoming signal into separate frequencies which are then distributed to the most appropriate driver (i.e. High frequency sounds to the tweeter or low frequency sounds to the bass speakers). Generally single cabinet full range speakers are separated into 2-way units where a single crossover separates high frequency sounds to the tweeter and lower frequency sounds to a driver capable of dealing with mid-range and bass frequencies. There are also 3-way single cabinet configurations where the incoming signal is separated and distributed to three drivers per cabinet – a tweeter, a mid-range and a bass driver each specifically designed to effectively translate that range of frequencies into sound.

Passive or active?

A sound signal such as that from a non-powered mixing console must be amplified before it can be effectively reproduced by a speaker. Amplifier units can be built into speakers (known as active speakers) or separate units which send an amplified signal to passive speakers. Both forms of speaker have benefits which may make them suitable for your event.

Active Speakers

Active speakers have the following characteristics:

• They have greater efficiency than a passive system as the speaker and amplifier are perfectly matched to work together.
• Active speakers offer convenience as they offer an ‘all in one' option rather than moving separate speakers and amplifiers between venues. Installation maybe more efficient than passive systems due to the reduced amount of wiring involved.
• Consideration needs to be made of the requirement of electrical supply for each active speaker being used.
• Active speakers are generally heavier than passive although recently more light weight amplifier technology is being included in active systems.

Commonly seen active speaker models are:

• JBL EON15 G2 400w active 2 – way portable PA speaker

Suitable for live sound reinforcement, speech, vocals, and music playback in entertainment, A/V, and institutional venues the JBL EON 15 G2 contains a 15 inch Differential Drive® low-frequency driver with dual neodymium magnet for light weight and reduced distortion. A 1 inch (throat diameter) JBL compression driver with 1.75 in titanium diaphragm and ferro-fluid cooling is also installed to cater for high frequency sounds. The power comes from a 300 W low-frequency and 100 W high-frequency bi-amplification system. With other integral features such as a built in 3-input mixer, one balanced mic/line input, two .25 in phone line-level inputs and two-band equalization the JBL EON G2 is the second generation of one of the most successful and influential professional speaker systems ever.

Passive Speakers

Passive speakers have the following characteristics:

• They require a separate amplifier that is matched in terms of wattage and ohmage to power them efficiently.
• Passive units are generally smaller and lighter and as such are easier to move.
• They are cheaper to purchase and maintain as they do not house as much technology when compared to active speakers.
• A passive system with separate amplifier can be more flexible if you want to add additional speakers or alter the configuration of the set-up.

Commonly seen passive speakers include:

• Electro Voice Zx5

The Electro-Voice ZX5 is a 15-inch, 2-way cabinet with a high-impact composite enclosure. The Electro Voice Zx5 is rated for 600 watts long-term power handling and is able of producing high SPLs whilst providing a very smooth frequency response. With two available coverage patterns (60-degrees x 60-degrees or 90-degrees x 50-degrees), two adjustable monitor angles (45- or 55-degrees) and ten built-in rigging and suspension points allowing for a variety of mounting accessories, the Zx5 fits a variety of applications such as entertainment, cultural or religious venues, as well as on stages with bands, musicians and P.A.

Multiple cabinet systems

For larger live music or DJ events it is necessary to use more advanced multiple hire speaker cabinet configurations. A multiple cabinet system consists of a number of cabinets which each cater for a certain frequency range.

The benefits of such a system include:

• Each speaker cabinet is specifically designed in terms of shape and drivers to cater effectively for its frequency range.
• The inclusion of sub-bass cabinets greatly increases the bass response of the system and the bass dispersion is further improved by the ability to position the sub-bass cabinet on the floor.
• High frequency dispersion is improved by placing the high frequency cabinet at a greater height.

Sub and Satellite System

A common multi cabinet system used for smaller events is the Sub and Satellite System

Where increased bass amplification is required in smaller venues a sub and satellite system can be used. This system includes a pair of sub-bass speakers, also known as sub-woofers, connected to a pair of stand or pole mounted two-way mid / high range cabinets know as satellite speakers. The signal is split via a high pass filter (either an internal passive unit in the subs or an external active crossover) into sub-bass frequencies and mid/ high frequencies and emitted by the appropriate speakers.

Line Array Systems

Most commonly used for large touring concerts the line array system is a fairly recent introduction and consists of a number of trapezoidal cabinets rigged together to create a system with extreme long throw capabilities. The line array system is therefore highly suited for events with large audience numbers such as touring bands playing in sizable auditoriums or outdoor festivals.

Whatever your speaker hire requirements by contacting Audiorent with details of your event and contact information we can put you in touch with specialist PA, AV and DJ equipment hire companies in or around your area.

Subwoofers

Subwoofers are speakers designed to cater for sound at the lower end of the frequency range such as deep bass sounds or kick drums. They are not always a necessity if your event is in a small venue and the hire pa system just has to cater for vocals or perhaps an acoustic guitar but if the system is being used for dance music playback or live music with a full drum kit, bass guitar or keyboards, subwoofers will be recommended to ensure an effective bass response from the hire pa system. Hire subwoofers commonly consist of cabinets, front loaded with a single 15' or 18' cone which is designed specifically to cater for low frequency sounds. As with mid / high range speakers hire subs can be passive (requiring a separate amplifier unit) or active (contains an integral, built in amplifier unit). Commonly they also have a high pass filter which allows the connection of a mid / high range hire speaker as a satellite. The high pass filter channels sound of a certain frequency to the sub speaker and feeds the higher frequency sound to the satellite which is better suited to effectively reproduce this frequency range.

If you require a hire PA system for an upcoming event complete the Audiorent.co.uk quote form and your hire requirement details will be forwarded to PA hire and AV hire companies in or around your area.

Stage monitor systems

For live music performances a high quality monitoring system is essential to allow the musicians to hear themselves and their fellow performers and play to the best of their ability.

Stage monitoring (also known as foldback) is a separate (but connected) PA system to the front of house system. Monitors allow on-stage performers to hear themselves and the other musicians. Generally consisting of wedge shaped speakers which are situated on the floor in front of a musician or performer, a monitor system receives signals from the live sound mixing console via an auxiliary feed and relays the monitor mix back to the performer. Live sound mixing consoles will generally have two or more auxiliary outputs allowing a different mix to be sent to each stage monitor. This is a useful application as different musicians will prefer separate mixes which emphasise the sounds they need to hear. For instance as a singer's vocals will be significantly quieter than the majority of other on stage instrumentation, the vocals will need to be amplified to a level that allows the vocalist to easily hear themselves at all points throughout their performance. Whereas a drummer will need to hear the bass guitar, a bassist or guitarist may want the kick drum and snare to be reproduced in the monitors.

The constituents of a foldback monitor system is much like that of the front of house system with the monitor speakers requiring amplification unless an active hire monitor system is in use. The monitor speakers themselves are generally full range cabinets containing a single driver connected via a high pass filter to a high frequency horn speaker but this can vary according to use. A drum fill is a monitoring system devoted purely to the requirements of the drummer and is configured to include sub-bass speakers to allow effective reproduction of kick drums or bass guitars.

Placement of monitors is vital if microphones are in use on stage due to the potential for feedback. Feedback can be reduced by effective use of graphic equlisers but being aware of microphone position and monitor placement can reduce much of the issues involved. It is also worth understanding the pick up pattern of microphones and the sound dispersion of stage monitors.

Hire mixing desks

A mixing desk is a device which takes two or more audio signals, mixes them together and provides one or more output signals.

As well as combining signals, mixers allow you to adjust levels, enhance sound with equalization and effects, create monitor mixes or record various mixes.

Mixers come in a wide variety of sizes and designs, from small portable units to massive studio consoles and are frequently described by the number of channels they have. For example, a "12-channel mixer" has 12 input channels, i.e. you can plug in 12 separate input sources. You might also see a specification such as "24x4x2" which means 24 input channels, 4 subgroup channels and two output channels. Generally the greater the number of channels allows for more flexibility.

Analogue mixing consoles are the more traditional platform although digital mixing consoles are becoming more popular and common in the PA hire sector.

Analogue mixing consoles

Analogue mixing consoles have the following sections

Input channels - into which inputs such as microphones or DI s are fed into the mixing desk via XLR or jack cables or an XLR multicore loom.

Each input channel will have a number of controls which commonly include input gain which adjusts the input level of that channel, equalization which allows adjustment of the certain frequencies, auxiliary channels which control the output level of that particular channel to the auxiliary outputs, left - right pan and an output level fader. Certain mixers will also include a sub-group facility and each input channel will have a sub-group assignment control.

Output channels - the channels by which the mixed sound is fed to devices such as PA systems, headphones and monitors.

Outputs include the main masters which are usually a left / right stereo signals that are sent to the main front of house PA system, auxiliary master outputs which are sent to stage monitors. Certain mixers will also accommodate a sub-group mix which allows groups of channels to be assigned to a certain subgroup which will then adjust the output level of those channels collectively.

Digital mixing consoles

Digital mixers are more versatile than analogue units and offer far more features, including built-in effects, dynamic processing and full automation (most with 'flying faders'). As there are so many parameters available, it is impractical to have one control per function. There tends to be one set of controls for, say, EQ, which are selectable for use by each channel. Digital desks tend to more difficult to learn operate, as so much of the functionality is menu-driven. Once the input signal is converted to digital, it is possible for the audio to remain in the digital domain throughout the signal chain. A/D and D/A conversion is where deterioration in the sound is most noticeable, so it makes good sense to keep it to a minimum.

Powered Mixers

The powered mixer is a mixer and amplifier built into one unit and for performers who require a compact PA system which is simple to move between venues and quick to set up this may be the answer. The powered mixer is connected directly to passive speakers. They are well suited to smaller events such as acoustic live performances or small conferences and seminars.

Many PA and AV hire companies now carry a range of powered mixers exactly for those kind of events and by contacting Audiorent.co.uk your event details will be forwarded to PA and AV hire companies in your area who will then contact you to further discuss your requirements or provide a quote.

Power Amplifiers

In the context of a PA system a power amplifier converts a low-voltage, high-impedance waveform such as a line level signal from a mixing console into a high-voltage, low-impedance waveform which is suitable for reproduction by a loudspeaker.

AMplifiers must be assessed in terms of wattage and ohmage with relation to the speakers they will be powering. It is recommended that an amplifier with a greater wattage rating than that of the speakers it will be powering.

When hiring a hire PA system, PA and AV hire companies will recommend certain hire speakers with suitable amplifiers and ensure you have a suitable hire package for your event.

By completing the Audiorent.co.uk quote form your event details will be forwarded to PA and AV hire companies who can supply hire sound equipment to your area.

Drumkit, guitar amplifier and bass amplifer hire

Backline equipment such as drumkits and guitar and bass amplifiers are regularly available on the hire market. Hiring backline equipment can have a number of benefits such as allowing you to have equipment delivered directly to your gig venue, your current equipment may be unsuitable in terms of quality, size or power for the event venue or if you are in the market for new equipment you can test a number of different models over an extended period to gauge their suitability.

Whatever your backline hire requirements by completing the Audiorent.co.uk quote form your details will be sent to backline hire suppliers who can supply your required equipment to your geographical location.

Drumkit hire

Hiring a drum kit can have a number of advantages. These include the opportunity to have kit delivered directly to your event venue if you are playing away from home and to use a kit that may be superior to your own.

When hiring a drum kit it is important you supply the hire company with as much detail or your requirements as possible. This should include the following:

Your preferred make and model of drum kit.

Whether you require a snare drum or cymbals – always check if either snare or cymbals are included in the hire or if this will be an additional cost.

Whether you require hardware including drum seat – again check to see what is included in the hire because it never looks cool when playing a gig to be sat on a beer crate or bar stool when you find out that a drum stool was not supplied.

If you require delivery and installation of the kit and if so are there any access issues into the venue?

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