How to Choose a PA System: Size, Features, Audience Size, Coverage
Channel: AmpliVox Sound Systems
Date: 2012-02-17

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Do you need to buy a Public Address System for your school, business, or organization? It can be a tough task to pick the right PA system with so many different sizes and features available.
The following tips will help you narrow down the competition and find what system will best meet your needs:

1. Portable or Stationary? 
Do you need to use your Sound System indoors, outdoors, or both? Are there a variety of activities that you could use a Public Address System for? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, then you should choose a portable system. Portable sound systems give the planner and presenter the versatility to easily move your system wherever you want.
Many portable pa systems include rechargeable batteries and AC power options. This is a must for outdoor events like cross country meets and parades because it allows you to follow the action without tripping over wires, scouting out electrical outlets, or untangling pesky wires.

2. Estimate your Audience Size 
Portable PA systems reach anywhere from 50 to 7500 people (in optimal conditions). Formulate a good estimate on the number of people you want to cover. It is always better to overestimate than underestimate because you can always turn down the volume on the bigger, louder, PA systems.

3. Estimate the desired area of Coverage 
Top of the line systems can cover anywhere from 600 square feet to 25,000 square feet with one device (additional speakers add more coverage). Remember: just like estimating audience size, it is better to error on the side of overestimating.

4. Determine Desired Features 
Portable PA Systems offer a wide variety of options including audio accessibility (iPod/iPhone, MP3 Player, CD players/recorders, even instruments like a guitar, bass, or any other instrument...) and microphone options. Mic options include the type of mic (wireless, handheld, lapel, headset, etc) and how many wireless mics are able to be used simultaneously. Volume and tone controls are pretty standard. Many systems have additional features like a Voice Priority Feature that dulls down music when speaking into the mic.

5. Research. 
It is important to diligently search for a good PA system that will meet your needs and will be worth the investment purchasing a quality system. Looking for customer reviews, testimonials, and warranty options are great ways to ensure that you are getting the best quality system available. It is not strange to hear about a PA system that has lasted over fifteen years.
With all of these tips in mind, a savvy consumer should have all of the tools and knowledge they need to make the right purchase.

Good luck in choosing a PA system!