These are the main sound sources (instruments) put through the PA. Typically, these would be microphones and keyboards but could also include electric/acoustic guitars, basses, drums or CD players.

The mixer is the device for balancing the volume between the various instruments. The mixer may be passive (un-powered) or active (powered). A powered mixed has a amplifier incorporated so that you do not need a separate amplifier. Most mixers have an effect (FX) send/return facility so that you can process individual instruments with FX such as reverb or delay. Some mixers have FX built into the mixer. These are typically called DSP - Digital Sound Processors. An additional facility on a mixer is a monitor/foldback send button. This allows you to send and control the signals sent to the monitor speakers.

If you are playing at anything other than the lowest volume, then it will be difficult to hear what is coming out of the PA speakers when you are on stage. Monitors help you get a better idea and also help you to sing in tune! Monitors can be powered or non-powered. We would always suggest powered monitors as you can control the level of the monitors from the stage. If you have un-powered monitors then you will need a separate monitor amplifier.

The main amplifier.

The are the main front of house (FOH) speakers. These can either be passive (un-powered) connected to the Amplifier or powered, where they are connected directly to the PA.

If you are connecting an acoustic guitar directly which does not have a low impedance/balanced output, then you will need to deploy a Direct Injection (DI) Box.

Cables, snakes and DI boxes are available in the Online Shop - click here.